GolfCartReport.com, Golf Undershirts (20 To Try On The Market Today), Do I Need Longer Golf Clubs? In the 1960s, Spalding introduced the Spalding Executive line of clubs and balls and the Top-Flite Elite Professional irons with the Bird on Ball logo. I dont think I paid more than $300 for all four sets combined- Im a Salvation Army searcher. I really enjoy reading your articles, John. The market was changing rapidly, as well. They preceded hybrid irons by 20 years or so. Why is that I have the Tiger Shark 7 iron and the Spalding Exec XE 5 iron in my golf collection??? In an effort to keep golf a game of skill, the USGA implemented the 14 club rule that we see today. TaylorMade then entered the bidding but, after 30 rounds, Callaway wound up buying Top-Flite free and clear for $175 million. While the Top Flite was initially scorned by better players as the rock flight, it probably caused a rule change. I take them out every couple of years and play a round with them just for fun. I asked him about it and he said he had shown it to Spaulding, Wilson and MacGregor and their response was It will never sell!!!! The 1953 Top-Flite Synchro-Dyned irons were particularly innovative, featuring a matched shaft flex and head weight for each iron in the set. Im not talking a couple of degrees, but for one shot you could make it a 5 iron and the next (with a quick adjustment) itd be a PW. Their president at the time said this about the newly released irons, Titanic irons are the first long irons even God and you can hit. Now that is a bold statement that should of had you guys flocking to purchase these beauties. I learned the game on a set of used Spalding Execs-still have them today. Free shipping on many items | Browse your favorite brands | affordable prices. I used to have a set of Ajay Pro Classics that were my dads. when were spalding executive golf clubs made I am a self-admitted admirer of Mr. Hogan having owned more than 2 dozen sets of various Hogan iron sets over the years and a former member of the only club to have a Hogan-designed course (actually 27 holes). I played a set of Mags for years until I got to where I could not swing fast enough to bend the stiff shafts. The original Strata ball was amazing when it came out spin for days! http://www.geekgolf.com. Pasted as rich text. I still think there were others that deserved some consideration. He actually manufactured a set of irons whose heads were literally upside down take an iron, turn in upside down, your top edge now hits the turf, the sole having a hosel. Whats fun is to find one of those old sets, regrip them and beat your friends with them! Scott Stallings - WITB - 2023 Genesis Invitational. Well they made execs for over 20 yearswhich ones do you have? I cant believe to Ping Zing 2s are on the list. Spalding club-makers paid as much scrutiny to shafts as heads. It kept some of those out of my bag Im sure. On sole: club# + SPALDING. They also said this, Because titanium is 40% lighter than steel, yet incredibly strong, the Ray Cook design team was able to create club heads substantially larger than standard oversize irons and add significantly more mass in the heel and toe. My dad has played a set if vicunas for about 40 years! Wed have monthly meetings at their West 57th Street offices in New York. It was a close race but in the end we felt like it was finally time for the super-rare and hard to find Lil David Slingers get the recognition they were due. Is my equipment holding me back? Inventory available of individual, single, replacement or add-on golf irons and wedges for Spalding EXECUTIVE XE Irons. Man crush on Nicklaus led to this purchase. Our friends[], Amazing Ryder Cup Contest! John, Duke gave me an original solid brass/bronze Greenirons Slotline putter (heel shafted with slot in top line and white dot on lower rear section).. Spalding Golf Clubs: Do Still Make Them & How Much? - Windtree Golf These were said to be Moe Normans favorite clubs and are rated by the MyGolfSpy Forums resident vintage club expert Big Stu as the third greatest pure forged blade of all time. Throughout the 90s and into the early 2000s, Spalding and Titleist were running neck and neck in golf ball production. If you have a vintage set of Bobby Jones Spalding irons that are in great shape, you might be able to sell them at a slightly higher price, but theyre not worth a great deal of money in the current market. I know this is coming way after the article was published but I have a set of irons that are branded Fairway and the model I believe is Spider. In 1893, Spalding bought the Lamb Knitting Machine Company in Chicopee, Mass which made, obviously, knitting machines and, less obviously, eggbeaters, bicycle wheels, and rifles. when were spalding executive golf clubs made My first clubs were Spalding top flites. He also had a head for business and knew a good opportunity when he saw one. He changed from forged blades and balata balls to cavity back, investment cast irons and sold core balls, White tells MyGolfSpy. I bought them new. I love it but was told it is no a legal putter. The set I found is 2-9, but the 5 iron is gone. This stuff is really interesting.. WITB Albums. It made its mark in the 80s through leveraged buyouts buying undervalued or poorly managed companies with other peoples money, improving their bottom lines, and then spinning them off at a profit. In 1895, Spalding started making golf balls. I think I actually played one of them 150 holes before I gave up. Estimated resale value today:. Havent been able to give them up since my Dad died in 99, Does anyone remember a set of irons made in the 80s (I think) that were actually a bunch of small woods, even the PW was made from wood. For more than 25 years, he has contributed to a wide array of publications including "American Heritage," "American History," "Yankee," "VFW," "Golf," and "Golf News." And although Spalding would show operational profits, debt service kept turning those profits into losses. About Spalding Men's Right Handed. Got the 3 PW for 3.99 a club, bought the 5- PW first, played two rounds and went back and bought the 3 & 4. The real prize for Callaway was the Chicopee ball plant. "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjT3UiJflw60ZD31-6yC4mA", The Spalding brand, however, is still alive under the Russell Athletic umbrella, making basketballs and apparel. Right now Ive been with the Execs 2 then 5 SW, Ram 64 wedge, 1 & 3 wood, both hybrids and putter. But, you raised an interesting question: If Top-Flite Elite Professional irons with the Bird on Ball logoare rated by the MyGolfSpy Forums resident vintage club expert Big Stu as the third greatest pure forged blade of all time. Then what irons are #1 and #2 best ever forged blades? Did KKR overpay? werent as good. One day, I was caddying for him and he crushed a drive, but about 100 yards out, it just fell out of the sky. He struggled quite a bit with the change.. The 15 wood is only a little longer than an 8 iron (in my 70 yr old hands) so I put a 9 iron through sand wedge in the bag and away we go They are straight and land incredibly soft. 15 Craziest Golf Club (Irons) Ever Made! - MyGolfSpy 2023 Genesis Invitational - Monday #3. I just searched eBay right now and saw a set for $139. "keywords": ["spalding irons by year","when did spalding stop making golf clubs","does spalding still make golf clubs","spalding golf clubs history","spalding executive golf clubs history"], Corey Pavin says, If I wont paid to play them ugly ass sticks they would have never been heard of ;). From the 1950s to the 1990s Spalding was in the bag for many major victories, and was played on municipal courses across the country. We want you to get the most out of your I have been playing golf over 40 years and have owned many brands of clubs. why did patrice o'neal leave the office; why do i keep smelling hairspray; giant ride control one auto mode; current fishing report: lake havasu And I remember drooling over those Tour Edition Custom blades in the pro shop. Lots of wackiness. Spalding manufactured golf clubs for some of the leading players in the game, including the legendary American player Bobby Jones. my 5w distance matches my friends new drivers in distance off tee,,they are amazed. Titleist and PING were established competitors, while TaylorMade and Callaway were flexing their muscles. The Pyramid Rubber Company, a maker of baby bottles, strollers, and other infant products, bought a controlling interest. I dont want to pay the asking prices for individual 440 Plus irons on eBay, so Ill keep my eye out for them at the thrift shops and G-W. Andyou see the Spaulding Executive irons at the Goodwill stores all the time. Great insight! Still use them. It was an interesting period to work for Spalding but sad to watch the demise of the brand it should never of happened ! But, the #1 weird club goes to the Slingeryour #1 choice. I have a full set of Exec XE irons. Executives were my first set as wellI thought they were a great starter set. }. And in 1930, it hit the jackpot. i think special t golf was the only people dumb enuff to handle these. Welcome back to the latest installment of Historys Mysteries. Great collection I remember many of them in the past 30 years often thought of buying some of them, but luckily, I didnt, Ive purchased dozens of iron sets in the last few years (Big Bertha,FTI, Taylor Made, Cobra, Nike V series) NOne of these work as well as my Ping Zings, Hey, what about Shakespeare and fiberglass. as well as honest reporting on the latest issues affecting the game Spalding introduced many variations of hickory-shafted clubs to bring distance and control to the professional and duffer alike. Are Spaulding good golf clubs? - Wise-Answer Why are Spalding golf balls called Top Flite? Like previously stated the Slotline Lowpro irons were for the most part an exact copy of the Browning 440 irons. So for those of you who own a set and are fellow collectors of the ridiculoustoday is your day to shine. Pat Simmons of Tiger Shark fame (and others) is the most underrated club designer of all time! Every iron ever made is ugly as hell when you hit it off the hosel. In 1876 Spalding was the manager and ace pitcher of the Chicago White Stockings. Thanks. By this time, Spalding was making everything from barbells, dumbells, punching bags, and rowing machines to fencing blades, whistles, shot puts, javelins, and golf clubs. Also, consider TaylorMade sold last spring for $1.6 billion, while KKR paid nearly $1 billion for Spalding in 1996. Id like to include the Wilson Reflex irons and PGF Slammer series. Spalding Executive clubs were established in the 1960s, with the Top Flite Executive Synchro-Dyned golf clubs being the first in a super popular series. Wanted them when I was in college but couldnt afford them then. I shoot mid-80s like OP. My wife says I never met a strange-looking golf club I did not want to own and play with. Cleveland was giving them away for free if you send in some coupon from golf digest. when were spalding executive golf clubs made MENU. The company was founded in 1973 and today produces high-quality golf clubs using the . In 1892 Spalding went into acquisition mode, buying up two key competitors: the A.J. !but they had a very proprietary, strange-sized grip. * Note: These irons were designed by Pat Simmons and ex-pilot and engineer which also had a part in the Zebra putter design. Spalding had a long history, terrific heritage, and healthy topline sales of over $500 million. Now, like Henry Ford's assembly-line Model T's, Spalding craftsmen used a mechanical hammer to craft club-heads, drill sockets in them to attach the shaft and then polish the heads, all of which allowed Spalding to mass produce matching club sets. Take the Spalding Executive line. In 1962, Pyramid merged with Dunhill International and the AP Parts Corporation. He also was one of the best designers in the golf biz. I have a set of Lynx Parallax irons that were my fathers. Spalding started adding Tour staff during the 90s, with Greg Norman, Lee Trevino, Graig Stadler, and Nick Price all playing Stratas. Spalding EXECUTIVE Iron Set - PGA Hope you all enjoyed a look back at some of the craziest irons ever made. These irons actually performed quite well and had many copy cats of it down the road to prove itincluding another iron that made the list at #12 Slotline Lowpro iron and the Titleist Super Slim irons. You might remember the popular Stan Thompson woods with the unique sole design. Thus, the USGA implemented the one ball rule, Thanks John for another great piece of history. Still playing my cook titanics with the 1 iron. Spalding Executive clubs were established in the 1960s, with the Top Flite Executive Synchro-Dyned golf clubs being the first in a super popular series. Ugly. not just the American side , some of Europe and some from Japan makers also wacky !!! single, replacement or add-on golf irons and wedges for Spalding Executive x EZ Oversize Irons. Was: C $107.89. The History of Spalding Golf Clubs - Hickory Golfers I have a old slotline cigar putter I still use,,no loift at all,looks like a big tootsie roll,but puts great,,friends still get amazed at how it puts,,. Promoting both sports and sports equipment, the lineup featured titles such as How To Play Second Base by Hall of Famer Johnny Evers, Boxing: A Guide to the Manly Art of Self Defense, and How to Play Golf by Harry Vardon and James Braid. I will let the then Chariman of FILA Golf tell you a little bit about these 1994 released set of ironsand take you back in time like you were there for the original launch: Never before have so many game improvement features been built into one club. Here's what happened with 10 equipment company acquistions - The Loop The only thing a golfer needs is more daylight. - BenHogan. The RB880 s by Northwestern are also knockoffs of the Browning 440 s. It came with Driver, 3W, 5W and 3-PW. The likes of Callaway, TaylorMade, and PING all enjoyed good commercial success in the late nineties, and Spalding couldnt match the same feats achieved by the biggest brands. Return Policy > WORLDWIDE SHIPPING. Went back 10 years and got the 845s used. Maybe it is a good idea or maybe it is not. In the early days, golf clubs were hand-forged using a hammer and anvil. The Roaring 20s gave us Babe Ruth, Knute Rockne, Jack Dempsey, and Red Grange. MGS can never have too much content regarding the man, his company, or his impact on golf. I'm 25 years old and I've been playing with my grandfathers Spalding executives for 10 years now, and I shoot about a 80-85. You have any pics of the Samurai irons Neilwould love to see them. Almost , http://www.intheholegolf.com/store/f2is.html. New entries such as Nike and Adams were turning heads as well. MyGolfSpy, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Spalding EXECUTIVE Iron Set. Latitude Irons also give the golfer an added patented design feature of dual skids on the sole. But the funky look kept me from ever thinking about buying a whole set. Yes. The result is the easiest-to-hit long irons ever. Hmmmare you wondering why all irons arent made out of titanium then? The primary reason why Spalding halted the production of golf clubs was that they couldnt keep up with the competition. They looked like a full set of hybrids but only lasted a short period of time. As the 21st Century dawned, it had impressive sales and deep-pocket owners, but in reality, it was staring down the barrel of a gun. Made from 1989-1994 and originally sold for $680. The Early Years Starting in 1900, Spalding opened clubmaking factories in London and in Fife, Scotland, producing forged iron heads for Spalding clubs sold both in the U.K. and U.S. To maintain the limit of 14 clubs in the bag, I change off now and then. The strangest set I play with at the moment is a matching set of 3 through 15 fairway woods made by Protactic Golf in Chicago (part of the remains of Northwestern Golf, I think). It felt like a rock but flew like a rocket and weekend warriors bought them by the bushel. He has provided some keen insights from his time with Mr. Hogan in other articles and podcasts. General Albums. "@type": "Article", The Early Years of Spalding Golf Starting in 1900, Spalding opened club-making factories in London and in Fife, Scotland, producing forged iron heads for Spalding clubs sold both in the UK and U.S. when were spalding executive golf clubs made I have the entire set of samurai woods and irons,,,driver,3wood,5wood,7wood,,irons,,2-pw,dont believe they ever made a sw,,,,and I still use them,,,my fellow golfers are still amazed at the distance I get,,if you want a picture of the set,,let me know,,ill take one and send to you,,, I have the whole set of samurai irons,2-pw and woods1,3,5,7,,still use them,,i have had pros hit them,,and be amazed at the distances over their irons,,,i would like to find another 5wood,if anyone knows where or who has 1,,i, neil,,do you have a samuarai 5 wood,,,hard to find,,,id like one. I also had a set of Ping Zings too.. My partner had that set of Cleveland VAS and believe it or not we had a partner that bought a used set of Slingers Perhaps they were a little ahead of their time (3-PW). In the mid to late 80s, my father had Spalding make him a set of custom irons. When were Spalding executive clubs made? - Trentonsocial.com With Spalding's mass-market success breeding scores of imitators, players could pick and choose from countless club lines. Today its hard to fine a wooden golf club in a bag!!!! * Note: These irons were designed by Jim Flood and were considered a controversial design and are often times very hard to find. #15 - Stan Thompson Ginty Irons You might remember the popular Stan Thompson woods with the unique sole design. Its a great story that needs to be told. spalding executive irons- does anyone remember these? i knew a guy who was a 4 handicap, and he used the spalding executives. I got balls, well ProV1's anyway. ***GIVEAWAY*** Cleveland CBX ZipCore Wedge! When I was starting golf, I went to the shop and these were the clubs that I hit the best (compared to cavity backs) and bought them. The products soon disappeared from shelves. You can actually play Spalding golf balls again! White says the KKR leadership team was much more hands-on than the Cisneros brothers had ever been, which is understandable if you just shelled out a billion simoleons for a sporting goods company. In the 1920s, Spalding started making irons and innovated an assembly line style forging process that was much cheaper, faster, and more precise than the ole hammer and anvil. Spalding Executive Left Handed Golf Clubs There are several different types of left-handed golf club sets, so which one is the best for you? 0 bids. This putter is a remake of the model Bobby Jones used in the 1930s and features a head made from nickel plating over copper plating over forged carbon steel. This technology is a shank-proof hosel. I still have the samurai irons,2-pw and woods,driver,3w,5w,7w,,and still use them. Oversized high center of gravity heads and huge amounts of offset are what killed long irons IMO. Pat Simmons first wanted to say thanks and also that, You may not know the Pat Simmons name, but if youre a golfer, you know of several of my inventions. } Really a zany=looking set of irons. Jerry Barber Golden Touch shank-proof irons (BeCu, ideally), Powerbilt TPS with the Goalpost Alignment System, And I agree with a previous posters suggestion of the Spalding Cannon ADVANCE. Really solid clubs. #14 - Spalding Executive Irons These were actually a pretty good iron for the time and I think Trevino had something to do with this designbut not sure. He could not believe the smoothness of the Driver. "@type": "ImageObject", That year Albert and his brothers opened the A.G. Spalding & Brothers sporting goods company and started making baseballs. Irons made during that time are distinguished by an anvil cleek mark. The Titleist were a bit longer lasting but I (a poor college student) could afford the Spaulding balls. Make Request. (8 Ways To Know) . Incidentally, Vulcan (Chicago suburb club makers who made some of the earliest hybrids) made a full set of hybrids 3-SW. You have not lived until you hit good hybrid wedges! Callaway had long wanted Top-Flites ball factory and patents but didnt want to assume any debt. I didnt realize Spalding was still a player as late as 2000. $86.40 shipping. All that creativity has led to the great clubs we have today. Smooth tempo swingers Ventus Velo isn't working for me other brands/models suggestions? It was just crazy how many golf balls we would sell through Wal-Mart in 18-ball pack, adds White Wed get orders on the fax machine for 50,000 18-ball packs, and theyd want them in two weeks.. Leather Golf Grips Review: Should I Use Them? Club-makers traditional method had been to shape metal heads with an anvil and forge. Still, the Uniques are the best irons I have ever hit! Not the first or the last business to be destroyed by KKR. Spalding, seemingly, was on top of the world. Those and the Ram Tour Grinds that Watson played were my bucket list irons, but never could afford them. * Note: These irons were designed by Dave (cant remember last name) which was considered a very good designer by others in the business at the time and one that some felt did not get as much credit as he deserved. "sameAs": [ The Cobra set left handed golf club set is made of premium products. 1-949-642-6484 . What about Giant Irons, I remember seeing those on an infomercial a few times. Starting in 1900, Spalding opened club-making factories in London and in Fife, Scotland, producing forged iron heads for Spalding clubs sold both in the UK and U.S. The top of the club head is horisontal and is easy to set up perpendical to the target. Within weeks, Top-Flite filed Chapter 11. The plan was to position Hogan as the premium forged line sold through pro shops. document.getElementById( "ak_js" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Do you remember what golf websites you were shopping on back in 1995? My golf team partner talked me into getting new technology Ping G-20s a couple years ago, & I can not hit them nearly as well. Please put any questions or comments here. he is a cleveland iron man now, but he still owns the spalding executives. Eventually banned because it was too straight. Im from SD, so I had a set. Buyers can still find Spalding clubs on some secondary sites. Even tho I play with graphic shafts I really like the way those play. Wide sole. OVERSIZED Spalding Golf Clubs Lady set Woods Driver 3 5 w New Black Widow Grips $30.00 $15.00 shipping or Best Offer Spalding Executive MV2 2-9 Iron, PW set Bird Over Ball $69.99 $31.53 shipping or Best Offer Spalding Executive XE Irons Set 7-PW Medium Steel Shafts Left Handed LH $95.00 Free shipping or Best Offer But, they were NOS (New Old Stock) and with Ohio State grips and headcovers; so a diehard Buckeye fan. Tommy Armours ownership circus eventually turned it into the Sports Authority (and now DICKS) house brand. ), Takomo Golf Clubs Review: (As Good as Expected? Whats more, KKR continued adding to its golf empire, buying Etonic in 1996 and Ben Hogan a year later. I think all the readers as well as the golfspies would love to learn as much about these past designs as possible. Much cheaper than renting. I finally gave it to a friend of mine who is a beginner and he says it is the only club he can hit reliably. Great nostalgia with the article. No copy for them. It is the Super Stick. But $1 billion is a lot of cabbage, and KKR borrowed heavily to make the deal. On top line: OVERSIZE. Thanks for doing the digging! If you have any you think we should include or have any additional info about the clubs listed feel free to post your comments. So, while Spalding is nowhere near as prevalent as it once was in the world of golf, you can still pick up a set of Molitor clubs for a very reasonable price online. By the Roaring '20s, A.G. Spalding & Brothers was using the process of "drop forging" to manufacture metal club-heads. Not quite Bryson-like, but innovative for the day. * Note: These irons were designed by Karsten Solheimsure most of you knew that though. I owned a set of Nocklaus N1 irons (the pro versions of the bear irons?). i was hitting 8 iron and was suprised how high the ball flight was. No matter what brand of club you pull from your bag, you owe some thanks to one company Spalding. Case in point: The article makes the statement that The (Cleveland) VAS irons have finally been dethroned from their previous top spot as Worst Iron Ever Made! I dont think Cory Pavin would have won PGA tour events and endorsed them if this had been true. By the early 1920s, Spalding began using a mechanical hammer to drop-forge heads in an assembly line, making the process faster, more consistent, and considerably less expensive. As a former professional player, Spalding recognized the need of enlisting the assistance of experts to promote both the game and his merchandise.
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