Here's to Hickory

A Fife business is not only continuing this tradition, it’s offering golfers (and non-golfers) the opportunity to find out how to make early 1900s hickory clubs.

“At a Hickory Golf Workshop, visitors learn about the craftsmanship of hickory clubs, take part in the restoration of hickory clubs and play with authentic antique equipment,” says Stu Fraser, creator’ of The Hickory Golf Workshop, which is in Leven, six miles from St Andrews. 

“Our workshop is a unique, hands-on, expert-led experience which blends heritage with interactive demonstrations. It’s a rare chance to connect with golf’s roots.”

The Hickory Golf Workshop is part of Scotland’s oldest and last remaining club maker, St Andrews Golf Co, where modern, state-of-the-art clubs are manufactured alongside hand-crafted hickory clubs. “The manufacturing of modern clubs is generally much faster as modern steel shafts and club heads are mass produced, whereas hickory shafts have to be made individually by hand,” Stu explains. 

As well as finding out how hickory clubs are made and restored, visitors to The Hickory Golf Workshop are also able to hone their hickory skills using early 20th century mashies, niblicks and baffies on a 21st century indoor putting green and simulator.

“Playing golf with hickory clubs is essentially the same game,” says Stu. “However, some swing adjustments have to be made. 
“Hickory shafts are firmer with less 'whip' than their modern equivalents so hickory golf lends itself to a slower, smoother pace of swing. Many players find that making these changes actually helps their golf game!”

Hickory Golf Workshops are subject to availability and, as they are very popular, booking in advance is advised. 

To find out more, visit https://thehickorygolfworkshop.com/.