why play hickory golf?
Hickory golf is a form of golf that originated in the late 19th century and was widely played until the early 20th century when steel shafts became popular.
It refers to the use of hickory wood shafts in golf clubs instead of modern materials like steel or graphite. The term "hickory golf" can also encompass the playing style, rules, and equipment associated with this historical era of the sport.
Hickory golf is known for its emphasis on tradition, nostalgia, and a more challenging playing experience compared to modern golf. Hickory clubs often have longer, more flexible shafts and smaller clubheads compared to their contemporary counterparts. These clubs require a different swing technique and demand more accuracy and finesse from the player.
In addition to the equipment, hickory golf often involves playing with period-accurate rules, dress codes, and etiquette, recreating the ambiance of golf in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Players can wear vintage attire and use replica gutta-percha or featherie golf balls, which have distinct characteristics compared to the modern golf balls.
Hickory golf has gained popularity as a niche sport and is often played in tournaments and events held worldwide. It appeals to golf enthusiasts interested in the history of the game and those seeking an occasional but unique and challenging golfing experience.
WHAT do i need
Clubs
Hickory golf requires clubs with hickory wood shafts, replicating the style and feel of the clubs used during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These clubs can be obtained from our own online shop or if you just want to try out hickory golf, why not hire a set at a course and time that suits you.
A Hickory Set
A basic set of hickory clubs is made up of six clubs.
- Brassie – Not quite a driver, closer to a modern 3-wood its the only 'wood' in the bag. Named after the brass sole plate which many hickory clubs actually pre-date
- Long Iron / Cleek – The longest iron. Often doubled as a putter
- Mashie – A mid range iron for most of your approach shots
- Mashie Niblick – A short iron for shorter shots and and pitch shots
- Niblick – The equivalent to a modern wedge or sand wedge. For pitch and bunker and pitch shots
- Putter – Gets the ball in the hole! Often more lofted than modern equivalents due to the longer grass on greens in years gone by
Do I need and matching set?
Some serious hickory players will have matching sets all made by the same clubmaker , but this certainly isn't the norm in hickory golf.
Most hickory sets are made up of a variety of different clubs from different makers and eras. Most hickory players will prioritise clubs that feel good and play well over finding a uniform set.
Our hire sets are matched predominantly to the golfers by height but we encourage players to try out each others clubs during their round to see what they prefer
Are there left handed hickories?
There are but they are extremely rare. Usually left handed hickory clubs will retail for significantly higher prices than similar right handed clubs. We have a limited number of left handed clubs for hire so please make us aware if there are left handed golfers in your group
Are there hickory clubs for ladies?
A number of hickory clubs were made for ladies and are often slightly lighter and/or shorter clubs. Often, these clubs are stamped with an “L” on the back of the club head. However these can be rare and its not necessary to play exclusively with these clubs. Using clubs which are a good length and weight will deliver the optimal hickory experience regardless if the clubs are stamped with an L or not.
Where should we play?
Hickory clubs wont generate the same distance as modern clubs so we always recommend shorter courses as the best places to enjoy your hickory experience. If you are tackling a longer course, consider playing from the front tees or even create your own 'hickory tee' further down the fairway. Not sure where to play? Get in touch and we can make some hickory-friendly suggestions