when were spalding executive golf clubs made when were spalding executive golf clubs made

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. Also, consider TaylorMade sold last spring for $1.6 billion, while KKR paid nearly $1 billion for Spalding in 1996. It is my Go To clubmy favorite. Iomic Golf Grips: 8 Key Facts Before You Buy. MyGolfSpy is jumping into the DeLorean and taking a 1.21 jiggawatt-fueled look at the long life and quick death of Spalding Golf. These irons were designed in Belgium by the Belgium-Browning company. In 1895, Spalding started manufacturing golf balls. Great nostalgia with the article. We want your input before testing begins. 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).. The remaining golf company was re-named Top-Flite. Was a fan of the TopFlite XL. The Roaring 20s gave us Babe Ruth, Knute Rockne, Jack Dempsey, and Red Grange. GolfWRX_Official Too bad. Spalding, along with Wright and Ditson, was importing golf clubs from Scotland. Spalding got so inventive with their clubmaking, they had golf bags around America sporting 20-30 clubs. You can actually play Spalding golf balls again! When my father would shot a 215 yard iron into the hole, his fellow golfers wold ask him what club he used. Tom Farrell. Needed a set of clubs to play for a few days and found these. However my 6 iron had twice as much offset as any other iron in the set. }, I would hand stamp #7 on all irons. Just terribleand never sold thruas well it shouldnt. New entries such as Nike and Adams were turning heads as well. #PowerToThePlayer. Why is that I have the Tiger Shark 7 iron and the Spalding Exec XE 5 iron in my golf collection??? Couldnt decide between the Slotlines emax and the 845s. Goldwin was a San Diego company, years ahead of its time. That year Albert and his brothers opened the A.G. Spalding & Brothers sporting goods company and started making baseballs. Ive got other odd clubs, a clear/see thru 5W, 68 & 73 degree wedge (of course, they may not be considered crazy. What about Giant Irons, I remember seeing those on an infomercial a few times. pend. beneath. Long irons with shallow faces, little offset and perhaps slightly softer shafts can be quite playable. You might be wondering how the hell did a Ping iron make the listbut look againthis one definitely deserves to be on the list for Wackiest Irons. I had never seen the Fila irons before now. We want you to get the most out of your 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. Spalding took off with sales and production with Bobby Jones joining the team. What a mess that design was! By then the Cisneros brothers had taken the money and ran. They got so popular at the time that it scared club makers badly (Every set was pretty much custom built then), and Golfing associations banned the club from play. Great list of wild clubs. But since the early 2000s, Spalding has practically disappeared from the golf landscape. Again THANK YOU FOR THE GOLF LESSON!!!!! Im a scratch golfer, and to date have found nothing that is better. They are nearly in perfect condition. Anyone ever hear of anything like that? Nice article John! In the early days, golf clubs were hand-forged using a hammer and anvil. Irons made during that time are distinguished by an anvil cleek mark. 2023 Genesis Invitational - Monday #1. Spalding sponsored Vardons 1900 tour of America, culminating in Vardon winning the U.S. Open in Chicago. "author": "Ned Howard", I STILL play with my Spalding Executive set 2 SW. Smooth tempo swingers Ventus Velo isn't working for me other brands/models suggestions? Among Jones innovations: the first matched set of steel-shafted irons, the first set of irons with the sweet spot in the center of each club (denoted by a circle of dots on the clubface), and an iron set where the scoring irons were one length, the mid irons were one length, and the long irons were one length. These articles are easily my favorite content any of the golf sites out out. All Irons for men were 37. An affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. Sold millions of those over the years. I remembered them from this article. it was at my range's rental bin. With new sexy companies like Titleist, Callaway, and TaylorMade, and golfers like Tiger and Phil, the new aged golfer wasnt interested in playing their grandpas golf clubs. Sales declined into the 2000s, and Spalding made their last club in 2002. I will admit to having a hankering for those slick lookin Zevo Lobs tho. By 1970, the ownership group morphed into the Questor Corporation, and Pyramid Rubber was rechristened Evenflo. when I got my samurais,they were expensive,,but you can get them ocassionally on ebay,,picked up a 6iron for 15$. However, the name of their popular brand Top Flite was sold to Callaway, and is used for discount clubs and balls. Do You have any idea? Even tho I play with graphic shafts I really like the way those play. Well they made execs for over 20 yearswhich ones do you have? Yes. . White says KKR management was hyper-focused on Callaway and TaylorMade, which may explain one of Spaldings biggest gaffes ever. Unfortunately, Spalding has fallen a long way down the pecking order in terms of their sporting equipment, and it has been a long time since they manufactured a new set of golf clubs. Protactic Golf in Chicago. ENTER NOW! The brand was popular until the late 1990s, but Spalding opted for a new direction at the turn of the century and focused on other sports instead of golf. They owed more to its creditors than Spalding was worth. Box 4666, Ventura, CA 93007 Request a Quote: comelec district 5 quezon city CSDA Santa Barbara County Chapter's General Contractor of the Year 2014! Get the best deals on Spalding Executive Irons when you shop the largest online selection at eBay.com. when were spalding executive golf clubs made. }. He also was one of the best designers in the golf biz. With long-term debt in the neighborhood of $600 million, KKR found itself in a negative equity situation. Scott Stallings - WITB - 2023 Genesis Invitational. Club-makers traditional method had been to shape metal heads with an anvil and forge. I play with several timesa year. I think you are talking about the Spaulding Executive XE irons,ahead of their time,I played a set for a couple of years then sold them, looking back I wish I hadnt. They introduced the Browning 500 Series to counter that effect.But, they waited too long and by that timethe party was over! In the late 70s I also had a set of Unique irons which were great apart from the plastic covers covering the cavity back constantly falling out. Your email address will not be published. The Ping Zings were the worst! Model: Tour Pro Offset KKRs $25 billion takeover of RJR Nabisco was chronicled in the book (and tv movie) Barbarians at the Gate. They also specialized in unique clubs like the Cran Creek. I have a set of both the 440s and the 500s, and there is no difference in face depth. 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. Is it worth getting a new set of clubs, or should I focus on getting spikes and a gloves, ( I currently golf in thing sandles) 0. I have a set of Lynx Parallax irons that were my fathers. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. They are similar to the Nike slingshots as they have a powerbow looking thing on the back of them. Are these considered weird? As a designer, the design is perfect and although they look funny, they were a great club, ask Cory Pavin. 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. The VAS irons have finally been dethroned from their previous top spot as Worst Iron Ever Made! Although from a phone-in interview Mr. VAS told us, I feel robbed. He has provided some keen insights from his time with Mr. Hogan in other articles and podcasts. Im sure Scott White would love to contribute. These were actually a pretty good iron for the time and I think Trevino had something to do with this designbut not sure. In 1993 Payne Stewart signed a multi-million-dollar deal to go full Top-Flite, a move that sidetracked Stewarts career. Matched them to Wilson Pro Staff low compressions and I was a happy camper. Irons made during that time are distinguished by an anvil cleek mark. Mismanagement and a growing golf market led Spalding to cease manufacturing golf products, selling off popular brands like Top Flite to Callaway in the early 2000s. My woods are Taylormade Burners 1 & 3, and I have two Mizuno hybrids. KKR had been trying to dump Spalding as early as 2000, but no one would take on the debt burden. Getting sold doesnt have to be the end of the world, but it can be if the buyer doesnt do their homework and pays too much. Turns out it was just 20 years ago. 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. Im 65 and still playing to seven with them. Had a set of McGregor Irons called Doctor Rx, they felt good hit in the middle, they reminded me of a Pringle potato chip. I have a left handed set that I got from a guy on the senior tour, Bob Carson, who also owned a golf course in Titusville FLA. 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,,. They are also perfect in a steep slope due to the curved bottom of the club head. 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. Terrific article as usual Mr. Barra. I cant remember who made them, but I remember reading about an iron that was adjustable so its loft could be wildly altered. If youre looking to buy or sell vintage Spalding clubs, the best place to do so is on eBay or Craigslist, where you can list the clubs in the condition that they are currently in. Tommy Armour TI 100 need to be on the list, they were twice the size of any other iron produced ever. FS - Fiberbuilt Flight Deck / GripMaster Roo pulls, New Vokey SM8 52 & 56 wedge set / New Titleist Caps (for bigger heads) / New Cobra RadSpeed 10.5* Driver, Peacoat, with premium, upgraded shaft, TSR3 ub-6x, cobra radspeed, TEE pro 721 driver and 3w, Ventus Black TR Folds of Honor 6x w/ TM Adapter, Ventus Red TR 6x w/ TM Adapter, Adidas Tour 360 22 Size 13, MyStealth2 Driver Headcover. The shaft collapses to 18 inches so it is great for travelsure beats the cost of checking a golf bag these days. The player would then conveniently cover the top of his bag with a towel so that no one would see the length of the irons. With this in mind, this article looks at why Spalding golf clubs are no longer popular and how much some of their most popular sets are worth. The Endo-forged Hogan Apex Plus cavity back irons came soon after, along with a solid-core Hogan Apex ball. 1-949-642-6484 . His stuff was marvelous and all original. Love it or hate it the Nike Slingshot irons made the list. In 1984, Questor sold off Spalding/Evenflo to a Venezuelan group headed by Gustavo and Ricardo Cisneros. I saw a set go for well over $300 (I think it went closer to $500, but I just would not swear to it). Callaway wound up suing Spalding for using its imagery on Spalding packaging. as well as honest reporting on the latest issues affecting the game The old Spaulding Executive set I had back in the early 1980s. I wonder how much influence he had on those? But unfortunately for the VASs they were dethroned from their long held position. spalding golf clubs any good. Irons made during that time are distinguished by an anvil cleek mark. LOL. Within three years, it would be gone for good. The pro-shop who had them could not find a buyer. If KKR had appointed Scott Creleman as the head man at the time I firmly believe Dpaldi g would still be a player in the golf industry He loves telling stories, writing about golf and golf travel, and enjoys classic golf equipment. In 1900, Spalding released the Vardon Flyer, the golf ball used by Harry Vardon. The 1968 arrival of the Executive MV2 Bird Over Ball clubs are among some of Spaldings most easily recognizable clubs. I am on my 2nd set.I used to lovem and had friends that bought as they loved the ball flight and were also a great set of chippers. My Dad had the XL-4s (I still have them), one Uncle had the Executives and another had the Cannons. Spalding manufactured golf clubs for some of the leading players in the game, including the legendary American player Bobby Jones. They had fantastic fairway woods that I still take out for a spin every once in a while. The ball was introduced in 1900. I cannot find any information on this club, maybe they were a golfsmith thing from early 2000s?? They are also said to be legendary Canadian player Moe Normans favorite clubs of all time. Play to a 4 6 cap. I think this is the web site for me . All are memory refreshing .. have been in golf clubhead design , manufacturing 25 years , familiar with the designs ! Albert Spalding was a superstar. KKR wanted Spalding to make money the KKR way. Each has a special place in my personal golf journey and is still some of the best equipment Ive ever used. single, replacement or add-on golf irons and wedges for Spalding Executive MV2 bird over ball Irons. These articles are all outstanding. Wish the 5 iron would have been there. I still have a set of samurai woods and irons,,and still use them,,had a pro hit my 7 iron once,,it flew his 7iron,,he was amazed,they hit great,,but graphite wears down over years and breaks,and when that happens,,its hard to find a replacement,,,. I actually like the looks of those babies! I collect odd golf items. 6. Can you come up with any info on these? 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. ), Finn Scooter Golf Reviews (Are These the Real Deal? "@type": "Organization", Thanks for the article. No, while you might be able to find Spalding golf clubs at thrift stores and via used online marketplaces, Spalding no longer manufactures golf clubs. 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. Get10% offat Global Golf with Code:SwingYard. (Sponsored by: GolfCircuit.com), CONTEST! Got them for $200.00 which was a really great price other pro shops were asking $450.00 for a set. Yes, it sold a ton of golf balls, but as one former employee told us, the brand was decidedly blue-collar and not focused on the golf professional. Of course, it is the Indian not the arrow to some extent, but he does well. Dreadful golf balls! Shortly thereafter, Spalding signed him as spokesperson, vice president and director of research. Our mission is #ConsumerFirst. Maybe it is a good idea or maybe it is not. Is my equipment holding me back? I saw the Cisneros brothers maybe once in my time there, he says. Today, Spalding focuses nearly all of its commercial interests on basketball, producing balls, hoops, rims, and nets. What about Goldwin?? John, we closed and then were just screwing around with some of the rental clubs. Just saw a full set of them again today. Thanks for doing the digging! The company experimented throughout the 1920s and 1930s with lathe-turned hickory shafts that featured circular ridges spaced at standard intervals down the entire shaft. Copyright 2023. This stuff is really interesting.. "height": "342", The Executive clubs are among the finest pure forged blades ever produced and have certainly stood the test of time. I use them in Central Texas when the fairways are hard and the greens harder (late summer and all winter). With KKR, it was a 180-degree turnaround. With Spalding's mass-market success breeding scores of imitators, players could pick and choose from countless club lines. 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. 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. when were spalding executive golf clubs made. I didnt know until I read this article that evidently FILA was the designer of the original face forward iron design; speaking of which, I wouldve thought the F2 Face Forward Irons wouldve made the list (http://www.intheholegolf.com/store/f2is.html). Not quite Bryson-like, but innovative for the day. ), Takomo Golf Clubs Review: (As Good as Expected? Spalding did have high hopes for the Hogan brand. (8 Ways To Know) . Two years prior, they sold Spalding and Evenflo to Wall Street investment firm KKR for an estimated and unbelievable 1 billion dollars. 1983 He traded a set of classic Burke PunchIrons to get the Lynx. Instead, well hit the highlights.