During the time of the KKR takeover I was employed as the Managing Director in Australia/ NZ I would like to repay you with mine. when were spalding executive golf clubs made We had hybrids back in the 80s. 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Discussion and Links to Photos, 2023 The Honda Classic - Discussion and Links to photos, 2023 Genesis Invitational - Discussion and Links to photos, 2023 Waste Management Phoenix Open - Discussion and Links to Photos, 2023 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am - Discussion and Links to all photos. From 1932 until 1973 two years after Jones death Spalding sold over 15 different models and two million sets of Bobby Jones clubs. i just hit a 8 iron in that series last night. I learned the game on a set of used Spalding Execs-still have them today. I actually have these clubs. 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. I have a set of Browning 440s and a set of Browning 500s I was in the midst of restoring them but Browning would not sell me original grips! With the help of computers, we designed a unique shape we call the `Bull Nose which extends the toe weight out far enough to balance the head without creating an elongated appearance. "dateModified": "2022-05-12", Spalding also produced the first U.S.-made golf shoes, the first clubs to use numbers instead of names, and the first completely matching set of woods and irons (the Kro-Flite). 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.. Sold them to a guy 30 years younger who also loved them. when were spalding executive golf clubs made MENU. I gave those up quickly only because they were really odd looking. Might need to get a full set of Tiger Shark irons to match the wedge!! 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. when were spalding executive golf clubs made Since you mentioned it in the article, how about doing the history of Ben Hogan golf from its inception in 1953 to itd ultimate demise under Callaway and then its resurrection in 2015. I have a full set of Exec XE irons. KKR wanted Spalding to make money the KKR way. Spalding had a long history, terrific heritage, and healthy topline sales of over $500 million. The Top-Flite line was to feature investment-cast irons and Strata balls sold through pro shops and off-course retailers, while Spalding was to be the value/recreational line sold pretty much everywhere. Seemed like big headed design with half the head chopped off to produce a bigger face!!! 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. Throughout America, the affordable Spalding clubs flew off the shelves and reaped huge catalog sales. 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. Original? Starting in the early 1900s, Spalding started making golf balls before manufacturing clubs. Starting in the early 1900s, Spalding started making golf balls before manufacturing clubs. In April, KKR sold the Spalding name and all of Spaldings non-golf businesses to Russell Athletic for just $65 million. I didnt realize Spalding was still a player as late as 2000. They are similar to the Nike slingshots as they have a powerbow looking thing on the back of them. I really enjoy reading your articles, John. Today, Spalding golf clubs still exist, but theyre nowhere near as popular as they once were. 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. But as you can see could cause some serious digging issues. Or maybe it was just wacky that a German car company decided to start selling $1500 golf clubs that sucked. Back in the day (early-60s), I caddied at a CC in so. With long-term debt in the neighborhood of $600 million, KKR found itself in a negative equity situation. That year Spaldings sales topped $537 million, with over $400 million coming from the golf division. In the mid-80s, Spalding introduced the solid core Tour Edition, and in 1996 it came out with Strata, a true game-changer for Spalding and the first multi-layer solid core ball used on Tour. As previously mentioned, you can buy Spalding Molitor clubs at Rock Bottom, and theyre a great option for beginner players. Thanks for you4 diligence and reporting. and they wonder why they went out of business. 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 company was already selling golf balls when, in 1905, it became the first in America to offer its own brand of golf clubs. They owed more to its creditors than Spalding was worth. There is nothing crazy about the Slinger! I have no ideabut I sure loved my Tommy Armour silver Scotts. This is because Spalding stopped manufacturing golf clubs in 2002, and most of the clubs available online today are vintage sets. I collect odd golf items. Not to belittle them because KKR is incredibly successful, but they didnt know the golf business the way we did, says White. 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 Great list of wild clubs. KKR had been trying to dump Spalding as early as 2000, but no one would take on the debt burden. I traded in some Titleist Acushnet blades for themI had only paid $99.00 for the set of Acushnets (used)they gave me $139.00 in trade value, and wanted another $100 for the UniquesThey were some of the easiest to hit irons I have ever ownedout of the 40 50 different sets I have had. MyGolfSpy is usually a place you guys come to see the latest and greatest equipment the golf industry has to offer. Oversized high center of gravity heads and huge amounts of offset are what killed long irons IMO. 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. At the turn of the 20th Century, golf had stirred mild interest in the United States, and A.G. Spalding & Brothers sporting goods saw an opportunity. They are a blade from the early 80`s. They are also perfect in a steep slope due to the curved bottom of the club head. Bird on ball was a very popular club. #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. 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. Return Policy > WORLDWIDE SHIPPING. Taylor Made Golf was my Distributor for the U.S. and Canadian market. Image: Central Press/Hulton Archive via Getty Images. Decent? Spalding Irons By Year - Swing Yard The plan was to position Hogan as the premium forged line sold through pro shops. And in 1930, it hit the jackpot. "description": "List of all the Spalding Irons by the year each set was released", is fantastic, but the club is as stiff as an old water pipe and is accordingly harsh. The market was changing rapidly, as well. 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. If so, are they any good? Spalding started adding Tour staff during the 90s, with Greg Norman, Lee Trevino, Graig Stadler, and Nick Price all playing Stratas. I was told they only made a few hundred sets. Executives were my first real set of golf clubs. today. Spalding Golf Clubs: Do Still Make Them & How Much? - Windtree Golf It wasnt long until Spaldings Executive golf clubs were launched, which were prevalent at all levels of the game. I just found a set of Slingers at the thrift store for $10. I was interested in golf until around 2001 and soon discovered spoiling was on anachronism at that point. a beginner could really benifit from the Nike slingshot, they are easy to hit. CA License # A-588676-HAZ / DIR Contractor Registration #1000009744 Thanks for the memories, John Barba. Yet again, the same fate as MacGregor had. They all looked like mini woods. The Zing2s were the first set I bought when I started playing golf. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, (your email address will not be published), CONTEST Adams Pro Black Giveaway! Spalding Ladies Golf Club History | Golflink.com To maintain the limit of 14 clubs in the bag, I change off now and then. money, time and performance. Make Request. Scott Stallings - WITB - 2023 Genesis Invitational. The pro-shop who had them could not find a buyer. With a few months of work and some radical design modifications it was turned into the first modern Metalwood. I am the person that brought the first Metalwoods to the market. In 1895, Spalding started making golf balls. as well as honest reporting on the latest issues affecting the game Author: Ned Howard Retired PGA Teaching Professionalif(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'swingyard_com-box-3','ezslot_6',194,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-swingyard_com-box-3-0'); Spalding has one of the most storied histories in sports, and a major impact on golf. Slotline Inertial E-Max irons laying around ? The company was founded in 1973 and today produces high-quality golf clubs using the . He changed from forged blades and balata balls to cavity back, investment cast irons and sold core balls, White tells MyGolfSpy. 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. Did you forget about Zevo Golf? The 1999 Hogan Apex, forged by Endo Manufacturing in Japan, remains a sought-after collectible, and a very playable blade, to this day. Albert Spalding was a superstar. Long irons with shallow faces, little offset and perhaps slightly softer shafts can be quite playable. it was at my range's rental bin. } Upgraded my driver from R7 to Razr Hawk, but will never surrender my Slingshots. Not the first or the last business to be destroyed by KKR. The reason why Spalding clubs arent particularly valuable is that they have been widely available for so many years. $77.83. The set I found is 2-9, but the 5 iron is gone. A very easy to hit blade. Keep up the great work. Are Spaulding good golf clubs? - Wise-Answer OK MyGolfSpyers, its time to get creative! Wed have monthly meetings at their West 57th Street offices in New York. Spalding used to own Top Flite before selling the subsidiary to Callaway. Like its sporting goods brother-in-arms MacGregor, Spalding ownership changed hands in 1958. Spalding Executive Registered 3 4 5 Driver Wedge P Golf Clubs Set Made In USA $26.21 Local Pickup or Best Offer SPONSORED Vintage lot of 3 Woods Top Flite Spalding Model 133 Professional 1 3 4 golf Club $29.95 $17.95 shipping or Best Offer SPONSORED PERSIMMON Spalding Robert Jones Jr Percussion Woods Set Golf Clubs Driver & 3 $60.00 $15.00 shipping Remember when pros like Norman and Stadler and others with that bright red Spaulding Tour Bag. Brilliant idea? Throughout the 90s and into the early 2000s, Spalding and Titleist were running neck and neck in golf ball production. Peter F. Stevens is an award-winning author and journalist whose 10 books include "The Voyage of the Catalpa." I have been playing golf over 40 years and have owned many brands of clubs. I think I actually played one of them 150 holes before I gave up. This new construction was a major technological advancement in golf balls. In 1977 while having molds made for my new line of Irons at a mold makers in Oxnard California, I spotted a very interesting club in a bag at the rear of the shop. 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. Pretty sure that was the first major won for a solid core ball. The success of Spalding golf clubs had compelled the USGA to act, but this success was not destined to last forever. (Everything To Know). In 1876 Spalding was the manager and ace pitcher of the Chicago White Stockings. But $1 billion is a lot of cabbage, and KKR borrowed heavily to make the deal. I have a set of clubs with Belmont Power on them. Also, consider TaylorMade sold last spring for $1.6 billion, while KKR paid nearly $1 billion for Spalding in 1996. Brings back great memories! Why are Spalding golf balls called Top Flite? I wonder how much influence he had on those? Of course Drivers and putters are like women. The Pyramid Rubber Company, a maker of baby bottles, strollers, and other infant products, bought a controlling interest. Haha my dad had a set of these and I ended up bagging the 3 and 4 irons as I hated the hybrids that came with my new set. ), shoplifted about four dozen balls each from a failing department store in New York City. Somehow they squeezed 492 dimples on them Those balls were rocketships. Spalding EXECUTIVE Iron Set - PGA They come as a set and include eleven clubs, a golf bag, and head covers. 5 Testers Needed! It became the most consistent and durable golf ball ever made. It means the Son of a Scottish brood that keeps getting into trouble only to easily find his way out of trouble! For more info on Stan Thompson click here. when were spalding executive golf clubs made You cannot paste images directly. "height": "342", Spalding also started the Spalding Athletic Library; a series of sports and exercise books published from 1892 through 1941. It wasnt very sophisticated back then, and they wanted to add layers of sophistication that they had in their other businesses. 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. From the 1950s to the 1990s Spalding was in the bag for many major victories, and was played on municipal courses across the country. Spalding, like its old school brethren Wilson and MacGregor, simply wasnt sexy to a new generation of golfers. You can post now and register later. Fascinating how these once great brands essentially disappeared altogether. I remember a set called Canon I think, possibly a Spalding brand. KKRs $25 billion takeover of RJR Nabisco was chronicled in the book (and tv movie) Barbarians at the Gate. He could not believe the smoothness of the Driver. Current owner FILA Korea Ltd took Acushnet public, and the company has thrived ever since. It felt like a rock but flew like a rocket and weekend warriors bought them by the bushel. Jim also marketed the first Graphite Shafts sold under the Aldila name. What about Goldwin?? Knowledgable folk say its all in the mind. Don Wood has the patent for the Plop Slotz Irons. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. By then the Cisneros brothers had taken the money and ran. Spalding hired Tom Bendelow as his designer, and Bendelow went on to develop many courses still in use today. The woods were the strangest looking things. 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. My first set of irons were the Tiger Sharks.The ball seemed to jump off the face.I still have them.My second set,still in play,are the Vas+.I love them.I hit them a mile high and they feel great.When I hear them calledthe worst irons ever it makes me wonder what the heck Im missing out on. Great article takes me back to nostalgia. The range is for form anyway. Spalding no longer makes golf clubs, and hasnt for some time now. One day, I was caddying for him and he crushed a drive, but about 100 yards out, it just fell out of the sky. I would hand stamp #7 on all irons. ENTER NOW! 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. In 1906 Bendelow designed the expansion of Atlantas East Lake Club, the eventual home club of one Robert Tyre Jones, Jr. Well spare you the decade-by-decade rundown of Spalding innovations (and there are many). The Cobra set left handed golf club set is made of premium products. Does anyone know anything about them? My first clubs were Spalding top flites. "https://www.facebook.com/swingyard/", 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. The success of Spalding golf clubs had compelled the USGA to act, but this success was not destined to last forever. words that have to do with clay P.O. lol! Don't let scams get away with fraud. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, (your email address will not be published), Acushnet 2022 Financials: $2.27 Billion and Counting, Penfold Ace Golf Balls: Whats Old Is New Again, Four Testers Wanted Inesis Spikeless Shoe. Way ahead of their time in the perimeter weighted genre. Previously, they manufactured equipment for golf, American football, and baseball, but they have downsized considerably in recent years. ), Phat Golf Scooters Reviews (Good or Waste of Cash? Well then so did everyone else. They are exactly like the Cleveland Ironwood set you see now, but it was made y..e..a..r..s ago. Ugly or unconventional, I felt a more confident with them and Stan Thompson fairway woods. You can buy a set in good condition on eBay for around $100. Some deserve to be on the former, but definitely not the latter! Right now Ive been with the Execs 2 then 5 SW, Ram 64 wedge, 1 & 3 wood, both hybrids and putter. I actually travel with it and use it at the driving range, so I dont have to rent clubs. I think Browning was leaving the golf business then and they were discounted last set in the store. The Spalding Top-Flite first came out in 1970. You should shoot me some pics of your new set. Like many of his other unconventional looking but super functional designs for the time this one flew off the shelves. 15 Craziest Golf Club (Irons) Ever Made! - MyGolfSpy Had 3-PW plus 1, 3, & 5 woods. Can you help me find the history of the club? } You can actually play Spalding golf balls again! 1977 Spalding Executive Irons - The Vintage Golfers - YouTube Looking through eBay listings, you can find a range of vintage Spalding golf clubs in various conditions to suit different budgets. They are for sale. 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. Cleveland VAS was really great Iron. Look at many of todays hybrids. Can you come up with any info on these? During their time together, Vardon and Spalding agreed the best way to grow the game in the U.S. and grow the market for Spalding golf products was to build more golf courses. $86.40 shipping. Someone suggested to me they were a prototype club for Johnny Miller, but were never marketed. 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. PING was still PING, and Tiger was becoming Tiger. No copy for them. The products soon disappeared from shelves. *chuckles* Maybe its a good thing I took a 30 year golf hiatus. Dreadful golf balls! The 300XXL Driver was so lightawesome clubhead speed ! Any Spalding clubs that are still in circulation can be regarded as vintage, thats for sure! Thanks for the article. Alternatively, you can look on a discount site like Rock Bottom Golf.