Hickory Golf FAQs

A hickory golf club is a traditional golf club with a wooden shaft made from hickory wood. It offers a unique playing experience and is ideal for golfers who value craftsmanship and heritage. Louisville Golf handcrafts these clubs from locally sourced hickory, ensuring a connection to golf’s storied past.

Hickory golf follows a distinct set of guidelines to preserve its heritage:

• Clubs must be replicas of pre-1935 designs or originals from that era.
• Players use replica balls that mimic vintage styles.
• Traditional attire, including knickers and caps, is often encouraged. Louisville Golf offers historically accurate clubs and accessories to ensure you can play hickory golf while adhering to these cherished traditions.

Hickory clubs stand out with their thicker, wooden shafts made from hickory wood. You can often feel the natural grain of the wood, which is a hallmark of authentic craftsmanship. Look for a tapered design near the hosel, as hickory shafts are typically thicker at this joint. Louisville Golf’s replicas are faithful to these details, ensuring historical accuracy.

Hickory golf is played using wooden-shafted clubs and emphasizes traditional techniques. Key points include:

• Clubs must be hickory-shafted or replicas of pre-1935 designs.
• Modern or replica vintage balls are used.
• Players adopt a slower, more precise swing.
• Shots travel about 70% of the distance of modern clubs. This style celebrates craftsmanship, respect for history, and a return to golf’s original nuances.

Yes, but the type of ball can significantly affect your playing experience. For hickory iron sets, the steel heads handle modern balls without issue. Persimmon-headed drivers are compatible with modern golf balls; however, we recommend low-compression balls for optimal performance. Ideal options include:

• Callaway Chrome Soft
• Titleist Pro V1
• Wilson 50 Elite

Avoid hard distance balls, as they may impact the longevity of wooden clubs.

For hickory golf, soft replica balls are ideal. They protect the wooden club heads while providing a traditional feel. While these balls may fly shorter distances, the focus of hickory golf is on precision and finesse. Louisville Golf offers a range of hickory-friendly balls designed to complement our handcrafted clubs.

Replica balls, designed for hickory golf competitions, prioritize club protection and traditional play over distance. While they may fly slightly shorter, the essence of hickory golf lies in its artistry and strategy rather than sheer power.

Selecting the right set depends on your skill level and goals:

• Beginners: Look for forgiving clubs with simpler designs, like Louisville Golf’s beginner-friendly sets.
• Experienced Players: Opt for advanced sets offering precision and variety, such as our premium hickory irons or persimmon drivers.

Our custom fitting process ensures every player finds the perfect set for their style. Each club is hand-touched over 200 times during its creation, making it truly one-of-a-kind.

You should regularly inspect your club grips for wear and tear, check shafts for cracks, and ensure the clubheads are securely attached. Louisville Golf offers repair and maintenance services for any concerns you may find.

Clean your golf clubs regularly, especially after each play, to remove dirt and debris. Grips should be cleaned several times a season to maintain their tackiness and extend their lifespan.

Use warm water and mild dish soap or shampoo along with a soft brush to scrub the clubhead. A towel can be used to dry and polish the club. Avoid harsh chemicals that might damage the finish.

Store your golf clubs in a dry place, such as a garage or closet. Never put away wet clubs, as this can cause rusting. For long-term storage, a temperature-controlled space is ideal. Louisville Golf’s handcrafted clubs deserve the utmost care to maintain their quality.

Modern persimmon woods crafted by Louisville Golf provide unmatched ball feedback, allowing players to fine-tune their craft and enjoy a superior feel for the game. The 250cc SMART Pro drivers and NIBLICK series fairway woods combine the beauty of traditional materials with modern performance standards, making them ideal for golfers seeking both artistry and functionality.

Each persimmon wood is handcrafted from locally sourced persimmon blocks, meticulously selected for their straight grain and quality. With over 200 hand-touched steps, every club reflects Louisville Golf’s commitment to expert craftsmanship and a connection to golf’s heritage.

Yes, Louisville Golf’s persimmon woods are compatible with modern golf balls. We recommend using low-compression balls to maximize performance and protect the club’s longevity.

Louisville Golf’s hickory irons are precision-crafted and tested by history. These rustless irons are designed to be the workhorse of your golf set, featuring a classic silhouette and durable construction. Whether you’re playing competitively or recreationally, these irons bring authenticity and performance to your game.

Hickory irons offer a nostalgic playing experience that emphasizes skill and precision. Louisville Golf’s hickory irons are perfect for players who value tradition and seek a connection to the sport’s storied past.

Yes, Louisville Golf provides a comprehensive selection of left-handed clubs, meticulously crafted with the same care and precision as our right-handed options. From hickory irons to persimmon drivers, our left-handed collection ensures all players can enjoy the artistry and performance of our handcrafted clubs.

Each left-handed club is sculpted from high-quality persimmon wood in a process involving over 200 hand-touched steps. This attention to detail ensures every club meets Louisville Golf’s exacting standards for quality and craftsmanship.

Louisville Golf’s custom engraved mallet putters are crafted with a combination of precision and heritage. Each putter is made from locally sourced persimmon wood, hand-selected for its superior grain and quality. With over 200 steps in the crafting process, each putter is truly one-of-a-kind and reflects the artistry of traditional craftsmanship.

You can add a custom logo or text to your mallet putter, making it a perfect gift or personal keepsake. Louisville Golf offers a variety of engraving options, allowing you to create a putter that is uniquely yours. Popular personalization choices include:

• Family crests
• Corporate logos
• Personalized messages or initials

Explore our customization options to make your putter a true reflection of your style.

While Louisville Golf’s mallet putters are stunning works of art, they are also fully functional and designed for peak performance on the green. Their balance and craftsmanship ensure they are not only beautiful but also effective for improving your short game.

Custom engraved mallet putters typically take 2-3 weeks to craft and ship. This timeframe ensures that each putter is meticulously crafted and engraved to meet Louisville Golf’s high standards. Trust us, the wait is worth it.

Louisville Golf’s engraved mallet putters make exceptional gifts for:

• Milestone celebrations, such as retirements or anniversaries
• Corporate gifts and tournaments
• Golf enthusiasts who appreciate fine craftsmanship

Their blend of functionality and elegance ensures they are cherished for years to come.

Yes, Louisville Golf provides a range of high-quality bags, stylish accessories, and convenient gift cards. These products are designed to complement your golfing experience and make thoughtful gifts for any occasion. Explore our collection to find the perfect addition to your golf gear.

Getting started in hickory golf is easier than you might think. Begin by exploring hickory-shafted clubs, such as those handcrafted by Louisville Golf, which offer historically accurate designs and exceptional quality. Learn the basics of hickory golf rules, techniques, and equipment care to embrace the traditional aspects of the game.

For a detailed guide, visit our Getting Started in Hickory Golf blog post, which covers everything from choosing your first set of clubs to finding hickory golf communities. Louisville Golf is here to support your journey into this timeless and rewarding sport.