What is hickory golf?

Hickory golf is playing golf with hickory shafted clubs made before 1935.

How is it different than “real golf”?

It is real golf. Same objective, same rules. You’re just using antique clubs. The biggest differences are the clubs themselves and the slower swing speed that works best with hickories.

I’m not a golfer. Can I still play hickory golf?

Absolutely! In fact if you have zero familiarity with golf, you probably won’t have any bad habits from playing modern golf in you swing. Don’t go out to the course expecting to play like you are on Tour with Rory. You can learn the skills of a golf swing but be sure to brush up on the rules and etiquette of golf before you step into the tee box. Better yet, book one of our Hickory Experiences, and we can give you a lovely introduction to the game.

Do I need any other special clothing or gear to play hickory golf?

That depends. Some hickory players go all in with vintage styled bags, era appropriate clothing, and even homemade golf balls. But it’s really up to you. If using your modern tour bag on your riding cart, with a flight tracker, and laser range finder while decked out in the latest performance fabric makes you happy, then get down with your bad self. Same if you go to your local chip and putt in gym shorts and sneakers with 4 clubs under your arm. Here at Groundhog Hickory Golf we want you to find joy in golf however it may look. (Preferably with a set of our clubs.)

Where can I play hickory golf?

Anywhere you would normally play golf. Whether you play the longest and baddest champion courses, are a country club member, casually play munis, or even just putt-putt, you can play with hickory. Lots of regular hickory golfers seek out courses that were around during the hickory era. Also regular hickory players tend to carry their bag and enjoy courses that are set up well for walking golfers.

Do I have to swing differently?

Mmmm, probably. Hickories are from an era with much lower swing speeds, and they flex much differently than modern clubs. You can still use “your swing” but take a little off, and the hickories will do much better. Also they tend to dig into the turf pretty easily, so try avoid taking deep divots, or just go for picking the ball clean when you hit.

I’m going to break these if I play with them.

Probably not. Even if you swing out of your shoes all the time, the clubs can take the violent physics of a golf swing. A bigger concern is where and what you are hitting. Never hit with a hickory off a cart path, gravel, tree roots, or rocks. That will snap it.

Will playing with hickory clubs improve my game?

That depends on your definition of “improvement”. They are harder to play with than modern clubs. There is no tech to improve distance, spin, or forgiveness. As such, many golfers that play both modern and hickory clubs find that the greater feel of a hickory club, and the need to strike the ball more precisely makes playing modern clubs easier. Also we at Groundhog Hickory Golf feel that playing with hickory clubs will make your golfing experience better, more fun, and more connected with the course, and your friends.

What clubs will I need to play?

A minimal hickory set has 4 clubs, a putter, a niblick, a mashie, and a mid iron. In “modern” clubs that is a putter, pitching wedge, 5 iron, and 2 iron. Most hickory players carry between 6 and 9 clubs. In addition to the clubs already named most also carry a driver or brassie (driver), a mashie niblick (8 iron), and sometimes a jigger (rescue iron). If you are looking for specific lofts, club lengths, or swing weights, please contact us.

Do your clubs come with any warranty or guarantee?

All clubs we sell were originally made before 1935. Even though we restore them thoroughly and test them for playability, there is a chance that they will break. Also the natural materials for the gripping and whipping will wear and fray with time and use. As such we have to sell every club as is. When you receive your club(s), if something appears wrong, please contact us.

Do hickory clubs require maintenance?

Hickory clubs will require a bit more maintenance than a modern set. After every round, check the shafts for cracks, splits, or splinters. Then make sure to wipe off any mud or grass from the clubheads and dry them thoroughly to prevent rust. Many players also apply a light coat of mineral or gun oil after cleaning. If there is a little rust, polish it off with some steel wool. Like a modern club, the grip will wear out eventually. Also the whipping thread can possible come loose and unravel. Frequent players may have to replace their grips and thread every 1-2 years. Especially important is in case you get rained on, make sure to dry out your clubs and bag as soon as possible.