A name that’s sadly missing form G CA these days is Alfie Ward. I urge you to read the interview with him on here, I‘ve met tens of GCA people and none have inspired me quite like Alfie has. I’ve assembled a set of Hickories via eBay and now al I have to do is remember the idea is not to better the last round every time but to keep trying try something new (Hickories and the way they play) and to have fun.
http://golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,28615.msg551504/topicseen/These are the notes he prepared for us that day.
I hope you’re well Alfie.
My name is Alfie Ward and I look forward to meeting you at Old Musselburgh Links on 26th March for a Hickory Golf experience. In order to save a little time on the day, I have prepared this brief introduction to help explain a few aspects of the experience.
The course ; Musselburgh Old Course is recognised as being the oldest playing golf course in the world dating back (officially) to 1672, and (reputedly) to 1567 when it is believed that Mary Queen of Scots played here – before she lost that critical eye to ball contact ??
Originally 7 holes, an 8th was added in 1832 and then the 9th hole in 1870.
Naturally, the course bears little resemblance to the one that hosted many Open Championships and “stakes” matches throughout the 19th century, although the layout is basically the same with the exception that the old 9th is now the 1st hole.
The Brassie was invented here in 1885 to cope with shots being played off the adjacent road, whereby a brass plate was affixed to the sole of the club to prevent damage to the club.
The Equipment ; Each player is furnished with a set of G. Nicoll reproduction hickories (1920’s) consisting of ; Brassie (2 wood) – Mid Iron, (3 iron) – Mashie, (5 iron) – Mashie Niblick, (7 iron) – Niblick, (9 iron) – and the famous Gem putter. All complete with a very lightweight “pencil” bag and cane bag stand.
It should be noted that, No Liability is incurred by the player in the event of a breakage – although we do ask that these expensive clubs are treated with the utmost respect and care. Thank you.
(even though it is NOT going to rain – please bring your own umbrella ?)
The Balls; Here, the player may choose at any time during play, between a typical gutta percha ball of the late 19th century (Willie Park – The Ideal), or the more “user friendly” Lattice pattern replica of the 1920’s?
Given that these balls ARE replica’s, they are nonetheless a rarity in any hickory play worldwide and can be explained in detail on the course!
Tips : The prime objective (in our opinion), is that you attain a genuine and authentic feel for hickory play whilst extracting the maximum FUN possible !! Harry and I will guide you through your round and hopefully expand upon any questions that may arise as we proceed.
Obviously, you are not going to get the same distance from your normal hi-tech shots – so you will have to allow for that yourself.
Our best tip of all is – just relax and enjoy your golf !!!
All else will become clear – on the day, but should you require further information, please contact Tony or myself. As the old saying stated ;
Play the ball as it lies – and take the course as you find it !