"Hello, my name is Kevin, and I'm a Hickory Golf Addict."
Finally made the switch this weekend, and I can't believe how much I loved the hickory version of the game. I felt completely unburdened about expectations of how I "should" score, and simply enjoyed the fun of shotmaking. I'm so excited, because several courses in the area that may have been "too short" have now been re-activated in my rota.
I wrote a few passionate articles about my conversion, if you're interested:
http://buffalogolfer.com/wordpress/hickory-golf-gettin-jigger-with-it/However, I do have a related rules question that I'm sure one of you may know (or have a lead).
I am playing with Tad Moore Replica Irons (Star OA Irons), and Mike Just's Louisville Woods (Jack White Replica). I love the Mike Just Driver so much, that I'm considering carrying it in my "normal" bag as a 3 wood. My buddy loved the Star OA Niblick so much, that he's considering replacing his Taylor Made A Wedge.
However, when I show up to my USGA-member club, I know I'll be asked if I can legally mix in some hickory-shafted clubs with my modern versions.
I looked on the USGA Site for under Rules & Decisions for "Clubs" and couldn't find anything specific. I vaguely recall and instance last summer where a high-level hickory player was prohibited from using his clubs in an Australian PGA event. However, it's possible the latter instance may have been a "Condition of Competition" restriction, and not a standing USGA/R&A Rule prohibition.
I imagine some very old hickory replicas may have non-conforming grooves (or no grooves), but my specific clubs seem fairly "normal" (except for the shafts).
Any ideas / leads?