The 18th hole
A day in the life of a custom club maker
by Sandy Bunker
fire up the most important piece of machinery; the kettle. Pick up the 1968 Penfold
7.45
and delete any that involve writing cheques. Jot down the important numbers to call back on a scrap of paper and immediately lose it.
8.15
the previous day only to find a handful haven’t been glued up, crack open the instant epoxy with good intention to get cracking. Sit down and read the latest
8.30
golf magazine articles on how technology is helping the golfer gain distance. A rough calculation
concludes that if I build in every new breakthrough into my own driver I stand to gain 856 yards off the tee. Pick up Penfold SW. Put it down.
10.00
am Grip up yesterday’s
custom assembled clubs, I reckon I’m spending nearly as much on petrol for regripping clubs than Lee Westwood has earned this season. Turn the ferrules, apply the
decals, clean and box up. A job well done, happy customers, this isn’t such a bad way to make a living. Look at Penfold SW.
am Inspect the clubs assembled
sand wedge that needs regrooving, put it down again.
am Check answer machine
am Arrive at the workshop and
12.00
a cheese sandwich with just a hint of petrol, epoxy and tungsten powder, check that out Jamie Oliver. Put sandwich box on top of Wilson SW
1.00
in for a custom fit, the pre fitting interview results in a desire for more distance, and better accuracy, mmm…. where’s that magazine? Customer says he carries his driver 250 yards on a still day, launch monitor readings begs to differ 62 mph clubhead speed,174 yard carry with a launch angle of 7 degrees. Discretion being the better
2.00
part of valour we agree my machine is wrong. I tell him he needs a HL driver and an A flex shaft HL standing for Hyper Long and the A for Arnold (as in Schwarzenegger)
Chap turns up with 9-year-old, snotty nosed, gum chewing son. Boy has staff bag stuffed clubs worth more than my car, sporting designer cap,
3.30
pm Second fitting of the day.
pm Meet and greet customer
noon Answer call
from punter looking for a new shaft for his driver. He’s looking for about another 20 yards and more accuracy. Aren’t we all? Quote him some bull fresh from the golf magazine, he buys the lot and I book him in for later in the week.
pm Stop for lunch and enjoy
shirt, trousers and belt, wearing headphones that he never takes off at any point. Not too sure whether
they want me to look at his clubs or ask him for his autograph. Scenario is... playing since
he was 7 months old, last medal score nett 49, last four stableford scores 51, 60, 47 and 54. Intends to turn pro at 13 and father has a grand on him winning a major by his 15th birthday. Funnily enough my launch
monitor is misreading again and we all agree Precocious Junior is carrying the ball 290
yards. Nothing I can do for him so I wave them off while wishing chronic acne on the little cherub.
was 15 minutes late so decide to make up fit it by leaving 15 minutes early. Grab my jacket and glance at the Penfold SW on the way out. Another satisfying day at the office.
4.45
Giveaway: Sun Mountain Speed Cart SV1
T
he Sun Mountain Speed Cart from Brand Fusion was the first three-wheeled push trolley to the market and is still one of the most revolutionary products in golf. This ergonomically efficient folding push cart will continue to astound golfers worldwide with the recent release of the 2012 SV1. It rolls like a dream, folds in seconds, is lightweight, stable and includes many new enhanced features. These include a weight of 17.5 lbs and folded dimensions are 37” X 16” X 13”. It includes a patented design with new quick release cam, that folds in seconds and fits easily into the car and an ergonomic and adjustable handle that positions arms and shoulders in their most natural position. Available in black and silver it has an
RRP of £149.
The first person to email the editor at
Geraldine@markallengroup.co.uk will be sent this lightweight and stylish push cart.
pm Realise it’s quarter to five,
See the complete range at
www.2thumbgrip.com
T: +44 (0)1908 585232 E:
sales@2thumbgrip.com
50 Pro Shop Europe August 2011 Available from the following distributors... • Brand Fusion • Diamond Golf • Golfsmith • JS International • Masters Golf • Northern Golf
Original 180 grams
Shorty 125 grams
Light 150 grams
Pro-Light 68 grams
Rotate 110 grams
OR
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