Selling my modern clubs - going all classic, vintage, hickory

So I am about 90% of the way to selling all of my modern clubs and going with my forged irons, persimmon & laminated woods, old putters, and eventually a hickory set.

Reasons:

1. I have more fun finding and playing the vintage clubs
   
2. Its more economical (well, maybe not in the long run...)
   
3. The new tech doesn't seem to improve my game
   

I have a partial set of Ping eye (4-9), a set of TA 855s (3-pw), a single TA 845s 8 iron, The set of Adams a12 os, the Adams Driver, the Adams 3 wood, and some misc GA clubs. Planning to put them on ebay in the next two weeks, and use the proceeds to finance a set of hickory clubs. Any thoughts / ideas on the best way to sell them? Single irons? Sets?

Ideally, ending up with one set (delusional...) of 70's clubs, some spare woods, and a hickory set would be ok.

I've tried the new tech for the last 20 years with not so good results, so I just need to work on my short game, the mental game, and my swing using the classic clubs which I enjoy more.

Now all I probably need are some good come backs to the critics.

I don't think I'd burn my bridge behind me. The Ping Eyes and the 855's are good classic irons. Yesterday, I played my Adams Speedline SL driver and 3W, along with my TA 845's. (I have era correct Big Berthas, but I like to mix it up.)

Since I bought the 845's a couple months ago, I've only played hickory or blades a couple times. I really like the 845's. I also have a set of Ping Karsten 2's from 1975. Haven't touched them since getting the TA's. I know I'll want to play the idle clubs again at some point.

I'd venture to say, that if you get rid of your "modern" classic irons, you'll regret it at some point.

Play well!

I don't think I'd burn my bridge behind me. The Ping Eyes and the 855's are good classic irons. Yesterday, I played my Adams Speedline SL driver and 3W, along with my TA 845's. (I have era correct Big Berthas, but I like to mix it up.)

 

Since I bought the 845's a couple months ago, I've only played hickory or blades a couple times. I really like the 845's. I also have a set of Ping Karsten 2's from 1975. Haven't touched them since getting the TA's. I know I'll want to play the idle clubs again at some point.

 

I'd venture to say, that if you get rid of your "modern" classic irons, you'll regret it at some point.

 

Play well!

Maybe so. However, I am not sure mixing up clubs is really good for my game at this point. The Pings are out for sure. And although I do like the TA 855s, I am just going to commit to playing the K-28s for the rest of the season. Plus, except for the outing on the 8th, I am going minimalist so that I can carry as much as possible, something I need to do for my health. The legs hurt like 'el afterward, but it has to be good for me in the long run.

Best of luck with the transition. I got rid of a nice set of BECU Eyes and I sure regret. While I mostly play hickories now I dust off a set of 78 Hogan Medallions every so often for a fun outing. Good luck and enjoy the hunt for classics!

Best of luck with the transition. I got rid of a nice set of BECU Eyes and I sure regret. While I mostly play hickories now I dust off a set of 78 Hogan Medallions every so often for a fun outing. Good luck and enjoy the hunt for classics!

Playing with the BIL is going to be more interesting. He is....well.... you know. Showing up with Hickory might just unsettle him enough that I could beat up on him. Ha!

My most modern irons are Mizuno MP32s, so not exactly new. Took the shafts out for an old set of MacGregors though!

I do get the odd pang for some of the irons mentioned. Those Armours, older Ping models and stuff, things people had when I was a kid. Metal woods less so. Did like my Boom Boom and old Taylor Made spoon, but, honestly, could never see me picking them over persimmon popping out for a few holes.

I don't think I'd burn my bridge behind me. The Ping Eyes and the 855's are good classic irons. Yesterday, I played my Adams Speedline SL driver and 3W, along with my TA 845's. (I have era correct Big Berthas, but I like to mix it up.)

 

Since I bought the 845's a couple months ago, I've only played hickory or blades a couple times. I really like the 845's. I also have a set of Ping Karsten 2's from 1975. Haven't touched them since getting the TA's. I know I'll want to play the idle clubs again at some point.

 

I'd venture to say, that if you get rid of your "modern" classic irons, you'll regret it at some point.

 

Play well!

Maybe so. However, I am not sure mixing up clubs is really good for my game at this point. The Pings are out for sure. And although I do like the TA 855s, I am just going to commit to playing the K-28s for the rest of the season. Plus, except for the outing on the 8th, I am going minimalist so that I can carry as much as possible, something I need to do for my health. The legs hurt like 'el afterward, but it has to be good for me in the long run.

I've been a minimalist for years, walking exclusively. Four to seven clubs max. I've been playing 4,7,PW,SW of the TA's, along with a driver, 3W, and putter, 7 clubs.

Four clubs: 3W, 7, PW, and putter.

Five clubs: 3W, 5,8,PW and putter.

Six clubs: Add driver to five club kit.

I haven't played more than seven in over 15 years.

Play well!

I don't think I'd burn my bridge behind me. The Ping Eyes and the 855's are good classic irons. Yesterday, I played my Adams Speedline SL driver and 3W, along with my TA 845's. (I have era correct Big Berthas, but I like to mix it up.)

 

Since I bought the 845's a couple months ago, I've only played hickory or blades a couple times. I really like the 845's. I also have a set of Ping Karsten 2's from 1975. Haven't touched them since getting the TA's. I know I'll want to play the idle clubs again at some point.

 

I'd venture to say, that if you get rid of your "modern" classic irons, you'll regret it at some point.

 

Play well!

Maybe so. However, I am not sure mixing up clubs is really good for my game at this point. The Pings are out for sure. And although I do like the TA 855s, I am just going to commit to playing the K-28s for the rest of the season. Plus, except for the outing on the 8th, I am going minimalist so that I can carry as much as possible, something I need to do for my health. The legs hurt like 'el afterward, but it has to be good for me in the long run.

 

I've been a minimalist for years, walking exclusively. Four to seven clubs max. I've been playing 4,7,PW,SW of the TA's, along with a driver, 3W, and putter, 7 clubs.

 

Four clubs: 3W, 7, PW, and putter.

 

Five clubs: 3W, 5,8,PW and putter.

 

Six clubs: Add driver to five club kit.

 

I haven't played more than seven in over 15 years.

 

Play well!

I play classics and minimalist as well, what is your average score and setup?

The beauty of this "golf style" is that we can modify it to fit our particular needs and ambitions, whether it be a full bag riding, with a trolley, or strapping on a bag and heading down the fairway.

Something about the walk though...unfortunately too many restrictions on the walkers these days.

I don't see why you can't keep your pretty "classic" setup that you have now whilst going for a hickory set as well. To look at it another way, if you sell off what you have now, I doubt you get that much for them. I certainly doubt you get anything close to the value that they have to you. Unless storage space is an issue, I say go for the hickories and keep what you have.

I have a few fairly old sets (70s, 80s, early 90s) and I know that I will never get anything like the worth their are to me if I sold them. Case in point, my Mizuno MS11s (OK, not that old, I admit): I would be lucky to get 60-70USD if I sold them, but to me they are just as playable (=valuable) to me as my newer Mizuno MP-4s.

I don't think it's delusional to want to simplify or go more classic. I get where you're coming from on all aspects.

I'm somewhat in the same boat as you. I want my "collection" of clubs to be:

1. Clubs that improve my play (make me a better golfer)

2. Clubs that I love to play (look, feel, style)

3. Clubs that I feel are "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" (my own library of congress, if you will)

If clubs, classic or not, don't hit those three points, I'll move em on to the next person. A good example of this are the ping eye 2's. For some people, they check all 3 boxes and for some they don't. Now as RWC said, you may regret it later, but it seems you're already 110% sure it's time to move on. Just pull the trigger.

Now selling, it depends on you.

Grouping stuff would be faster and less of a hassle: An all Adams set, the pings together, the 855's together, then single clubs as a group unless there are some higher priced singles in there, then separate those from the pack.

Separating stuff would take longer but possibly reap more cash. In that case, I would separate every single club individually except the complete iron sets of at least 5-pw.

I don't see why you can't keep your pretty "classic" setup that you have now whilst going for a hickory set as well. To look at it another way, if you sell off what you have now, I doubt you get that much for them. I certainly doubt you get anything close to the value that they have to you. Unless storage space is an issue, I say go for the hickories and keep what you have.

I have a few fairly old sets (70s, 80s, early 90s) and I know that I will never get anything like the worth their are to me if I sold them. Case in point, my Mizuno MS11s (OK, not that old, I admit): I would be lucky to get 60-70USD if I sold them, but to me they are just as playable (=valuable) to me as my newer Mizuno MP-4s.

Valuable is the word is was looking for. ;)

Value

I don't see why you can't keep your pretty "classic" setup that you have now whilst going for a hickory set as well. To look at it another way, if you sell off what you have now, I doubt you get that much for them. I certainly doubt you get anything close to the value that they have to you. Unless storage space is an issue, I say go for the hickories and keep what you have.

I have a few fairly old sets (70s, 80s, early 90s) and I know that I will never get anything like the worth their are to me if I sold them. Case in point, my Mizuno MS11s (OK, not that old, I admit): I would be lucky to get 60-70USD if I sold them, but to me they are just as playable (=valuable) to me as my newer Mizuno MP-4s.

Plus I am keeping all of my laminated and persimmon woods.

The only titanium driver I am keeping is my "Frankenstein" driver which is now painted blue. I'll keep it for my son to use with the blades because I know he will balk at using a wood wood. It will guarantee a slice for him, and I will have no trouble beating him with the hickory sticks. Playing golf I mean....

I don't think it's delusional to want to simplify or go more classic. I get where you're coming from on all aspects.

 

I'm somewhat in the same boat as you. I want my "collection" of clubs to be:

 

1. Clubs that improve my play (make me a better golfer)

2. Clubs that I love to play (look, feel, style)

3. Clubs that I feel are "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" (my own library of congress, if you will)

 

If clubs, classic or not, don't hit those three points, I'll move em on to the next person. A good example of this are the ping eye 2's. For some people, they check all 3 boxes and for some they don't. Now as RWC said, you may regret it later, but it seems you're already 110% sure it's time to move on. Just pull the trigger.

 

 

Now selling, it depends on you.

 

Grouping stuff would be faster and less of a hassle: An all Adams set, the pings together, the 855's together, then single clubs as a group unless there are some higher priced singles in there, then separate those from the pack.

 

Separating stuff would take longer but possibly reap more cash. In that case, I would separate every single club individually except the complete iron sets of at least 5-pw.

Thanks for the input on selling. I'll take that into consideration as I take pics this weekend. Nice to know I'm not alone.

The interesting thing will be the reaction of two people I play with regularly. One probably won't care unless I show up with hickory clubs. The other may not even want to play...

I play classics and minimalist as well, what is your average score and setup?

Average score is 45 per nine. Shot an 84 for 18 recently, which is my personal best.

(Edit: That 45 is on the executive course I regularly play. If I play a real course, it's around 55 per nine, 110 - 115 lately, working on bringing that down.)

Setup is Power/Bilt Persimmon 2 & 3 wood, Wilson k-28 irons circa 1972, Ram PW, and the recently acquired Hogan Equalizer Wedge.

In the bag right now is the P/B 3wood, 2, 5, 7, 9, Hogan, Ram, a 62* wedge for sand, and a brass putter from the 1950's. They are in a modern Nike Stand Bag I got at the local thrift for $10.

I have been trying out the Pinnacle Soft ball recently and it seems to work pretty well.

I don't have many sets compared to some but what I do have are a real mixture; hickory, 1940s, 1950s, 1970s, 1980s and modern.

While I realise that regularly switching between these sets does nothing for my ability as a "golfer" it does give me much more enjoyment.

I've kept my modern set as I use it when playing handicap qualifying competitions and also in pairs competitions where I feel it would be unfair to inflict my old club scoring on my partner!

I am on my 3rd year into hickory...and I love it. Definitely added a "pureness" factor back to the game for me. We play hickory a lot in the spring and fall a lot when it is good weather to walk.

If you think hickory is cheaper than modern. Forget it! Good hickory clubs are just as expensive and classics makers like Tom Stewart irons or Jack white drivers are even more.

Ok, so I decided last night to put my Adams a12OS irons, Adams Blue Driver, and 3 wood (newest moderns) up for sale.

I'm going with:

P/B 2 wood

Wilson K-28 3 & 4 wood

Wilson K-28 5-9 irons

Ram PW

Wilson Sandy Andy Wedge

Matzie "ESP" brass putter

And adding a hybrid - an Acer 5 Iron Hybrid in a senior flex

This is the set I will play the rest of the year with.

Planning to sell the Pings and the Tommy Armours (might play them again, just to make sure, or keep one of the two for backup)

Also clearing out other misc modern clubs.

I'll probably keep Frankenstein because no one would want it anyway.

And I'll keep collecting putters and wedges, and adding a wood to my hickory set, along with a few spares in case I break one.

I don't think I'd burn my bridge behind me. The Ping Eyes and the 855's are good classic irons. Yesterday, I played my Adams Speedline SL driver and 3W, along with my TA 845's. (I have era correct Big Berthas, but I like to mix it up.)

 

Since I bought the 845's a couple months ago, I've only played hickory or blades a couple times. I really like the 845's. I also have a set of Ping Karsten 2's from 1975. Haven't touched them since getting the TA's. I know I'll want to play the idle clubs again at some point.

 

I'd venture to say, that if you get rid of your "modern" classic irons, you'll regret it at some point.

 

Play well!

Maybe so. However, I am not sure mixing up clubs is really good for my game at this point. The Pings are out for sure. And although I do like the TA 855s, I am just going to commit to playing the K-28s for the rest of the season. Plus, except for the outing on the 8th, I am going minimalist so that I can carry as much as possible, something I need to do for my health. The legs hurt like 'el afterward, but it has to be good for me in the long run.

 

I've been a minimalist for years, walking exclusively. Four to seven clubs max. I've been playing 4,7,PW,SW of the TA's, along with a driver, 3W, and putter, 7 clubs.

 

Four clubs: 3W, 7, PW, and putter.

 

Five clubs: 3W, 5,8,PW and putter.

 

Six clubs: Add driver to five club kit.

 

I haven't played more than seven in over 15 years.

 

Play well!

 

I play classics and minimalist as well, what is your average score and setup?

As far as scores, I can play as well minimalist as with a full set. I haven't played with a full set in a least 15 years. The 4 irons, driver, 3W and putter (7) works the best. Take away the driver and SW and results can be similar.

The 3W, 7,PW and putter is my lazy go to kit.

I've played my best golf minimalist, breaking 40 or 80 regularly. Of course, the usual bad games keep me humble.

Classic or hickory, I use whatever clubs give comparable results to the "modern" kit.

Thanks for asking.

What ball do you play with hickories?

Man, I have a handicap, but hickories would be a double-down. I play clubs from the '80s through 2001. Rocking Hogans now and only forged. I'm too competitive to scale back all the way to hickories (plus, I have bad wrists).

But I don't believe most of the marketing about today's $1000+ irons. In the many informal driving range tests I've done, my '83 Ping Eye 2s are every bit as long as the 716 AP1s of comparable loft, and my Hogan Apex Plus and Apex Edge irons feel better and hit them as long as any of them.

One thing I don't worry about is "forgiveness." You can hit it off the toe of an AP1 and achieve nearly full distance. Not so with my Hogans (and forget it with blades). But if I'm hitting it off the toe, I should be punished. I want to be better, so I'd better learn to hit off the sweet spot more often.

That said, I have bagged persimmons. Love the sound and they get out there, too. Not keen on the teeny early metal woods.

I only played hickories from 2008-2012. I loved it and even hosted my own tournament.

I've spent the last few rounds trying different combinations and the results have been mixed. So I'm changing my strategery and going with a minimalist set of clubs I know I hit well.

In the bag for tomorrow's game are a P/B driver & 3 wood, a Wilson 4 wood, Wilson 4 & 7 irons, RAM forged PW, Wilson Sandy Andy, and Matzie putter.

This setup allows me to carry. I have hit all of these clubs consistently well, the only exception being the 4 iron. That might be the first one to be replaced.

My thought is to work with this setup for a while and replace a club or too only to see if I hit them better and can score better. So well see how it goes.

The modern set is definitely for sale. My Sunday golf partner is trying out the irons tomorrow, and I hope to get the driver and 3 wood on eBay next week.

See how it goes...

I've spent the last few rounds trying different combinations and the results have been mixed. So I'm changing my strategery and going with a minimalist set of clubs I know I hit well. In the bag for tomorrow's game are a P/B driver & 3 wood, a Wilson 4 wood, Wilson 4 & 7 irons, RAM forged PW, Wilson Sandy Andy, and Matzie putter.

Ok, that was last year. Last night, in view of a potential outing this weekend, I set up the same bag times three with different club combinations. This years experiment will be to start with the above setup as the base, and switch to the other two bags of 8 clubs each that have different makes / models to see if any club jumps out to be a favorite. I have an idea of what I hit best, but want to see if there is any truth to that or if its only my perception. Moderns are tucked away in a closet, as are the hickories.

Hopefully it won't snow this weekend...

Your "modern" club is at least a few dozen generations than today's golf club.

But I understand why you want to play the "classic" golf clubs. If you're not in competition , all that matters is whatever pleases - you !

I would caution selling of these older golf clubs, It'll be difficult to replace exactly the same in the future and you won;t get top dollars for them today.

When I have the urge to rescue some of the older golf clubs, I refer back to the rules I had set for myself. I'd ask myself if the golf club will be put into play or for personal collection , or maybe for resale ?

Personal collection had been cap by my wife whom asked me to not get anything in before I get something out. Resale ? Good luck, there is a vast market full of the older golf clubs. Trying to make profit margin really needs to know the market price and be patient. Some of the resale target ended up in the donation bin of thrift stores.

But I did notice there is some golfers turned to hickory game. May that be a personal interest, the effect of aging , or pushed by the $500-$800 driver ( which won't last a few years before breakage )......

Best wishes to your new found journey . I might even look into the hickory sometime down the road.

Your "modern" club is at least a few dozen generations than today's golf club.

 

But I understand why you want to play the "classic" golf clubs. If you're not in competition , all that matters is whatever pleases - you !

I would caution selling of these older golf clubs, It'll be difficult to replace exactly the same in the future and you won;t get top dollars for them today.

 

When I have the urge to rescue some of the older golf clubs, I refer back to the riles I had set for myself. I'd ask myself if the golf club will be put into play or for personal collection , or maybe for resale ?

Personal collection had been cap by my wife whom asked me to not get anything in before I get something out. Resale ? Good luck, there is a vast market full of the older golf clubs. Trying to make profit margin really needs to know the market price and be patient. Some of the resale target ended up in the donation bin of thrift stores.

 

But I did notice there is some golfers turned to hickory game. May that be a personal interest, the effect of aging , or pushed by the $500-$800 driver ( which won;t last a few years before breakage )......

Best wishes to your new found journey . I might even look into the hickory sometime down the road.

I play both hickories and vintage clubs. Don't own anything more modern than mid-90's Hogan irons. The Society of Hickory Golfers (hickorygolfers.com) can hook you up with plenty of hickory tournaments and regional playing groups throughout the world. I haven't found a vintage group which provides the same opportunities.

I play both hickories and vintage clubs. Don't own anything more modern than mid-90's Hogan irons. The Society of Hickory Golfers (hickorygolfers.com) can hook you up with plenty of hickory tournaments and regional playing groups throughout the world. I haven't found a vintage group which provides the same opportunities.

There's zero interest in either here in South Florida. I tried to find a Hickory Group here as I was interested a year or so ago and the closest was the Orlando area. Ya, come on up! Um, sorry, over 3 hour drive one way. Not happening. Zero interest in Vintage play down here as well. Oh well, easier for me to keep my oddball image polished I guess.

Tim,

I understand the frustration of being in an area that one would think, if not a hotbed for hickory, at least a few like minded golfers could be persuaded to give the old sticks a swing on occasion.

I have been driving up to North Carolina, from the Charleston area, once a month to participate with the CHGA. It has been well worth the 3 to 4 hour drives.

Don’t rule out the possibility.

I play both hickories and vintage clubs. Don't own anything more modern than mid-90's Hogan irons. The Society of Hickory Golfers (hickorygolfers.com) can hook you up with plenty of hickory tournaments and regional playing groups throughout the world. I haven't found a vintage group which provides the same opportunities.

 

There's zero interest in either here in South Florida. I tried to find a Hickory Group here as I was interested a year or so ago and the closest was the Orlando area. Ya, come on up! Um, sorry, over 3 hour drive one way. Not happening. Zero interest in Vintage play down here as well. Oh well, easier for me to keep my oddball image polished I guess.

There is a regional playing group in Florida which I thought was based in the Tampa area - might be closer to you. You can check the Hickorygolfers.com website under "resources".

Thanks Guys, Both are 3 to 4 hours each way and simply not something I'm willing and able to do. I will keep playing vintage because I love it and maybe some day there will be interest in my area. I'm ok with it never happening though. Really just surprised that living in a 'Golfers Hot Bed' there's zero groups and I've never run into anyone else playing Vintage or Hickory here.