MacGregor M09 LFF

[tstephen]

The Jumbo M85TW is going to be my favorite gamer this year.

[RobotDoctor]

edited

 

 

Edited December 25, 2023 by RobotDoctor

[deejaid]

Good to hear you put that in play, where it’s meant to be!

[tstephen]

I think Dave would be super happy that you played the LFF. He definitely wanted me to play the ‘50 M09T he restored for me but I just can’t pull the trigger. Fortunately I have the 2 other 50 Ts I’ve played several times and loved them. I like the idea of elevation. I might have to try Tahoe with mine someday. Sounds like you’re getting a big difference in carry. You really should try the newest ProVs and you’ll be amazed how far you can hit persimmon. Jack has always been right about technology. It’s more about the ball than anything else. I’ve mentioned it before but it was really just the first 5 years or so the 3 piece balls were bad with persimmon.

[NRJyzr]

> @tstephen said:

> I think Dave would be super happy that you played the LFF. He definitely wanted me to play the ‘50 M09T he restored for me but I just can’t pull the trigger. Fortunately I have the 2 other 50 Ts I’ve played several times and loved them. I like the idea of elevation. I might have to try Tahoe with mine someday. Sounds like you’re getting a big difference in carry. You really should try the newest ProVs and you’ll be amazed how far you can hit persimmon. **Jack has always been right about technology. It’s more about the ball than anything else.** I’ve mentioned it before but it was really just the first 5 years or so the 3 piece balls were bad with persimmon.

 

It's really not, at least not in the way that Jack has intimated. The balls today are not that much hotter than wound balls. The early ball tests done on launch monitors showed the distance difference was trivial. Stats around the time of the massive ball change have done the same (less than 6 yds with driver). My own highly anecdotal HT100 vs Chrome+ comparison showed about the same thing.

 

Spin is the biggest problem. That said, give the modern pros some newly manufactured wound balls and a bit of working time with club changes and TrackMan, the results wouldn't be that different than what we see now.

 

[RobotDoctor]

edited

Edited December 25, 2023 by RobotDoctor

[NRJyzr]

Several years ago, I came across some Maxfli HT-100s on ebay, picked up a few dozen. Also found 2nd Swing was selling HT-100s that were apparently from the Asian market, genuine balata covers instead of urethane. And, they appeared to have been more recently manufactured than the 10-12 years old I assumed they'd have been at the time.

 

Took some out on the course with what I felt was my lowest spin driver, an 8* XXIO with steel shaft, that I probably can't hit anymore, LOL. Was playing alone, hit a couple balls off the tee, one being a TM TP Black, the other an HT. On shots into the rough, I was invariably about 4 yards longer with the TM. On shots in the fairway, the difference was greater (12 yds), due to differences in roll.

 

Not long after, a similar exercise, mixing and matching between a Fast 12LS and Zing Blonde, and an HT and Chrome+. Both drivers about the same length. Balls would end up in the same spots, regardless of which combination was being used.

 

Fast forward some eight to ten years, those HTs don't have the same pop they did above. A noticeable gap, regardless of the driver being used.

 

It's anecdotal as he11, but I've found it fairly interesting. {shrug}

[tstephen]

Rick Shiels tested 1998 professionals vs 2018 pro V

Sand Wedge average 102 to 103 carry

7 iron average 169 to 175 carry

Driver average 269 to 280 carry

I would agree 100% with his findings

I would estimate a big difference 1998 professionals to 1978 balata balls.

I will never forget Mahaffey playing with Nicklaus in the late 70’s. John was using a Molitor and was 2 clubs longer than Jack with his irons. Those balls flew like rockets off irons and I personally hit stupid long 1 irons with them. Some Toplflights in the late 80’s were also unbelievably long. I will say the wound balls of the 70’s were prone to freaky long drives at times like Mike Austin’s famous tee shot.

[NRJyzr]

> @tstephen said:

> Rick Shiels tested 1998 professionals vs 2018 pro V

> Sand Wedge average 102 to 103 carry

> 7 iron average 169 to 175 carry

> Driver average 269 to 280 carry

> I would agree 100% with his findings

> I would estimate a big difference 1998 professionals to 1978 balata balls.

> I will never forget Mahaffey playing with Nicklaus in the late 70’s. John was using a Molitor and was 2 clubs longer than Jack with his irons. Those balls flew like rockets off irons and I personally hit stupid long 1 irons with them. Some Toplflights in the late 80’s were also unbelievably long. I will say the wound balls of the 70’s were prone to freaky long drives at times like Mike Austin’s famous tee shot.

 

I've seen that video. It's an excellent idea, but there's a flaw that's unavoidable, the age of the Professionals in the test. Wound balls lose significant performance after a few years, even if stored well.

 

I'd love it if one of the ball companies could, or would, produce a small batch of wound balls, just for such tests. It's contrary to their interests, so it will never happen. It's the only way we could get like for like results.

[tstephen]

I do agree they lose some pop. Found this on EBay

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-SPALDING-Scary-Long-MOLITOR-Golf-Balls-Sealed-Box-of-15-New-Golf-Ball/352799080070?hash=item522476be86%3Ag%3AG5oAAOSwxapdh5sf&LH_Auction=1

[NRJyzr]

I hit a Molitor once, back in the day. I think I cracked a tooth

[No_Catchy_Nickname]

> @NRJyzr said:

> I hit a Molitor once, back in the day. I think I cracked a tooth

 

That's my recollection of them, too!

[BIG STU]

Ha HA too funny--- But you guys came out lucky I cracked a wrist

[tstephen]

Looks like 50’s jumbo Macs are returning to the rare club category again. I haven’t seen anything for sale in awhile.

[RobotDoctor]

I haven't either

[tstephen]

I guess this is a good thing- they are supposed to be very hard to find

[tstephen]

‘54 LFF M09 is the only club I would like to add to my collection of 3 ‘50 M09Ts, ‘50 & ‘52 M09s, and my jumbo 693 & M85TW

 

[majic]

Here is some Fine Furniture I am working on for Patrick Boyd Of National Custom

 

[Jiggered]

That's a nice piece of persimmon, and crafted into a beautiful head.

[NRJyzr]

Agreed.

 

It's only completely awesome

[stixman]

Majestic, Tad.

Good to know you are not making frivolous use of your time, that's a serious piece of craftsmanship!

[rgolf06]

you making those in the US with all US components Tad ?

[majic]

Yes all USA made and most I do I use the classic .294 taper tip Dynamic or Dynamic such as DG X100

[rgolf06]

thats's awesome Tad !!

[Soloman1]

Beautiful.

[No_Catchy_Nickname]

Oh my...that is beautiful.

Are the .294 tapers left-over stock? I didn't think they were manufactured anymore.

[NRJyzr]

> @No_Catchy_Nickname said:

> Oh my...that is beautiful.

> Are the .294 tapers left-over stock? I didn't think they were manufactured anymore.

 

I was wondering the same.

 

Maybe it's a secret, and Mr Moore can't share, without having to resort to erasing our memories with a Men in Black neuralizer?

[raggal62]

Stunning!

Was there any contemplation on making them bore thru?

[tstephen]

 

My Christmas gift Louisville LFF driver, ‘97 Centennial LFF, Jumbo M85, and ‘54 LFF M09 that ironically looks the smallest of my 4 eye-o-matic jumbos. Can’t wait to take the Louisville out for a test drive. 44” S-300 D-5.

 

[Rieflin]

tstephn,

What beautiful, beautiful clubs!!!

Just a question, what's your opinion on the Louisville Golf replica LFF? I have lusted after it on their website, but I live in Australia. With the exchange rate & postage, it will cost me in the neighbourhood of 750 - 800 AUD. I don't think I can justify buying one at that price, but I'd like your impressions just the same.