STL Club Builder

T-Gates · December 31, 2014

I normally do my own club work, but we're currently in an apartment right now, and I think this project may be above what I can do in here.

I have a set of Adams XTD forged that are currently shafted with graphite that I want to replace with Steelfiber i95's (already have the shafts).

Does anybody have a good recommendation on a club builder in STL (affordable too)?

Chief Illiniwek · December 31, 2014

I've never been to see him but John Kelly's name always comes up from the STL guys.

JayLefty · December 31, 2014

John Kelly is great. I use him or mail my stuff to Mark at Center Cut Golf.

ObieTrice5 · December 31, 2014

[quote name='JayLefty' timestamp='1420076895' post='10668225']
John Kelly is great. I use him or mail my stuff to Mark at Center Cut Golf.
[/quote]

Another +1 for John. He is a great fitter.

MBS1726 · January 1, 2015

John is great, but I'm afraid he may not fit your "affordable" hopes.

JCAG · January 1, 2015

[quote name='T-Gates' timestamp='1420047571' post='10665893']
I normally do my own club work, but we're currently in an apartment right now, and I think this project may be above what I can do in here.

I have a set of Adams XTD forged that are currently shafted with graphite that I want to replace with Steelfiber i95's (already have the shafts).

Does anybody have a good recommendation on a club builder in STL (affordable too)?
[/quote]

He would have to:

Pull existing shafts. Clean tips and hosels.
Abrade new shaft tips
I am leaving out shaft frequency match, shaft weight match, and/or shaft alignment.
Compute and deal with swingweight issues. May requiring various tip weights.
Fit a ferrule.
Epoxy shaft in head.
Trim shafts to final length.
Turn and polish the new ferrules.
Install grips even if you provide new ones.

I am curious what you would consider a fair price for the above?

Thanks

T-Gates · January 1, 2015

Thanks for all of the recommendations, I saw the mention of John in some older threads, I was curious to know if he was still the go-to guy. I'm still new to the area.

[quote name='JCAG' timestamp='1420130479' post='10670099']

He would have to:

Pull existing shafts. Clean tips and hosels.
Abrade new shaft tips
I am leaving out shaft frequency match, shaft weight match, and/or shaft alignment.
Compute and deal with swingweight issues. May requiring various tip weights.
Fit a ferrule.
Epoxy shaft in head.
Trim shafts to final length.
Turn and polish the new ferrules.
Install grips even if you provide new ones.

I am curious what you would consider a fair price for the above?

Thanks
[/quote]

I'm very familiar with the process, as I've been doing my own club work for around 15 years and I also did some while working for a PGA professional in my younger days.

Affordability is relative, but from my previous experience I would he looking for (hoping for) is a median price of around $30-35 per club.

My first concern is always quality of work over price, I think anyone who takes pride in their golf equipment would agree. But I also have bills to pay. I've been in a pinch before and have taken a project to a clubmaker only to have him cut the shafts 1/2" shorter than requested. When I told him I wanted them fixed, I got the response "1/2" doesn't make any difference". He was far from the cheapest in town.

So maybe I should have said best balance of affordability [i]and[/i] quality.

boycer · January 1, 2015

John does good work. I have used him a few times. I don't remember cost though.

Funkey · January 1, 2015

http://jkellygolf.com/

This is a link to his web site in 2013 not sure if it is good.

JCAG · January 3, 2015

[quote name='T-Gates' timestamp='1420132090' post='10670187']
Thanks for all of the recommendations, I saw the mention of John in some older threads, I was curious to know if he was still the go-to guy. I'm still new to the area.

[quote name='JCAG' timestamp='1420130479' post='10670099']
He would have to:

Pull existing shafts. Clean tips and hosels.
Abrade new shaft tips
I am leaving out shaft frequency match, shaft weight match, and/or shaft alignment.
Compute and deal with swingweight issues. May requiring various tip weights.
Fit a ferrule.
Epoxy shaft in head.
Trim shafts to final length.
Turn and polish the new ferrules.
Install grips even if you provide new ones.

I am curious what you would consider a fair price for the above?

Thanks
[/quote]

I'm very familiar with the process, as I've been doing my own club work for around 15 years and I also did some while working for a PGA professional in my younger days.

Affordability is relative, but from my previous experience I would he looking for (hoping for) is a median price of around $30-35 per club.

My first concern is always quality of work over price, I think anyone who takes pride in their golf equipment would agree. But I also have bills to pay. I've been in a pinch before and have taken a project to a clubmaker only to have him cut the shafts 1/2" shorter than requested. When I told him I wanted them fixed, I got the response "1/2" doesn't make any difference". He was far from the cheapest in town.

So maybe I should have said best balance of affordability [i]and[/i] quality.
[/quote]

You seem to have a fair/good idea at abut $35.00 per club. I wonder how many out here are saying...ouchie at that price?

mo9lff · February 24, 2015

[quote name='T-Gates' timestamp='1420047571' post='10665893']
I normally do my own club work, but we're currently in an apartment right now, and I think this project may be above what I can do in here.

I have a set of Adams XTD forged that are currently shafted with graphite that I want to replace with Steelfiber i95's (already have the shafts).

Does anybody have a good recommendation on a club builder in STL (affordable too)?
[/quote]
Your price is definitely in the right range. Sorry I don't get on here often and try never to step sponsors toes. You can reach me at 636-349-1123 if needed.
John