Palmer “The Deacon” irons

[deejaid]

Well, I was looking for a more modern set of classic era blades, meaning 1980’s or early 90’s and came across this set of Palmer “The Deacon” irons. They look really nice. The shape is reminiscent of Hogan Redlines, at least the back pad muscle. I really like the look of the leading edge as well with just a slight curve.

 

I have been unable to find any info on these so I bought them without really knowing what I’m getting into, but they are forged, have pinned hosels, and look to have a very lovely shape.

 

Does anyone know anything about these?

 

 

 

 

[BIG STU]

Not much help but can tell you where "The Deacon" part came from---- Mr Palmer went to Wake Forest University and they are called the Demon Deacons---- Footnote that was back in the day when the school was actually located in Wake Forest NC near Raleigh now it is located some 100 miles north in Winston Salem NC. I know not much info on the clubs themselves but a little history lesson

[farmer]

Well, his father was also known as "Deacon". Other than that, these are department-sporting goods store irons.

[rgk5]

> @farmer said:

> Well, his father was also known as "Deacon". Other than that, these are department-sporting goods store irons.

 

No, they are not. They were a pro shop line priced just below the Palmer Standard. Sold around 1983-85 IIRC.

[deejaid]

Thanks for the info guys. I had no idea what they were but figured they would be a bit of a higher end model since they were forged and have pinned hosels. Like I said, I really just like the look and shape of them so I thought I’d take a chance. Glad to hear they are a Pro Line though.

 

I need to get one of the Golfworks price guide books, maybe they are listed in there.

[NRJyzr]

I have to add, these aren't reminiscent of the Redlines, the Redlines are reminiscent of the Deacons. :) >:) o:)

 

(sorry, had to)

[deejaid]

> @NRJyzr said:

> I have to add, these aren't reminiscent of the Redlines, the Redlines are reminiscent of the Deacons. :) >:) o:)

>

> (sorry, had to)

 

Well, I was looking at a set of Redlines too and couldn’t decide between them or the Deacons so I grabbed them both. :D

 

But yeah if the Deacons are from 1983-85 as rgk5 mentioned above then yes, they predate the Redlines. Either way, they both look fantastic and I can’t wait to give them a head to head testing.

 

 

[3puttsRLife]

I've been eyeballing this set as well for the past month but can't make myself pull the trigger on them. I love how clean the lines are on them.

[deejaid]

The Deacons arrived today and they have a lovely shape to them. Narrow soles but a bit of bounce and a radiused leading edge should make them play pretty nice.

 

Now the bad. They were listed as stiff flex but on my deflection board they are closer to extra stiff. Add on top of that they are 3/4” long so if I butt trim them to standard length they will really be boards. I think a shaft change may be in order.

[deejaid]

And a D5/6 swingweight. A big boy ordered these thing new.

[jmgledhill]

Are you going to reshaft them?

[deejaid]

> @jmgledhill said:

> Are you going to reshaft them?

 

 

I’ll play them a bit first before I do anything to them. Considering they are a full 1” longer than my 58 Wilson’s (which play shorter than standard) The Deacons flew longer than the Wilsons and still plenty high even though I can feel they are at the upper limit of what I can load.

 

I’ll start by measuring all the specs on them tonight, length, loft, lie, and swingweight.

 

[rex235]

Deejaid-

Palmer Deacon irons were done by ProGroup in the '80s (Ooltewah, TN), and were just under "The Standard" iron model.

Very nice looking and clean shape. A friend had a set, and a few of his irons had more than a few pieces of lead tape.

Unlike the Standards, Deacons were RH Only.

[deejaid]

> @rex235 said:

> Deejaid-

> Palmer Deacon irons were done by ProGroup in the '80s (Ooltewah, TN), and were just under "The Standard" iron model.

> Very nice looking and clean shape. A friend had a set, and a few of his irons had more than a few pieces of lead tape.

> Unlike the Standards, Deacons were RH Only.

 

Thanks for the info Rex. They have a really nice shape. I really like the narrow sole with extra bounce although I was missing fat as they were over length. They also had old worn out half cords that were built up 1/16” so I got those off, took off a half inch and put on some GripMaster leather grips on them. Got them down to a D3 from the D6 swingweight. Also cleaned them with some Bar Keepers Friend and touched up the paint fill on the sole. They are some really classy irons. Can’t wait to hit them now.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[DannyRR]

I just bought a set of Deacon irons not The Deacon were these before The Deacons or after?