George Govan, Pine Valley, NJ Irons

[Palmetto John]

I stumbled across some irons at an Estate Sale that were marked George Govan, Pine Valley, NJ.  Unfortunately, it was not a full set and I have 3-6, 8, and 10 irons.  The 6-iron is different from the rest and the shaft in the 8-iron has a noticeable bend.  The grips on all but the 6-iron appear original and have the name of the former owner on a Pine Valley shaft label.  I’ve attached some pictures.  
 

I know George Govan was a pro at Pine Valley and his dad was instrumental in building the club.  I have been trying to find some information on these irons.  I’ve only stumbled across a wedge that sold for about $290.  I paid $1.50/club!!

 

These seem like a rare find, but I am anxious to hear from the experts.  Any information would be appreciated.  
 

Edited September 12, 2022 by Palmetto John

[northplatteriver]

True Temper Pro Fit shafts date them to the late Fifties, early 60's.  

[Palmetto John]

Thanks for the information.  I’m wondering who Pine Valley may have contracted to produce the irons?   They seem to be quality clubs.  Had anyone run across a set out there in the ‘wild?’  I haven’t been able to find much on line. 

[Digby_J]

I have a similar set (stamped 4843 rather than 4842, same grips, same or similar head shape) but have very little info on them.

If you find anything out, please share, I would be interested to learn more too.

 

[Palmetto John]

The 10-iron is the only one with the stamping and it is stamped 4843 like yours.  I’m still looking for information and will update as I find anything.  My retired club pro is a collector of classic clubs and he noted that it was not uncommon for prestigious clubs to have there own lines.  These are going to be a ‘wall hanger’ in my golf room. 

[Digby_J]

11 hours ago, Palmetto John said:

My retired club pro is a collector of classic clubs and he noted that it was not uncommon for prestigious clubs to have there own lines.  These are going to be a ‘wall hanger’ in my golf room. 

Back in the day, a lot of pros made clubs.  George Govan’s dad, James Govan grew up in St Andrew’s, worked a Forgan making clubs among other golf related jobs then headed to America where he ended up helping build pine valley. He live on the course and was the first superintendent and first club pro before handing over to his son George, who he had obviously taught a lot about club making to.  As the 20th century progressed golf pros made less from scratch but often stamped their name or club on the head as they put them together. 
 

From my very limited understanding I think George Govan made persimmon woods from scratch but his iron heads were made elsewhere. I don’t know this for sure so would like to know more.  I am not sure if James ever made irons from scratch at pine valley.

 

anyway, nice clubs and a nice piece of history. Enjoy!

Edited September 16, 2022 by Digby_J

[ScottKelley]

James Govan was my great grand father. My grand father was Don Govan and there were 9 Govan brothers. James started pro at Hampstead Golf Club, then onto St Andrew’s, then sailed the family over to USA to St David’s in Pa, then Crump asked James to join him at Pine Valley. I have 3-4 of James’ clubs he made at St Andrew’s, one from St Davids and a couple stamped Pine Valley. Between my brother and I we have almost 2 sets of Uncle George’s clubs - all made at Pine Valley. That green grip set I briefly looked at on this post were probably his own set he made when he retired to Deland, Fla. He had quite a few sets to say the least. 

[Palmetto John]

Thanks for the information Scott.  These irons have a name other than George on the shaft band.  I acquired them from the estate of a local golf course owner in Western NY that was an avid collector of clubs.  They’re in a display case in my golf simulator room.