Top 10 Persimmon Drivers on your collector's wish list

[tstephen]

I wish more golfers had persimmon driver wish lists.

[tstephen]

MacGregor 653, 945, 693, and TPT Special

[rex235]

Tstephen-

 

"...and ix-Nay on the wishin' for more wishes." -Robin Williams, "Aladdin"

 

Everyone has such wonderful collections.

 

Each year, we have a Sunday throwback outing.

 

 

 

One can always wish for some more time to use them.

[RobotDoctor]

Dave Wood has my M09 Jumbo LFF and one of my 693 drivers for Spa treatment. The LFF needs a lot of TLC after seeing what's under the sole plate. Can't wait to get these back so that I can post pics. These will be outstanding for sure. Next to go will be my 945W driver. I'm still on the hunt for a 1953 MacGregor Tommy Armour 945W, MacGregor Tommy Armour Ben Hogan 4393 model driver and the Unicorn of MacGregor woods, a Toney Penna WWT. These are the only three I don't own on my list. I did own a really nice set (1-4) of the 1953 Mac TA 945Ws in the late 90s but was dumb and traded it for something not as good. Ignorance of youth, I suppose.

 

1954-1955 MacGregor 945W

1949-1952 MacGregor 693

1953-1954 MacGregor M85W

1950-1955 MacGregor M09 LFF

1950-1951 MacGregor M43T

1941 MacGregor Tommy Armour Ben Hogan model HSW 4393

1954 MacGregor Toney Penna WWT

1954-1955 MacGregor Toney Penna TPT

1953-1955 MacGregor M75W

1953 MacGregor 945W

Wood Brothers Texan

[tstephen]

Dave Wood has my M09 Jumbo LFF and one of my 693 drivers for Spa treatment. The LFF needs a lot of TLC after seeing what's under the sole plate. Can't wait to get these back so that I can post pics. These will be outstanding for sure. Next to go will be my 945W driver. I'm still on the hunt for a 1953 MacGregor Tommy Armour 945W, MacGregor Tommy Armour Ben Hogan 4393 model driver and the Unicorn of MacGregor woods, a Toney Penna WWT. These are the only three I don't own on my list. I did own a really nice set (1-4) of the 1953 Mac TA 945Ws in the late 90s but was dumb and traded it for something not as good. Ignorance of youth, I suppose.

 

1954-1955 MacGregor 945W

1949-1952 MacGregor 693

1953-1954 MacGregor M85W

1950-1955 MacGregor M09 LFF

1950-1951 MacGregor M43T

1941 MacGregor Tommy Armour Ben Hogan model HSW 4393

1954 MacGregor Toney Penna WWT

1954-1955 MacGregor Toney Penna TPT

1953-1955 MacGregor M75W

1953 MacGregor 945W

Wood Brothers Texan

 

I feel my TPT is a 945TW/M85 hybrid - the best of 2 of the greatest drivers ever.

[tstephen]

My favorite driver/fairway wood combo.

[RobotDoctor]

My favorite driver/fairway wood combo.

 

Yes, a very sweet driver/fairway wood combo. The WWT is definitely a White Unicorn!!! It would be interesting to know just how many sets were made in 1954 or if any were made afterwards by custom order. I bet less than 1,000 sets were ever produced, it that. No basis for my hunch except for a gut feeling.

[mubob1977]

Who does the group recommend if I want to have a driver restored professionally (or at least much better than I could do)?

[mocokid]

Who does the group recommend if I want to have a driver restored professionally (or at least much better than I could do)?

 

Dave Wood is the unanimous choice around here.

[RobotDoctor]

Dave has my LFF and a 693 (driver as well) as I type. I'll send the rest of the 693 set next year as well as my new 653 set for refinish. My LFF had some major issues that Dave will fix. Can't wait to post pics.

[RobotDoctor]

Dave Wood has my M09 Jumbo LFF and one of my 693 drivers for Spa treatment. The LFF needs a lot of TLC after seeing what's under the sole plate. Can't wait to get these back so that I can post pics. These will be outstanding for sure. Next to go will be my 945W driver. I'm still on the hunt for a 1953 MacGregor Tommy Armour 945W, MacGregor Tommy Armour Ben Hogan 4393 model driver and the Unicorn of MacGregor woods, a Toney Penna WWT. These are the only three I don't own on my list. I did own a really nice set (1-4) of the 1953 Mac TA 945Ws in the late 90s but was dumb and traded it for something not as good. Ignorance of youth, I suppose.

 

1954-1955 MacGregor 945W

1949-1952 MacGregor 693

1953-1954 MacGregor M85W

1950-1955 MacGregor M09 LFF

1950-1951 MacGregor M43T

1941 MacGregor Tommy Armour Ben Hogan model HSW 4393

1954 MacGregor Toney Penna WWT

1954-1955 MacGregor Toney Penna TP Special

1953-1955 MacGregor M75W

1953 MacGregor 945W

Wood Brothers Texan

 

 

I now have full sets of the following:

 

1954-1955 MacGregor 945W (1-4)

1949-1952 MacGregor 693 (1-3)

1953-1954 MacGregor M85W (1-4)

1950-1951 MacGregor M43T (1-3)

1954-1955 MacGregor Toney Penna TP Special (1-4)

1953-1955 MacGregor M75W (1-4)

1950-1951 MacGregor 653 (1-3)

 

The TP Specials are the only set completely refinished. I will be getting the other sets listed refinished (preferably by Dave Wood).

[mubob1977]

Who does the group recommend if I want to have a driver restored professionally (or at least much better than I could do)?

 

Dave Wood is the unanimous choice around here.

 

As someone who is unfamiliar with this, what does is typically cost to do a restoration?

[RobotDoctor]

Who does the group recommend if I want to have a driver restored professionally (or at least much better than I could do)?

 

Dave Wood is the unanimous choice around here.

 

As someone who is unfamiliar with this, what does is typically cost to do a restoration?

 

I couldn't tell you. Dave is currently doing two drivers for me, my first using Dave. My '52/'53 M09 LFF and my original 693. The LFF is a full restoration while the 693 is more of a simple reset/refinish. I will know when I get the bill. I know my LFF isn't going to be cheap because of the work involved. I knew that going in but such a rare club deserves to become a "driving instrument" again.

 

Regardless of the cost, I am looking for the best. I have a few sets I would like to send to Dave before he hangs up the shop apron for good. I will budget to have Dave work on my clubs. Once I get my current sets refinished I am probably going to hang up my collector hat, unless something utterly outstanding comes my way.

[NixLix26]

Where can one get a persimmon refinished?

 

[BIG STU]

> @NixLix26 said:

> Where can one get a persimmon refinished?

>

 

Check the PM I just sent you

[tstephen]

My collection is pretty complete but I do have a wish list. The natural Masters Wood Bros driver back together with the green one that is in my collection and the ‘52 LFF M09 to go with my 7 early 50’s MacGregor jumbos would make it that much nicer.

 

[RobotDoctor]

I've had a change in desire for my collection. I have decided that I am going to feature the "Big 4" models as sets (693, 945, M43 and M85). The 693 set will be completed in a month or so (all 4 restored by Dave Wood). My M43T set is complete courtesy of Persimmonpal by way of freddieic. My M85W set comprises of 1-3 (driver done by Dave Wood and the set courtesy of freddic). The 2-3 need a sibling so I'll find a very nice 4. I've got a decent 945W driver that was a gamer once upon a time ago. I have a 2-4 That need to be restored. I'm searching for an outstanding driver, and I mean super outstanding. Once I have those I'll send the M85Ws and 945Ws to Dave. Along with my '52 LFF and set of '54 TP Specials, WB Texan (Gene Sauers), and a couple others my collection is pretty much done.

I guess it's about down sizing at this point. I've got a set of mint, never used MacGregor Muirfield 20th irons (3-SW) that I'm debating whether to keep or find a great home. Time will tell.

[Foozle]

Great thread to resurrect and some really beautiful clubs throughout. Interested to know if Fred's top 10 has changed since first posting?

[tstephen]

Can’t wait to see RobotDoctor’s sets after Dave Wood does his magic. When it comes to sets personal preference plays a big role. I have the following sets starting with MacGregor: 945 driver, 3 wood; 693 driver, 3 wood; 25th mint proof set 116/150 Jack Nicklaus driver, 3 wood; Velocitized TP1W driver, 3, 4, 5. Cleveland: 693 driver/4 wood mint limited; AL44 gamma fire driver, 3, 5; Crenshaw driver, 3, 5. Orlimar: driver, 2, 3, 4, 5; new driver, 3, 5/6 unmarked. Joe Powell: L/E driver, smoker, 4 wood; PT1W driver, smoker. Louisville: TWP mint custom blonde driver, 3, 5. Hogan ‘53 driver, 3, 4. Wood Bros: Texan driver, 3 wood. Powerbilt: H&B Century HBW 84 0006/1000 mint driver, brassie, spoon, cleek. My most recent set from deejaid original shaft perfect label grip all 4 u-shape ‘58 Stan Thompson driver, 2, 3, 4.

 

 

[freddiec]

Foozle, I recently acquired a great M85 with original shaft, 2 1950s 945W Eye O Matic Drivers and a nice refinished M75W driver. One of the 945s is all original , the other was refinished a few years ago by Dave Wood. I'll post pics later. I also feel my collection is complete.

[tstephen]

As far as sets go Toney Penna WW or WWT Specials will always be the unicorn. I’m partial to the rwr insert but any 1-6 complete set would have to be #1 on my set wish list. I’m lucky enough to have a WW rwr 2 wood refinished by Dave Wood.

 

 

[Lincoln_Arcadia]

What a great thread! I still play MacGregor’s against my daughter.

[LeftyMac]

I'm very jealous of most of the collections on here. A lot of the clubs in this thread are incredibly rare or non existent in left hand. I have some nice 653's but something like an LFF in left is only a dream.

[tstephen]

Rex235 has a jumbo lefty custom probably from the 60’s maybe that is closest to a lefty LFF.

[Foozle]

Fred, I am looking forward to the pictures.

I do wonder if a collection is ever complete? I began collecting sets of blade irons with a wish list of about 10 sets that I lusted after in my youth but couldn't dream of owning. My search took me down various side roads and by the time I had "completed" my collection I owned numerous other sets that took my interest along the way and I had also diversified into age related persimmons etc. I am still collecting and don't see me stopping anytime soon!

I don't have the self discipline to ignore all the lovely vintage clubs out there!

[RobotDoctor]

That's so true. A collection really never is complete. There comes a point where the completion is close and all a collector is looking for is a "perfect" piece to add on.

[tstephen]

My collection is a revolving one: 33 persimmon fairway woods, 32 non MacGregor drivers, 31 MacGregor drivers, 2 Ping ISI tour laminated fairway woods(new 7&9), 1 laminated driver(Tour Wilson Whale new from Robert Mendralla estate) and my Kenneth Smith persimmon putter = 100. Basically if I get another MacGregor driver my M80 lefty is a goner and another non MacGregor then my Toney Penna “The Natural” is gone.

[tstephen]

My collection is a revolving one: 33 persimmon fairway woods, 32 non MacGregor drivers, 31 MacGregor drivers, 2 Ping ISI tour laminated fairway woods(new 7&9), 1 laminated driver(Tour Wilson Whale new from Robert Mendralla estate) and my Kenneth Smith persimmon putter = 100. Basically if I get another MacGregor driver my M80 lefty is a goner and another non MacGregor then my Toney Penna “The Natural” is gone.

[RobotDoctor]

Update to this thread to expand this to full sets as well:

I posted my top 10 drivers to be (bold is in my collection at that moment):

1954-1955 MacGregor 945W1949-1952 MacGregor 6931953-1955 MacGregor M85W1950-1955 MacGregor M09 LFF1950-1951 MacGregor M43T

1941 MacGregor Tommy Armour Ben Hogan model HSW 4393

1954 MacGregor Toney Penna WWT1954-1955 MacGregor Toney Penna TPT1953-1955 MacGregor M75W

1953 MacGregor 945WWood Brothers Texan

 

I just picked up a set of 1953 MacGregor 945Ws. While not original (shafts have been changed to S300, they add to my list of most coveted drivers/sets. I've added an 11th driver to the list. My list is now as follows (bold is in my possession, or soon will be):MacGregor 945W EOM (1954-1955)MacGregor 693 (1949-1952)MacGregor M85W (1953-1955 )MacGregor M09 LFF (1950-1955)MacGregor M43T (1950-1952)

MacGregor Toney Penna WW Special (1954) *MacGregor Toney Penna TP Special (1954)MacGregor M75W (1952-1955)MacGregor 945W (1953)Wood Brothers Texan (made for tour player Gene Sauers)

Wood Brothers Barry Jaeckel Texan *

 

* denotes the sets/driver that I do not have in my collection.

The 1941 MacGregor Tommy Armour Ben Hogan model HSW 4393 has been replaced by the Wood Brothers Barry Jaeckel Texan that Fred just got.

 

At this point I believe my collection is complete. I will now focus on restoring what I have.

[RobotDoctor]

My ever changing top 10 list:

 

1954-1955 MacGregor 945W

1950-1952 MacGregor 693

1953-1955 MacGregor M85W

1950-1955 MacGregor M09 LFF

1950-1951 MacGregor M43T

1954-1955 MacGregor Toney Penna TP Special

1953 MacGregor 945W

Wood Brothers Texan

1954 MacGregor Toney Penna WW

Wood Brothers Australian

 

Bold indicates woods I have owned.  The underline indicates woods currently in my collection.  I might have an opportunity for a Wood Brothers Australian in the future.  This one is mint and fabulous!!! Time will tell.  And of course there is the Unicorn (WW Special).  I would be thrilled to have any WW Special wood, not just driver.