Macgregor Tourney Master DX Please Help

[Jackjv21]

I recently found these near mint blades at a garage sale for $10.00. I have searched about 10 pages deep on the internet and cannot find any information about them. Does anyone know the year they were made ect? Please help, any info will be much appreciated.

[Jackjv21]

Another pic in case you couldn't see very well. Please, someone has to know something.

[oldschoolrocker]

I also came up empty on a search. The one promising page wouldn't load, but I am certain those with more knowledge than I will soon offer their insight.

[Shallowface]

[quote name='Jackjv21' timestamp='1384224887' post='8135006']
Another pic in case you couldn't see very well. Please, someone has to know something.
[/quote]

They're in the second edition of the Kaplan book. These clubs are from 1972.
No specs unfortunately.
Suggested retail for 2-PW was $90. Considering MTs were $200, I'd guess this was more of a store line (probably sporting goods stores) than a pro line.
I used to play with my dad and some guys he worked with when I was a teenager back in the 1970s. One of the guys had a set of those DX Tourney Master irons. I enjoyed playing with him as we both shot in the 70s and he was good competition for me. He played quite well with them.

[Jackjv21]

Thanks shallowface!!!!!

[Ol_Pardner]

Jack, I would tend to agree with Shallowface, though I don't have the documentation. From what I have seen about that particular model--ebay, prices and descriptions--and individual irons I've studied at the thrifts, they appear to be retail rather than pro-line. That's not to say that they aren't quality clubs. I think too often, some on these forums, are too quick to lump all retail clubs into the category of "junk." This is not always the case. I have an old set of MacGregor retail clubs, Ben Hogan Bantams, that hit and feel about as good as anything else--pro or retail--I've tried from the late 1940s to early 1950s. They were made before Hogan started his own company (1953). Also, MacGregor made a retail model in the 1960s and into the '70s, the 'MC' that was not that cheap, and had a loyal following.
Additionally, the DX model, started out in the mid 1960s as an elite, top of the pro-line entry for MacGregor. But like the Wilson X-31, in an attempt to 'wring' the last bit of marketing mo-jo out of the names, the DX and X-31 stamps where shifted to retail lines.
I say, try them out, and see whether or not they work for you. It's one of the joys of being a 'club-Ho,' try everything, at least once.

[Shallowface]

[quote name='Ol_Pardner' timestamp='1384339423' post='8141884']
Jack, I would tend to agree with Shallowface, though I don't have the documentation. From what I have seen about that particular model--ebay, prices and descriptions--and individual irons I've studied at the thrifts, they appear to be retail rather than pro-line. That's not to say that they aren't quality clubs. I think too often, some on these forums, are too quick to lump all retail clubs into the category of "junk." This is not always the case. I have an old set of MacGregor retail clubs, Ben Hogan Bantams, that hit and feel about as good as anything else--pro or retail--I've tried from the late 1940s to early 1950s. They were made before Hogan started his own company (1953). Also, MacGregor made a retail model in the 1960s and into the '70s, the 'MC' that was not that cheap, and had a loyal following.
Additionally, the DX model, started out in the mid 1960s as an elite, top of the pro-line entry for MacGregor. But like the Wilson X-31, in an attempt to 'wring' the last bit of marketing mo-jo out of the names, the DX and X-31 stamps where shifted to retail lines.
I say, try them out, and see whether or not they work for you. It's one of the joys of being a 'club-Ho,' try everything, at least once.
[/quote]

I saw a set of Wilson Billy Casper irons in a thrift the other day. The heads had the same back as the original Dynapowers from the late 50s. Lots of beautiful stampings and good chrome, topped off with leather reminder grips. No one would have been ashamed of owning those.

I never cease to be amazed at how beautiful some of the store line clubs of the 60s were. They may not have sold for as much as the pro line, but it sure appears that a lot of care was taken in the manufacture of many of them.

[Socrates]

I notice a lot of WRXer's seem to troll the thrift stores. I wonder if/when they come in wearing these if the staff don't go: "Oh you poor man. Those are so unfortunate. We've got a nice pair of trousers for $1 if that helps you out."
[attachment=1947444:images.jpeg]

I agree the DX shown is likely a retail line. They look good though. I can't believe we played with stuff like that and thought it was good (razor sharp leading edge with 0º or negative bounce).

[Ironmaster Oddities]

[quote name='Shallowface' timestamp='1384343883' post='8141940']
[quote name='Ol_Pardner' timestamp='1384339423' post='8141884']
Jack, I would tend to agree with Shallowface, though I don't have the documentation. From what I have seen about that particular model--ebay, prices and descriptions--and individual irons I've studied at the thrifts, they appear to be retail rather than pro-line. That's not to say that they aren't quality clubs. I think too often, some on these forums, are too quick to lump all retail clubs into the category of "junk." This is not always the case. I have an old set of MacGregor retail clubs, Ben Hogan Bantams, that hit and feel about as good as anything else--pro or retail--I've tried from the late 1940s to early 1950s. They were made before Hogan started his own company (1953). Also, MacGregor made a retail model in the 1960s and into the '70s, the 'MC' that was not that cheap, and had a loyal following.
Additionally, the DX model, started out in the mid 1960s as an elite, top of the pro-line entry for MacGregor. But like the Wilson X-31, in an attempt to 'wring' the last bit of marketing mo-jo out of the names, the DX and X-31 stamps where shifted to retail lines.
I say, try them out, and see whether or not they work for you. It's one of the joys of being a 'club-Ho,' try everything, at least once.
[/quote]

I saw a set of Wilson Billy Casper irons in a thrift the other day. The heads had the same back as the original Dynapowers from the late 50s. Lots of beautiful stampings and good chrome, topped off with leather reminder grips. No one would have been ashamed of owning those.

I never cease to be amazed at how beautiful some of the store line clubs of the 60s were. They may not have sold for as much as the pro line, but it sure appears that a lot of care was taken in the manufacture of many of them.
[/quote]
s

Good thoughts. Store line or lower price point pro shop lines don't necessarily mean the clubs are junk. On the contrary,when you look back at some of the old catalogs you can see that , in some cases, the store line clubs were as expensive as the pro shop lines. In some of the earlier MacGregor Catalogs, the Chieftain clubs were even a little higher priced than the Tourneys for the same year. There were several price points in both Store-line and Pro shop clubs. And It looks obvious to me that last year's top line iron could become next year's price point club with few if any modifications. A cheaper shaft, simpler hosel trim, less expensive grip, and you have a club that is 3 or 4 dollars cheaper. $35-45.00
lower price was a whole different market. Put a current tour player's name on it and it had mass appeal. Kaplan's Wilson and MacGregor Powerbilt compilations are great sources to see this.

[Jackjv21]

This is why I posted here!!!! Thanks guys!!!!

[Ol_Pardner]

[quote name='Socrates' timestamp='1384353916' post='8142410']
I notice a lot of WRXer's seem to troll the thrift stores. I wonder if/when they come in wearing these if the staff don't go: "Oh you poor man. Those are so unfortunate. We've got a nice pair of trousers for $1 if that helps you out."
[attachment=1947444:images.jpeg]

I agree the DX shown is likely a retail line. They look good though. I can't believe we played with stuff like that and thought it was good (razor sharp leading edge with 0º or negative bounce).
[/quote]

LOL, Socrates: I'm retired, and since I don't have to dress for work anymore [unless one of my old bosses calls with some temporary assignment], so I have opted for Carpenter's dungarees [jeans], faded and worn. I have found them to be very functional: the lower pockets on the right leg will accomodate a cellphone, reading glasses, 1-pen, and 1-cigar [50 ring guage or less]. I'm having trouble finding uses for the 'hammer-loop' on the left leg. So far, limited to occasionally hanging a tape measure or hanging a water bottle on a clip.
No one has offered me any clothing, or even a $1 for a bowl of soup or a cup of coffee. [Might have scared them off when I showed them how I wrapped aluminum foil around my ankles, to deflect radio waves.]
However, there was a cashier at one thrift who once gave me a 'banker's box,' [file box] full of old golfballs, just to get them out of their store. A couple of times she also set aside some clubs that came in, just for me.
An old friend had a 'stunning(?)' light-blue, 3-piece, polyster leisure-suit, that he finally gave up about 30 yrs ago, and I have been on the look-out for it! Figure it's about time for it be stylish again. [Is here's a Slang blade, hit ain't no Kaiser blade! Hey there big man, lemme hold a $1?]
[attachment=1948320:Kaiser or Slang blade U.jpg]

[super20dan]

i found a magregor history and COMPLETE sales catolog book with pics and prices of ALL clubs ever made. i will look these up after work tonite. this book is bound to come in handy here with mac gregor questions. looks like they are from 1965 or so . my maltby club id book has fallen apart and not shure if they still sell it. the book store also has tom wishons modern clubmaking book that i am going back to get . ran out of $ first trip

[Jackjv21]

Love this site!!!! Thanks super20dan!!!!

[Ironmaster Oddities]

[quote name='Ol_Pardner' timestamp='1384390795' post='8145782']
[quote name='Socrates' timestamp='1384353916' post='8142410']
I notice a lot of WRXer's seem to troll the thrift stores. I wonder if/when they come in wearing these if the staff don't go: "Oh you poor man. Those are so unfortunate. We've got a nice pair of trousers for $1 if that helps you out."
[attachment=1947444:images.jpeg]

I agree the DX shown is likely a retail line. They look good though. I can't believe we played with stuff like that and thought it was good (razor sharp leading edge with 0º or negative bounce).
[/quote]

LOL, Socrates: I'm retired, and since I don't have to dress for work anymore [unless one of my old bosses calls with some temporary assignment], so I have opted for Carpenter's dungarees [jeans], faded and worn. I have found them to be very functional: the lower pockets on the right leg will accomodate a cellphone, reading glasses, 1-pen, and 1-cigar [50 ring guage or less]. I'm having trouble finding uses for the 'hammer-loop' on the left leg. So far, limited to occasionally hanging a tape measure or hanging a water bottle on a clip.
No one has offered me any clothing, or even a $1 for a bowl of soup or a cup of coffee. [Might have scared them off when I showed them how I wrapped aluminum foil around my ankles, to deflect radio waves.]
However, there was a cashier at one thrift who once gave me a 'banker's box,' [file box] full of old golfballs, just to get them out of their store. A couple of times she also set aside some clubs that came in, just for me.
An old friend had a 'stunning(?)' light-blue, 3-piece, polyster leisure-suit, that he finally gave up about 30 yrs ago, and I have been on the look-out for it! Figure it's about time for it be stylish again. [Is here's a Slang blade, hit ain't no Kaiser blade! Hey there big man, lemme hold a $1?]
[attachment=1948320:Kaiser or Slang blade U.jpg]
[/quote]

Wow, Pards. that is a great vintage 1-iron you have there.
Did you get that at the thrift store or the local Serial-Killers-R-Us? To quote the late, great WC Fields, "Ahhhh yesssss.I unsheathed my Bowie knife(Kniiiiife) and cut a path(Paaaath)... through a wall of Human Flesh(Fleeeeesh"), dragging my canoe behind meeeee"."

[super20dan]

those dx clubs came out in 1972 and cost 90$ for 2-pw. this is half what the vip and mt line cost. . matching one and sw were offered. only cane with rubber grip and not the leather which denotes cost savings for this entry line.. the woods were lamenated maple and not the persimmion mac was known for.all this info comes from my new mac history and catalog book
.

[Shallowface]

[quote name='super20dan' timestamp='1384468747' post='8149870']
those dx clubs came out in 1972 and cost 90$ for 2-pw. this is half what the vip and mt line cost. . matching one and sw were offered. only cane with rubber grip and not the leather which denotes cost savings for this entry line.. the woods were lamenated maple and not the persimmion mac was known for.all this info comes from my new mac history and catalog book
.
[/quote]

Yep, that pretty much agrees with what I posted two days ago.

Did you get the second edition of the Jim Kaplan book, or do you have something different?

[BIG STU]

You are both correct on that. But that being said even though they were department store clubs they were quality made. I had a set of 66 model DXs a few years ago that I sold to a guy for a restaurant display. I did play a couple of rounds with them they hit ok with the stock original Pro-Pel shafts but did not hit quite as well as my Kolorchromes with S-300 shafts

[super20dan]

i got a brand new second edition of the kaplan. book.does any one know if the golfworks id book is still aval?

[Shallowface]

[quote name='super20dan' timestamp='1384518294' post='8152398']
i got a brand new second edition of the kaplan. book.does any one know if the golfworks id book is still aval?
[/quote]

[url="http://www.golfworks.com/product.asp?pn=GCID4"]http://www.golfworks.com/product.asp?pn=GCID4[/url]

The 4th and final edition, with listings through 1998.
I guess they gave up because of Taylormade's product introduction policies. You'd need a wheelbarrow to haul it around.

[super20dan]

thats so funny i almost pissed my self

[Ol_Pardner]

[quote name='Ironmaster Oddities' timestamp='1384440745' post='8147838']
[quote name='Ol_Pardner' timestamp='1384390795' post='8145782']
[quote name='Socrates' timestamp='1384353916' post='8142410']
I notice a lot of WRXer's seem to troll the thrift stores. I wonder if/when they come in wearing these if the staff don't go: "Oh you poor man. Those are so unfortunate. We've got a nice pair of trousers for $1 if that helps you out."
[attachment=1947444:images.jpeg]

I agree the DX shown is likely a retail line. They look good though. I can't believe we played with stuff like that and thought it was good (razor sharp leading edge with 0º or negative bounce).
[/quote]

LOL, Socrates: I'm retired, and since I don't have to dress for work anymore [unless one of my old bosses calls with some temporary assignment], so I have opted for Carpenter's dungarees [jeans], faded and worn. I have found them to be very functional: the lower pockets on the right leg will accomodate a cellphone, reading glasses, 1-pen, and 1-cigar [50 ring guage or less]. I'm having trouble finding uses for the 'hammer-loop' on the left leg. So far, limited to occasionally hanging a tape measure or hanging a water bottle on a clip.
No one has offered me any clothing, or even a $1 for a bowl of soup or a cup of coffee. [Might have scared them off when I showed them how I wrapped aluminum foil around my ankles, to deflect radio waves.]
However, there was a cashier at one thrift who once gave me a 'banker's box,' [file box] full of old golfballs, just to get them out of their store. A couple of times she also set aside some clubs that came in, just for me.
An old friend had a 'stunning(?)' light-blue, 3-piece, polyster leisure-suit, that he finally gave up about 30 yrs ago, and I have been on the look-out for it! Figure it's about time for it be stylish again. [Is here's a Slang blade, hit ain't no Kaiser blade! Hey there big man, lemme hold a $1?]
[attachment=1948320:Kaiser or Slang blade U.jpg]
[/quote]

Wow, Pards. that is a great vintage 1-iron you have there.
Did you get that at the thrift store or the local Serial-Killers-R-Us? To quote the late, great WC Fields, "Ahhhh yesssss.I unsheathed my Bowie knife(Kniiiiife) and cut a path(Paaaath)... through a wall of Human Flesh(Fleeeeesh"), dragging my canoe behind meeeee"."
[/quote]
Hai! Iron-Master! Au contrar [or whatever], Harvey Penick said that the grass-blade or sling-blade was the best swing training/strengthening device. I also learned that the 2d best training technique for developing strength and power is chopping fire wood with an ax. [Not one's hand.]
[btw: Just got back from a 'Manson Family' Reunion. Can't imagine why my front yard is one the few the neighborhood kids won't ride their bicycles thr! lol]
[attachment=1950702:hi profile1x.png]

[Ol_Pardner]

Btw: re: Pro-line v. Retail clubs: picked-up an older model Mac "Great Scot" Dual wedge for $1. Hit a few shots felt great, however, didn't take long for 'Club-Ho' Syndrome to take over: hmmmm, ok, does it need an Apex or DG 300, 400, or Spinner W-shaft? What about the lie? Needs to be at least 1" longer, . . .

[HoldenCornfield]

Are the clubs in the OP forged or cast? I assumed they would be forged but when I tried a set of these they felt cast.