Best of British!

[Foozle]

There is something going on here in the UK. Even in Scotland Union flags are flying in abundance. Must check the news to see what the occasion is....

Anyhow, all this flag waving has got me thinking about the best of British so I thought I would pull out some of my UK collection and take a few pictures.

Included are Harry Busson

Peter Broadbent

Paul Gibson

 and Andy Kikidas

Long may they reign!

[hammergolf]

5 minutes ago, Foozle said:

There is something going on here in the UK. Even in Scotland Union flags are flying in abundance. Must check the news to see what the occasion is....

Anyhow, all this flag waving has got me thinking about the best of British so I thought I would pull out some of my UK collection and take a few pictures.

Included are Harry Busson

Peter Broadbent

Paul Gibson

 and Andy Kikidas

Long may they reign!

Very nice!

[The Aspidistra in the Hall]

32 minutes ago, hammergolf said:

Very nice!

Any Harold Beck ?

[Jiggered]

That's a mighty fine collection!

 

I didn't realise that Fazer produced persimmon woods, and Paul Gibson no less!

 

And I've not seen Andy Kikidas before either, nice firing pin inserts. 

 

I must admit that I've not really focused on British persimmon, having more of a penchant for irons, but seeing your collection has made me realise what I've been missing!

[bcstones]

1 hour ago, Foozle said:

There is something going on here in the UK. Even in Scotland Union flags are flying in abundance. Must check the news to see what the occasion is....

Anyhow, all this flag waving has got me thinking about the best of British so I thought I would pull out some of my UK collection and take a few pictures.

Included are Harry Busson

Peter Broadbent

Paul Gibson

 and Andy Kikidas

Long may they reign!

lots of flag waving, huh....well, it's Cinco de Mayo here in the States, maybe they're celebrating the 1862 Mexican defeat of the French....could be, eh

[Foozle]

1 hour ago, The Aspidistra in the Hall said:

Any Harold Beck ?

Never had the good fortune to find any. On the wish list!

[Foozle]

1 hour ago, Jiggered said:

That's a mighty fine collection!

 

I didn't realise that Fazer produced persimmon woods, and Paul Gibson no less!

 

And I've not seen Andy Kikidas before either, nice firing pin inserts. 

 

I must admit that I've not really focused on British persimmon, having more of a penchant for irons, but seeing your collection has made me realise what I've been missing!

I think Paul Gibson's Fazer is different to Fazer the brand albeit the font is similar, it would seem an unlikely collaboration? 

Andy Kikidas trained under and followed Barry Willet from St George's Hill and onto the Mizuno Tour Bus. I am guessing his club production under his own name was quite short lived. I have the two clubs pictured, one un hit the other looks like it has been hit once....badly!

It was the Peter Broadbents that got me into these. His peak era was circa 1984 through to early '90's which is when I was playing most. Would have loved one of his woods back then but I understand they cost around £250 each. To put that in context, I paid £50 for a MacGregor super eye o magic in either '85 or '86. I am now lucky enough to own Peter Broadbents A1 -not the first club he ever made but the first under his coding system along with several other 'A' clubs. 

I have been lucky enough to add a couple of Harry Busson's recently to the matched set I have owned for sometime now. A bit like buses, none for ages then two come at once!

[The Aspidistra in the Hall]

Fazer and Paul Gibson, yes, could be.

Fazer was in Leeds and run by a Moortown member, H Malcolm Illingworth. (I was at Moortown for 20+ years)

 

He would have been a contemporary of Paul's and they would have certainly known each other. Malcolm played scratch league for Moortown, maybe County level. He might well have asked Paul to make him a Fazer persimmon.

 

When Paul started out he was Assistant Pro at Alwoodley GC just next door to Moortown and his first retail shop was close by off Scotthall Road.

 

Edited May 6, 2023 by The Aspidistra in the Hall

[elwhippy]

Broadbent, Gibson and Busson are a match for any US or Japanese woods.

[Jiggered]

6 hours ago, The Aspidistra in the Hall said:

Fazer and Paul Gibson, yes, could be.

Fazer was in Leeds and run by a Moortown member, H Malcolm Illingworth. (I was at Moortown for 20+ years)

 

He would have been a contemporary of Paul's and they would have certainly known each other. Malcolm played scratch league for Moortown, maybe County level. He might well have asked Paul to make him a Fazer persimmon.

 

When Paul started out he was Assistant Pro at Alwoodley GC just next door to Moortown and his first retail shop was close by off Scotthall Road.

 

 

You've got me scouring ebay for Fazer logos now!

The newer logo versions are different but some of the earlier ones are very similar.

 

[Foozle]

6 hours ago, The Aspidistra in the Hall said:

Fazer and Paul Gibson, yes, could be.

Fazer was in Leeds and run by a Moortown member, H Malcolm Illingworth. (I was at Moortown for 20+ years)

 

He would have been a contemporary of Paul's and they would have certainly known each other. Malcolm played scratch league for Moortown, maybe County level. He might well have asked Paul to make him a Fazer persimmon.

 

When Paul started out he was Assistant Pro at Alwoodley GC just next door to Moortown and his first retail shop was close by off Scotthall Road.

 

Thanks for the insight. I was not thinking of a personal connection between Gibson and Fazer. With this information and @Jiggereddiligent research it seems certain that my Gibson Fazer is a collaboration. 

Thanks to both for your help.

[DoughBack18]

That 1 1/2 wood is too sweet!

[No_Catchy_Nickname]

On 5/6/2023 at 10:43 PM, The Aspidistra in the Hall said:

Fazer and Paul Gibson, yes, could be.

Fazer was in Leeds and run by a Moortown member, H Malcolm Illingworth. (I was at Moortown for 20+ years)

 

He would have been a contemporary of Paul's and they would have certainly known each other. Malcolm played scratch league for Moortown, maybe County level. He might well have asked Paul to make him a Fazer persimmon.

 

When Paul started out he was Assistant Pro at Alwoodley GC just next door to Moortown and his first retail shop was close by off Scotthall Road.

 

 

Do you know when was Paul Gibson making persimmons? I played near Leeds as a junior in the mid to late Eighties, but I don't remember hearing anything about a persimmon golf club maker, though Fazer ring a bell.

 

Admittedly, people were starting the transition to metalwoods, which is why there might have been little buzz about handmade persimmons, but I knew one or two wealthy golf fanatics who were heavily into equipment (proto WRXers), and I don't recall hearing anything about Paul Gibson from them.

 

 

 

[The Aspidistra in the Hall]

4 hours ago, No_Catchy_Nickname said:

 

Do you know when was Paul Gibson making persimmons? I played near Leeds as a junior in the mid to late Eighties, but I don't remember hearing anything about a persimmon golf club maker, though Fazer ring a bell.

 

Admittedly, people were starting the transition to metalwoods, which is why there might have been little buzz about handmade persimmons, but I knew one or two wealthy golf fanatics who were heavily into equipment (proto WRXers), and I don't recall hearing anything about Paul Gibson from them.

 

 

 

I recall him first in 1980 at Alwoodley and off Scotthall Road in 1982. He had American Golf Discount where he ran his operations from mid 80's to late 90's, out by Harry Ramsdens at Menston. Used to have a big stand at the Open every year...great guy.

[Foozle]

7 hours ago, DoughBack18 said:

That 1 1/2 wood is too sweet!

The 1 1/2 is part of a set of 3 with original headcovers.

I have no idea who RW Gilmour is unless "Happy's" initials happen to be RW!🤣

[Foozle]

47 minutes ago, The Aspidistra in the Hall said:

I recall him first in 1980 at Alwoodley and off Scotthall Road in 1982. He had American Golf Discount where he ran his operations from mid 80's to late 90's, out by Harry Ramsdens at Menston. Used to have a big stand at the Open every year...great guy.

From what I have read, he was one of life's big characters and clearly very talented.

He had an impressive client list including Seve, Olazabal, Langer, Woodham, Faldo and Torrence.

My favourite Gibson is "the Beast". Really solid block with great grain and re-bar stiff 45" graphite shaft.

I try and hit it occasionally but really too much club for me. The original customer must have been a "player" but no means, that I am aware of, to track that down. 

Edited May 8, 2023 by Foozle
Add picture

[BIG STU]

24 minutes ago, Foozle said:

From what I have read, he was one of life's big characters and clearly very talented.

He had an impressive client list including Seve, Olazabal, Langer, Woodham, Faldo and Torrence.

My favourite Gibson is "the Beast". Really solid block with great grain and re-bar stiff 45" graphite shaft.

I try and hit it occasionally but really too much club for me. The original customer must have been a "player" but no means, that I am aware of, to track that down. 

Man that is some beautiful grain

[No_Catchy_Nickname]

1 hour ago, The Aspidistra in the Hall said:

I recall him first in 1980 at Alwoodley and off Scotthall Road in 1982. He had American Golf Discount where he ran his operations from mid 80's to late 90's, out by Harry Ramsdens at Menston. Used to have a big stand at the Open every year...great guy.

 

I know the American Golf shop in Menston, in fact as far as I know it's still going, unlike Harry Ramsden's.

 

In fact, I think I bought some irons there in the late Eighties. Aside from pro shops, for buying golf clubs there was American Golf and another golf shop in Bradford (near Little Germany I think) whose name I have forgotten. 

 

[elwhippy]

Harold Beck. Fleetwood? If so a couple of our elder statesmen used their drivers for years. I shall ask if they still have them. 

 

[The Aspidistra in the Hall]

13 hours ago, elwhippy said:

Harold Beck. Fleetwood? If so a couple of our elder statesmen used their drivers for years. I shall ask if they still have them. 

 

Also Lytham Green Drive GC. He was assistant to Jack Steer who had his factory where Blackpool Airport is now.

[Foozle]

Since posting this thread, my Best of British collection has grown further. Additions include Harold Beck (finally!), Terry Gilbert, Paul Gibson, Peter Broadbent and Harry Busson. Also on a more mass production basis, Ben Sayers and John Letters. Most need some TLC so will join the queue for some winter love. 

[elwhippy]

Love the Beck woods. One of our members has a driver and 4 wood which he brings out every once in a while. 

[Foozle]

I am hoping someone may be able to help with knowledge of Peter Rogers? I can find no information about him.

I was attracted to this club by the grain and out of curiosity. It is a good quality lump of persimmon and appears well made. I assume the code is C1 swingweight, 2.5* draw bias and 11* loft? I don't know what the shaft is but feels "regular" to me. I may know more once I hit it.

The seller could only tell me it was owned by a good "county" player.

Curious that the bottom 2 face screws are cut through but not the too 2? It doesn't look molested.

Any info gratefully received!

[elwhippy]

I doubt you could make anything with a steel shaft C1 swing weight. Great looking head. 

[The Aspidistra in the Hall]

2 hours ago, Foozle said:

I am hoping someone may be able to help with knowledge of Peter Rogers? I can find no information about him.

I was attracted to this club by the grain and out of curiosity. It is a good quality lump of persimmon and appears well made. I assume the code is C1 swingweight, 2.5* draw bias and 11* loft? I don't know what the shaft is but feels "regular" to me. I may know more once I hit it.

The seller could only tell me it was owned by a good "county" player.

Curious that the bottom 2 face screws are cut through but not the too 2? It doesn't look molested.

Any info gratefully received!

These people seem to have a 3 wood in stock and are familiar with the Peter Rogers name. Worth a call anyway.

https://www.newandusedgolfclubs.co.uk/product/peter-rogers-london-persimmon-3-wood/

[Foozle]

11 hours ago, The Aspidistra in the Hall said:

These people seem to have a 3 wood in stock and are familiar with the Peter Rogers name. Worth a call anyway.

https://www.newandusedgolfclubs.co.uk/product/peter-rogers-london-persimmon-3-wood/

Thanks for the link. I have not come across this site before. They have some interesting stock and seem to be sensible in their pricing. 

They reference Peter Rogers as a maker for the Pro market and a contemporary of Peter Broadbent. This would tie in with my first impressions of my club in terms of quality of materials and build. 

3 wood bought!

[Jiggered]

7 hours ago, Foozle said:

Thanks for the link. I have not come across this site before. They have some interesting stock and seem to be sensible in their pricing. 

They reference Peter Rogers as a maker for the Pro market and a contemporary of Peter Broadbent. This would tie in with my first impressions of my club in terms of quality of materials and build. 

3 wood bought!

 

New site to me as well, some real bargains on there, this Spalding 1 iron is probably the biggest I've seen so far, no surprise that it's already been sold!

 

https://www.newandusedgolfclubs.co.uk/product/spalding-tour-edition-1-iron-stiff-steel-shaft/

 

Edited September 12, 2024 by Jiggered

[Foozle]

21 hours ago, Foozle said:

I am hoping someone may be able to help with knowledge of Peter Rogers? I can find no information about him.

I was attracted to this club by the grain and out of curiosity. It is a good quality lump of persimmon and appears well made. I assume the code is C1 swingweight, 2.5* draw bias and 11* loft? I don't know what the shaft is but feels "regular" to me. I may know more once I hit it.

The seller could only tell me it was owned by a good "county" player.

Curious that the bottom 2 face screws are cut through but not the too 2? It doesn't look molested.

Any info gratefully received!

Quick update following a range session with the Rogers driver.

When swinging well, my normal shot is a gentle right to left draw. I must have been swinging this very well as my first few swings were savage right to left hooks!😁 My guess at "draw bias" may therefore have some foundation in truth!

By the time I got to the second tube of 20 balls I had gained some control and was hitting it quite well. Lower flight than current and probably +10 yards on current. Dispersal not so tight but, barring a couple of severe pulls, manageable. I am tempted to throw a new grip on and persevere but knowing there is a vicious hook lurking might get into my head....🤔

[Pinkypanther]

Just today I found my Peter Roger’s driver from when I was a lad!  I picked it up at the open championship in Troon 1989.  It was on his stand in a large marquee.  It was barely used and indeed he made drivers for the pros, I’m sure Seve, amongst many others, may have been his clients!  
 

the markings on the back are 44”S (shaft). 1.1 shut face.  10.1 deg loft.  I absolutely loved that driver! Best feeling club ever and hit it lovely every time.

 

there’s so much emphasis on distance these days… I really think club golfers are missing out by not using persimmon still!

Edited July 16 by Pinkypanther

[bcstones]

4 hours ago, Pinkypanther said:

there’s so much emphasis on distance these days…

that's the business of selling golf clubs - make it seem, ie. brainwash, as if any duffer can hit like the pro's....totally opposite the GAME of Golf
ABSOLUTELY bovine scat!

Edited July 16 by bcstones