W00den Niblicks
The wooden niblick appears to be the most lofted of the wood clubs. I am trying to determine what the maximum loft the old club makers would have used. Currently, I have started at 30 degrees and have gone up to 35 degrees. This club can really elevate the ball. In the near future, I will build a 40 degree wood niblick and if that goes well, possibly a 45 degree. They are quite fun to hit and with a little practice can be used for a wide variety of shots.
Since they are so much fun to hit, I'm considering loading the bag with a 12, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 40 degree wooden clubs. I would add one or two irons to use from lies that might not be wood friendly, and a putter. My plan is to make them playable with a gutta percha and low compression golf ball.
Feb 25, 2019. After building more lofted clubs, I came to the conclusion wood headed clubs from the 1800's probably didn't go beyond 30°.
Dec 10, 2019. My friend, Elmer Nahum, was fortunate enough to visit the USGA museum. It was there he came across a Tom Morris baffing spoon. Having the necessary device with him to measure the loft, he confirmed this club had 34° of loft.
My opinion is a result of conversations with collectors, builders and players, as well as "hands on" building experience. The club starts inheriting a look that I have never seen in 13 years. Now this is more related to the baffing spoon which was commonly known as the most lofted wood headed club of it's time.
The wooden niblick could have possibly been built with more loft because of its more bulbous head allowing for more removal along the top of the face, without compromising the integrity of the head.
Since they are so much fun to hit, I'm considering loading the bag with a 12, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 40 degree wooden clubs. I would add one or two irons to use from lies that might not be wood friendly, and a putter. My plan is to make them playable with a gutta percha and low compression golf ball.
Feb 25, 2019. After building more lofted clubs, I came to the conclusion wood headed clubs from the 1800's probably didn't go beyond 30°.
Dec 10, 2019. My friend, Elmer Nahum, was fortunate enough to visit the USGA museum. It was there he came across a Tom Morris baffing spoon. Having the necessary device with him to measure the loft, he confirmed this club had 34° of loft.
My opinion is a result of conversations with collectors, builders and players, as well as "hands on" building experience. The club starts inheriting a look that I have never seen in 13 years. Now this is more related to the baffing spoon which was commonly known as the most lofted wood headed club of it's time.
The wooden niblick could have possibly been built with more loft because of its more bulbous head allowing for more removal along the top of the face, without compromising the integrity of the head.
Club WNG1. 30*. 39 1/2" long. Maple head. Playable with gutta percha ball and possibly low compression ball. Will update once club is tested.
Club WNG3. Wooden niblick. 39" long. 29° loft. Maple.
Swing weight D6. Based from a McEwan club.
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Swing weight D6. Based from a McEwan club.
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