hickory GOLF club anatomy

Hickory golf clubs are more than just sporting equipment—they are a connection to golf’s golden age, blending craftsmanship, history, and playability. Each club is carefully constructed, with every component serving a purpose in shaping performance and feel. Let’s explore the unique anatomy of a hickory golf club and what makes these classic clubs so special.

 The defining feature of any hickory club is its hickory wood shaft. Selected from slow-growing American hickory trees, these shafts are prized for their combination of strength, flexibility, and shock absorption. Unlike modern steel shafts, hickory shafts provide a more fluid and responsive feel, requiring a smooth and rhythmic swing.

Hand-turned and sanded for optimal balance and weight

Natural flex enhances shot control and feedback

Rich grain patterns make each shaft unique

Traditional oil and shellac finish for protection and durability

 Hickory golf clubs come in two main categories—woods and irons—each featuring carefully designed clubheads crafted from premium materials.

Early wooden clubs, known as play clubs or bulgers, were traditionally made from persimmon or beech wood, shaped to provide loft and distance. Hickory-shafted woods deliver a softer, more controlled impact compared to modern drivers.

Hickory irons have names rather than the modern numbering system. Cleeks, mashies, mashie-niblicks, niblicks and putters, were forged from steel and hand-ground to achieve their final shape. Within these categories, thousands of varying shapes and sizes were produced.

These irons offer a distinct feel, rewarding precision and skilful shot-making.

 Unlike modern rubber grips, traditional hickory clubs are wrapped in leather for a classic feel and superior grip.

When leather was not available or in short supply, golfers would grip their clubs in a variety of other materials such as tape or pitch-covered cloth

Regardless of the material used, Hickory club grips all retain certain consistent features

• A soft, padded grip for maximum comfort 
• Linen thread whipping to reinforce, improve adhesion  and add visual appeal
• At The Hickory Golf Workshop we offer a multitude of custom grip options available for personalisation

  Most Hickory club heads are attached to the shaft in the same way. The end of the shaft is tapered to a cone shape that fits neatly into the hosel of the club head. The hosel is the point where the shaft meets the clubhead. 

This connection was carefully fitted to ensure a tight fit, but pitch or glue was added ensure durability and stability. Often additional whipping thread was wrapped round the cone to ensure a tight fit.

Most hickory clubs which are restored today will be attached with epoxy glue similar to what is used in modern steel shafted clubs. 

Hickory clubs were also attached to the cone by a cylindrical pin running through the hosel and the shaft. The pin was crucial to the structural strength of the club and is usually made from steel but brass and aluminium were also occasionally used.

 Modern golfers are rediscovering the joy of hickory clubs for their:

• Smooth, natural feel that rewards a controlled swing
• Connection to golf’s heritage and history
• Craftsmanship and individuality, with each club having unique characteristics

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer looking for a fresh challenge or a history enthusiast wanting to experience the game as it was played over a century ago, hickory clubs offer an unmatched experience.

Ready to swing with history? Explore our Hickory Golf Experience and feel the difference for yourself.