Jump to content
Subscribe to the Spin Axis Podcast! ×
Note: This thread is 2848 days old. We appreciate that you found this thread instead of starting a new one, but if you plan to post here please make sure it's still relevant. If not, please start a new topic. Thank you!

Recommended Posts

Posted

I was at "the dome" a couple weeks ago and i over heard a middle age man noticing an older gentlemens irons. and they they were both "hogans". They talked about how each other were the only ones they knew playing these irons. almost sounded like they were a rare to hit club. But i see them all over ebay as if nobody likes them. is there a special "gem-like" quality to hogans that makes them so uncommon out on the course?

what is so alluring about hogan irons? and...

what are some of the best ones that were made?

ST-230 Max 9.5*, Hzrdus Smoke Blue RDX 6.0

ST-G 5-Wood 17*, Kai'Li Blue 70g Stiff

Adams Tight Lies II 19*, KBS Tour Graphite Prototype 85g Stiff

Wilson Staff D9 Forged 5i, DG105 VSS Pro Stiff (stock replacement for 4i)

Wilson Staff FG Tour (2009) PW-5i, DG S300 +1"/2*Up, 6.0 Freq

Mizuno S23, 52* and 56*, KBS Hi-Rev 2.0 115g

Callaway Mac Daddy PM Grind 60*, KBS Tour-V

TaylorMade Ardmore 3 TP Patina (left-handed)

 


Posted

They were probably referring to the irons made when Ben Hogan was still in charge of his company, before it was sold.  From what I have read, he personally oversaw production, and in its day they were some of the best irons made. Quality control was second to none.


Posted

I got a chance to hit a Hogan Apex Edge 5-iron at the range not too long ago and it felt amazing. The shaft was strange but it seemed to compliment the clubhead. It had that "buttery" feel that everyone seems to like.


Posted

I just bought a set of Apex Plus irons this morning.  They looked practically brand new, and they were only $79+tax.  So far, I've only hit them off a mat in the store --- I can't wait to try them out on the course.

I also play Hogan BH-5s.  They're game-improvement (at least, I think that's the right category for them), and I like them quite a bit --- though I think they are a bit less forgiving than some other clubs I hit.

When I got into golf (almost exactly two years ago), my father-in-law said to read "5 Lessons", and my uncle (a scratch player before breaking his back) said he liked Hogan stuff.  So, I decided to put together a completely Hogan bag since, as the OP points out, you can find the stuff fairly cheap online.

My take on the cheapness is:

1) Since the company isn't really around anymore, they don't have anything 'new' and everyone seems to want the 'new' stuff.  The market dictates that 'old' stuff is devalued --- cheap.

2) It's been several years (since 2007?) since people could buy it 'new', and they've been trading in the clubs for the next set, so the market is getting a lot of Hogan stuff. And traded-in clubs usually go for cheap.

All the reviews I can find seem very complimentary of the Hogan clubs --- even the older reviews from when the company was around.


Posted

The Hogan Apex was their top of the line iron back in the day.  The Edge was their entry into the world of GI clubs.  It was a forged cavity back design, very much like the MacGregor JNP's that came out about the same time.  The Apex was a pure blade and they were as beautiful as a club could be.

Driver: R7 425,  3-wood: V-Steel
3H Burner,  4-pw: R9 TP
SW: Vokey, 56-10
Putter: Cameron

Posted


  StrayCat said:
Originally Posted by StrayCat

The Hogan Apex was their top of the line iron back in the day.  The Edge was their entry into the world of GI clubs.  It was a forged cavity back design, very much like the MacGregor JNP's that came out about the same time.  The Apex was a pure blade and they were as beautiful as a club could be.



Damn those JNPs look nice. I forgot about those. http://www.clubsofdistinction.com/cod/ucir3559.txt

The Edge irons were HUUUUGE for Hogan. They even had trouble keeping up with orders.

Mizuno MP600 driver, Cleveland '09 Launcher 3-wood, Callaway FTiz 18 degree hybrid, Cleveland TA1 3-9, Scratch SS8620 47, 53, 58, Cleveland Classic 2 mid-mallet, Bridgestone B330S, Sun Mountain four5.


Posted

According to a Wikipedia entry, Ben Hogan started his own golf clubs company in 1953 in Ft. Worth, Texas. In 1960 Hogan sold the company to AMF (bowling systems, among other things). In 1985, AMF sold it, and the Hogan Company was sold twice more before Spalding Topflite bought it in 1997.

Then, Callaway bought {Spalding Topflite + Hogan} at a bankruptcy sale in 2004. In 2008, Callaway discontinued the Hogan line. (end Wikip)

____________________________________________________________________________________

Hogan made some popular irons, such as the Apex, Edge and Bounce Sole. Most, however, were in the Conventional category for Maltby Playability Factor (somewhat hard to hit).

The Hogan Sure-Out sand wedge was popular for decades.

Under Callaway, a hint of the Hogan heritage has emerged in the Diablo Edge irons.

Focus, connect and follow through!

  • Completed KBS Education Seminar (online, 2015)
  • GolfWorks Clubmaking AcademyFitting, Assembly & Repair School (2012)

Driver:  :touredge: EXS 10.5°, weights neutral   ||  FWs:  :callaway: Rogue 4W + 7W
Hybrid:  :callaway: Big Bertha OS 4H at 22°  ||  Irons:  :callaway: Mavrik MAX 5i-PW
Wedges:  :callaway: MD3: 48°, 54°... MD4: 58° ||  Putter:image.png.b6c3447dddf0df25e482bf21abf775ae.pngInertial NM SL-583F, 34"  
Ball:  image.png.f0ca9194546a61407ba38502672e5ecf.png QStar Tour - Divide  ||  Bag: :sunmountain: Three 5 stand bag

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

Posted

I'm assuming this is all taken directly from a Callaway brochure. There's no way "a hint of the Hogan heritage" has emerged with this fugly assed bunch-o-crap.

2010420112335749.jpg

  WUTiger said:
Originally Posted by WUTiger

According to a Wikipedia entry, Ben Hogan started his own golf clubs company in 1953 in Ft. Worth, Texas. In 1960 Hogan sold the company to AMF (bowling systems, among other things). In 1985, AMF sold it, and the Hogan Company was sold twice more before Spalding Topflite bought it in 1997.

Then, Callaway bought {Spalding Topflite + Hogan} at a bankruptcy sale in 2004. In 2008, Callaway discontinued the Hogan line. (end Wikip)

____________________________________________________________________________________

Hogan made some popular irons, such as the Apex, Edge and Bounce Sole. Most, however, were in the Conventional category for Maltby Playability Factor (somewhat hard to hit).

The Hogan Sure-Out sand wedge was popular for decades.

Under Callaway, a hint of the Hogan heritage has emerged in the Diablo Edge irons.



Mizuno MP600 driver, Cleveland '09 Launcher 3-wood, Callaway FTiz 18 degree hybrid, Cleveland TA1 3-9, Scratch SS8620 47, 53, 58, Cleveland Classic 2 mid-mallet, Bridgestone B330S, Sun Mountain four5.


Posted

im considering getting them as a second or third set to manage the wear of my new fg tour irons. i just didnt understand why there were so many sets up online if they were high quality clubs much like nicklaus golf irons? and any ideas on channelbacks? which im also considering nicklaus' newer players forged called the nps-2. Check em out they are a solid looking set.

http://nicklausgolf.com/np/NPS-2-irons.php

ST-230 Max 9.5*, Hzrdus Smoke Blue RDX 6.0

ST-G 5-Wood 17*, Kai'Li Blue 70g Stiff

Adams Tight Lies II 19*, KBS Tour Graphite Prototype 85g Stiff

Wilson Staff D9 Forged 5i, DG105 VSS Pro Stiff (stock replacement for 4i)

Wilson Staff FG Tour (2009) PW-5i, DG S300 +1"/2*Up, 6.0 Freq

Mizuno S23, 52* and 56*, KBS Hi-Rev 2.0 115g

Callaway Mac Daddy PM Grind 60*, KBS Tour-V

TaylorMade Ardmore 3 TP Patina (left-handed)

 


Posted

The Apex plus iron was used to help design the Callaway Proto X iron(now called Razr X Muscleback) This is the iron Phil and most of Callaway touring professionals use. The Apex Plus is a tremendous iron and can be purchased off ebay at a resonable price. Remember that in Apex shaft -3 is Reg and 4 is stiff.

Wishon  715 CLC-AXE5 A shaft -hard steppedt -44.5"
4 wood-Infiniti 17*-UST IROD A shaft-Hard stepped(2009 model)
Hybrids 19* & 24*-Trident DSW-UST IROD Hybrid A shaft-hard stepped (2009 model)
Irons-5-PW- Wilson Staff Progressive Forged-TT Release  sensicore( 5&6-Soft stepped R-7,8&9-R-wedge hard stepped R
Wedges-52*-Wilson JP BeCE(54* bent to 52*)-TT-Release sensicore-hard stepped R

              56*Wilson R-61 BECU Sandy Andy- Release sensicore tipped same as 8 iron

               60* Wilson Harmonized BECU-Release sensicore tipped same as 8 iron

Woods- Star Grips  Irons Energy Grips

:Putter-Rife IBF with Ping Blackout Grip-35"

Ball-Wilson Staff Zip Golf. or C-25


Posted

  sean_miller said:
Originally Posted by sean_miller

Damn those JNPs look nice. I forgot about those.   http://www.clubsofdistinction.com/cod/ucir3559.txt

I loved mine.  Played them from 1990-91 up until 2008.  I also have the 1 iron thru PW, MacGregor Velocitized 300-S shafts.  Great clubs.  I'm sure the Hogan Edge from that era are every bit as good.

Driver: R7 425,  3-wood: V-Steel
3H Burner,  4-pw: R9 TP
SW: Vokey, 56-10
Putter: Cameron

Posted


  sean_miller said:
Originally Posted by sean_miller

I'm assuming this is all taken directly from a Callaway brochure. There's no way "a hint of the Hogan heritage" has emerged with this fugly assed bunch-o-crap.

What?? You don't see the similarity? Poor Ben is probably rolling over, seeing the name "Edge" associated with those Callaways.

edge_forged_gs_large.jpg


Posted

Those Diablo irons are hideous!!

There is nothing myth-like about hogan irons. I bought a set of Apex Plus irons in the off season for a fraction of what a new set would cost and have played my best golf of my career with them.

I have been asked what kind of irons I'm hitting a few times this year and even had a 16 yo kid ask me if my initials were BH. LMAO


Posted


  mlf16507 said:
Originally Posted by mlf16507

The Apex plus iron was used to help design the Callaway Proto X iron(now called Razr X Muscleback) This is the iron Phil and most of Callaway touring professionals use. The Apex Plus is a tremendous iron and can be purchased off ebay at a resonable price. Remember that in Apex shaft -3 is Reg and 4 is stiff.



1994 Apex

0105_2_lg.jpg

Not sure - but definitely after Callaway purchased the brand.

better_hogan_600x600.jpg

The X-prototype - an obvious homage to the 1994 Channelback . . .

!!d-0H8gBGM~$(KGrHqR,!ioEzNsiHq5cBM7E5vy7sw~~_32.JPG?set_id=89040003C1

Mizuno MP600 driver, Cleveland '09 Launcher 3-wood, Callaway FTiz 18 degree hybrid, Cleveland TA1 3-9, Scratch SS8620 47, 53, 58, Cleveland Classic 2 mid-mallet, Bridgestone B330S, Sun Mountain four5.


Posted

After first reading this tread I found a couple of used sets at the local super store. (Cheap!)

Anyway, they didn't feel anymore special hitting indoor practice rocks then Wilsons and MacGregors from the era.

I did find a Bettinardi Ben Hogan model putter in the used putter pile. (cheap!)  It's heavy, soft and buttery. (I bought it.)  I wonder if it just has Hogans name on it, or if he had anything to do with it?


Posted

Sean,

"...a hint of Hogan heritage" is my words. My info came from Wikipedia (was able to verify the story line from bits here and there) and the list of Hogan iron models, with assessments, from the Ralph Maltby MPF book.

What Callaway did was purchase two competitors, use the TopFlite as its cost leader line, and discontinue Hogan line. Hogan was more of a threat to Callaway brand market segment than TopFlite.

Callaway did borrow the Edge name from the Hogan line, but they own the rights.

Golf clubs mfg is no different than any other industry. After a period of growth when everybody wants to make golf clubs, you reach industry overcapacity, supply outstrips demand, and get a "shakeout" of the weaker firms of the industry. Sometimes the financially struggling firms get bought out by the eventual survivors, and either get integrated into the survivor's operation or get shut down. Or, they disappear like Nickent.

MacGregor got bought by Golfsmith - a retailer not a manufacturer. Golfsmith revived the line after 18 months of reorientation.

Focus, connect and follow through!

  • Completed KBS Education Seminar (online, 2015)
  • GolfWorks Clubmaking AcademyFitting, Assembly & Repair School (2012)

Driver:  :touredge: EXS 10.5°, weights neutral   ||  FWs:  :callaway: Rogue 4W + 7W
Hybrid:  :callaway: Big Bertha OS 4H at 22°  ||  Irons:  :callaway: Mavrik MAX 5i-PW
Wedges:  :callaway: MD3: 48°, 54°... MD4: 58° ||  Putter:image.png.b6c3447dddf0df25e482bf21abf775ae.pngInertial NM SL-583F, 34"  
Ball:  image.png.f0ca9194546a61407ba38502672e5ecf.png QStar Tour - Divide  ||  Bag: :sunmountain: Three 5 stand bag

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

Posted

I followed the Ben Hogan brand's disappearance, reappearance, disappearance, etc. when it happened. I was a fan of the brand in the 80s.

If you're suggesting Callaway's use of the previously used "Edge" (the original forged cavity back player's iron) is a hint of their heritage because it reminds people they own the brand, then I see your point. What I was suggesting was, reminding people these SGI abominations share the name of a great line of irons is a twisting of the knife for diehard fans of classic forged Ben Hogan irons. I like Callaway woods, Odyssey putters, newer Top Flite balls, and of course they make great wedges (thanks in part to Roger Cleveland), but when it comes to these particular irons, Callaway can suck it!!

  WUTiger said:
Originally Posted by WUTiger

Sean,

"...a hint of Hogan heritage" is my words. My info came from Wikipedia (was able to verify the story line from bits here and there) and the list of Hogan iron models, with assessments, from the Ralph Maltby MPF book.

What Callaway did was purchase two competitors, use the TopFlite as its cost leader line, and discontinue Hogan line. Hogan was more of a threat to Callaway brand market segment than TopFlite.

Callaway did borrow the Edge name from the Hogan line, but they own the rights.

Golf clubs mfg is no different than any other industry. After a period of growth when everybody wants to make golf clubs, you reach industry overcapacity, supply outstrips demand, and get a "shakeout" of the weaker firms of the industry. Sometimes the financially struggling firms get bought out by the eventual survivors, and either get integrated into the survivor's operation or get shut down. Or, they disappear like Nickent.

MacGregor got bought by Golfsmith - a retailer not a manufacturer. Golfsmith revived the line after 18 months of reorientation.



Mizuno MP600 driver, Cleveland '09 Launcher 3-wood, Callaway FTiz 18 degree hybrid, Cleveland TA1 3-9, Scratch SS8620 47, 53, 58, Cleveland Classic 2 mid-mallet, Bridgestone B330S, Sun Mountain four5.


Note: This thread is 2848 days old. We appreciate that you found this thread instead of starting a new one, but if you plan to post here please make sure it's still relevant. If not, please start a new topic. Thank you!

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Unfortunately, your content contains terms that we do not allow. Please edit your content to remove the highlighted words below.
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.



  • Want to join this community?

    We'd love to have you!

    Sign Up
  • TST Partners

    PlayBetter
    TourStriker
    Golfer's Journal
    ShotScope
    The Stack System
    FitForGolf
    FlightScope Mevo
    Direct: Mevo, Mevo+, and Pro Package.

    Coupon Codes (save 10-20%): "IACAS" for Mevo/Stack/FitForGolf, "IACASPLUS" for Mevo+/Pro Package, and "THESANDTRAP" for ShotScope. 15% off TourStriker (no code).
  • Posts

    • How about with the high numbered irons such as the 9 iron? Is the swing the same with that? If that's the case then I stand corrected.  OK, although there is physics involved in the putt too. 
    • I have a master's in Spanish linguistics and I like black holes.
    • I didn't say it was unfeasible. That's not what you said. And… be careful there. Not around the club's COM, man.
    • Our public course has red penalty areas marked with red stakes. The stakes are imprecisely placed, often overgrown or missing. Our golf club has no control over how the stakes are placed. We have therefore decided to create a local rule to define the penalty areas by physical features and ignore the red stakes.  Also, most of the currently marked penalty areas are because of an overgrown creek behind dense ground vegetation. The penalty areas are marked (roughly) at the edges of the dense vegetation (see picture example). Players cannot see the creek. The dense vegetation looks the same on holes where there is no creek and no penalty area. For consistency and to reduce confusion, we have decided to define all edges of dense ground vegetation as penalty area.   This adopts a popular USGA recommendation from 2019. Committee Procedures 2C(2) cautions: "A Committee may define the edge of a penalty area by clearly describing it in writing but should do so only if there will be little or no doubt where the edge is. For example, where there are large areas of lava or desert that are to be treated as penalty areas, and the border between these areas and the intended general area is well defined, the Committee could define the edge of the penalty area as being the edge of the lava bed or desert."  We are going ahead, but IMO "little or no doubt" is not possible. For example, the "edge of desert", no matter how "well defined" is often not a distinct line. Sand and grass may intermingle. An edge defined this way will never be as clear as stakes or a line. We will see what happens!  Other comments: I believe the change will improve pace of play. And have minimal effect on handicaps. (Seems like I saw a study of this, but unable to find it again.)    Does anyone have a similar experience with defining penalty areas by physical features? How did that go?     
    • That's a fair point. You could probably release the club without the hands slowing down at all, but you'd have to be applying a force to the hands to offset the force the club would be applying to the hands as a result of the release. Technically possible, but inefficient I would think. With a driver, the difference in radius if everything lines up straight is something like 36" vs 81" (36" arms and a 45" driver). If the hands are going at 25mph, which would be very fast, the clubhead would be moving at about 56 mph, so there is clearly a lot more going on than just the difference in radius.  In the club's frame of reference, the handle is going backwards. The whole club is also moving though, so you don't see that in the static frame. The rotation of the club is demonstrable from the fact that the hands are moving slower at impact than they were at waist high as you noted. The hands and therefore the grip are slowing down and the clubhead is speeding up. That's because it's rotating. 
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Welcome to TST! Signing up is free, and you'll see fewer ads and can talk with fellow golf enthusiasts! By using TST, you agree to our Terms of Use, our Privacy Policy, and our Guidelines.

Join us here in The Sand Trap!

Registration is free and takes almost no time. You'll see one fewer ad per page and be ready to jump in and contribute your thoughts to any subject!

Click here to register (registration will open in a new page so you can continue to read what you came to read).

The popup will be closed in 10 seconds...