George Nicoll The Howitzer Sandwedge

[Djkmordi]

New to this forum , and I need to your collective brains!!

i have found a wonderful sand iron from the 30's .. I have had trouble extracting the pill from bunkers for a number of years now and this club was languishing in the shed until I recently called it up for duty! Well, it was fantastic , completely blew me away , then I had a horrible thought , is it legal to use in comps? I would be distraught if it wasn't !

Could anybody  help with this issue ?

oh yes , it's the George Nicoll Howitzer

Couldnt find anything on R &A site 

Hopefully and fingers crossed 

[woodzie264]

Just looked it up - amazing how little the clubhead design (shape) has changed over the years - i doubt there would be any prohibition of its use. Don't see where it violates any club specification rules

Edited June 8, 2017 by woodzie264

[WUTiger]

2 hours ago, woodzie264 said:

Don't see where it violates any club specification rules.

Key thing would be the grooves - do they conform to the 2010 grooves change rule. If it has the traditional V-grooves of the era, it might be OK. I don't know if R&A/USGA would charge you to measure it.

@Ballestairrods, you might search around and see the patent status of the Howitzer design. Maybe you could start a small craft shop which makes awesome - and historic - SWs...

[Djkmordi]

I believe Tad Moore has made a replica of this club . 

Also George Nicoll was purchased by the St Andrews golf company many years ago and they also have disappeared! 

Thanks very much for your reply Woodzie

[Djkmordi]

Another thing about the club, it has the original shaft with the finish that makes it look like cane ! Also the original grip ! Sort of a red ribbed effort ! I'm reluctant to change anything like the shaft , grip in case it breaks the spell !

 

[Djkmordi]

I have been in touch with the R and A about this club. This model was used by Henry Cotton in winning The Open at Royal St George back in the day .. he's the thing , the club was never submitted for testing , never! I'm wondering if Henry Cotton was using illegal clubs at the time ! 

A member of my club in Australia is also a member of the Royal and Ancient and he is going to St Andrews in August with the club to have it tested. I will keep you posted on what transpires . 

Edited July 19, 2017 by Djkmordi

[jamo]

Could you upload a picture?

[Djkmordi]

I'll try 

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[Gator Hazard]

Nice wedge! I don't know a lot about what would make it non conforming, but from the pic it looks good to me, nothing stands out. Hope they agree. 

[Djkmordi]

I sent these same photos and they decided they'd like to see it in the flesh . They said they'd stand the return shipping , I spoke RA member who is a golf historian buff who volunteered to take it in person and return it . He says he'll get a quick turn around 

fingers firmly crossed. I feel the grooves maybe a bit iffy !! 

[Djkmordi]

Further news re this Howitzer 

It has now been examined by the the R&A , and it has failed the groove test . Does not conform unfortunately. 

What a bummer !! 

I will report what they found shortly !

ps I am Ballestairrods 

Edited August 29, 2017 by Djkmordi

[Djkmordi]

[iacas]

Thank you @Djkmordi.

[Gator Hazard]

Well there you go. Still would be fun to swing on a lazy Sunday round. 

[Runnin]

That's a lot of bounce.  I'd guess it's mainly for the bunker.  Do you hit it out of the fairway too?

I've recently gone back to my old Wilson R - 90.  I bought it almost 25 years ago at Pebble Beach, more for a souvenir than anything.  I've rarely ever hit it and went through a phase where it didn't feel right.  But a few months ago I wanted to get a little more handsy with medium distance pitch and tried it again.  I like it better than my new Titleist Vokey 52' wedge, thought the R-90 has more loft.  It's heavier and has a much cleaner bounce.  I love it and would like to buy a new one.

I still hit a 60' Power Built wedge that's at least 30 yrs old with worn grooves.  It's the only one I've ever seen.  Has a strange trough down the middle of the bounce area.  It's so solid from the bunker.  I'd buy another one if I could. 

I'm sure newer models are better but maybe I'm just so used to these old clubs.

[Djkmordi]

I belong to a golf club that is very private one that runs their own handicapping system, and is totally off the grid as far as R&A and world  golf is concerned. So I'll still be able play with it In our comps ! The club is very resistant to change and it's like going back into the 40's , I love it !

cheers 

[RussUK]

8 hours ago, Djkmordi said:

I belong to a golf club that is very private one that runs their own handicapping system, and is totally off the grid as far as R&A and world  golf is concerned. So I'll still be able play with it In our comps ! The club is very resistant to change and it's like going back into the 40's , I love it !

cheers 

Do you have to wear plus fours and everything is in black and white?

On a serious note, i think your club is taking a great attitude to golf. I think more should (many actually may do similar). Does your club allow anchoring putters?

[Djkmordi]

Russ, pretty much so , tho there is only one member who does use the broomstick . 

I must point out that this golf club is over one hundred years old and has quite few members approaching that age themselves , it's a nine holer and it's a slice of heaven 

Its the Frankston Golf Club , google it if you like ,there is a bit about it and it's history .