Clubmakers - how do you choose one these days??

[taipanli]

I've been left with a problem. My regular clubmaker has picked up and moved to Macau to cash in on the casino/tourism boom. I'm stuck with a bunch of high end shafts waiting for installation but I don't know where to turn to.

Even though i'm in Hong Kong, I think this situation is relevant in the US as well. With the continuing popularity of golf, there has been a surge in numbers of so-called clubmakers. 99% of these guys wouldn't have known the difference between hosel sizes and swing weights a year ago but all of a sudden, they're clubmakers when they learn how to switch on the heat gun.

There is one shop in HK called Custom Clubmakers started by a very experienced guy who did work for lots of Asian Tour players. I went there the other day and saw 2 kids no older than 20 doing all the work. I turned right around without even bothering to see whether they could do the work I wanted. With the amount of $ I spend on equipment, I want the best guy possible who will not only listen but UNDERSTAND what I want and how I want it done.

So my question is this - would you let some novice clubmakers handle your needs? Do you think pulling and installing a shaft is straight-forward and requires little experience? OR, will you only look for seasoned clubmakers who are up to date with all the innovations and pay a premium for their work?

Speaking for myself - I will pay top $ for the work but I have to find the right guy. Ideally he needs to be a player and somewhat of a HO himself (or herself...). There are too many guys out there claiming to be clubmakers when they really don't know what they're doing. I would dearly love to work with a guy like Joe Kwok for example but it's simply too time consuming for me to send stuff back and forth from HK.

How do you guys feel about the standards in clubmaking these days? How do you go about finding the right guy without testing each one with a job? I would definitely be reluctant to send clubs to someone unless they had a real solid established reputation.

General/specific thoughts on the subject?

[golfdr]

Well, I understand your problem. I live in an area without club makers as well. I have used many club builders from multiple states. I think first you should find someone that can fit as well as build. Building a club to specs is a science - building a club for a player is an art. There is a difference. Any good builder can build a driver to a specific spec - but will he know if that spec fits you in terms of the overall club. Kick point, flex, tip stiffness, butt stiffness, weight, tipping, etc - changes the overall playability of a shaft.

[+TourSpecGolfer]

Amen!

Thats why I'm happy TSG has the best experienced club makers like Joe Kwok and Shreveport. Only the best for you guys :beer2:

I totally hear what you are saying Taipanli, I was spoiled in Japan where the club makers all worked with foamed heads, built their own custom tools and most importantly YEARS of Experience, I'm talking 15-20+ years kinda experience. You really know when a club maker is a guru when they can do it all from start to finish, grind raw heads to perfection by hand, stamp clean letters, blue print, sandblast, fitting, advice etc.. etc.. The best is when the can do Custom Mods.

When i was the states i noticed guys picking it up for side cash after they retire, kids with a year or two under their belt, no training or apprenticeship working on customers clubs. We all gotta start somewhere but not with a customers clubs.

I need a club maker who has hit almost every shaft/club

I need a club maker who can do any request

I need one who has the skills to work with Japanese clubs

Obsessed with perfection and balance he must have the most critical eye of anyone around here.

He must must have over 10+ years experience in active high end crafting.

[Aluinser]

If you find out, please let me know as well. Custom Clubmakers - I will only go to them for emergency situations. Quite frankly, they can't even regrip to the proper sizes and instructions. At this moment, I am quite tempted to just send everything across to the US for repairs/modification. It is costly, but if no one can do the job here, there's no point.

[taipanli]

If you find out, please let me know as well. Custom Clubmakers - I will only go to them for emergency situations. Quite frankly, they can't even regrip to the proper sizes and instructions. At this moment, I am quite tempted to just send everything across to the US for repairs/modification. It is costly, but if no one can do the job here, there's no point.

You ever try Teddy at Central Golf? Not sure whether he's that good but given the huge investment they have in the place, I would assume they selected someone who knows his sh*t. If I find someone good, I'll let you know. I won't send to the US - doesn't make sense. If something was done wrong then you'd have to send it back again. Definitely have to find someone in HK. Got my M-75, UT-95, and NS Pro 1050s all gathering dust right now and it sucks.

[Aluinser]

If you find out, please let me know as well. Custom Clubmakers - I will only go to them for emergency situations. Quite frankly, they can't even regrip to the proper sizes and instructions. At this moment, I am quite tempted to just send everything across to the US for repairs/modification. It is costly, but if no one can do the job here, there's no point.

You ever try Teddy at Central Golf? Not sure whether he's that good but given the huge investment they have in the place, I would assume they selected someone who knows his sh*t. If I find someone good, I'll let you know. I won't send to the US - doesn't make sense. If something was done wrong then you'd have to send it back again. Definitely have to find someone in HK. Got my M-75, UT-95, and NS Pro 1050s all gathering dust right now and it sucks.

Have you tried Central Golf yourself? If I do send it to the States, it will be to Joe Kwok and he probably won't get it wrong I hope.

Man, where did you get your X-Drive?

[taipanli]

If you find out, please let me know as well. Custom Clubmakers - I will only go to them for emergency situations. Quite frankly, they can't even regrip to the proper sizes and instructions. At this moment, I am quite tempted to just send everything across to the US for repairs/modification. It is costly, but if no one can do the job here, there's no point.

You ever try Teddy at Central Golf? Not sure whether he's that good but given the huge investment they have in the place, I would assume they selected someone who knows his sh*t. If I find someone good, I'll let you know. I won't send to the US - doesn't make sense. If something was done wrong then you'd have to send it back again. Definitely have to find someone in HK. Got my M-75, UT-95, and NS Pro 1050s all gathering dust right now and it sucks.

Have you tried Central Golf yourself? If I do send it to the States, it will be to Joe Kwok and he probably won't get it wrong I hope.

Man, where did you get your X-Drive?

Haven't tried them. Asking a Pro out here if he knows anyone. Hoever, the Pros in HK don't know much about equipment either...

Got my X-Drive from Japan.

[Aluinser]

Taipanli, you have a stylish bag.....those Gold Factory wedges..... Well, I need to go to Custom CM to pick up the damage they have done to my Fourteen driving iron....

[Aluinser]

If you find out, please let me know as well. Custom Clubmakers - I will only go to them for emergency situations. Quite frankly, they can't even regrip to the proper sizes and instructions. At this moment, I am quite tempted to just send everything across to the US for repairs/modification. It is costly, but if no one can do the job here, there's no point.

You ever try Teddy at Central Golf? Not sure whether he's that good but given the huge investment they have in the place, I would assume they selected someone who knows his sh*t. If I find someone good, I'll let you know. I won't send to the US - doesn't make sense. If something was done wrong then you'd have to send it back again. Definitely have to find someone in HK. Got my M-75, UT-95, and NS Pro 1050s all gathering dust right now and it sucks.

A customer of a Japanese parallel import shop in Central?

[taipanli]

If you find out, please let me know as well. Custom Clubmakers - I will only go to them for emergency situations. Quite frankly, they can't even regrip to the proper sizes and instructions. At this moment, I am quite tempted to just send everything across to the US for repairs/modification. It is costly, but if no one can do the job here, there's no point.

You ever try Teddy at Central Golf? Not sure whether he's that good but given the huge investment they have in the place, I would assume they selected someone who knows his sh*t. If I find someone good, I'll let you know. I won't send to the US - doesn't make sense. If something was done wrong then you'd have to send it back again. Definitely have to find someone in HK. Got my M-75, UT-95, and NS Pro 1050s all gathering dust right now and it sucks.

A customer of a Japanese parallel import shop in Central?

No - direct from Japan.

[Breal]

Basically it goes like this, it is very hard to find and get a good knowledgeable club-maker now days. But you need to do your research and find one you can talk to, where he understands you and your needs fully. A maker that will take the extra time to talk to you and give the right info, and to give his recommendations. Then after that make sure if he has a long time experience at least 10 years so you know the job will be done with perfect quality and outcome. And if the guy is good, and you get a good re pore with him, it is like meeting a good swing coach some are good because you get along and some you don't because you clash heads. So IMO when you find those qualities in a club-maker, it doesn't matter if hes in Antarctica or whatever, and you want to pay the premium then send it to the best and wait the little time and get it done the way it should be. Reputation is key and we have the best right here IMO. There are all other good club-makers out there, but why look when there is one at your front door.

[Aluinser]

Will send a simple job of re-shafting to Central Golf and test them out.

[joey3108]

Find me an investor who wants to open a shop under my name in Hong Kong or Shanghai. I'm willing to come and train them and I will come twice to Hongkong or Shanghai to make sure everything is in the right track. I will constantly monitor them to make sure nothing is in the wrong direction.

BTW, Thanks for trusting me and a nice gestures.

Joe Kwok :cool:

[taipanli]

Find me an investor who wants to open a shop under my name in Hong Kong or Shanghai. I'm willing to come and train them and I will come twice to Hongkong or Shanghai to make sure everything is in the right track. I will constantly monitor them to make sure nothing is in the wrong direction.

BTW, Thanks for trusting me and a nice gestures.

Joe Kwok :cool:

Let me think about that. Problem is that clubmaking alone wouldn't be commercially viable and equipment retail isn't great either.

I've got an idea! Come over and work on my clubs first :laugh:

[joey3108]

Find me an investor who wants to open a shop under my name in Hong Kong or Shanghai. I'm willing to come and train them and I will come twice to Hongkong or Shanghai to make sure everything is in the right track. I will constantly monitor them to make sure nothing is in the wrong direction.

BTW, Thanks for trusting me and a nice gestures.

Joe Kwok :cool:

Let me think about that. Problem is that clubmaking alone wouldn't be commercially viable and equipment retail isn't great either.

I've got an idea! Come over and work on my clubs first :laugh:

Clubmaking is the main subject of the shop but off course that is not the only selling point of this business. If any serious inquiry, i will be bale to talk deeper to the subject.

I might come to Shanghai this year and stay at my cousin's place.

Joe :cool:

[Aluinser]

Standard retail isn't but customised order and tour equipment might have niche. Try finding x-flex equipment is more difficult than winning the Mark-six (HK Lottery).

[NickBooras]

I don't trust anyone with my clubs, even so-called "experienced" club builders. I know guys around here that have 10-20 years under their belt, but they still cannot manage to install the shaft straight. I had one gentlemen, who has been building clubs for the last 30 years and is in his 80's, that it takes 8 inches of lead tape on the head to change one swingweight!

Bottom line, club building is a guess and check thing, unfortunately. Look at some of their work and make up your mind. Make sure that only one person will be working on your clubs, so they are accountable. In the shop where I am employed I usually start the club, and someone else finishes it, or they start it and I finish it. This is very, very bad, and should be avoided.

[pureblade]

Hey Didier, long time no see...

Have you tried http://www.golfworkstudio.com/? I haven't been there yet, but it seems like they're quite into their work.

I get all my work done at IYGL. Nowhere near perfect, but because I know them quite well, I can be really fussy with my requirements, and they still accomodate me.

Central Golf has all the right equipment, and a proper "workshop" feel, but something about it doesn't give me a good feeling. Yes, I'm weird like that.

Good luck anyways!

[JohnnyTN]

I use JOE ONLY....

I have acquired some clubmaking equipment myself and I'm not afraid to dabble... but my gamers and all the serious work go to Joe...

[taipanli]

Hey Didier, long time no see...

Have you tried http://www.golfworkstudio.com/? I haven't been there yet, but it seems like they're quite into their work.

I get all my work done at IYGL. Nowhere near perfect, but because I know them quite well, I can be really fussy with my requirements, and they still accomodate me.

Central Golf has all the right equipment, and a proper "workshop" feel, but something about it doesn't give me a good feeling. Yes, I'm weird like that.

Good luck anyways!

Hey Mark,

Long time indeed, how's your game?

I was having all my work done at G1 Golf by Franki but he's gone to Macau and now the young kid is doing all the work.

Too many new guys in HK that I wouldn't trust and I agree that Central Golf has all the equipment but I don't get a great feel from Teddy. Derek Fung says he'll find me the best guy around but he's been out of town.

Didier

[Aluinser]

I was in a rush to get some reshafting done before heading to China last week and went to Citygolf. Unfortunately, I have three ruined clubs now sitting in my bag. I swear...this is absolutely the very last time. Didier... hope you have good news for us very soon.....but what shoudl I do with my 3-wood for now?

[taipanli]

I was in a rush to get some reshafting done before heading to China last week and went to Citygolf. Unfortunately, I have three ruined clubs now sitting in my bag. I swear...this is absolutely the very last time. Didier... hope you have good news for us very soon.....but what shoudl I do with my 3-wood for now?

Seeing those kids was enought to convince not to go near them at Citygolf. Still waiting for lazy ass Derek Fung to find me someone. IYGL is supposed to be good - might check them out. Did you see the link that Pureblade posted? Ever heard of them?

[Aluinser]

I was in a rush to get some reshafting done before heading to China last week and went to Citygolf. Unfortunately, I have three ruined clubs now sitting in my bag. I swear...this is absolutely the very last time. Didier... hope you have good news for us very soon.....but what shoudl I do with my 3-wood for now?

Seeing those kids was enought to convince not to go near them at Citygolf. Still waiting for lazy ass Derek Fung to find me someone. IYGL is supposed to be good - might check them out. Did you see the link that Pureblade posted? Ever heard of them?

I did. I came across that link before when browsing through a HK website: www.golf007.com.

[pureblade]

I was in a rush to get some reshafting done before heading to China last week and went to Citygolf. Unfortunately, I have three ruined clubs now sitting in my bag. I swear...this is absolutely the very last time. Didier... hope you have good news for us very soon.....but what shoudl I do with my 3-wood for now?

Seeing those kids was enought to convince not to go near them at Citygolf. Still waiting for lazy ass Derek Fung to find me someone. IYGL is supposed to be good - might check them out. Did you see the link that Pureblade posted? Ever heard of them?

I did. I came across that link before when browsing through a HK website: www.golf007.com.

Didier,

Game went to hell since last year. I was down to a 3.0 handi in May, then went up to 13.7 in September 'cos of pressure from my bosses! :wah:

Funny what you should say about Teddy though, because I've got similar reactions from some people. No smoke without fire I guess. I mean, I'm friendly with him, but I remembered how he could be slightly arrogant and abrupt when you first meet him.

So... Which one of us is going to bite the bullet and try out these GolfWork Studio guys? Aluinser? :whistle:

[Aluinser]

I was in a rush to get some reshafting done before heading to China last week and went to Citygolf. Unfortunately, I have three ruined clubs now sitting in my bag. I swear...this is absolutely the very last time. Didier... hope you have good news for us very soon.....but what shoudl I do with my 3-wood for now?

Seeing those kids was enought to convince not to go near them at Citygolf. Still waiting for lazy ass Derek Fung to find me someone. IYGL is supposed to be good - might check them out. Did you see the link that Pureblade posted? Ever heard of them?

I did. I came across that link before when browsing through a HK website: www.golf007.com.

Didier,

Game went to hell since last year. I was down to a 3.0 handi in May, then went up to 13.7 in September 'cos of pressure from my bosses! :wah:

Funny what you should say about Teddy though, because I've got similar reactions from some people. No smoke without fire I guess. I mean, I'm friendly with him, but I remembered how he could be slightly arrogant and abrupt when you first meet him.

So... Which one of us is going to bite the bullet and try out these GolfWork Studio guys? Aluinser? :whistle:

Should I? I don't mind....it's not as if I could do any further damage to my clubs, but the 3-wood and driving irons must be fixed before the weekend.