It wasn’t so long ago that fairway woods and wooden drivers dominated the golf industry. Elite golfers and recreational players alike teed it up with wooden clubs, and the result was a stinging drive down the middle of the fairway more often than not.
But as times have changed, so have the materials of choice of the biggest golf club manufacturers in the business. However, Persimmon Golf has stayed true to its roots and remains the leading manufacturer of outstanding wooden clubs.
To help you decide if Persimmon is a brand that you want to add to the bag this season, we introduce everything you need to know about this unique, vintage golf name.
What are Persimmon Golf Clubs?
Persimmon has an interesting and unique history as one of America’s most distinguished golf club manufacturers. The company gets its name from the fact that its clubs are made from Persimmon – a hard, resilient type of wood that is native to Central and Eastern United States.
Take a look at the video below, which gives you a visual example of the 1950s Macgregor M75W Persimmon Driver:
The clubs that Persimmon manufacturers are renowned for supporting maximum energy transference from the club to the ball, thanks to the hardness of the wood and the pronounced grain pattern that distinguishes it.
Although you don’t see Persimmon golf clubs on the PGA Tour, they are extremely popular with US-based recreational players, and it’s fair to say that there genuinely isn’t another brand like it. Below, we take a look at Persimmon golf clubs in detail and explain what you can expect if you add them to the bag.
The History of Persimmon Golf Clubs
Before golf club manufacturers started using the likes of titanium and graphite to create golf clubs, there was only one material that elite players were interested in playing: persimmon.
Throughout the twentieth century, most major golf club manufacturers produced persimmon clubs that were played by the likes of Payne Stewart and other legendary golfers.
However, when technology advanced beyond anybody’s wildest expectations at the beginning of the 21st century, persimmon was left behind, and manufacturers favored titanium and other materials that are cheaper to produce and easier to source.
By 2003, Persimmon Golf had disappeared off the radar in the United States but was making inroads into the European market once again. Today, you can still buy Persimmon clubs, and they provide you with a unique club to turn to and look absolutely stunning when you add them to your bag.
Why Do Golf Clubs Use Persimmons?
The reason why golf clubs traditionally used persimmon as a material is the fact that it is exceptionally hard-wearing and was capable of producing golf clubs of the highest possible quality. This is because persimmon cushions little at impact, meaning you can enjoy greater distance off the tee.
Today, you might see a collection of Persimmon woods or the odd driver lurking in your golf club’s pro shop, and they may even form part of a rental set. Either way, Persimmon clubs are no longer as widely available as they once were, which has helped them develop a cult-like image among golfers.
In many respects, it would be fair to describe Persimmon clubs as vintage, and if you have the opportunity to play or even buy a stunning Persimmon wood or driver, there’s no reason not to add it to your golf bag this season.
How are Persimmon Golf Clubs Made?
Persimmon golf clubs are hand-crafted from hard American timber of the same name. The wood is part of the ebony family, which is native to certain parts of the United States. The manufacturing process ensures that a natural variation occurs in the grain pattern of the sourced wood.
This means that every club produced has a unique aesthetic.
All Persimmon woods and drivers are crafted by hand and take weeks to mold into shape. This is in stark contrast to the mass-produced golf clubs that flood the market and is the main reason why Persimmon golf clubs command such a comparatively high price tag.
If you’ve ever seen or indeed played Persimmon clubs, you will agree that they’re a work of art and look nothing like any other club that you can currently buy.
So, given the attention to detail that goes into the manufacturing process and the fact that every Persimmon club is distinct, it’s an awesome brand to consider if you’re looking for something a little quirky to show off to your golf buddies!
What is a Persimmon Wood Driver?
Persimmon currently manufactures a T-Classic low or mid launch driver that you can buy in 9.5 or 12.5 degrees of loft. As the name suggests, the clubhead is made from persimmon, and it has remained unchanged for the past sixteen years.
The Persimmon driver is finished with a leading-edge plate and cyolac insert, which contribute to the outstanding feel that the club is renowned for. All persimmon wood drivers are handmade and built to exceptionally high standards, which is how they’re able to deliver such a high degree of precision.
Although you don’t see many wooden drivers for sale in the present day, Persimmon’s classic wood driver is unmatched as far as build quality and feel are concerned. In other words, if you’re looking for a wooden driver, Persimmon Golf is undoubtedly the brand to go for!
How Far Can You Hit a Persimmon Driver?
Most players can reasonably expect to hit a Persimmon driver between 220-300 yards. However, if you practice out on the range and get the hang of hitting a Persimmon club, there’s no reason why you can’t reasonably hit it even further than this.
Granted, very few of us are capable of stepping up and drilling the ball 300+ yards, but Persimmon does have a reputation for being long.
This is a result of the fact that persimmon is a hardwood that is hand-crafted to perfection. What’s more, the energy transfer from club to ball ensures you don’t leave anything out there.
How Do You Clean Persimmon Golf Clubs?
When you take your Persimmon clubs out onto the course, make sure you wipe them clean with a damp cloth and remove any debris. You can then dry them and replace the headcover, which will protect them when you’re not using them.
Because Persimmon golf clubs are made of wood, looking after them is important. After the manufacturing process is complete, all Persimmon clubs are coated with industrial-grade polyurethane, which protects them from general wear and tear and damage.
As is the case with all golf clubs, your Persimmon woods will show signs of general wear and tear when you have used them for a long time, but it won’t affect their playability. If you’re careful with them and keep them clean, your Persimmon woods should last for a long time into the future without showing signs of damage.
Persimmon Golf Clubs for Sale – Where to Buy?
The best place to buy Persimmon golf clubs is on the company’s official website. They have several woods and drivers available in multiple lofts, ensuring you can find what you’re looking for if you’re hoping to add something unique to your golf bag this season.
If you’re put off by the price tag of brand-new Persimmon golf clubs and would like to buy used clubs, you should be able to find them on used marketplaces such as eBay, Craigslist, and even Facebook marketplace, depending on what’s available in your area.
Due to the fact that Persimmon clubs are seen as vintage, they often command a higher price tag than you would reasonably expect to pay for a standard driver, so it will be difficult to find new Persimmon golf clubs online available for a low price.
Conclusion
While it might not be the most recognizable brand in the world of golf, Persimmon has a long and proud history of manufacturing the very best wooden golf clubs that money can buy. Made from ebony wood; Persimmon clubs are skilfully crafted and help you hit the ball long and true off the tee.
So, if you’re looking to add some unique fairway woods or a vintage wooden driver to your bag this golf season, Persimmon is a brand that you can’t afford to ignore.