It’s pretty well known that PGT contributor freddiec likes his Wood Bros persimmons. That’s why I was happy (but not totally surprised) to see freddie’s most recent acquisition, a very rare “Augustan” driver created by master clubmaker Dave Wood. Fred was able to uncover a few details about the history of this unique gem and I asked him to give me his first impressions of the appearance and feel of the stick. Here’s what he had to say:
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Here are some nice shots of the WB Augustan driver. Its absolutely stunning! I had the opportunity to speak to Dave Wood last week about the driver and he gave some some interesting history on this particular club. This was his “sketch” sample he showed Augusta National in the very early 1990s. The sole plate itself is the same sole plate as the All American model, but also has the golf flag, which is one of Augusta’s trademarks, perhaps part of the “Masters” trademark. Notice the flag, blowing in an East wind, not the predominant west wind. Its a pretty deep face driver, just a tad over 1 and 5/8th inches and has a classic tour like face shape, to me very similar to the great MacGregors of the 1950s. I had a tour Texan once that had a head shape I always thought was so perfect and this driver has almost the same exact look. The insert is Paper fiber just like the eye o matics WB installed in the Texans, but only solid white. Its got a green UST 65 gram stiff shaft and its about 43.5 inches long. Dave said there were very few of these models ever produced, which makes this a big time collectors item. I usually like to hit my drivers, but not really sure, well ok, maybe one balata with scotch tape on the face. I’ll have to think about that… LOL. There is nothing better than receiving a beauty like this and examining it. I was really impressed how its sets up so perfectly square, with almost no face progression. I was also impressed with the stain color Dave used. Its a very dark brown. Perhaps he was trying to mimic the color tone of the beautiful tall pines that frame the course. I’ll have to ask him about that. Wood Bros also made a model similar to this, but the sole plate said “Masters”. The Augustan model was only for members of the club.
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Shots of the club:
My thanks to Fred for sharing this beauty with us. I’m glad that one found a good home!
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Meanwhile, the guys at Green Jacket Auctions have some great gear up for sale. Most of this stuff is for the 1% but it’s still fun to look at! I’ve included some images below.
Art Wall’s Green Jacket (!) – Current Bid: $36,498.00
Mint Program from the First Masters Tournament – Current Bid: $12,793.00
Walter Hagen’s Clubs Used to Win the 1929 Open Championship – Current Bid: $10,573.00
Arnie’s 1958 Wilson Irons – Current Bid: $1,181.00
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Thos Arnie irons are carckers. I’ve got an identical set in the vintage bag but without the Arnold Palmer name on them so not worth quite as much!!
To hit, or not to hit this persimmon: that is the question:
Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The nicks and dents of outrageous fortune,
Or to take swings against a course of hazards,
And by swinging end them? To nick: to dent…
My apologies to Shakespeare !!!
Beautiful club !!! I also like that nice dark finish.
Totally agree with persimmon golf today – It’s nice to know that this beauty has found a proper home.
Definitely hit the Augustan. Tape over the face, get at least a couple of solid hits. and then retire it.
That Augustan is just crying out to be hit! No use hanging it on the wall and looking at it. Tee it up and LFF!!
Ya I say give it a few whacks every year at Masters time. It can be a spring tradition.
I definitely think you bought the right one Fred. If the guy listing it had put your pics of it up I reckon he’d have attracted a lot more bidders.
Now, take your driver, get out on that nice elevated tee of that public course near you and smack the hell out of a few balatas. You know it makes sense
Enjoyed all of these comments. I will definitely hit a few with the Augustan. It’s got beautiful feel. D five swing weight and 12 oz overall weight . Quick Clarification on my info to put. This club was 1 of 4 protos shown to AUgusta National which eventually became the Masters limited edition driver. That driver said Masters not Augusta National and the us map plate looked more cartoonish. I’ve seen the masters edition and personally I like this better. Thanks for your comments. Enjoy the masters.
Beauty! glad you got it. wonder who got that duro con aceite one tho.