Long-nose clubs, so called because of the long slender club heads, are quite handsome and fetch a pretty penny when found in presentable shape. The rarest examples date from the 1800s. Less rare, but still scarce in number, are those from the feather ball period of 1800-1850.
Most examples owned by collectors are from 1850-1900, the guttie ball era. Clubs associated with such early makers as Philp, McEwan, Gray, and Morris are especially prized. Left-handed clubs, such as the one shown here, made by Tom Morris, are even more rare. This club is owned by Ron Lyons of Canada who offered it for sale at the 2017 show in Southern Pines, N.C. He valued the club at $5,000. Also shown here is a feather ball made by the incomparable Allan Robertson, often called modern golf’s first “professional.” Feather balls made by Roberston are highly prized. This example, while not pristine, and few are, was valued by Lyons at $12,000. A small price, perhaps, for such a tangible connection to our golfing legends.
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