I don’t know if you’ve ever built a house or remodeled a condominium but, almost without exception, it costs twice as much and takes twice as long as you plan. Even with the best intentions, there is always a nicer cabinet or window, floor or paint finish to choose from. Your original plans are often modified or even changed completely. So it was, with the development of my golf clubs.
No fault of Jeff or any of the myriad of engineers and consultants we used, the standard development process became a fluid progression of ideas and well thought out changes. My fault as a perfectionist, which was the basis of my career to this point, dictated our path. Although it would ultimately pay off, it would also prove costly in both time and patience during the club’s development.
Initially I received an 18-point questionnaire regarding set construction, configuration and head design as well as a six-month design to concept staging model. We discussed manufacturing method, surface finish, materials, head weights, club lengths, hosel type, face profiles, sole widths, score line preference, cavity design, cavity style, inserts, offsets, progressions and head size. We chose not to use a stock model but rather, begin from scratch. We wanted a club like no other, unique in its design and purpose.
The process had begun. The time frame was set. How six months turned into six years was as inevitable as it was unpredictable. During this evolution in both design and concept I relearned a valuable lesson. The enemy of good is perfect.
© EQUSGolf 2016
“The strength or force gained by motion or by a series of events.”
Regaining momentum after a nine month hiatus was difficult at best. To break the boredom and monotony of the standard micro-management, of a newly acquired heart, was a challenge. Momentum is a fleeting force. We had it, we lost it and just like that the outcome to our iron development project was in jeopardy.