Lot # 219: Willie Dunn c1890s Transitional Play Club

Category: Golf Clubs

Starting Bid: $100.00

Bids: 9 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Golf Antiques - Hosted by Jeff Ellis",
which ran from 7/18/2024 6:25 PM to
7/28/2024 9:00 PM



This c.1890s Wm Dunn Jr. play club appears to have its 45" original shaft with replacement whipping and sheepskin grip.  The head is solid—nice club.

The son of famed mid-19th century club and ball maker Willie Dunn Sr., Willie Jr. was one of the most influential golf personalities in America during the early 20th century. He was prominent as a player, businessman, club designer, course architect, and golf instructor among other things. A good portion of his career is covered in TCA2 v1 p309-311.

In 1896, Dunn established his club and ball making operation as well as a "golf gymnasium" in New York City.  Inside a room in what is now the old Madison Square Gardens in New York City he gave golf lessons. 

Prior to coming to America, Dunn was also involved in British golf in the 1880s and 1890s both as a player, a clubmaker, and as a course manager/green keeper.  He went on to split time in America and the UK during the 20th century, returning to the UK for good in 1940.