Dating to the 1860s, this gorgeous McEwan play club is from the World Golf Hall of Fame collection formerly displayed in St. Augustine, Florida. It’s WGHOF inventory number of “299” is discreetly handwritten on the lead backweight. The face has a gentle hook and measures 5 3/8” long and 1 1/16” in face depth.  The 43” original shaft has a sueded leather grip installed by Laurie Auchterlonie, complete with his spiraled whipping touch. It matches up well with grips from this era and looks highly attractive.  Aucherlonie’s mark is located on the heel. 

Laurie Auchterlonie, who died in 1988, was the last of the great St Andrews clubmakers with roots that went back to the gutty era. He was the son of 1893 British Open champ Willie Auchterlonie. He knew how to make hickory shaft clubs and all things related.  In 1963, Laurie replaced his father as the honorary professional at the R&A. He certainly knew his craft.  As a further side note, Laurie Auchterlonie helped supply the WGHOF with many of the clubs in their collection. On those clubs that he worked on, usually installing new grips and sometimes cleaning up the finish he would often mark the shaft with "Restored by Laurie Auchterlone" or etch two small, discreet marks - a straight line and an angled line - in an out-of-the-way place on the club, which was typically on the heel of the sole or back of the neck.

Letter of Authenticity from the World Golf Hall of Fame