"Bob [Simpson] was born at Earlsferry in 1862.... From 1878 to 1882 he was apprenticed to George Forrester, the Earlsferry golf clubmaker .... Shortly afterwards... [Simpson] migrated to the Mecca of Golf, and became associated with the Messrs Forgan—clubmaking, of course, claiming a good deal of his attention... When the position of club and ball maker to the Dalhousie Club became vacant [the Dalhousie Club played on the links at Carnoustie], Simpson applied for the position, and, although only twenty years of age, his credentials were of such a high character that he was appointed out of a leet of thirty-five" (The Golfer, 24 Mar. 1897: 231).

Robert Simpson was a fine golfer. A consistent competitor in the British Open, Simpson’s best finishes were a tie for fourth in 1885 and a tie for sixth in 1893. Simpson was best known, however, as an outstanding clubmaker:

"Bob has been close in his attention to business, and his name perhaps will be handed down to posterity more for his clubmaking abilities than to any great achievement on the links. Unquestionably he is in the first rank of clubmakers. ...For many years Simpson had charge of the green at Carnoustie; but, on account of the exacting claims of an ever-increasing business, he had to resign the office of curator of the links" (The Golfer, 24 Mar. 1897:232).

This is one of the few long nose clubs made by Robert Simpson that has survived to this day. Because he only made long nose clubs at the tail end of the long nose era, he did not make many.

This play club is brilliant. The original finish is still in great shape.  The clubhead is long and full-figured, which gives this club a great look.  The head measures 5 3/4" in length, 2" in width, and 1 1/8" in face depth. The 45” shaft is original as is the sheepskin grip.  Strong name stamp.