David Mitchell is recorded in the March 9, 1866 issue of the Dundee Advertiser as a clubmaker living in St. Andrews when his wife gave birth to their son. He was most likely working for another clubmaker in the town at that time.  He continued to work in St. Andrews for a few more years. The Fifeshire Journal that he received second prize in the 1871 R&A Autumn meeting clubmakers competition. 

In 1876, Mitchell left St. Andrews to replace Frank Bell as the clubmaker and greenkeeper at Carnoustie. Unfortunately, ill health caused him to step down from those positions in 1881, but he remained at Carnoustie as the clubmaster.  He died in 1883.

Because Mitchell was making and marking clubs with his name for just a 5-year period, between 1876 and 1881, examples of Mitchell's work are few and far between.  But he did nice work.

This 39-inch middle spoon had a great life on the golf course!   The sheepskin grip, shaft, finish, neck whipping—everything is original and well used.  There is a chip in the face and a crack in the back of the head with a screw used to stop the crack. Two screws in the horn help stabilize a crack in the face  If a golfer could use a few screws to keep a club going, they would often do that!  This club measures 1 3/16" in face depth, 2" in width, and 5 3/4" in length. 

For someone who likes collecting long nose clubs that are made by rare clubmakers, and appreciates an "outgoing personality,” this club qualifies!  Indeed—there can be character in an old club that has made the rounds and shows the scars of many a battle. It reflects how the game was played.