According to an article in the Dec 9, 1896 issue of The Golfer, George Forrester (1847-1930) began making clubs for his own use during the mid 1860s while working as an apprentice in the Scottish masonry business. After finishing his apprenticeship, he left for America to work as a stone-cutter.  Once he arrived he wanted to golf, but at that time the game was utterly unknown in North America and there was no place to play.  He eventually left the US and returned to Scotland.

In 1871, Forrester began to trade as a clubmaker for the public even though he was primarily self taught—which is a rarity. It was predicted that his first year in the business would be his last: "Even in trade processes he was occasionally at fault. The mere matter of staining the heads was still a jealously guarded trade secret, and the same may be said of much else (ibid)."

George Forrester proved to be skilled craftsman who knew what he wanted.  He endured and, over time, clubs made by Forrester of Elie came to be highly regarded. His business grew and he worked as a clubmaker well into the 20th century.

This circa 1875 Forrester play club was made during Forrester's early years, with a nicely elongated head and shallow face. The head measures 5 1/2" in length, 1 3/4" in width, and 1" in face depth.

Overall, this is an excellent club.  The finish is all original as is the 45" greenheart shaft, which is thin much like a feather-ball-era club.  The grip is original although it has lost much of its sheepskin outer layer. The underlisting is still in solid shape.  The face is as clean. Top to bottom, this club has a terrific look and shows only light to no use. 

Forrester was also more than a clubmaker.  He served many terms as an Elie Town Councilor, beginning at least by 1881, and he even served as the Provost (mayor) of Elie for three years, beginning in 1899. 

By 1900, Forrester had grown to be a major player in the world of clubmaking.  This beautiful club was made when he was a young struggling artist just trying to hone his craft. Forrester's story is one of "the little engine that could."

TCA2 v2 p569.