The Ryder Cup
Historic Lard Patent "Whistler" Mid Iron
Offered here
is a rare Lard Patent "Whistler" Mid Iron. This is one of the very first steel
shafted irons sold in America, and was covered under inventor Allan Lard's
patents of 1915 and 1916. Spalding was one of several companies to offer the
Lard shaft, with their 1918 catalog heralding it as "the club of the future" and
"a successful substitute for the fast disappearing, fine second growth hickory
which can no longer be had in sufficient quantities to meet the demands for
perfect wood shafts." The Lard shaft was made from a solid piece of steel that
was bored out and milled to form 6 sides, then drilled with hundreds of small
holes in order to reduce the weight. When swung under certain conditions, these
holes caused the club to "whistle" - hence the "Whistler" nickname.
This example is in wonderful original condition and shows minimal use. The head
displays a lovely patina and is stamped with a previous owners initials (JHF) -
a common practice at the time that does not in anyway distract from the this
club's rarity or desirability. A visually stunning item that is a cornerstone of
any serious collection of antique clubs or golf history. This club is featured on page 520 of Jeffrey Ellis' Clubmakers Art.