A Brief History of Scotland Golf &
Forgan Golf Clubs

I'll try not to bore you here but did you know many attribute the invention of golf to Scotland?  An early version of the game was discovered during the 15th century in Scotland.  This game involved hitting small stones with clubs over sand dunes and around fields.  The game became so popular that King James II of Scotland banned the sport in order to require Scottish men to prepare for a battle with England.  Scots continued to play the game and some 45 years later King James IV lifted the ban and took an interest in the sport.  

Since there is a long ago connection to my last name, here is some history on Forgan clubs.  As reported by local history, the Forgan Golf Clubs were founded in 1860 in St. Andrews.  They are considered the longest running club builders in the world. Hugh Philip used thorn, apple, and pear woods for heads and ash for shafts.  He died in 1856 and the manufacturing was moved to Fife, Scotland.Robert Forgan took over and grew the company to accommodate the demand.  At one point the Prince of Wales came to his shop and was so impressed with the unique clubs that he had a set.  Forgan fondly became known as His Majesty King Edward.

Unfortunately he did not get to enjoy the title as he unexpectedly died in 1900 and his son Thomas took over but he too unexpectedly died in 1906 and then two of Robert's other sons, Lawrence and Robert, took over.  The Forgan clubs continued to grow and receive unbelievable demand until the the end of the Second World War. At this point the American made clubs entered the Scotland golf market and Forgan clubs were unable to compete on the global scale.  Forgan clubs were bought out by Spalding and currently Forgan clubs are a niche brand and produced in the United States. Their quality remains but they are becoming harder and harder to find.  If you find an old set at a rummage sale, be sure to grab them.  It's like finding a hidden treasure.