Knotty Golf

Exotic wooden putters and golf tools. I also collaborate with John Hayes Persimmon woods doing some design and laser work.

[Knotty Golf @knottygolf]

I play Titleist GT2 currently and shortened the shaft to 44.5". I added some weight in the heel with their port to get my swing weight back to D3. I do find I am topping and hitting many drives low on the face. I'm curious if the extra weighting may be causing some of these issues. 115+ swing speed.

Should I maybe swap out to a driver with the weight adjustments closer to the face?

[Knotty Golf @knottygolf]

Measuring density has been involved in some of my builds with perfect stock! Though for some I use google estimates. Haven't messed around with the dynamic models as you're describing yet. I've been self taught on the modeling/tool paths and haven't felt the need to dive into modeling impacts and that world. Though one day I think it would be extremely neat. There would be lots of value in calculating the CG for zero torque models as well as deriving a MOI value.

My future goals include some of this work, sadly time is limited and higher priority stuff usually comes first! I long for the day this is my full time job.

[Knotty Golf @knottygolf]

Wooden putters seem crazy right? The first instinct of many is to ask "Wouldn't those be too light?" And they are spot on. With most head shapes machined from the densest hardwoods out there, the head weight would sit between 80 and 120g.

Modern putters sit between 340-400+g so you can see the issue. With my putters, I will carve out a precise cavity and epoxy in solid tungsten weights to bump up the head weight. Typically I add around 250-300g per club.

A neat feature of 3D modeling is being able to assign densities to the materials used. With this I can start with a known finished putter volume, and balance out how much tungsten vs. wood is needed.

With a little bit of time modeling I can create a cavity that will hold just enough weight to reach my goal head weight. Epoxy adds a little weight but not much. With these steps I've been able to get within 5g of the desired head weight.

[Knotty Golf @knottygolf]

It's always an honor working with you John! To anyone considering buying some items from John I can attest that he is a fair and honest businessman and will make your visions come to life! There is some innovative work leaving his shop.

The artistry is true and care is given at each step. These clubs begin as a rough blank and John shapes each head, bores the shaft, cuts grooves, inlays the face and sole plate, adorns the club with more inlays and engraving, dyes the clubs, adds grain filler, and finally sands and applies a durable finish.

Considering I've seen people buy T-Shirts for $350, a club like this is as fairly priced as it gets.

[John Hayes Persimmon @JHCBpersimmon]

When @MyGolfSpy reached out to ask about a driver to test, I was happy to oblige.
Thank You Riscoe at @knottygolf for the help with the black fiber sole inlay.
Looking forward to seeing the testing on this one!

[Knotty Golf @knottygolf]

Anyone out there with connections to the USGA or Shinnecock? John and I are planning time engrave the victors signature and four round scores on this head. It would be awesome to get the club in the winners hands as a trophy, or to Shinnecock as a piece of history.

[John Hayes Persimmon @JHCBpersimmon]

Shinnecock Special.

I wanted to make a Driver for the US Open that could showcase some of the features and skills that I use in making my persimmon clubs.
A big shout out to my Buddy Roscoe @KnottyGolf for doing the laser work here. He does great work and his skills, attention to detail are second to none.

For the insert I laminated red white and blue G10 together, then lined the cavity with it. The insert is red fiber with aluminum and Brass pins.
All of the coloring on the Shinnecock logo was done 100% by hand.

My plan for this driver is to engrave the four hole total on the neck..

It's got an X100 shaft in it, and a hand wrapped NOS Neuman Leather grip.

This is not for sale.
I would like to donate it to charity or to the USGA. hopefully someone from the USGA or Shinnecock will see this so please share this post!

#usga
#shinnecock
#handmadegolf
#customgolfclubs
#persimmongolfclubs

[John Hayes Persimmon @JHCBpersimmon]

Shinnecock Special.

I wanted to make a Driver for the US Open that could showcase some of the features and skills that I use in making my persimmon clubs.
A big shout out to my Buddy Roscoe @KnottyGolf for doing the laser work here. He does great work and his skills, attention to detail are second to none.

For the insert I laminated red white and blue G10 together, then lined the cavity with it. The insert is red fiber with aluminum and Brass pins.
All of the coloring on the Shinnecock logo was done 100% by hand.

My plan for this driver is to engrave the four hole total on the neck..

It's got an X100 shaft in it, and a hand wrapped NOS Neuman Leather grip.

This is not for sale.
I would like to donate it to charity or to the USGA. hopefully someone from the USGA or Shinnecock will see this so please share this post!

#usga
#shinnecock
#handmadegolf
#customgolfclubs
#persimmongolfclubs

[Knotty Golf @knottygolf]

@BigSwingTempo I make combo tools from solid rosewood with a genuine nail! The maple portions pops off with magnets to be a ball marker.

[Knotty Golf @knottygolf]

@engineeringolf Titleist for sure. Some other chaotic designs don't instill as much trust. Titleist captures the premium feel with their design. Callaway packaging is my number two. Not pictured here but vice is very pleasing to the eye as well!

[Knotty Golf @knottygolf]

@TlarsGolf Sounds like the typical 18 holes

[Knotty Golf @knottygolf]

@engineeringolf Do the mini drivers of equal length end up with greater head speed than the 460 heads? Or even shorter length but equal speed? I'd imagine the air resistance is less on the smaller head size.

[Knotty Golf @knottygolf]

I can't get enough of the way rosewood shimmers in the sun. Such a beautiful wood.

[Knotty Golf @knottygolf]

@einhornbienche1 I suppose you could say I did them a favor

[Knotty Golf @knottygolf]

100% biodegradable tees - no paint or sealer. No pesticides - no fungicides.

[Knotty Golf @knottygolf]

Any Bruins fans out there? Smooth Roller machined from solid Bolivian rosewood and inlayed with yellow heart. All the colors you see are natural tones of these woods. 350g head weight with 3° of loft.

The hosel is a custom 3D printed steel swivel hosel. There is an adjoining piece that connects to the shaft and allows for adjustments in lie angle. My aim was to use this as a fitting tool to swap out various head shapes and weights, as well as shafts.

For example I could take this head and set it up for a 33" pistol grip with KBS putter shaft, then trade out the shaft for a 42" armlock, or a 48" broomstick. Next step would be to measure the lie angle and use a solid one piece hosel with the matching specs.

I may be biased but I love the sharp contrast of the rosewood and yellow heart in the "Jersey" configuration. Wondering who to do next - @StephenCurry30 maybe? Or @KingJames

[Knotty Golf @knottygolf]

Special putter sneak peak. This is going to a disclosed location.

I realized today my account has not been able to receive message requests from anyone. If you followed me and wished to chat about a project reach out!

[Knotty Golf @knottygolf]

@engineeringolf Todd Graves is an inspiration to me, he says if you don't take the one chance you have to freely aim the ball, then you are missing out.

[Knotty Golf @knottygolf]

I have a few left of these brake rotor ball markers made from Wenge and hard maple woods. Fully slotted and ready to stop you from three putting. $12 shipped to your door. If you want a few I'll give you a discount code for $10 each if you order 2+.

[Knotty Golf @knottygolf]

Here is the making of a prototype green repair tool. The wood is bocote and will be plenty strong to withstand extended use. These are an item I would definitely sell to a golf course or business in larger quantities.

After the engraving and cutting I will hit the sharp edges with sandpaper and apply a durable finish. The shape of this was derived from the famous Scotty Cameron pitch mark tool. At a large quantity I would be willing to sell these for something like $5/unit.

[Knotty Golf @knottygolf]

What is the app on the phone being used? Very cool stuff. Are most Scotty's in the same range?

Also I 1000% hear a difference on off center strikes with the wooden putters. Toe is more muted and a low strike doesn't have the sharp click of a normal center strike. For this reason I like them for practice compared to an ultra soft rubber/plastic insert. Great post.