Thomas, by many accounts, including his own, is the father of the graphite shaft, although some brigands like to credit Jim Flood, founder of shaft maker Aldila. Whoever did it, classic golf club construction received a point-blank harpoon in the side with this new shaft. The game would never be the same. Fast forward to 1998. Based on observations from the PGA International Golf Show, held Aug. 22-24 in Las Vegas, the battle is closer than many would believe.
Technology has all the firepower, but tradition is making a clear, if improbable, comeback.
To the credit of Rudy Slucker, chief executive of TearDrop Golf, his company has stuck with old winners. The respected 845 name is the standard bearer for Slucker's Tommy Armour clubs. No more radical, unproven designs for Armour. Ram, also under the TearDrop banner, has been known for decades as one of the top manufacturers of forged irons. Meanwhile, TearDrop continues to focus on the roll-face putters pioneered by the company.