The 2024 article by Ryan Barath discusses Todd Hamilton’s famous Sonartec MD hybrid club that he used to win the 2004 Open Championship at Royal Troon. This club has become synonymous with Hamilton’s victory and is one of the few clubs to become a defining memento from a major championship win. Other examples include Gene Sarazen’s 4-wood from the 1935 Masters and Jack Nicklaus’ jumbo MacGregor putter from the 1986 Masters.
Sonartec, the company that produced Hamilton’s hybrid, was known for their hybrids thanks to his victory. Before the MD model, Sonartec focused on fairway woods and had models like the SS series that were popular on the PGA Tour with players like Nick Price and David Duval. Hamilton’s specific club was a 17-degree Sonartec MD hybrid that he bent down in loft to 14 degrees and built to 42.5 inches, slightly shorter than a standard 3-wood.
Hamilton’s most memorable shot with the Sonartec MD hybrid came in a playoff against Ernie Els. On the fourth hole, he lagged a bump and run shot to just under three feet away from the hole. Throughout the tournament, Hamilton used the club off the tee to avoid trouble and found success, only hitting one bunker in four rounds.
After Hamilton’s win, Sonartec faced challenges meeting the sudden surge in demand from retailers and golfers. Production delays due to a shortage of graphite shafts and headcovers allowed other companies like TaylorMade to capitalize on the rising popularity of hybrids. Sonartec tried to expand their offerings to include drivers and clubs for higher handicap golfers, but financial struggles led to the company seeking outside investment.
Despite the funding injection, Sonartec was unable to recover and officially closed its doors in March 2008. However, the legacy of its hybrids, particularly the MD model used by Hamilton, lives on. The article ends by suggesting readers to visit True Spec Golf for a bag overhaul in 2024. Ryan Barath, the article’s author, is a senior editor for equipment at GOLF Magazine and GOLF.com with over 20 years of experience in club-fitting and building.
