Club building is an essential skill for any golf enthusiast looking to improve their game and save money in the process. Nick Sherburne, the Executive Vice President of Operations at Club Champion, is an expert in club building and is passionate about sharing his knowledge and secrets for elevating club building. While many may assume that someone with an executive title spends their days in an office, Nick can often be found in the build shop tinkering and perfecting clubs.
To start your club building journey, you’ll need the right tools. Nick recommends a list of essential tools for a complete shop, including a heat gun, shaft puller, belt sander, swingweight scale, cut off saw, utility knife, vise, and supplies like epoxy and ferrules. Investing in quality tools is crucial, as poor tools can lead to headaches down the road. Club Champion primarily uses Mitchell tools and Golfsmith digital swingweight scales for their builds.
Replacing grips is a cost-effective way to get started in club building, and Nick shared some common mistakes to avoid during the grip installation process. These mistakes include scratching the shaft when cutting off the old grip, not cleaning old tape off the shaft, using the wrong length of tape, and not getting the grip on all the way. He also provided pro tips for making the job easier, such as using a tape dispenser and heating old tape with a heat gun for quicker removal.
Pulling shafts is another essential skill for club builders, and Nick stressed the importance of using a quality shaft puller to minimize heat and prevent damage to the shaft or head. Cleaning the hosel after a shaft pull is also crucial to ensure a successful installation. Practicing the ability to pull a shaft without compromising the head or shaft is a key factor that separates professional club builders from amateurs.
Measuring and adjusting golf clubs requires precision and attention to detail, and Nick highlighted common mistakes to avoid during this process. Using a club measuring jig, considering the grip cap length, calibrating swing weight scales, and loft and lie machines correctly are essential steps in accurate club measurement. Proper measuring techniques are crucial for building clubs that perform at their best on the course.
Prepping shafts involves using a belt sander with 80 grit sandpaper for steel and graphite shafts. Ensuring that the shaft is prepped correctly without removing too much material is vital for a successful build. Nick emphasized the importance of cleaning the shaft after prepping to maintain optimal performance. Knowing the difference between under and over prepping is key to building clubs that perform well on the course.
Choosing the right epoxy for club assembly is crucial for creating a strong bond that withstands the rigors of the game. Nick recommended epoxy from reputable distributors like Golfworks and Mitchell, and he highlighted the differences between quick-setting and long-setting epoxies. Proper mixing, applying enough epoxy, abrading the shaft and hosel, cleaning the hosel, and ensuring a tight fit are essential steps in successful club assembly.
Ferrules may not impact club performance, but they are a clear indicator of a professionally built club. Turning a ferrule properly requires time and the right equipment, and Nick shared the steps Club Champion takes to ensure a high-quality finish. Gluing the ferrule to the hosel is a small step that can prevent the ferrule from moving up the shaft over time.
Achieving a professional look in club building involves paying attention to details like epoxy residue, polished ferrules, and marks on the hosel from bending. Consistent and accurate swing weight is crucial for building clubs that perform well on the course. To elevate your club building skills to a professional level, Nick emphasized the importance of using proper machinery, repetition, and finding a mentor to teach you the proper techniques.
