Club: R. Simpson 'The Simplex' Fairway wood

Maker: Robert Simpson, Carnoustie, Scotland

Year: c.1910

Shaft: Original, straight, shaft, with makers stamp below the vintage calf skin grip.

No visible splits or cracks on hickory shaft.  Swing weight B3-B4.

Length: 39.25"  Loft: 15 degrees

Condition: Very good, lightly refurbished. Ideal play club.

Other details: Small, narrow (1.75"), oval shaped head with one-piece brass sole plate/back weight.

Head with clear makers stamp 'R. Simpson Carnoustie The Simplex'.

Born in Earlsferry, Scotland in 1862, Robert (Bob) Simpson, was one of six brothers, all of whom were involved in the game of golf In one way or another. Brothers Jack and Archie, were both fine, competitive golfers, Jack winning the Open Championship in 1884, and Archie having two runner up positions. In 1885 and 1890.  Bob’s reputation as a skillful clubmaker, often overlooks the fact that he too was fine competitive golfer in his youth, having eight top ten finishes in the Open Championship, tying for fourth in 1885.

Bob Simpson worked as an apprentice for the clubmaker George Forrester from 1878-82, in the adjoining town of Ellie, before moving on to the Robert Forgan workshop in St. Andrews. His time with Robert Forgan was sort-lived as in the autumn of 1883 Bob was successful in gaining the position of club and ball maker at the Dalhousie Club, in Carnoustie, where he also acted as their ‘keeper of the green’ for several years. By 1886 Bob had established a clubmaking business in Carnoustie, and brothers Jack and Archie both worked with him for a short time. The business became very successful as Simpson’s reputation grew, and during his lifetime he produced many innovative new club designs, many of which he patented.