Golf clubs have evolved quite a bit over the years and technology nowadays is as good as its ever been. However, we would not be where we are today without a few failed experiments along the way.
From hollow clubs to square drivers, here are 10 of the ugliest clubs you should avoid as you look to upgrade your bag for the start of the season.
Cleveland VAS 792 Irons
via caddydigest.blogspot.com
The Cleveland VAS 792 irons were the cream of the crop back in 1995. The peculiarly shaped irons had a bent hosel to allow the shaft to almost be separate from the ball. Combine that with the totally odd shape of the face and you almost got yourself one of the only shank-proof irons ever made. To add aesthetical insult to injury, they also slapped a purple VAS shock absorbing system on the back. Ironically, Corey Pavin, who is notoriously one of the shortest hitters on tour, had these in the bag on his way to claiming the 1995 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills in Long Island, New York.
Top Flite Magna Oversize
clubsofdistinction.com
You probably know Top Flite made balls, but did you know they also made drivers? Another bullseye back in 1995 when it came to clubs that were disturbing to look at, let alone hit. This low-crown driver was taken from the same sort of design from the 1930s. They tried to market these to the experimental player, which didn’t exactly pan out. 12-degrees is also a little lofty for our taste.
Alien Sand Wedge
via thesandtrap.com
The Alien sand wedge was a staple for anybody who had trouble getting out of the sand and didn’t care what it looked like as long as it helped. The circular face along with the bulky bounce created a deadly short game combination. If you had one in your bag, don’t worry, we won’t judge.
Nike Sasquatch SUMO Driver
via shopgolfzone.com
Nike introduced a new concept back in 2007 which changed the shape of drivers, literally. Their Sasquatch Sumo driver had a square head instead of the traditional pear-shaped drivers we are accustomed to seeing today. Interestingly enough Nike is no longer making golf clubs. Whether this driver had anything to do with it remains to be seen.
Odyssey White Steel Tri-Ball SRT
via thesandtrap.com
Everybody is looking for the secret to putting, regardless of what it looks like. Take the Odyssey White Steel Tri-Ball SRT for example. It combined their very popular 2-ball putter with an added extra “ball,” with their traditional blade insert putter, and then topped it off with a perimeter balance ring. Even if we made every putt we looked at, we wouldn’t be caught with that in our bags.
The Hammer Driver
via amazon.com
The Hammer is the brainchild of 6-time long drive champion John Hamm. While the thought of magically hitting the ball longer because it has a long-drive champ’s name on it is a good one, the design of it could’ve used some work. It looks like a deformed rock with a shaft sticking out of it. Not to mention the Illuminati triangle sweet spot. Pow!
Ping Zing 2 Irons
via ebay.com
We aren’t hating on these Ping, but the design of their Ping Zing 2 irons is atrocious. The extended/raised toe is what’s most glaring. Actually, these irons are known to have shaft wrinkling issues due to the shape of that awful looking toe.
Hollow Point Bullet Driver
via caddydigest.blogspot.com
Why have a solid driver when you can have one with a hole in it? The Hollow Point Bullet unleashed all the gimmicks on this driver most likely didn’t help anybody who bought it. That patent is still probably pending.
Nike Slingshot Irons
via valueguide.pga.com
We go back to Nike for another terrible looking club, but this time it’s one of their irons. Not only did somebody think this was a good idea, somebody else signed off on them. The “Powerbow” which Nike called it that ran along the back did nothing except make these things look ridiculous.
Callaway FT-i Driver
via orlandogolfblogger.com
If you thought it was only Nike who made a square driver think again. Here we have Callaway’s FT-i. Unfortunately, now you can’t unsee it. This is what people mean when they say something “looks like a toaster on a stick.”
