This unique set of 6 woods and 2 irons was found in a concealed cupboard at 160 High Street, Hull during internal alterations in 1898. The house had been rebuilt after a fire by its then owners, the Maister family, in 1743 and among other items found with the clubs was an old newspaper dated 1741.

The irons are thought to date from the late 17th century and the woods, which appear to be 3 pairs of clubs, from the early 18th century. One of the irons and all 6 woods are stamped with a lozenge with a crown over a thistle, a mullet between, flanked with the letters IC. These were probably the marks of the owner as the irons would almost certainly have been made by a different craftsman than the woods.

These clubs were presented in 1899 to Troon Golf Club by Adam Wood, who was Captain of the club from 1893 to 1897.

Adam Wood:

Adam Wood was an original member of Troon Golf Club, joining in 1878. He was an avid collector of “curios” which may explain why the clubs were given to him originally. He gifted the set of clubs to Troon Golf Club in 1915.

Maister House, 160 High Street, Hull:

This was the home of the Maister family. They were a major shipping family in Hull at a time when it was a wealthy trading centre. These trading links may explain why the clubs came into the family’s possession.

The house is now owned by the National Trust.