Are Components A Viable Option?
An Original Design Component company is dedicated to researching, designing, engineering, and marketing its own proprietary clubhead designs. While many companies sell golf components, most do not actually design or engineer the clubheads they offer. Instead, they depend on what are commonly referred to as Open Market Clubheads. Open Market Clubheads are unbranded, generic models manufactured by third-party producers or golf foundries and made available to any company that purchases in bulk. These open-market heads are typically constructed from lower-grade metals and often show inconsistent specifications and tolerances from one clubhead to another.
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Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Component Companies: Several Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) companies offer high-quality component clubhead designs; however, their pricing is often so inflated that they provide little to no real value compared to major OEM brands. My goal is to provide clients with custom-fitted golf clubs that deliver exceptional value, offering quality and performance that meet or exceed the leading brands, at a more reasonable and accessible price point.​
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There was a time when several component companies offered real value, quality, and performance in their products. However, many of the industry’s major players have since faded from relevance. Golfsmith, for example, was sold to a group of investors who had little interest in the component side of the business. Their rapid expansion ultimately led to bankruptcy. Likewise, Tom Wishon has effectively retired, selling his brand to a company based in the UK.
I currently offer custom-fit component clubheads from Maltby, a division of The GolfWorks. I believe Maltby provides the best combination of value, quality, and performance. However, I also recognize that there are other reputable component manufacturers in the market, and I’m happy to accommodate a client’s preference for a high-quality component from another brand when requested.
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OEM vs Original Design Components, some history: ​Quality foundries specializing in golf clubhead production were once prominent across the United States. Cornell Forge in Chicago, Hoffman Forge in Memphis, and the Wilson Foundry in Tennessee were among the most notable. However, by the mid-1990s, all had ceased operations, unable to compete with the significantly lower labor costs offered by foundries in China, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
Today, nearly all major OEMs and component manufacturers rely on the same foundries, most of which are located in China or Taiwan, to produce their products. The metal materials, clubhead dies, and casting or forging methods used are virtually identical across brands. As a result, both OEM and component companies deliver high-quality products, with the primary difference being the cost of the finished club.
Original Design Component companies do not invest heavily in marketing like the major OEM brands. Instead, they focus on serving professional and hobbyist clubmakers and direct their marketing resources accordingly. In contrast, OEMs spend millions on professional endorsements and extensive advertising campaigns across television and print media. Ultimately, these substantial marketing costs are passed on to the consumer.
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I firmly believe the quality component clubheads I offer rival those of the major OEM brands in every respect. Many golfers simply aren’t aware that there’s a legitimate alternative to OEM products, one that delivers equal performance and craftsmanship at a significantly lower cost. Some assume that a lower price must mean lower quality, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Others are drawn to the prestige of a recognized brand name and are willing to pay a premium for that status. In terms of design and performance, components stand shoulder-to-shoulder with OEMs, but when it comes to value, components are the clear winner.
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There are plenty of reasons to put quality components in your bag. The only real drawback is resale value. Since most golfers aren’t familiar with component brands, there’s little name recognition or established resale market among the general playing public.
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