History of Clubmaking/Fitting Accreditation
A Brief Background on Clubmaking Schools and Accreditation: When I decided to seek accreditation in the late 1990s, there were four companies offering formal educational programs for those aspiring to become professional clubmakers or clubfitters. These schools ranged in length from one day to five days, with programs designed for beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. All of the companies offering these educational programs were exclusively focused on golf-specific merchandise as the core of their business models. These companies were:
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Golfsmith: Golfsmith was a golf superstore that marketed OEM equipment, apparel, and original-design component clubhead designs. In 1998, the company acquired the Lynx and Snake Eyes golf brands, adding them to its component inventory. In 1980 Golfsmith established the Golf Clubmakers Association (GCA) and offered a range of training programs for aspiring clubmakers. Despite its growth, Golfsmith expanded perhaps too quickly and ultimately filed for bankruptcy in 2016. Dick’s Sporting Goods acquired all Golfsmith store locations and integrated its product inventory into their operations. ​
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​The Golfworks: The Golfworks is a golf superstore and online retailer offering OEM equipment, apparel, high-end Golf Mechanix clubmaking tools, and Maltby-designed component clubheads. The company also provided clubmaker training programs until they were suspended in 2022, and it has not publicly indicated whether these programs will resume. In terms of acquisitions, Dick's Sporting Goods purchased Golf Galaxy in 2006 and The Golfworks in 2007. Later, in 2016, Dick's acquired Golfsmith's retail stores and inventory, solidifying its position as the largest golf retail business in the world.
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Mitchell Golf: Mitchell Golf was founded in 1988 by Ed Mitchell and is renowned for designing precise golf club measurement tools, including gauges, loft and lie machines, and frequency analyzers. Their products are highly respected within the clubmaking community. Today, Mitchell Golf remains the only company offering on-site, advanced training for professional clubmakers.
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Dynacraft Golf: Dynacraft Golf was once a prominent player in the golf club component industry under the leadership of Tom Wishon and Jeff Jackson. Wishon departed for Golfsmith in 1993, after which Jackson continued to guide Dynacraft successfully until 2005, when the company was acquired by Hireko Golf. Today, Hireko markets components primarily under the "Acer" and "Juggernaut" brands, along with clubmaking supplies, shafts, grips, and apparel. The company has not offered formal training since the acquisition.
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​​​​​​Accreditation: Accreditation was only available through the Golfclubmakers Association (GCA), or the independently operated Professional Clubmakers Association (PCS).
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The PCS went bankrupt in 2008, followed by Golfsmith and the GCA in 2016, as previously noted. To fill the resulting void, the Association of Golf Clubmaking Professionals (AGCP) was established in 2006, followed by the International Clubmakers Guild (ICG) in 2009. Today, recognized industry accreditation is obtained primarily through these associations. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
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Pioneers of Custom Golf Component Design
Tom Wishon, founder of Tom Wishon Golf Technology
Tom Wishon has been one of the most influential figures in the evolution of custom clubmaking and clubfitting over the last four decades. His career began in leadership roles as President of Research and Development at Dynacraft and later as the technical driving force behind Golfsmith’s clubmaking division until 2002. During this period, Wishon helped elevate component clubs from an afterthought in the industry to a serious, engineering-driven alternative for golfers seeking performance and precision.
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In 2003, he founded Tom Wishon Golf Technology (TWGT)—a company dedicated exclusively to custom clubmaking and advanced clubfitting science. Under his leadership, TWGT became known for groundbreaking designs, rigorous engineering principles, and educational programs that reshaped the standards for professional fitters around the world.
Many prominent industry leaders developed their skills under Tom Wishon during their formative years. One notable example is Britt Lindsey, now the Director of Product Development for the Maltby line at The GolfWorks. Lindsey began his career learning directly from Wishon before moving on to help shape one of the most respected component club lines in the industry. Their shared history underscores how deeply Wishon’s teachings have permeated the modern custom clubmaking profession.
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Today, Tom Wishon’s influence extends across nearly every aspect of the craft, from clubhead engineering and materials selection to fitting methodology, measurement systems, and the tools professional builders use every day. His books, technical research, and educational programs continue to serve as foundational resources for clubmakers who value scientific rigor, real-world performance, and golfer-specific customization.
Ralph Maltby, founder The Golfworks; Maltby Components
Ralph Maltby, founder of The GolfWorks, is a pioneering figure in modern golf club design and custom fitting. With a background in both engineering and marketing, Maltby has spent decades advancing club performance through innovative designs, precision measurement systems, and industry-leading educational resources. His contributions, include the Maltby Playability Factor and numerous patented technologies, have made him one of the most respected voices in clubmaking, earning him multiple hall-of-fame honors and recognition as one of Golf Digest’s most influential people in golf.
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A more detailed biography highlighting Ralph Maltby’s accomplishments and his impact on the custom clubfitting and component design industry can be found in the Custom Component Club section titled “Who Is Ralph Maltby?”