Rare Forgan golf clubs discovered under floor

Set of clubs uncovered during refurbishment

AN EXCITING discovery was made at the new Forgan's restaurant in St Andrews, where a set of clubs made by the world's oldest golf manufacturer were found three feet below the floor of the building.

Forgan is reputed to be the oldest golf club manufacturer in the world, dating back to the 1860s, and the restaurant owners now hope that the clubs will now be a key attraction. Situated on the site of a former 'cleek' factory, the name originally given to number one irons, they plan to display their exciting find in the restaurant for everyone to see.

JAMMED

The clubs were found by Bill Wright, a construction worker, who was drilling through a floor when his power tool suddenly jammed. He immediately knew something was not right, so he used his hands to dig three feet into the ground when he made the discovery.

“I was so surprised to see them, especially so far down under the flooring. They are a bit rusty and dirty but apart from that they are in good condition,” he said.

“It’s so amazing to find something so old and to think they could be very rare.

“I heard that the building was once used for making golf clubs but I didn’t think there would still be some hidden here. We’re all now keeping our eyes peeled for any other interesting finds.”

The new owners at Forgan’s  are delighted at the find of the rusted clubs and have sent them to be carefully evaluated by a golf historian to determine how old the clubs are and who made them. They are also hoping that to display the clubs within the newly opened restaurant once they are returned.

Michelle Nabal, General Manager of Forgan’s, said: “It’s really exciting to find these golf clubs. It gives a real sense of how old the place is and although we are not going to have a golf-themed venue, it reminds us of how important the sport is to St Andrews.

Delighted

“The original factory dates back to the 1860s so who knows, the clubs could be well more than 100 years old. It’s just amazing to find a bit of the factory’s history while we are renovating.

“There is already such a fantastic buzz about Forgan’s opening so this latest twist, which caused us to call a sudden halt to the renovation, is making everyone that little bit more excited about opening.”

Aiming to put an emphasis on top quality “back to our roots” dining and entertainment, Forgan’s have found a perfect link to the historical town and its relationship with golf thanks to the find of these clubs.

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