[SPY ZINGER]

This past week, I visited the grind shop at James Patrick Golf in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Although I have admired James’ work for years, this was the first time I had met James. He gave me a tour of his shop, explained some of his theories of wedge design, and let me watch him do what he does best; sit in front of the wheel and literally create a one off work of art.

James is one of the most laid back, easy going guys I have ever met. As he started to explain some of his theories of wedge design as well as show me some of what he has been working on, I thought to myself what an honor it was to have JP to take the time to share his passion with a complete stranger. It’s very clear, JP has an unquestioned passion for his art, and deserves to be mentioned with some of the best of the business even in the infancy of his business. The work he produces is absolutely flawless. Couple that with some of the finest forgings in the business from Kyoei, the end product really is something special.

While I was there, JP fit me on his lie board, and adjusted the loft and lie on all the irons in my bag. I was amazed at the attention to detail he uses even with something as simple as bending a head. He has built in backstops in place to ensure that when he bends a club, it leaves no evidence of a bending mark on the head.

Following the fitting and bends, he pulled out his iPod, handed me a set of ear protection, sat in front of the wheel and went to work. James’ attention to detail when cutting and sculpting Kyoei forgings in unreal. JP’s passion, technical understanding of the game, the wedge, design, and the art of grinding go into each and every head he produces.

I wanted to share some photo’s from my experience, I hope you enjoy them.

[GolfSpy Matt]

Great pics. I've been following James' work for some time and it really does look extraordinary. If possible, could you talk a little bit about some of his theories on wedges?

[Maverickping]

He does some very nice things, thanks for the pictures

[SPY ZINGER]

GolfSpy Matt, on 12 September 2011 - 07:32 AM, said:

Great pics. I've been following James' work for some time and it really does look extraordinary. If possible, could you talk a little bit about some of his theories on wedges?

One thing in particular that he mentioned was the center of gravity on his offerings. As you can see by a couple of the wedge photo's, the heel area is really thin (which will not affect the bending whatsoever). By taking the weight from the heel, and adding his tungsten ports toe side, he moves the center of gravity to the center of the face. On most off the rack wedges, it's closer to the heel than center.

[skihippy]

Looks like a really cool set up. I bet that is the best fitting anyone could ever get!!! Nice pics..

[SPY ZINGER]

Video:

[SPY ZINGER]

I just received preliminary photo's of my 60* James Patrick wedge! I can't wait to make the trip over to The Grind House for a visit. It goes without saying, I am really pleased with the work, it looks fantastic. Looking forward to the trip over to his shop to pick this up and have a little work done on my existing heads. More photos and information to come!

The finish on this is Black Chrome-Glazed.

[GolfSpy Matt]

That looks fantastic! I love the straight leading edge and squared-up look.

[RookieBlue7]

JP makes a fantastic product. So fantastic, in fact, that Edel made an agreement with him for wedges to be created for the 2011 PGA show, and then promptly screwed him and ripped off everything about the wedges he created for him, down to the stampings (minus JP's initials).

Not sure why this is in Japanese equipment, though, unless it's because he uses Kyoei blanks.

[SPY ZINGER]

Yes, they are Kyoei forgings, but if someone wishes to move it, please do.

I was at the JO Grind House yesterday to pick up my wedge, will post some pics soon!

[GolfSpy T]

RookieBlue7, on 27 December 2011 - 10:05 PM, said:

JP makes a fantastic product. So fantastic, in fact, that Edel made an agreement with him for wedges to be created for the 2011 PGA show, and then promptly screwed him and ripped off everything about the wedges he created for him, down to the stampings (minus JP's initials).

True story.

[apprenti23]

RookieBlue7, on 27 December 2011 - 09:05 PM, said:

that Edel made an agreement with him for wedges to be created for the 2011 PGA show, and then promptly screwed him and ripped off everything about the wedges he created for him, down to the stampings (minus JP's initials).

Not sure why this is in Japanese equipment, though, unless it's because he uses Kyoei blanks.

Here's what I don't understand. I could also really give a $hit about either party b/c I don't play any of their stuff nor do I know them (JP makes a cool looking wedge though!) anyway I just want to know what exactly did their "agreement" entail? Because if I were to contract a guy to make and design some clubs for me, everything's good and the pieces are falling in motion and we know what our end product is to look like, and then boom something happens and there is a huge falling out, I know that myself- I would not change what our product was going to be. I would not scrap everything and re start. We had our designs and products in place. If I contract a guy to make or design something for me- I own that design, am I right? So, you can say Edel ripped him off all you want, but if you're in his position would you not do the same thing? If he owns the designs who is to say he's ripping them off? The designer? Of course he will- they always do- this is nothing new. The JP wedges sure do look nice though!

[SPY ZINGER]

I had a chance to spend some time at the candy shop, The James Patrick Golf Grind House, yesterday! I picked up my new 60* wedge and had JP check the loft/lies on my irons. He also reshafted another wedge I brought in. What is unique about this is, he does it while you wait and spends all the time in the world talking to you about grinding, the wedge game and wedge design. I can honestly say, my time spent at JP's has been one of my favorite experiences in golf to date. It's just a pleasure to be able to watch a craftsman like JP, firsthand and ask him detailed questions about the game and equipment. I also got to see a prototype for the JP Irons he had in his bag. They are easily the most beautiful irons I have ever seen. Plain satin chrome with only his JP logo, no paint fill, nothing. The prototype just looked incredible and I am looking forward to seeing the complete set. From his new hat line to staff bags, every thing he seems to touch is set apart from any other offering in the game. It's a pleasure having him in Minnesota.

When I went in for my fitting this past fall, JP watched me hit some wedge shots, then got some feedback from the lie board. He asked me a bit about my wedge game and the courses I play including the texture of the sand. I did not give him an opinion about what I thought I should have. He created the wedge based on our fitting and a couple months later, it was born. It really does look beautiful, almost too nice to hit. He said if I did not want to hit it, he would make me a rack for my living room wall! The exterior finish is almost like a shiny black chrome. The interior, or face side of the wedge is a muted black matte finish with a hint of texture to it. An absolutely remarkable finish that will play perfect in the sunlight. It's like a mullet, business in the front, party in the back. It's shafted with a KBS Tour Stiff shaft with a Masda Slick Fit Japanese grip. Cool trip with technology made from racing tire slicks used for racing.

JP is going to send me a PDF with the additional specs of my wedge, which I will post when I receive it. It's going to be tough to wait until April to put this to the test!

He just updated his website and facebook page which now has an online store. Check it out!

[apprenti23]

Holy crap- looks like something that belongs in Jared!

[SPY ZINGER]

apprenti23, on 28 December 2011 - 09:54 AM, said:

Holy crap- looks like something that belongs in Jared!

I prefer: http://www.fred.com/