[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.

This post has been edited by SPY ZINGER: 28 December 2011 - 09:05 AM

[SPY ZINGER]

[SPY ZINGER]

[bob86gn]

Very cool

[Righty to Lefty]

Simply awesome!

[SPY ZINGER]

Thanks guys, it was an enjoyable experience.

[petter7]

SPY ZINGER, on 12 September 2011 - 06:02 PM, said:

Thanks guys, it was an enjoyable experience.

Great pics Zinger! I love lookin' at beautifully photographed wedge grind pics. Thanks!

[SPY ZINGER]

petter7, on 12 September 2011 - 07:23 PM, said:

Great pics Zinger! I love lookin' at beautifully photographed wedge grind pics. Thanks!

Thanks P7! I am not sure if you can call what I did 'beautifully photographed' but I appreciate it nonetheless!

[SPY ZINGER]

Video:

[tpc7]

Pretty cool stuff. Good job spy-man

[SouthShoreRob]

petter7, on 12 September 2011 - 08:23 PM, said:

Great pics Zinger! I love lookin' at beautifully photographed wedge grind pics. Thanks!

Me, too. Fine job, Spy!!

Thanks for sharing.

[SPY ZINGER]

SouthShoreRob, on 14 September 2011 - 03:44 PM, said:

Me, too. Fine job, Spy!!

Thanks for sharing.

Thanks guys, I appreciate it!

[Texsport]

Great info Zinger!

I'll have to look JP up on my next trip to MN---like in 1 week!

Thanks,

Texsport

[SPY ZINGER]

Texsport, on 14 September 2011 - 06:05 PM, said:

Great info Zinger!

I'll have to look JP up on my next trip to MN---like in 1 week!

Thanks,

Texsport

Tex-Shoot him a message via his website if you are in town, just a great guy.

and

If you have time, and want to play, as always, shoot me a PM. I get 10 strokes right off the top.

[Texsport]

SPY ZINGER, on 14 September 2011 - 06:42 PM, said:

Tex-Shoot him a message via his website if you are in town, just a great guy.

and

If you have time, and want to play, as always, shoot me a PM. I get 10 strokes right off the top.

10 what---my knee is bothering me man.

That's terrible---tryin' to take advantage of an old man.

Why---you've got the home field advantage too!

Texsport

This post has been edited by Texsport: 14 September 2011 - 08:15 PM

[TWshoot67]

Sweet pics Stephen. Thanks for sharing all those pics and that video as well. As always great post!

[SPY ZINGER]

TWshoot67, on 15 September 2011 - 10:23 AM, said:

Sweet pics Stephen. Thanks for sharing all those pics and that video as well. As always great post!

Thanks Tim!!

[SPY ZINGER]

Texsport, on 14 September 2011 - 08:11 PM, said:

10 what---my knee is bothering me man.

That's terrible---tryin' to take advantage of an old man.

Why---you've got the home field advantage too!

Texsport

It's not personal, it's business.

[Texsport]

BTW--I think the wedge pictured is a work of art as well as a wonderful tool.

Always preferred thick top lines and the streamline oval hosel, which really helps in deeper rough, especially bermuda rough.

Does the SP mean it's your wedge Zinger?

Texsport

This post has been edited by Texsport: 16 September 2011 - 05:07 AM

[SPY ZINGER]

Texsport, on 16 September 2011 - 05:07 AM, said:

BTW--I think the wedge pictured is a work of art as well as a wonderful tool.

Always preferred thick top lines and the streamline oval hosel, which really helps in deeper rough, especially bermuda rough.

Does the SP mean it's your wedge Zinger?

Texsport

Yeah, those are my initials...it's not ready to hit yet though.

[petter7]

Like his logo. Very Stylish and classy looking.

[Texsport]

petter7, on 16 September 2011 - 06:43 AM, said:

Like his logo. Very Stylish and classy looking.

And he offers a pro discount Dave.

Texsport

[SPY ZINGER]

Texsport, on 16 September 2011 - 07:46 AM, said:

And he offers a pro discount Dave.

Texsport

Really? A good reason to get my card then!

[Texsport]

My pro just ordered a 60*.

Texsport

[SPY ZINGER]

Texsport, on 30 September 2011 - 07:51 PM, said:

My pro just ordered a 60*.

Texsport

Nice, after seeing my pics?!

You'll have to post some pics here Tex when it's finished!