The History of Ben Hogan Golf Clubs

The Ben Hogan Company began operations in 1953, when Ben partnered with Marvin Leonard and Pollard Simon. Hogan's vision for his company was to provide the same quality equipment to amateurs that professionals used. In 1954, the Ben Hogan Company released its first set of irons, and the next year Jack Fleck won the U.S. Open playing Ben Hogan irons.

The Ben Hogan Company has always been known for its quality irons. The Hogan Apex irons were created in 1972 and became the most-played irons by PGA Tour players for the next few years. In 1989, the company introduced the Edge irons, which became the company's best-selling iron. With a specific design for improving mis-hits, the Edge irons were the first Hogan irons to be considered "game improvement" irons.

In 1957, the company came out with the "speed slot" design in drivers to make the club more aerodynamically efficient. In 1968, the Apex shaft featured constant-weight steel shafts for improved consistency. This allowed the shaft in your three-iron to weigh the same as your nine-iron shaft. The Edge irons, introduced in 1989, featured a cavity-back design and perimeter weighting for improved mis-hits. In 2006, the company released the Apex wedge, which featured carbon steel for an improved feel.

In 1960, Ben sold the company to American Machine and Foundry but remained with the company as chairman of the board. The company changed hands again in 2004, when it was purchased by the Callaway Golf Company. Ben Hogan golf clubs can now be bought through Callaway Golf Pre-Owned and select retailers.

The Ben Hogan Company was the initial sponsor of the Ben Hogan Golf Tour, which later became the Nationwide Tour. The tour was started in 1990 and became the training ground for future PGA professionals. PGA stars Tom Lehman, John Daly and Jeff Maggert all earned their way onto the PGA Tour by way of the Ben Hogan Tour.