American-Made: Straight Forward Model A Irons Take A Swing At Domestic Manufacturing

In an industry where offshore production has become the norm, a newcomer is taking golf back to its roots, both in design and manufacturing location. Straight Forward Golf has announced the production of its Model A Irons, recreating the only irons Robert T. “Bobby” Jones, Jr. ever designed, with a distinctly American manufacturing approach.

This limited initial run of 1,000 individually numbered sets comes with a price tag that might raise eyebrows: $3,232.32 per set.

Oof, but at least we’re having fun with numbers.

While premium-priced by any standard this side of Honma Beres, the cost provides an interesting window into what American-made golf clubs might cost in an era of potential tariffs and renewed focus on domestic manufacturing.

The Model A Irons draw their inspiration from the revolutionary Spalding Autograph Irons introduced in 1932. What made these clubs groundbreaking in golf’s Golden Age were innovations we now take for granted: matched lengths and lies, uniform swing weights, flanged soles and ribbed grips.

According to Straight Forward Golf, these design principles were expressly intended to “promote proper form” with inherent balance and clean aesthetics.

Unlike most modern equipment releases that trumpet technological advances, the Model A pitch is refreshingly different—these are minimalist player’s irons intended to eliminate distractions and encourage a clean, fluid swing through their inherent balance.

If we’re rolling back the ball, why not the rest of the bag?

Made in the USA

What’s particularly noteworthy about this release is the domestic manufacturing. At a time when virtually all major OEMs produce their equipment overseas, Straight Forward Golf’s American production approach gives us a glimpse of what “reshoring” might cost the golf industry. The relatively simple classic design likely helps keep manufacturing costs lower than would be possible with more complex modern offerings involving multiple materials, adjustable weights or complex face technologies.

That’s not to say there isn’t a markup associated with nostalgia crafted in limited quantities, but perhaps it gives some indication of what the ceiling might look like.

The clubs feature True Temper Dynamic Gold S300 shafts and Lamkin Crossline Standard Ribbed grips, both mainstream components, with the true differentiation coming in the classically styled iron heads produced through additive manufacturing.

For equipment traditionalists or those with an appreciation for golf history, these irons represent more than just clubs: they’re a connection to golf’s past and potentially a preview of what American manufacturing in golf might look like if broader politico-economic forces push production back to domestic shores.

Whether this limited-edition offering finds success may offer equipment manufacturers valuable insight about the market’s willingness to pay a premium for American-made golf clubs, even as potential tariffs loom on the horizon.

For more information, visit the Straight Forward Golf website.