Two weeks ago, before the final round of PGA Tour Champions Qualifying, in Scottsdale, Ariz., social media was abuzz over Todd Demsey, a journeyman pro who was one shot off the number he would need to earn his status on the senior circuit.
Old-School Golfing
In an era of proposed rollbacks, Demsey, 51, is a throwback, an old soul in a middle-age body, aiming to compete at the highest level with equipment from the past. With persimmon clubs, Demsey says he loses little distance and gets much greater feel.
A Connection to Equipment
Demsey has always liked to feel connected to his equipment. He has struggled with this throughout his professional golf career, often having to adapt to whatever the engineers preferred. Using persimmon woods allows him to regain that connection and play with a greater sense of joy.
Demsey even built his own persimmon driver, fairway wood, and putter in his garage. While his driver has not been approved for competition through USGA conformance testing, Demsey has resisted getting it approved, emphasizing the principle of not having to “pay to prove that my persimmon driver doesn’t have an illegal trampoline effect.”
A Golfer Born in the Wrong Era
Friends and caddies describe Todd Demsey as someone who would have fit in well with legends like Ben Hogan and Sam Snead. He grew up playing golf in San Diego, starting at a young age on an executive course called Loma Santa Fe where persimmon woods were the norm.
College Success and Amateur Triumphs
Demsey excelled in high school and college golf, lettering all four years in high school and becoming a four-time All-American at Arizona State University. His successes include winning the California State Amateur and claiming the NCAA individual title. He also represented the United States in the Walker Cup.
Resisting the Temptation of Modern Equipment
Despite the rise of metal woods in the mid-1990s, Demsey resisted fully transitioning to modern equipment. He preferred using models that were a few years old, feeling that the technology advancements detracted from the essence of the game. Demsey found himself losing touch with the joy and simplicity that first drew him to golf.
A Journey Filled with Setbacks
Demsey faced numerous setbacks in his golfing career, including back issues and a benign brain tumor that required surgery. These health problems, coupled with the pressures of professional golf, led him to reevaluate his priorities and step away from tournament play.
Leaving Tournament Golf Behind
While Demsey left tournament golf behind, he never abandoned the game. He rediscovered his love for the sport by teaching juniors and returning to his childhood hobby of building persimmon clubs. He is also able to spend more time with his family, enjoying the waves as his children pursue their own passion for surfing.
Embracing Persimmon Woods
As Demsey made his comeback on the PGA Tour Champions circuit, he chose to use persimmon clubs, which many would consider a disadvantage in the modern game. However, Demsey believes that the feel and connection he gets from persimmon woods outweigh any distance loss. He remains committed to playing with equipment that aligns with his values and love for the game.
Building Persimmon Clubs
Demsey builds persimmon clubs in his garage, creating custom orders for clients and even delivering commemorative persimmons for the U.S. Amateur. His informal operation reflects his passion for the game rather than a desire for commercial success.
The Future
Although Demsey continues to pursue his golfing career, he no longer feels the same pressure as before. He is content with trying again next year and participating in Monday qualifiers. His perspective has shifted, and he now cherishes the opportunity to play with his family and travel the country in an RV. Regardless of the outcome, Demsey’s love for golf and his connection to persimmon woods remain steadfast.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Why does Todd Demsey choose to play with persimmon clubs?
Demsey prefers using persimmon clubs because they provide a greater sense of feel and connection to the equipment. He believes that, as long as he hits the ball solidly, any distance loss is minimal.
Has Todd Demsey faced any challenges with using persimmon clubs?
Yes, although Demsey’s fairway wood and putter have been approved for competition, his persimmon driver has not gone through USGA conformance testing. He has chosen not to get it approved due to the principle of not having to pay to prove its legality.
How has Todd Demsey’s approach to golf evolved over the years?
Demsey has become more focused on the joy and connection to the game, rather than solely pursuing success in tournaments. He now prioritizes spending time with his family and enjoying the process of building persimmon clubs.
Does Todd Demsey have any future plans in professional golf?
Demsey intends to continue competing on the PGA Tour Champions circuit and may also attempt to qualify for other tournaments. However, he approaches these opportunities with a more relaxed mindset and will be content with whatever outcomes arise.
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