Many of today's younger golfers have been denied the chance of hitting with actual wooden clubs. They don't know the feel of making contact with a solid persimmon head on a steel shaft. Have these traditional weapons of choice been virtually phased out and replaced by metal fairway woods and drivers? Fear not fans of the lumber, for Louisville Golf has brought back the beauty and craftsmanship of persimmon clubs with their NIBLICK fairway woods. Aside from the fact that they are better looking than metal woods, they claim that the persimmon NIBLICK helps you hit the ball better. The theory is that persimmon woods create a "Gear Effect" that imparts a natural draw-spin on the ball that equals greater distance, accuracy and better roll.

Sounds neat, but can it hit. Like a bully at space-camp. We tried the 15 degree NIBLICK 3 wood with a True Temper steel shaft and full chord tour wrap grip. The balance on this club is exceptional; it swings easily with minimal power loss. The feel at contact is also amazingly solid and tight. The gear effect works nicely off the tee and from the bare ground. The NIBLICK also punches easily through the rough. If you have trouble hitting woods off the fairway, then this is definitely the club for you.

It should also be noted that the NIBLICK is quite easy on the eyes. Milled from rich persimmon and lacquered to a glassy sheen, the head has the classic look of a fine antique. The grooved, stainless soleplate bears the NIBLICK name and the Louisville Golf logo and insignia. The loft degree and wood type (3, 5, 7, etc) are carved into the wood on the sole and embossed in classic white. Also worth noting is the stainless steel hosel rather than the traditional whip-chord.

The bottom line is that if you want a club that will take you back to the roots of the game without sacrificing distance or accuracy, then Louisville Golf's NIBLICK belongs in your bag. It's a sure bet that once you hit one, you'll want a full set. They come in woods 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9 and 11 in Men's right hand, and 3, 5 and 7 in Men's left. For about 180 dollars, you can get one just about anywhere clubs are sold or online at LouisvilleGolf.com. Pick up a set and put a little class in your bag.