ROSS CO. GOLF - Making of a Harris Tweed Wood Driver Cover

For the last year or so, the golf that I have played has been almost exclusively with a set of PING Eye 2 laminated woods, green dot PING Eye 2 irons, and an old Anser putter.  Yes, the same guy that goes fly fishing with old fiberglass fly rods is the same guy that plays golf with clubs that are 40 years old, too.  

The truth is, I don't play any worse and have a lot more fun with my after work walks.

I continue to kit out my custom Retro Fly edition MacKenzie Golf Bag, and a few unique club covers are a must.  With most cool things that I find, Ross Co. Golf popped up on my Instagram radar a couple months ago and I really liked that Ross Steidel mixes a life of being a caddie with making small batch custom headcovers in his shop in Bandon, Oregon.  

When I placed an order for a Scottish Hillside Cover, made of Harris Tweed, I asked Ross if he'd chronicle the cover build step by step to see inside of his process.  Who doesn't like to see how makers make, even if you might not be into golf.

Ross Steidel of Ross Co. Golf wrote...

"I’ve been a caddie for over 20 years now.  In that time, my relationship and connection to the game has evolved beyond being able to explain with words.  Thru the thousands of rounds played myself, as well as the countless rounds I’ve caddied for others, the golf course is always there with me, no matter the day, with another trick up its sleeve.  It’s comforting.  These feelings, for me at least, are expressed thru the designs I’ve created.  I do it because I’m not sure I’d know how else to show my appreciation.  

Golf is honest and tough.  It’s natural, and connected to the land.  It shows many shades of color, both literally and figuratively.  No matter how much we as people evolve, we still can’t figure out how to one up a golf course.  I’d like to think my covers bear some resemblance.  They are simple and tough in their construction, wildly vibrant with color and personality, and natural with regards to the textiles we choose.

I feel it a duty to share my relationship to the game, in whatever sense a headcover can."

I am beyond impressed at the quality of this Harris Tweed cover and look forward to some upcoming walks with it on my wood driver and appreciate Ross's time in sending along some images and words for this post.  This won't be my last order from him.

If you'd like to place an order for your own headcover, Ross Co. Golf is offering a 10% off code of "FGM10" or click the link for it to be automatically taken care of in the online cart.

STONEFLY NETS - Handmade Nets Made to Last Generations

I first met Ethan Igleheart of Stonefly Nets at the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition a few years ago and after the show, he built two nets for our children that we'll share soon with a neat step-by-step series of posts that I've had archived in Lightroom for way (waaaaaaaayyyyyyyy) too long.  

Ethan has a new brand film that I thought would be perfect preface to the upcoming net build posts.



Check out the Stonefly Nets website and follow on Facebook and Instagram for the latest shop news.

Help Support Lincoln Westby's Recovery

When I met Lincoln Westby of Blue Horizon Lodge ten years ago on the dock of a barrier island in Belize, it was immediately struck with what an absolute legend of a man that he is.  Lincoln was in his mid-70's then and he still wanted to be on the water every day that he could.  That enthusiasm has continued until just recently with a fall at home that put him in the hospital and the news that his guiding days are over.  

For Lincoln, this is a crushing diagnosis and a GoFundMe has been set up to help him through thesee medical bills, recovery, and adjusting to a new reality.  

If you've spent any time with Lincoln, you know what a special man he is.  If you can help with a donation, please consider it.  

Look back at a couple of past T.F.M. posts from my time with Lincoln here...

ON THE FLATS WITH THE PERMIT MASTER
A BELIKIN WITH MR. LINCOLN WESTBY

Lincoln, prayers for your healing and I hope to make it down to see you again soon.

Casting Lessons With George Revel - The Roll Cast

I am not sure what the planned cadence of releasing this series of casting lesson videos with George Revel of Lost Coast Outfitters and Loon Outdoors, but this primer on the roll cast is so good.  

Filmed at the Golden Gate Angling and Casting Club and well worth your ten minutes, even if you think you're already doing it right.



A dozen years ago, George and I spent a morning together at the G.G.A.C.C. and this film is a wonderful memory to reflect on.  Visit the T.F.M. post if you haven't seen it already.

I'll continue sharing these videos as they are released but find more goodness on the Loon Outdoors YouTube channel.

Tom Morgan Rodsmiths is Closing Shop

I heard from someone late last week that this was happening but it was still tough to see Facebook and Instagram posts from Tom Morgan Rodsmiths that they are closing down.  I don't think that they've been open for awhile now, and along with liquidating everything in their Bozeman shop space, Joel Doub is trying to make whole those who had orders in the queue.  

Several years ago, I spent a morning with Joel and had the run of the place for a couple of hours with my camera.  You can visit the photo heavy T.F.M. post and I appreciate Joel being welcome to a visit.  We had a great chat as he worked.  I wish him the best with his health.

For those interested, there is a inventory list of the Shop Sale posted on Instagram.  Reach out to Lindsey Doub with questions or offers by email.

PATAGONIA - Pheasant Tail Simplicity - How to Fish a Flymph

One of my favorite books from last year was Pheasant Tail Simplicity and the trio of Yvon Chouinard, Craig Mathews, and Mauro Mazzo teamed up again for this Patagonia paperback which is full of stories, techniques, and fly tying recipes with step-by-step instructions.

Order your copy of Pheasant Tail Simplicity on the Patagonia website or pick one up at your local book store or fly shop.  

Want to jump ahead and watch other Pheasant Tail Simplicity videos?  You can find them on the Patagonia YouTube channel.  

STEFFEN BROTHERS - Chestnut Blanks Are Almost Gone...Again

If building a Steffen Brothers fiberglass fly rod was on your winter "To Do" list, you might not want to delay too much longer from getting a blank ordered.  The Fiberglass Black Blanks have sold out already but all models of the Fiberglass Chestnut Blanks are still in stock.  

Unless you just love black blank fly rods, there is something special about these reddish brown blanks.  I've long had the opinion that everyone should have a Steffen Brothers 8' 3/4 weight.  The 5/6 models are workhorses and I can't stop thinking about adding a 8' 6/7 weight to my collection soon.

 

Now through the end of the month, use code "BLANKSBACK" for 10% off your entire order on the Steffen Brothers Fly Rods website.  Every little bit helps.