One of a Kind, One at a Time
4:00 AM. Rain. 45 degrees. Fall is here.
I hit US-31 going north seeking the story behind a Northern Michigan local legend. Jeff Eccleston is the artist behind Campfire Clubs, a one-man woodworking studio tailoring one of a kind products for each client. Like a true golf geek, I came across Campfire Clubs scrolling through instagram one day. Wooden putters, branded signage, handmade head covers, and self grinded clubs. This was the perfect story for The Hickory Locker. Not only did I walk away from the day admiring his work, I found a new perspective to the game, and life, that I think all of us could learn from.
My day with Jeff started at Bahle Farms Golf Club in Suttons Bay, MI. With weather rolling in, we strapped on our rain gear (shout out to Jeff’s style play of the day— The Imperial Bandon Rain Bucket Hat, a stylish and practical headwear choice for the all-weather golfer) and headed to the first tee. As we pulled away from the clubhouse, playing for score fell into the rearview, along with any worry about the world around us. We were present. For Jeff, remaining present is the root of his journey with Campfire Clubs.
Back in 2018, Jeff was shaping putter heads from blocks of wood with a circular saw. Yep, a circular saw. Luckily for him, his father-in-law had his best interest in mind and gifted him a handheld sander for Christmas that year. From there, Campfire Clubs evolved from an experiment into a reality for Jeff. In his shop, you can see a timeline of Campfire Clubs through the prototypes and finished clubs laying around the shop. In the beginning, the putters had a robust look to them. But as time went on, the lines became fluid and the finishes became smoother. Fast forward to present day, in addition to his putters, Jeff consults with clubs around the U.S. to hand-craft signage, teemarkers, gifts, etc. He acknowledges what he does is not for everyone. As he put it, “what I do is niche, I know that.” But like any artist, you don’t conform to what people want. Jeff imagines, experiments, and builds where his creativity takes him. If that's what a client wants, great. If not, that’s ok too. In all honesty, I think that’s what the game needs a little more of right now.
In a market and world driven by consumerism, it was refreshing to find a vision that is heading the opposite direction. Jeff is keen on maintaining an attention to detail and artistic touch only found through his hands. While Campfire Clubs is gaining popularity, Jeff wrestles with the decision to grow. On one hand growth brings in extra cash flow, on the other comes more product out the door and a step farther away from his commitment to One of a Kind, One at a Time quality and authenticity.
That commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and creativity is precisely what set’s Jeff apart from a lot of shops out there. While the golf market will continue to drown in mass production, quick fashion, and short-life equipment, there are individuals out there pushing against the status quo. However, I am beginning to see a market form where there is a community out there in search of something personal. In our conversations, Jeff and I agreed there is so much depth to the game of golf. Everyone has their own relationship with the game; from the golf purist to the holiday casual there is a unique story. Within each story, is a tie between the gear we use and the relationship we have with the game.
As I began to unpack the story of Campfire Clubs, I was blown away with Jeff’s robust experience in the golf industry. From caddying in Arizona, to running golf operations in Northern Michigan, Jeff has seen it all. He lives and breathes the game. But more importantly, I admired his ability to remain authentically present in everything he does. He’s not sure what the future holds for Campfire Clubs. He has visions and aspirations of what it could be, but for now, he says, “I get to wake up, walk over to my shop, and build all day. I get to play golf, hang out with great people, and come home to my beautiful wife. What more could I ask for.” Jeff is present. Present in his craft, his relationship, his health, and the game. He is creating One of a Kind Moments, One at a Time. A truly simple way to live life.
I think we could all take something away from Jeff and Campfire Clubs. To slow down, hone in on our craft and remain present. Keep dreaming and aspiring to be great, but don’t forget to take in where your feet stand.
Check out his work on Instagram at Campfire Clubs and share his story.
Thank you Jeff for what you do for the game.
Until Next Time,
Daniel Ferrier
Editor-in-Chief | The Hickory Locker
