A Woodworking Shop Specializing in Custom-Made Golf Clubs

One might ask what type of man embraces old-world techniques and what inspired him to create these special putters? Often referred to as “one of a kind” by his friends, Martin in fact wears many hats and transitions effortlessly from skilled business development executive in the fast-paced D.C. government contracting arena to master clubmaker and weekend mountain man.

Born Sanford Martin (“Marty”) Cummings, Jr., he was inspired to play by his father, beginning at the age of eight at Brookwood Country Club in Jackson, Mississippi. 

A quick study, he soon became proficient, working in the pro shop in his teen years, earning a place on his high school team at Forest Hill in Jackson and even teaching members at the club. He recalls watching the British Open on television as a teenager and believes this is when he became interested in the birthplace of golf.

He played very little while in college at Southern Miss, instead of focusing on academics and his commission in the Marine Corps, but later he made the All Marine Team, and almost immediately became a favorite in foursomes with senior officers. 

Martin distinguished himself in his service to his country and as a second lieutenant was assigned to the Presidential Helicopter Squadron during the Carter administration. He qualified as a double expert with both rifle and pistol and also served with distinction as a casualty assistance calling officer during Operation Desert Storm.

After leaving the Marine Corps, Martin stayed in the Washington, DC area and joined the ranks of executives working in defense technology. He made his mark at both large and small firms including TRW, AT&T, and Daon, but never lost his passion for the game of golf, often leading winning corporate teams in DC-area tournaments.

Wanting to combine his love of golf with his amateur woodworking skills, Martin was determined that he would make replica golf clubs from the era when clubs were made from wood. So, he began to look for an old-world golf shop that still produced all-wood clubs but was unable to find one in the U.S. His search finally led him to Auchterlonies of St. Andrews, makers of fine golf clubs since 1895. You can read more about that quest on our Tribute to Auchterlonies page. 

Martin’s original trek to Scotland for his apprenticeship would be the beginning of a much longer journey that would take him to many locations and result in the realization of his dream to build a world-class woodworking shop in the mountains of West Virginia. In addition to the 3,000-square-foot shop, which resembles a large barn, his mountain compound also includes a comfortable cabin, a sawmill, a wood drying shed, and a number of other elements necessary for his work. 

At the end of a long day in the shop, you can often find Martin outside enjoying the mountain views and building a bonfire with family members and friends. A fan of Henry David Thoreau, Martin’s style is that of a nature lover and deep thinker with an easy-going attitude towards others but an impassioned dedication to his work and a true appreciation for tradition. He is sentimental about his creations and it would not be unusual for him to “visit” one of his putter displays years after it has been placed in a home or office, just to make sure the wood is being properly oiled and maintained. He wants the owner of the club to enjoy it as much as he enjoyed making it. And, he envisions that the handcrafted clubs will be passed down to future generations. 

Martin’s serious nature about his work is balanced perfectly by his sense of humor. Never without his quick wit and ready smile, he is the life of any party and you feel as if you know him (and like him) the minute you meet him. Nowhere is his kindness and generosity more evident than on the golf course. An exceptionally skilled and consistent player, he is amazingly humble and encourages everyone around him, making it easy for others to play better and have fun at the same time.

Golf is more than a game to Martin. It is an opportunity to share laughs, create memories and build relationships that last a lifetime. He believes the sport also holds many lessons in humility, patience, perseverance, and the value of striving for perfection in every aspect of life. Martin brings those values not only to the links and to his putter creations but also to his business pursuits. He is a leader in every sense of the word, sharing all that he has learned in the military, corporate world, and on the golf course to inspire others to carry on worthy traditions. 

This West Virginia mountain man is indeed a renaissance man with broad intellectual interests and skills in multiple arts and sciences. But, perhaps Martin’s greatest attribute is his love – love of golf, love for his family and friends, love of his country, and his overarching love of life. That love is truly reflected in the wood that he works – with its strength, flexibility, depth, and beauty – the wood is a reflection of the man – multifaceted and lasting.