Aaron Leach

2022 QEST Scholar - Wrought Iron Putter Making
Antrim

Aaron gained a BA in Artist Blacksmithing from Hereford College of Arts, before setting up his business, Swifts Forge, in Northern Ireland. With more than fifteen years of blacksmithing experience, he now designs, crafts and sells hand forged putters to commission.

With QEST support, Aaron will spend time with master craftsman Owen Bush, looking at metal manipulation techniques including acid etching and the forge welding of wrought iron in order to preserve and control the pattern and structure of the finished product. Next he will study with Matthew Sayers, learning to set precious stones in metals to enable the development of bespoke putters for the luxury market. Finally, he will travel to Japan to learn about the making of Japanese iron and steel using a tatara and hot forging to reveal the properties of the metal.

I create the only hand forged wrought iron putters in the world, working mainly on a commission basis to create one of a kind pieces for the client, incorporating precious metals and stones that will stand out and perform as it should on the greens. With the reality of how much traditional craft costs, I (with guidance) have decided to reach for our potential and create putters for the luxury market, like the ‘Hermes’ of the golf world.