The Silver Rake Niblick: Trophy of the Hickory Masters 2026

In the world of traditional golf, objects carry stories. Some speak of the game itself, others of the hands that shaped it.

For the Hickory Masters 2026, the trophy had to reflect both.

The choice fell on an iconic piece of early golf equipment: the Rake Niblick, a club that embodies the ingenuity and character of the golden age of clubmaking. Reimagining it as a full-size sterling silver piece meant transforming a historical artifact into a symbol of victory while preserving its identity and proportions.

The realization of this unique 1:1 sterling silver rake niblick was entrusted to Guanziroli Giorgio & Co., a renowned Italian silversmith workshop founded in 1953 and based near Como, only a short drive from the Circolo Golf Villa d’Este. With more than seventy years of experience in artistic silverware, the workshop represents one of the finest expressions of Italian craftsmanship.

To understand how this extraordinary object came to life, and why such a challenge was accepted,  we spoke with Marco Zanfrini Guanziroli, representative of Guanziroli Giorgio & Co.

The interview to Marco Zanfrini Guanziroli

When did you start discussing and evaluating this project?

We began evaluating the project in November 2024, when Mr. Paolo Quirici presented us the original Rake Niblick model, asking us if it was possible to create a real-size sterling silver copy as a challenge, in addition to smaller scale reproductions as prizes. It immediately became clear that this wasn't an ordinary project: the Rake Niblick has plastic characteristics that make it a unique object. In order to faithfully recreate it in silver, it was necessary to analyze its details from both a plastic and visual point of view (shapes, engravings, materials) and a technical and mechanical point of view (forming, transformation, weights). We therefore involved all our collaborators to discuss possible solutions. Having the original model available was crucial in translating observations and measurements into accurate drawings and notes. The experience gained in over seventy years of artistic silverware, combined with constructive discussion not only internally but also with the involvement of Mr. Quirici, led to the definition of an initial idea for both the creation of a full-size prototype and scale reproductions.

Whom idea was to reproduce this iconic piece of golf history?

The idea of reproducing this iconic part of golf history came from Mr. Paolo Quirici, and we immediately accepted it with great enthusiasm. It was not simply a technical proposal, but a clear vision: to enhance an item rich in historical and symbolic significance through a silver reinterpretation, capable of maintaining its identity intact while exalting its artistic value. From the very first discussion, it was clear that the project had special potential, both for its uniqueness and for the challenge it represented from a craftsmanship and creative point of view. The idea was shared naturally and immediately, because it fitted perfectly with our understanding of artistic silverware: not as a mere reproduction, but as an in-depth study of the form, function, and history of the object. Constant dialogue with Mr. Quirici, combined with the opportunity to analyze the original artifact, set the stage for a structured development process, which then began to take shape in November 2024 with the first project, technical, and aesthetic evaluations.

What was the biggest challenge you have faced during this project?

The creation of the Rake Niblick was a challenging task, generating an atmosphere of intense concentration and participation in our workshop. The club head, a visually and symbolically central element, was refined with extreme attention to detail. Even the engravings on the back and the details on the crown, which may appear secondary, are in fact crucial to the identity of the item and were created through a carefully balanced combination of manual technique and technological support. The grip presented another significant challenge. To recreate the visual and tactile effect of leather, we chose to use entirely manual chiseling, performed with a hammer and small chisels: a task that requires technique, patience, and specialized training. From a mechanical point of view, the part that reproduces the wood was perhaps the most complex: the turning had to accurately reproduce the original sinuosity, taking into account the specific metallurgical characteristics of silver. Even details such as the laces securing the handle have been reinterpreted in silver, with very fine filaments woven together as finishing elements, contributing to the overall aesthetic balance. Finally, the real challenge was to maintain a level of consistency, precision, and absolute respect for the original in every single detail, so that the whole would be harmonious, authentic, and worthy of the symbolic value of the original.

What was the most memorable moment during the realisation of this piece?

Without a doubt, the moment when, once the work was complete, we were ready to say, “That's it.” Only by observing the work in its complete form can it be understood whether the initial idea has truly been respected, and in this case, every element found a natural coherence: it was, without hesitation, the Rake Niblick, entirely crafted in sterling silver. What made this moment even more special was the relationship we built with the commissioner, whom we would like to thank for their patience and for the time they gave us. In a project of this level, time is not a detail, but an essential condition for achieving perfection. The trust placed in us was also fundamental, as was the sincere interest shown in every stage of the project. We deeply appreciated this involvement, which led us to take the work to heart at every stage. Seeing it finally completed, and completed exactly as we had imagined it, was a moment of genuine emotion and complete satisfaction as craftsmen.

Should people care about such trophies and their realisation?

Absolutely. A trophy can become an iconic symbol, representing the identity, values, and memory of an event, as well as permanently commemorating the names and achievements of the winners. It is a tangible object that captures commitment, results, and importance over time. From an craftsmanship perspective, each creation is the result of decades of experience, study, and specialized skills. Silversmithing techniques are a cultural heritage to be preserved and developed, and it is in this spirit that we create works designed to be admired and remembered over time.

You are based in an extremely historical property and still use the spaces to carry out your work. What challenges to you have in maintaining such a headquarter?

Our headquarters, Villa Giovio, is an important part of our identity. It is a historic 16th-century residence, patiently restored after decades of disuse, and now brought back to life through our work. The main challenge is to combine the protection and conservation of a building of great historical value with the daily needs of our artisanal activity. It is a demanding responsibility, but also a privilege: preserving cultural heritage while offering our creations a unique setting. We invite all our customers and friends to come and share in the beauty and elegance of Villa Giovio and our silver creations.

In golf, trophies are never just prizes. They are symbols of achievement, memory, and continuity. Objects that link a moment of victory to the long history of the game.

The sterling silver Rake Niblick created for the Hickory Masters 2026 embodies exactly this spirit.

Faithful to the form of the original club and crafted with the precision of traditional silversmithing, it stands as a tribute both to the heritage of golf and to the artisans who continue to preserve the skills of their craft.

When the winner of the Hickory Masters lifts this trophy, it will represent more than a sporting accomplishment. It will celebrate the meeting of golf history, craftsmanship, and tradition: the very values that define the spirit of Hickory Golf Masters.