Blog

Oct. 5, 2019

Greetings to All!

If you are visiting our website for the first time, are a frequent visitor or one of our many satisfied customers, THANK YOU for coming to examine our HANDCRAFTED PRODUCTS! We craft everything ourselves in our Jeffersontown, Kentucky studio and shop. We do not outsource any of our products, this means that you are purchasing products that we craft here in the USA! 

As we are now 90 days from Christmas, we wanted to present to you our Christmas Specials so that you may want to purchase early with both special discounts and incentives. Our normal lead time is about 4 weeks, so we are trying to encourage you to make your purchases early to ensure you receive them before Christmas. 

I know that you will be glad to have the savings and incentives and that special person will be thrilled on Christmas Eve or Day to receive our of our handcrafted products. 

Should you wish a special item that you do not see, please give us a call at 502.267.2878 or email us at info@firebirdgroupinc.com. 

We look forward to making your Christmas special!

Merry Christmas,

Will Jacoby

2019 PROMOTIONS 

• We GUARANTEE all orders received by OCTOBER 25TH for DELIVERY to HAWAII, CANADA, EUROPE, JAPAN, and AUSTRALIA will be shipped in time for Christmas Delivery or it is FREE!
• We GUARANTEE all DOMESTIC US ORDERS received by November 10th will be delivered for Christmas or it is FREE!
• Orders received prior to December 5th will be shipped in time for Christmas.
• Orders received after December 5th will be contacted regarding the delivery date. 
• ALL orders for any GOLF BAGS will receive a CUSTOM PERSONALIZED CHRISTMAS BAG TAG.

Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday

BLACK FRIDAY SALES

• • ALL GOLF BAG orders will receive FREE an AMERICAN BISON VALUABLES POUCH
  • ORIGINAL MODEL 50 STICK BAG - $125.00 Available in OLIVE, BLACK, TAN & GREY ONLY with LIMITED QUANTITIES.
  • ALL LEATHER GOLF BAG ORDERS will receive FREE a LEATHER SHOE BAG - (Value of $175.00)
  • ALL DUFFEL BAGS will receive a 10% DISCOUNT.
  • ALL Orders for sets of 3 WOOD COVERS will receive FREE their choice of either a MATCHING PUTTER COVER or ALIGNMENT STICK COVER - (Value of $45.00)
  • ALL VALUABLES POUCH ORDERS will receive a FREE S&J Flask. - (Value of $25.00)
  • SHOE BAG & SHAVING KIT SPECIAL BOTH for $125.00 - (Value of $170.00)

Hello and Welcome to our website!

Recently we have discovered that there is an individual from Mumbai, India offering COUNTERFEIT PRODUCTS - GOLF BAGS that appear to be ours. Please DO NOT BE FOOLED! They are using our photos and descriptions copied from our website. 

It is important for you to know that we craft every product in our shop located in Jeffersontown, Kentucky with the finest U.S. RAW MATERIALS! We also have a distinct marking on each of our golf bags and other products that I will not reveal to keep our authenticity valid. 

Please contact us at our company email address info@firebirdgroupinc.com should you have any questions and would like to confirm the authenticity of both your purchase and product. We confirm every order with that address. 

Regards, 

Will Jacoby 

November 15, 2018

Greetings to All of Our Customers and Followers!

In reflecting on this year, I failed again to offer both a “blog” and newsletter about events, new products and happenings that we are involved with. In 2019 I will try better. 

From my heart my team and I are very grateful with everyone who has visited our website to look at our “Crafted In Kentucky - USA” products and humbled by those of you who invested in us with a purchase, THANKS TO ALL!

We have been hard at work with new products and fabrics for 2019 that you may wish to mention to someone that you would like for Christmas.

Let me touch on FABRICS, we have formed a partnership with Strathmore Woolen Mills in Scotland to weave authentic WOOL TARTAN for us. We now offer HEADCOVERS, PUTTER COVERS, GOLF BAGS, DUFFEL BAGS (CARRY-ALLS), VALUABLES POUCHES as well as many other items crafted with this beautiful fabric. 

Now for Our NEW 8” GOLF BAG LINE-UP, which was developed from the request of the many modern golf club customers who desired an 8” bag. We listened. In our preview of these models we have had very strong positive response based on the early orders that we have received.

• GRAN TOUR 8” AIRLINER STYLE is our new flagship. It offers:
  • Three Pockets with Each Pocket Having 2 Zippered Compartments
  • Three-way Separator Top and 2-Way Full Length Dividers
  • Leather Top Inner Liner
  • Tour Style Sling
  • Includes Weather/Storage Hood
  • It is AVAILABLE in 3 appointments:
    • LEATHER TRIM with Waxed Canvas Duck Fabric: $650.00
    • LEATHER TRIM, POCKET FLAPS with WAXED CANVAS DUCK and OFFICIAL SCOTTISH WOOL TARTAN: starting at $ 750.00
    • LEATHER TRIM and AMERICAN BISON: STARTING AT $1795.00
  • AIRLINER 8” STYLE GOLF BAG
    • This is just like its “little brother” the 7” Style except now larger for oversized grips and more clubs. Offering Two Large Pockets each with 2-Zippered Compartments.
      • Three-way Separator Top and 2-Way Full Length Dividers
      • Leather Top Inner Liner
      • Tour Style Sling
      • Includes Weather/Storage Hood
      • It is AVAILABLE in 3 appointments:
        • LEATHER TRIM with Waxed Canvas Duck Fabric: $575.00
        • LEATHER TRIM, POCKET FLAPS with WAXED CANVAS DUCK and OFFICIAL SCOTTISH WOOL TARTAN: starting at $ 700.00
        • LEATHER TRIM and AMERICAN BISON: STARTING AT $1650.00

• SUNDAY 8” STYLE GOLF BAG
  • This is just like its “little brother” the 7” Style except now larger for oversized grips and more clubs. Offering:
    • Large Pocket with 2-Zippered Compartments.
    • Three-way Separator Top and 2-Way Full Length Dividers
    • Leather Top Inner Liner
    • Tour Style Sling
    • Includes Weather/Storage Hood
    • It is AVAILABLE in 3 appointments:
      • LEATHER TRIM with Waxed Canvas Duck Fabric: $475.00
      • LEATHER TRIM, POCKET FLAPS with WAXED CANVAS DUCK and OFFICIAL SCOTTISH WOOL TARTAN: starting at $ 595.00
      • LEATHER TRIM and AMERICAN BISON: STARTING AT $1100.00

• OUR NEW 7” WALKING MODEL – OFFICIAL Mackenzie OC TARTAN GOLF BAG 
  • This is a completely new style including a new specially designed frame which is designed for those who “walk” and is comfortable with no rubbing on your side. There is a newly designed ball pocket. Other “key” features are:
    • 7” TOP with 2 Metal Stay Construction
    • OFFICIAL SCOTTISH WOOL TARTAN of the Mackenzie Clan Imported from Scotland.
    • LEATHER LINER TOP CUFF to protect club shafts
    • 3 COMPARTMENTS in the OVER SIZED BALL POCKET
    • TOUR SLING
    • CARD HOLDER and PENCIL SHEATH
    • We are initially offering this as follows:
      • Mackenzie OC Tartan with Navy Waxed Canvas Duck and Chestnut Leather
      • Mackenzie OC Tartan with Spruce Green Waxed Canvas Duck and Chestnut Leather
      • Mackenzie OC Tartan with Black Waxed Canvas Duck and Black Leather
      • Mackenzie OC Tartan with Orange Waxed Canvas Duck and Natural Leather
      • Cost: $495.00

Our hope is that you will find within our wide selection the perfect GOLF BAG for yourself or that special person whether they play with a short set of clubs, a full set of clubs, modern clubs or vintage hickory clubs.

For those who are considering items other than GOLF BAGS, we craft great WOOD COVERS, DUFFEL BAGS/CARRY ALLS, MARKET BAGS, WOOD & PUTTER COVERS, VALUABLES POUCHES, PURSES and WRIST PURSES, SATCHELS, BACK PACKS and many more items, please keep us in mind! We appreciate all orders!

As we end another year and look forward to a New Year, 2019, it is always great to both reflect and dream. One occurrence that I like to reflect on in my 69 years is how all faiths have celebrations as we approach a New Year which to me offers hope for our future as a society. So, from us at Firebird Group, the “Crafters of our Steurer & Jacoby” brand of goods, our way of ending this year is to say THANK YOU, HAPPY NEW YEAR and MERRY CHRISTMAS and the BEST of WISHES in your FAITH during these Holidays!

Best Regards, 

Will Jacoby and Meghan Jacoby Leezer

The past few months have flown past quickly especially on the fairways of Hickory Golf. Since May, I have had a great time playing on many great historic, as well as a couple of young courses. Each offered their challenges, but left me with the memories of not only the beauty of each location but the tradition and spirit of the game of GOLF!

 Historic Courses:

Modern Courses:

I hope that sharing these great golf courses will give you some ideas of places to go and play. These courses are great for modern play as well.

My preference is that I just like the tradition of playing with the clubs that started the game, Hickory. As my late good friend, Mike Just, told me when he suggested that I try Hickory Golf, “the magic of the game comes to you!” He was so right, the spirit of friendship, the play (I can’t hit a 250-yard drive even if I was dreaming of it) and not the score and finally the course give you this “magical experience” in this game we call golf!

As we approach Thanksgiving, Christmas and wrap up 2016, I wanted to review our new product introductions - all of which are great gifts for golfers and non-golfers alike.

• For the golfer, we have continued to improve our Club Carriers with a new 3-way organizer system, which includes a 2-way full length divider, that will come standard in the Airliner Style Golf Club Carrier.  It will also be available as an upgrade option in the Sunday Style Golf Club Carrier.

• Duffle Carrier - We designed this at the request of loyal customers who wanted a larger version of the Overnight Carrier.  The Duffle Carrier is a large enough for a full weekend adventure.  The exterior features a weather/security flap that is fastened with solid brass buckles and hides an easy access zipper maintaining our Vintage Traditional Style.  Inside you will find a rich lining and zippered pocket.  A deluxe shearling sling rounds out the classic look.

• Market Bag - Crafted in combinations of Leather, Classic Duck and Waxed Duck Fabric, this item was a 'natural' for us.  Our in-house crafters, used their years of experience to assemble this quintessential product.  The Market Bag features a folding floor for added stability and ease, an exterior easy access pocket and an interior zippered security pocket.  We have also partnered with Twisted Pink, a Louisville, KY based volunteer organization with a mission to cure breast cancer by funding metastatic breast cancer research.  We will donate $10 for every Twisted Pink, Pink Ribbon and Pink Market bag purchased to the efforts of Twisted Pink.

• BackPack -  Crafted with Leather and Waxed Cotton Duck Fabric, designed as an homage to the old Boy Scouts backpacks from my youth, some 50+ years ago.  There is a laptop compartment, key holder and sleeves for your pens, cell phone and composition books.  Our clients have been very excited and pleased with both the design and style.

• Satchel - crafted with Leather and Waxed Cotton Duck Fabric.  Created out of the desire for a smaller bag to handle items like a composition book and/or a tablet. It has proven itself as a great bag for everyone, from millennials to minimalists, from the rugged to the refined.

• Caddie Wallets - Crafted with American Bison.  After several requests for a wallet to carry just the essentials, we took the bait and now offer one for a modest $25.  Ideal for those who have enough to carry already, it will hold a driver's license, credit cards and plenty of cash.

Since everything can be personalized and customized, we hope that you consider our products as special gifts for all the special people in your life this Christmas!

From all of us at the Firebird Group, Inc., crafters of the Steurer & Jacoby Brand, we wish you a very blessed Thanksgiving and Christmas Season!

Cheers, 
Will

     Recently, Steve Steurer and his wife, Melissa, began a venture of designing and importing leather products.  It has been a joy both working with Steve and having a good friendship for the past 35+ years.  During this time we have had a great run collaborating together on many design innovations in the golf industry.  We wish him the best in his new independent venture.

     Nothing has changed, or been impacted here at the Firebird Group, Inc., Crafters of the Steurer & Jacoby line of products, with the exception that Steve Steurer is no longer participating in any of our design work.  In fact, his involvement over the past 2.5 years has been very limited because of his work and travel schedule with his primary employer.

     During this time all of our designing and product improvements have come, proudly and directly, from within our shop.  My biggest joy has been watching my daughter, Meghan, lead our team of talented seamstresses and continue the vision of QUALITY & TRADITION of our american CRAFTED products!  In our shop we offer over 60 years of design and sewing expertise which is a testament to our commitment and our values of producing goods that are TRULY BORN IN THE USA!

     Please keep an eye out for the launch new products that includes:

• Market Bags
• Garment Carriers
• Yardage/Scorecard Holders
• Backpacks
• and more...

     The Firebird Group, Inc., the designers, marketers and crafters of the Steurer & Jacoby line of products, are grateful for every client and customer, every visitor to our website and every 'like' and 'share' on our social media.  It speaks to the QUALITY & TRADITION  we pour into every American Leather and American Leather & Canvas item we handcraft.

    Cheers & Smiles!

     Will

   Two very important events took place in the world of Hickory Golf this month.  Both events have an important part in my life and I am going to share them not necessarily in order of importance but in order of the dates they happened.

     The U.S. Hickory Open was held at the beautiful and challenging Links of Lawsonia in Green Lake, Wisconsin.  This is not only a great course, ranked in the "Top 100 in the U.S. by Golf Digest".  It has plenty of history with golf legends like Ben Hogan, Sam Snead and Byron Nelson taking on the fairways.  65 years ago my family would visit Green Lake many times a year to go camping.  Green Lake is also the deepest glacier formed lake in Wisconsin.

     Back to the Links of Lawsonia, the course that was designed by the famous duo of William B. Langford and Theodore Moreau, opened for play in 1928 with 90 bunkers +/- (I am quite familiar with most of them)  on over 140 acres of rolling land.  The cost was $250,000 which in those days was a huge sum of money.  Having played it 6 times, I can assure that it is challenging but fair.  Local lore explains that a buried boxcar was used to gain the elevation for the 146 yard 7th hole.

     This year, 2016, Jeremy Moe of Ft. Smith, Arkansas became "Mr. 4-Peat" by winning the U.S. Hickory Open Championship for the 4th consecutive year.  Mr. Cliff Martin of Los Angeles, California pushed Jeremy to a "Sudden Death" playoff 36 hole card of 151.  I wish my congratulations to both as they are not only great players but great personable and kind men.  Golf is a game of INTEGRITY and GENTLEMEN and both of these men have their picture next to the definition!

     Lastly, a word about the "OPEN COMMITTEE" headed by Bill "Ernie" Ernst and Jim "Doc" Eike.  FABULOUS!  They presented an excellent event that was well organized and flawless.  in other words, GREAT JOB!  The Hickory Nation needs to have a glass of your favorite libation raised to them.

     More importantly, on Sunday, October 2nd, the golfing world, especially the Hickory Nation, lost the person that was the HEART, SOUL and INSPIRATION for so many who enjoy the game as it was originally designed.  Michael Charles Just or "Mike" as his golfing friends called him.  There was not a person that Mike would not discuss the TRADITION and INTEGRITY of the game with.  His knowledge of the game, clubs and history was second to none.  To be his friend was to have a treasure as strong as family.

     Family was Mike's highest priority.  His love of Lynn was his will to beat cancer.  He and Lynn had 3 children.  His precious granddaughter was his "heart"!  His second drive was to see the marriages of his two daughters.

     Mike was the Tom Stewart of today.  He was the "Van Gogh", as written in his memorial notice (see link below), to the Hickory Nation.  He never stopped looking for the perfect club from the past.  He studied his finds and would reproduce them to the finest detail so they could be enjoyed today.  For example:

• Last year he introduced the replica KEMPSHALL PUTTER in both black and white.  There are only a "handful" of these known to exist.  Mike painstakingly found the equivalent of the material that is available today and made an exact computer milling program to reproduce this 1903 Willie Dunn design.
• For the past few years Mike worked to replicate the most sought after Stewart Irons.  As Tom Stewart was mainly known as a "Cleek" craftsman, his irons were very rare.  With the help of his friends, Jay Harris, Brad Gregory and Deal Hudson, he was able to assemble all of the originals to bring these irons to modern golfers.

     Five years ago, Mike lured me out of retirement after making golf bags for over 30 years,  He said, "Will, we need a TRADITIONAL BAG that is made with QUALITY!"  At first I politely, with locker room words, said one of us was crazy.  It was me - because here I am.

     For the remainder of my days I will be grateful to Mike for encouraging me to create the "Steurer & Jacoby" line of products.  There is no way to articulate my gratitude to Mike for introducing me to the world of Hickory of which I have become addicted.

     As one of our friends, Mr. Joe Lauber of Davos Switzerland, always says, "Enjoy the Walk!"  Mike we will enjoy the walk with every step any of us take, you will be with us until the end of time!

     Rest in Peace my friend and enjoy the walk up the 18th Fairway on the Championship Course in Heaven!

 In Honor of Michael "Mike" Just, Louisville Golf

     Let me introduce to you my company, Firebird Group, Inc., we are the "Crafters of the Steurer & Jacoby" line of quality and traditional leather and canvas goods.

     First, OUR MISSION.  We decided in 2011 to bring back to golf TRADITION and QUALITY in GOLF BAGS or as I prefer the traditional 1890's term GOLF CLUB CARRIER.  Just as important we wanted our products to be crafted here in Kentucky, so we could proudly state: "OUR PRODUCTS ARE BORN IN THE USA!"

     Second, THE TRADITION.

• Our DESIGNS are a throw back to how CLUB CARRIERS (as well as our other products) appeared for many years starting in the 1890's and well into the 1960's.  A clean look with functional pockets for the necessary golf items [balls, gloves, weather wear, small snack/water, score card].  No "bill boards"! No "synthetic materials"! Steve Steurer and I spent months looking at vintage photos to select what we liked best in looks and features.  It was important for our designs and products to say "TRADITION and VINTAGE with QUALITY".
• Our MATERIALS. We use the materials of the period.  LEATHER and COTTON DUCK (canvas), both regular and waxed.  WAXED COTTON DUCK dates back to the 1850's being developed for the British Navy and is a very durable and weather tolerant material that has some great visual features as it ages versus REGULAR COTTON DUCK that has its unique feature of naturally fading to offer the aged and vintage look.
• Our LEATHER offerings are from AMERICAN BISON, AMERICAN COW and CALF hides.  We use a tannery that has been around since before the Civil War and it is one of less than a handful of tanneries left tanning here in the USA.
• We use exclusively "SOLID BRASS HARDWARE" from US suppliers.  Our frames are custom formed with a special steel wire that offers comfort in carrying. lightness in weight and a substantial platform for your CLUB CARRIER to last for years.

Third, the QUALITY FACTOR.

• We bring over 80 years of experience with GOLF CLUB CARRIERS to the shop everyday!
• We bring over 50 years of seamstress experience everyday into the shop.
• We use both sewing machines that are over 40 years old to give us the type of stitching we want, all 100% lock stitched which means it will not unravel beyond 2 stitches should it break.  We also use modern designed machines that give us the ability to stitch through 1" of leather.  We have machines set for specific operations so there is 100% consistency with every stitch.  For example, we have specific machines that only do zippers, another only carrier bottoms and still another that sews only tops.  This is why we offer superior products to our customers.

Finally, the BOTTOM LINE.

• We understand the history of our product, the designing of a product from infancy, and  the crafting of a product to stand the test of time and usage.

Please take a moment to look at all of our products and as you do please keep in mind that our promise to you is with every Steurer & Jacoby product you will receive both TRADITION and QUALITY!  That is how we built our reputation!

Enjoy the GAME!

Cheers & Smiles!