What Happened On February 6th?

On February 6th, 1971, astronaut Alan Shepard, commander of the Apollo 14 mission, became the first person to play golf on the Moon. But this wasn’t your average weekend tee-off; it was a legendary attempt to pluck a few 6 irons.

Shepard, a former Navy pilot known for his adventurous streak, wasn’t content with just walking on the Moon. He yearned to leave a unique impact on such an exclusive and monumental journey. I mean, who wouldn’t?

So, he mischievously packed a modified Wilson 6-iron head (taped to a geology tool handle) and two specially designed golf balls aboard the spacecraft. His plan? To sharpen his irons on the moon!

As millions watched back on Earth, Shepard emerged from the lunar module. From the landscape of the Moon’s craters and the Earth’s outline in the background, he took his “homemade 6 iron” and set his feet.

His first swing, as the legend goes, “shanked” the ball into a nearby crater. He definitely was not going to stop there, and as a natural competitor, Shepard adjusted his stance and delivered a second swing. Because of the limited gravitational pull, the ball then sailed “miles and miles and miles,” technically making it the furthest golf shot of all time!

During this time, the world was evolving so quickly with new technological advancement along with an increased passion for sports. During this time, the Lakers would begin the longest streak in sports history! Basketball, football, golf, and tennis started to become very prominent this year, which inspired “Captain Shepard.”

Today, the “Moon Club” – the modified 6-iron head – lies in the Smithsonian Institution, a relic of a special shot. Not too many people are able to replicate this achievement, making it one a kind!