Vokey opened Bob's Custom Golf Shop in 1976 at Fallbrook Country Club in San Diego County, before moving to a 1,300 square foot location in Vista, Calif., in 1980.

Bob was born in Canada in 1940. His father, Walter, who was born in France, but moved to Newfoundland before settling in Montreal, was a precision tool and die maker, an avid golfer and constant tinkerer of golf equipment.

Bob did not necessarily share his father's passion for golf as a child, but he observed and assisted in his father's club creations.

Vokey Design wedges are the overwhelming favorite among PGA Tour players, with 35 percent of all sand, lob and approach wedges in play each week (over double the nearest competitor).

Happy Birthday, Bob!

He lived near a golf course, and started to play competitively, eventually developing his father's passion for "tinkering" with golf clubs.