Behind the Name

Each Hanna Golf milled putter is named after a city my grandfather, Harry Doerfler, lived in. A man who was influential in introducing me to the game of golf. He prided himself in his putting skills - although he gave himself every putt inside ten feet. 

Born in 1926 in El Reno, Oklahoma, a small town west of Oklahoma City. When he was a child, his family relocated to Amarillo, Texas. His family had little money - he grew up with ten siblings in a small home where they endured the Great Depression, Dust Bowl, and Scarlet Fever. 

Held back a grade due to Scarlet Fever - he was drafted into World War II after his junior year of high school. He was dropped into the Battle of the Bulge - the bloodiest battle of the War. 

When he came home from the war - he enrolled at the University of Denver on the G.I Bill. He told me it was one of the best things that ever happened to him.

Determined to provide his kids with a better life than he did, he had a relentless work ethic. He later took jobs in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Des Moines, Iowa. He would end up spending most of his life in Des Moines, building a successful sales business. 

My golf talent was below average, but I inherited my grandfather's work ethic. I walked on to the University of Northern Iowa. He came to my first college golf tournament, the Kansas Invitational. He hid behind trees and would shout at me to keep the putter rolling on the walk from greens to tees. He only ever cared about putting. 

My grandfather came from nothing, but with perseverance and determination, he was able to provide our family with a better life than he had.

If my grandfather were here today - I’d like to think he would be proud of Hanna Golf and what it represents. He unknowingly helped build it.