Burton Manufacturing was established in 1907 by T.C. Burton. In its early days, the company manufactured leather horse collars and harnesses, but later became well known for producing superior quality golf bags.By the 1950s, the company was manufacturing approximately 15,000 bags per year in 50 different styles.For years, Burton Manufacturing’s headquarters was in the Burton Building, located on the square in downtown Jasper. It employed around fifty people and was operated by J.R. Burton. His son, J.R. Burton, Jr. was the general manager.Jimmy Cannon worked for the company 35 years. “I worked my way up to President of Burton Manufacturing,” he says. “We made bags for Reagan and Gorbachev, prior to the summit in the mid-1980s. At one point 81% of the bags used on the PGA tour were made by Burton Manufacturing.”Today the building is still known as the Burton Building, and houses several local businesses, including Los Reyes Grill.Although the Jasper plant closed in 1995, vintage Burton golf bags are still available for purchase on Ebay. 78
Built for the Big Stage
September 15, 2026
4 Responses
Any record of Burton selling putters?
As the great granddaughter of T.C. Burton, I can only say for sure that the Burton pivot from horse tack and bridle to golf bags was a strategic move because of the advent of cars. I don’t think my family ever crafted clubs or other non-sewn gear. Only things that relate to crafting and stitching, as far as I’m aware.
My dad passed 3 years ago…he was a scratch golfer and loved his vintage—tan and dark brown all leather unbelievably strongly built Burton Co. very old golf bag! Not sure the “exact” age of the bag—but was born in ‘35 and began playing in his very early teens. Thus, making me think it must be close to being crafted/made/purchased upon the first and/or originals sold by the Burton Co. My dad did also live in AL as a kid and started playing in AL during the late ‘40’s and early ‘50’s. Sure would like to know how to specify exactly the type/age/year and if it might be one of the very 1st golf bags ever made/sold by this famous golf manufacturing company. I am open via email below—Quinnelly22@gmail.com—to anybody who might have information about this vintage golf bag of my passed father’s. Thank you & Happy 2019!! Best…Alan Quinnelly…
Where was the plant located? I read the headquarters were established in downtown Jasper, but where was the plant where they actually made the bags?