Name recognition only, and the quality of Maltby forged is actually better than some forged blades. I’ve played a lot of irons, a lot having worked at a club. The workmanship of Maltby is on many occasions far better. The drivers and woods especially. People say the same about many other component brands as well. If Maltby could pay players millions to play their clubs they would, but then you’d be paying a lot more for your clubs.
And don’t think for one minute that the pros don’t have wedges, irons and drivers of name brands tweeked for them. A blade that a pro is playing is not the blade your paying $1000 for off the rack.