An admittedly trivial EG question

[Huzir]

I was looking through the old EG print catalogue again last night, and I realised that I have never really been able to make out just what is that motif that appears on some of the country and golf shoes. Some part of my brain tells me it might be a golf-related abstraction -- a club hitting a ball? -- but I can't say for sure.

Is it supposed to represent anything, or is it Northampton's answer to the Nike Swoosh?

[bengal-stripe]

I had various ideas, some on the rude side, but I was told it represents a thistle.

[Huzir]

A thistle. Of course. Serves me right for asking: the mystery was better. Ah well.