PUTTERS
Not unlike today where there are literally 100's of different types of Putters available to select from the Hickory era, also produced a galaxy of models in all shapes (some very weird) and sizes for the player to test his/her skills on the green. Willie Park Senior once said, "A man that can putt is a match for anyone."

In the early days Putters very much resembled other woods having the beautiful Long-Nose design. These clubs were not only used for putting out on the green, but there were also models made for making long shots (under the wind) into the green and others with a lofted face for making the 'chip and run' type shot when near the green. Wooden headed putters were still being produced up to the end of the 19th century but with irons having substituted various woods it only a matter of time before putters would also start to be made with metal heads. These type of putters began to enter the scene after 1900 and in a few years there were many designs to choose from, not unlike today. The heads were all shapes, including round, square, pointed, mallet and hammer styles and even faces to allow the air to pass through. In fact many designs on the market today were actually tried over 100 years ago, so like fashion it is just a matter of time before a revamp of an old design reappears on the market place. The heads were made of iron, brass and even aluminium came into vogue by the mid 1920's with many different designs using this material. One of the best known aluminium models was the Ray-Mills which was launched in 1912 and then superseded in 1915 with the New Braid-Mills model which has a slightly shorter head.

One of the most famous vintage putters is the Wry-Neck model which Willie Park Junior patented in 1894. The story is told that whilst riding in his horse and cart his putter fell out and one of the cart wheels ran over it causing a peculiar shape to the hosel. When he picked up the putter he found it sat well on the ground and was well balanced and so decided to patent the design. Because so many different putters were produced, each being individual in character, they are most sought after by the collectors and even players because using a quality old putter on today's well kept greens can be fun and they can still be a match against any modern day version. Fortunately the love affair with Antique Hickory Golf Clubs has never waned and today there are more and more people not only collecting these beautiful clubs for show but they also wish to play with them in specially arranged tournaments organised by various Hickory societies. Many vintage clubs that were produced between 1910 and 1930 are ideal and can still be found in a playable condition.

As an added service we aim to give free advice and valuations on all your items.

Whether it it a antique golf club or old golf ball we will try and give you a honest appraisal to the best of our ability.