History of the Golf Putter

The game of golf can be traced back to Scotland (credited with the invention of the game) as shepherds used to hit balls into rabbit holes. Rome, China, Persia, England, and France all also have claims to the game dating back to the 14th century. During this time the game itself has undergone radical changes.

While the game and its equipment have changed substantially since that time most players will agree the most important aspect of the game is putting. Bobby Locke is quoted as saying "In fact Among golfers the putter is usually known as the payoff club and how right that is! Putting is in fact a game in itself."

One might ask "How hard can it be to invent a club that hits a ball into a hole!?" The science and technology behind the club can actually be quite intense.

The original golf putter, like almost all early clubs, was completely crafted in wood. The putter follows the same evolution of clubs till most recently when clubs, and the technology behind them has undergone radical improvements.

Golf putters have been built from wood, iron, steel, aluminum, and graphite (introduced in 1973). In fact today golfers still use steel (usually at the amateur level) while professionals use graphite.

Golf putters have been built from wood, iron, steel, aluminum, and graphite (introduced in 1973). In fact today golfers still use steel (usually at the amateur level) while professional use graphite.

The golf putter itself followed this trend but remained "under the radar" until most recently. According to Google Timeline a patent was issued in 1903 to GE Engineer Arthur F. Knight which he called the 'Schenectady Putter' named after his hometown Schenectady, New York. The company "PING" is credited with one of the earliest golf companies dedicated to the advancement of the golf putter.

The golf putter is also one of the few clubs that differs dramatically from other clubs. While most players still use the standard length of 32-35" a new golf putter, generally called the belly putter or stomach putter, can be 6 to 8 inches longer! Some putters (called the long putter) can come up as high as a persons CHIN!

The golf putter is also one of the few clubs that differs dramatically from other clubs. While most players still use the standard length of 32-35" a new golf putter, generally called the belly putter, can be 6 to 8 inches longer! Although a "better" club it has been a source of controversy. Pro player John O'Hara, Langer and Vijay Singh have used belly putters at some point with a marked improvement of their short game. Other players like Tiger Woods have condemned it as conferring an unfair advantage on users.

One club that has made quite the improvement is the driver. It now has the ability to customize your club with "weighted" technology. Only recently has this technology been applied to the golf putter.

There are essentially three players in this field, balance certified, tour lock pro, and slotted shaft technology. If the past 20-30 years have been any indication we can expect to see a continued focus on golf, golf technology, and specifically its applicability to the golf putter!