This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/2/2016
Schenectady Putter - First Center-Shafted Putter
Originally used at the 1904 British Amateur Championship, this Schenectady putter was a controversial club when first introduced, before the USGA and R&A could finally agree that the center-shafted putter was necessary for the progression of the game. Patented in 1903 by Arthur Knight of Schenectady, New York, the putter was made as an effort to improve Knight's short game. The Schenectady putter became a controversial club after Walter Travis became the first American to win the British Amateur, while using this style of putter, defeating Edward Blackwell. The R&A was not fond of seeing a foreign-born golfer win the tournament, let alone by using a new and unorthodox putter, and identified the putter as an unfair advantage. In 1910, the R&A officially ruled the Schenectady, and other center-shafted putters, to be illegal. The USGA would not outlaw the club due to its profound effect on the game, but it wasn't until 1951 that the R&A lifted their ban against this style of putters. This putter is one of the most historic of any club to date. The Schenectady putter offered in this lot is in excellent condition, from its smooth grip to the iconic head. The back of the putter has 'SCHENECTADY PUTTER' imprinted, with 'PAT. MAR. 24, 1903.' The sole lists:
NO. 976267
COLE LICENSEES
HARRY IEF & CO N.Y.
FLAT
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