This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/12/2018
Schenectady Putter - Patented March 24, 1903
Originally used at the 1904 British Amateur Championship, the 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. The putter offered here comes in good condition and measures 34" to the heel.
Please note: This auction will end at 5:00pm EST on Sunday, August 12th, with EXTENDED BIDDING to follow. All items in the auction will remain open until no items have received a bid within a 15 minute time period (up to 9pm EST, then will adjust to 5min time period). There is a buyer's premium of 17.5% for all items. All lots are free to be bid on until extended bidding has ended.