GOLF TREASURES:
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

My Dad just gave my son a Ping putter circa 50's or 60's--not sure when he got it. Before I let my son play with it full-time (and potentially leave it somewhere!) I'd like to know what it's worth. This is a brass headed club. On the bottom are these words: Ping by Marsten US Patent 3,042,405 (some numbers hard to read) To the far left of the patent number is "1A" or "IA". Under that is the address of the manufacturer, P.O. Box 9006, Phoenix, AZ 85029. There's a band a couple of inches under the grip that reads "Heal - Toe Balance". I think this may have once had a model number but it can't be read any more. The top of the grip reads, "Ping Putter", "Golf Pride", "Made in the USA". This club will have value to me even if it wouldn't be worth much on the market because it was my Dad's, but I thought I'd ask! Thanks a lot.
Sara Mellen

Dale Concannon writes:

Despite the high values of some modern classic putters, the market for Ping putters is limited to a handful of makes. And while your IA putter is among the rarer models, it is those stamped 'Redwood City or 'Scottsdale' that really get collectors excited - and not later models made in Phoenix. Manufactured in the late 1960's, early 1970's, it is currently worth between £250-£300 in original condition. (You also mention that you have the original grip. Without it, you could be looking at only £150-£200.)