GOLF TREASURES:
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

I HAVE A PING PUTTER, THE TYPE THAT "PINGS" FROM EITHER SIDE. INSCRIPTION--"PING BY KARSTEN" "REDWOOD CITY,CALIFORNIA PAT PEND" IT HAS A RED LEATHER GRIP AND WAS GIVEN TO MY UNCLE BY KARSTEN IN THE 50'S I THINK. IS IT RARE?
Jack King

Dale Concannon writes:

Despite the high values of some modern classic putters, the market for Pings is limited to a handful of makes. With that in mind, it is those early models from the late-1950's and 1960's, stamped either 'Redwood City or 'Scottsdale' that really get collectors excited, (rather than later models made in Phoenix.) Now the problem: the actual value of your putter depends on what model of Ping you are actually describing. This can be anything from $250-$300 for some of the less popular models like the Kushin to between $1000-$2000 for a classic Anser. From your description it could even be an original 1A model that might be worth upwards of $3000! (And if your uncle was one of the fortunate few to receive one of Karsten Solheims' first Ping putters in the late fifties, then we could be talking even more! This is why I need to know more details before I can arrive at an accurate value. Who was your uncle? Why was he given one and when? Was he a pro? Also remember that condition is an all-important consideration when placing a valuation on such clubs. For example, without the original grip, or original shaft labels, it can reduce its worth by at least a third. So, get back on your email and tell me some more.