From the World Golf Hall of Fame collection and dating circa 1810, this is the oldest wooden head club in this auction. It has one large knot and two smaller knots in the wood on the top of the head. Knots were something that were once acceptable and often found in the oldest woods. As clubs and clubmaking evolved, a head with a knot in the wood was considered an inferior head, so clubmakers stopped using wood with such a blemish. To the collector, however, a knots are a marvelous feature. They are typically an indicator of great age.

The horn on this head is also much thicker than the typical horn found on clubs made after the early 1800s. This horn is a replacement, but it needed to be much thicker than a normal horn. This is visible across the lower edge of the face.

Another indicator of significant age is the profile of the head. Specifically, this putter has a slight but distinct downward slope from the toe to the back of the head.  This is best seen when viewing the toe straight on. The toe is higher than the back, and the crown line slopes downward as it curves from the top of the toe rearward. Again, this is a characteristic of the oldest woods.  

This club remains in its original finish. The head measures 5 5/8” in length, 1 7/8” in width, and 1 3/16” in face depth. The original 37” shaft still has its original whipping. Made from two lengths, the fabric grip has a black underlisting and is likely a replacement. There is a light amount of fill to the face directly above the horn. The face appears to have been cleaned up in conjunction with installing a new horn.  All of the above work was done by Laurie Auchterlonie, as the club is etched with Auchterlonie’s mark on the back of the heel. The WGHOF inventory number 326 is discreetly marked on the lead backweight.

Not every club is going to be found in perfect condition. When Aucterlonie received this club, it had obvious issues. But rather than acquiring an ancient club today with obvious issues, the buyer can know that the work has already been expertly completed, and by an Auchterlonie, one of the most famous names in clubmaking! A wonderful club that still exudes age.

Letter of Authenticity from the World Golf Hall of Fame