Lot # 36: Early 1880s Willie Fernie Putter—1883 Open Champ

Starting Bid: $500.00

Bids: 10 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Spring 2023",
which ran from 4/5/2023 12:00 PM to
4/22/2023 8:00 PM



It's true, this club was not used by Tiger Woods, nor was it signed by him, nor did he look at it and smile...so it won't sell for millions.  But it was made by a 19th century British Open champion. How many people own such a work of art?

Golf was the game of choice for the Fernie Family of St. Andrews. The father, a successful golfer, had three sons who became accomplished golfers and clubmakers themselves. The son who made the biggest name for himself was Willie, who's name is also stamped on this particular putter. Not only did he break into a successful competitive golf career at a young age, he won the British Open in 1883. He began making clubs around 1880,  with a flourishing clubmaking business at the Troon Golf Club.

This putter head has magnificent length, with one of the longest heads out there, measuring a full 6 1/8" from bow to stern. The head is 2" wide and 1 1/8" in face depth. The original 37 3/16" shaft still has half of its original suede wrapped grip and all its underlisting. There is minor damage to the leading edge of the sole. While it is there, its not a big deal given the fact that this club has such unusual length with wonderful lines AND it was made by the hands of the man who won the British Open in 1883.  A beautiful club made by an Open champ over 140 years ago provides an exceptionally meaningful connection to early golf history. This is a nice, rare club with fabulous history. 

 

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