Lot # 21: Fred X Fry - Schenectady Putter Used By 1926 US Am Champ George Von Elm

Starting Bid: $500.00

Bids: 11 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Fall 2020",
which ran from 11/4/2020 12:00 PM to
11/21/2020 8:00 PM



This Schenectady putter is stamped with the name of "Frank Minch" on the crown.  Frank Minch was the pro at Del Paso Country Club in Sacramento, California, between 1925 and 1965. In addition to having a bamboo shaft, the club has a built up "camel's hump" in the grip, for the right hand to grasp.  Surprisingly, it actually feels like a pretty good addition if it wasn't completely non-conforming to the Rules.

This putter is from the Fred X Fry collection and is was well documented by Fry. Click Here

Fry's corresponding paperwork for this club states that Frank Minch built up the unusual camel's hump grip, and that George Von Elm not only used this putter but "won many tournments with this putter."  After Minch received the club back from Von Elm, Fry acquired it from Minch in 1934.   (see image of Fry's information page about this putter.)

Former US Amateur champion George Von Elm had an outstanding amateur career before turning professional. He defeated no less than Bobby Jones to win the 1926 US Amateur. This was accomplished after loosing to Jones in the finals of the 1934 US Am and the semifinals of the 1925 Us Am. Also in 1926 as an amateur, Von Elm finished 3rd in the British Open and 2nd in the Los Angeles Open.  Von Elm had many top 10 finishes in the US Open and British Open. His second place US Open finish to Billy Burke in 1931 still stands as the longest playoff in USGA history. Von Elm, from Salt Lake City, Utah, accomplished much in the game of golf and received many accolades.  For a great write up on George Von Elm Click Here

A few pictures of Von Elm are included with this listing after the last picture of the grip. 

The first shows him as part of the 1930 Walker cup team: The team members in the front row, from left to right, are Jess Sweetster, Chick Evans, Bobby Jones, George Von Elm, Francis Ouimet. 

The second image shows Jones congratulating Von Elm after their final match of the 1926 US Amateur won by Von Elm.

The third image shows Von Elm & Bobby Jones at a 1930 Exhibition match.

The final image shows Churchmans Von Elm cigarette card.

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