Karsten Solheim first produced the Ping 69 putter in 1961. The inspiration came from his son Allan, who suggested that Karsten make a putter with a heavy flange. The original 69 putter was then followed up with several variations.  None of them, however, had a sound slot cut through the sole like there is on this putter. 

There is a slot cut through the flange directly behind the blade.  There is a neatly drilled hole at each end of the slot. This slot was clearly added after the putter was sold. According to Rob Griffin, Ping's historian, Karsten used his Bridgeport milling machine to cut the slots in the soles of all the Scottsdale Anser, Cushin, and Kushin putters. Karsten's slots were thinner and neater, and they did not need a hole on each end to help start the cut.

The 35 1/2" shaft with its double bend near the head is original as is the green Golf Pride Informer grip, complete with its grip collar.

John Barnum used a Ping 69 putter to win the 1962 Cajun Classic and become the first golf pro to use a Ping putter to win a PGA Tour event. For more information on the Ping 69 putter, see "And the Putter Went Ping" p56-59.