Introduced in 1962, shortly after Karsten moved to what is now
Paradise Valley, Arizona, this PING 69W still retains its original shaft
and leather-wrapped grip and grip collar. The shaft has its
original double bend near the head. At this early point in the history
of Ping golf equipment, Karsten and John were making putters in Karsten's garage, working evenings and weekends as Karsten was still working his day job with General Electric. Note that it was Karsten himself who heated the shaft and formed the double bend, and he would do it after the shaft
was installed in the head.
When this putter was introduced, it was part of Karsten's 69 series,
the "W" indicating that this model had a "wide" flange, wider than the
others in the series. This particular Model 69W shows use but is still in excellent condition. The back cavity is stamped with Karsten's Scottsdale address.
For more info on the model 69W, the 69 series of putters, and Karsten's bending of shafts, see And the Putter Went Ping chapter 3, page 56 and 63