The Allure of Gold Plated Putters in Golf History and Modern Times

The Allure of Gold Plated Putters

For many golfers, owning a gold plated putter represents the pinnacle of luxury and prestige in golf equipment. The gleaming finish and flashy look of a gold putter elevates it to trophy status, making it more than just a tool to sink putts. Golfers covet these putters not just for their beauty, but for the history and significance behind them.

The History and Significance of Gold Putters

The tradition of gold plating putters began in the 1960s and 70s when major golf equipment companies like Ping and Titleist first introduced limited edition putters featuring a gold finish. These putters were made to commemorate professional tournament victories. Winners would be awarded a golden version of the putter they used to win as a trophy of their triumph.

Over time, the gold plated putter became a status symbol in the sport - owning one meant you or someone you knew had won a prestigious tournament. The gold plating elevated a common club into something unique and meaningful. Now golfers could own a piece of golf history.

Beyond commemorating tournament wins, gold plated putters also became popular for their brilliance and ability to reflect light. This eye-catching look served to distinguish the user as someone serious about the finer aspects of golf. A glimmering gold putter commanded attention and respect.

Ping's Gold Putter Vault

Perhaps no company is more closely associated with gold plated putters than Ping. Since 1967, Ping has produced gold plated replicas of the putter model used by each winner of the major professional golf tournaments - the Masters, U.S. Open, British Open, and PGA Championship.

Over 3,300 of these coveted Ping gold putters are housed at the company's headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona inside a specially designed vault. This dazzling golden shrine contains row upon row of putters exuding history and prestige. To stand amidst the glittering putters and experience the collection is something of a pilgrimage for passionate golf fans.

While Ping maintains ownership of the gold putters, each tournament winner also receives their own replica to keep. Many professionals have full collections of gold putters representing each of their major tournament wins. The public display of these victory trophies in the Ping vault serves to celebrate the achievements of the game's greatest golfers.

Unique Appeal of Gold Putters Today

Part of the appeal of gold putters is their distinctiveness. All putters essentially look and perform the same - what sets gold putters apart is their aesthetic beauty. The warm, shiny gold finish simply looks and feels special compared to typical steel or aluminum putter heads.

The gold also evokes a sense of luxury and extravagance. Gold naturally carries prestige as a precious metal, so putting with gold clubs provides a feeling of sophistication and refinement. For some golfers, owning a gold putter is like driving a fancy sports car or wearing an expensive watch - it's a status symbol that communicates a distinguished taste and personality.

Lastly, gold putters remain highly coveted for their role in golf history. Each plated putter represents a meaningful tournament victory. Owning and using a gold putter, whether won by the player themselves or purchased later on, tangibly connects golfers to the enduring legacy of the game. Gold putters let ordinary players feel like champions.

Contemporary Gold Putter Models

While Ping maintains its traditional production of commemorative gold putters, other major brands have also started offering gold putters for retail sale. This provides average golfers the chance to own new, modern putters with gold finishes. Companies like Odyssey, Cleveland, and Bettinardi now sell popular putter models plated in gold.

TaylorMade's TP Black Copper and White Bronze putter collections also incorporate gold detailing into their designs. This includes gold accents on the sole plates and alignments lines. The combination of gold touches against dark finishes creates a bold, luxurious aesthetic.

Scotty Cameron offers numerous limited edition gold putter releases through his high-end studio and tour departments. Examples include the 2018 Studio Select Squareback 1.5, the 2021 Phantom X 5.5, and 2022 TOUR Emerald. For well-heeled collectors, Cameron's gold putters remain the ultimate trophy purchases.

Purchasing a Gold Putter

Purchasing a brand new, retail release gold putter varies in price depending on the specific model. Most run between $400 to $700 at minimum - considerably higher than silver or black finished putters. Limited edition Scotty Cameron gold putters often fetch over $1000. Prices range higher still for tournament commemorative Ping putters at auction.

For golfers seeking gold putters without the premium costs, used and vintage models are available from resellers at lower price points. These putters lack the luster of a brand new club but provide the same flashy gold styling at a more affordable level. A pre-owned Ping Anser from the 1980s can often be found for around $200-300 in good shape.

Whether buying new or used, be sure to inspect any gold putter carefully for signs of wear, chipping, or damage. The gold plating can show blemishes from use over time which hurts both aesthetic and monetary value. Well-kept gold putters retain their brilliance and appeal.

The Enduring Allure of Gold Putters

For the foreseeable future, gold putters look to remain highly coveted items in golf. Their beauty, significance, and exclusivity lend an aura of distinction for pros and amateurs alike. Gold putters may not help anyone's handicap, but they certainly boost pride and confidence. Their rich history and glowing style simply capture the imagination of golfers everywhere.

FAQs

Why are some putters gold plated?

Gold plated putters are usually made to commemorate professional tournament wins. Major companies like Ping traditionally gift gold putter replicas to winners of tournaments like the Masters, U.S. Open, British Open, and PGA Championship.

Where is Ping's gold putter vault located?

Ping's famous vault housing over 3,300 gold putters is located at their corporate headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. This specially designed vault serves as a glittering shrine celebrating the achievements of golf's greatest tournament champions.

How much do new gold putters cost?

New gold putter models from brands like Odyssey, Cleveland, and Bettinardi generally range from $400 to $700 at minimum. Limited edition gold putters from Scotty Cameron often cost over $1000 due to their exclusivity and collectibility.

Should I buy a new or used gold putter?

Buying used can provide big savings on gold putters. Vintage models in good condition often sell for $200-300 from resellers. However, new gold putters have superior luster and fewer signs of wear and tear from use.

Why are gold putters so appealing to golfers?

Gold putters' beauty, prestige, and connection to golf history give them an allure for golfers. Their gleaming gold finish looks luxurious, feels special, and evokes a sense of sophistication. Owning a gold putter tangibly links players to the enduring legacy of the sport.