Who invented the first Ping putter and revolutionized how we look at putter design?
Category: Equipment
http://www.best-putter.com/ping-1a.html
Clue
A Norwegian born American – think Scandinavian surnames.
Answer
Karsten Solheim designed the first PING putter, known as the PING 1A, in his garage in 1959 before founding Karsten Manufacturing, manufacturer of all PING product.
More about the first PING putter
- Karsten Solheim took up the game at the age of 42 but struggled with his putting. This led him to create his then revolutionary design attaching the shaft to the head of the putter in the center rather than at the heel.
- As a mechanical engineer he brought his approach to science to the process of putter design.
- The first PGA tour victory with a PING putter came quickly – in 1962. The first Major won with a PING putter was the 1969 Masters won by George Archer.
- Solheim was the driving force behind the Solheim Cup, the professional women’s teams biennial event.
- If you’d like to know more, there’s a detailed book about the history of the company. This Golf Digest article provides an overview and how to buy it.
- Listen to the distinctive PING that gave the brand it’s name in this 4 second video.