Vintage PING Putter Values: Collector's Guide to Rare Models & Pricing

This comprehensive guide will help you understand what makes old PING putters valuable, how to identify collectible models, and current market values for these iconic golf clubs. Whether you’ve discovered an old PING putter in your garage or you’re actively building a collection, this information will help you determine its potential worth.

Karsten Solheim creates the first PING putter, the 1A, working out of his garage in Redwood City, California.

The revolutionary PING Anser putter is introduced, featuring the now-iconic heel-toe weighted design that would influence putter design for decades.

Putters produced in Redwood City, California. These are among the most valuable PING putters today due to their rarity.

Production moves to Scottsdale, Arizona. Early Scottsdale putters with the ZIP code marking are highly collectible.

Production continues in Scottsdale without ZIP code. These models are collectible but generally less valuable than earlier versions.

Introduction of beryllium copper putters, which would become highly sought after by collectors.

Manufacturing Location and Era

The production location is perhaps the most critical value factor for vintage PING putters:

1. Redwood City Models (1967-1969): These earliest production models, made in California before PING moved to Arizona, are the most valuable vintage PING putters. Identified by “Redwood City, Cal.” stamping, these rare putters typically start at $1,000 in good condition.

2. Scottsdale with ZIP Code (1969-1973): Early Scottsdale-produced putters featuring the “Scottsdale, AZ 85282” marking are highly collectible, with values often exceeding $100 and reaching several hundred dollars for desirable models in excellent condition.

3. Scottsdale without ZIP Code (1973-1986): Later Scottsdale models without the ZIP code are less valuable but still collectible, typically ranging from $40-100 depending on condition and model.

Materials and Special Editions

Beryllium Copper Models: PING putters made from beryllium copper (BeCu) command premium prices. These clubs offer a softer feel and develop a distinctive patina over time. Beryllium copper PING putters can sell for several hundred to over a thousand dollars depending on model and condition.

Manganese Bronze: The material Karsten Solheim chose for his earliest models - Manganese Bronze - helped define the PING putter. These early bronze putters often command higher prices due to their historical significance.

Model Type

Different PING putter models vary significantly in collectibility and value:

• Anser Series: The most iconic PING putters, especially early versions, are highly sought after
• 1-A: The original PING putter model has significant historical value
• Zing: Popular models with moderate collector value
• My Day: Distinctive design with dedicated collector following
• Pal: Early blade-style putters with good collector interest

Serial Numbers and Markings

PING putter serial numbers can typically be found in one of several locations:

• On the face of the putter
• On the hosel (where the shaft enters the clubhead)
• On the heel of the putter

According to PING’s official information, “putter serial numbers [are located] on the face, hosel or heel.” These serial numbers can help determine the production date and authenticity of your putter.

Address and Location Stamps

The location stamp is the most critical identifier for determining a PING putter’s age and potential value:

• Redwood City, California: The earliest and most valuable putters (1967-1969)
• Scottsdale, AZ 85282: Early Scottsdale era putters with ZIP code (1969-1973)
• Scottsdale, Arizona: Later Scottsdale putters without ZIP code (1973-1986)
• Phoenix, Arizona: More recent production with lower collector value

Color Dots and Their Meaning

PING putters often feature colored dots that indicate the lie angle:

• Green Dot: 2° upright lie angle
• Orange Dot: 2° flat lie angle
• Other colors represent different lie angles according to PING’s color-coding system

While the colored dots primarily indicate fitting specifications rather than directly affecting value, original and correct color coding can be important to collectors seeking authentic examples.

Recent Auction Examples

Online Marketplaces

1. eBay: The largest audience of potential buyers, but higher fees and more competition. Great for rare models like Redwood City putters or beryllium copper editions, which benefit from eBay’s global reach.

2. Specialty Golf Retailers: Sites like 2nd Swing Golf, Next Round Golf, and Morton Golf Sales offer trade-in programs and direct purchase options for vintage PING putters. While you might not get top dollar, these provide convenient and reliable sales channels.

Golf Forums and Collector Communities

1. GolfWRX Forums: This popular golf forum has an active buy/sell section where knowledgeable collectors frequently look for vintage PING putters. The audience understands fair value, and there’s typically less competition than on eBay.

2. The Sand Trap and MyGolfSpy Forum: These golf communities have dedicated sections for equipment sales where you can find buyers who appreciate vintage PING putters.

Golf Specialty Auctions

For particularly valuable putters (Redwood City models or rare beryllium copper versions), consider specialty golf auctions. These attract serious collectors willing to pay premium prices for exceptional examples.

Research and Education

Before making significant purchases, invest time in learning about PING putter history. Understanding the subtle differences between models, manufacturing eras, and identifying features will help you spot valuable putters that others might overlook.

Key resources include:

• PING’s official archives and history
• Golf collector forums and communities
• Reference books on vintage golf equipment

Condition Considerations

When collecting vintage PING putters, condition significantly impacts value. Look for putters with:

• Original grips (especially Pingman grips)
• Clear, legible stamping and serial numbers
• Minimal face wear and no significant damage
• Original finish and patina
• No repairs, reshafting, or modifications

Where to Find Vintage PING Putters

Beyond the obvious online marketplaces, consider these sources for finding vintage PING putters:

1. Estate Sales and Auctions: Often golf equipment is undervalued at general estate sales
2. Thrift Stores and Garage Sales: Occasional finds at remarkable prices
3. Golf Pro Shop Trade-Ins: Some clubs still take older models on trade
4. Golf Course Lost-and-Found: After the holding period, unclaimed clubs may be sold

Serial numbers for PING putters can be found in one of several locations: on the face of the putter, on the hosel (where the shaft enters the clubhead), or on the heel of the putter. These serial numbers can help determine the production date and authenticity of your putter.

The earliest PING putters were crafted from manganese bronze, which was Karsten Solheim's material of choice for its feel and quality. This material naturally tarnishes with age, creating a distinctive patina that many collectors appreciate. Later models were made from various materials including stainless steel, beryllium copper (which are highly valued), and modern alloys. The beryllium copper models are particularly sought after for their soft feel and distinctive appearance.

Scottsdale PING putters vary in value depending on whether they include the ZIP code in their stamp. Early Scottsdale putters with the "Scottsdale, AZ 85282" marking (made between 1969-1973) typically sell for $150-500 depending on model and condition. Later Scottsdale putters without the ZIP code (1973-1986) generally sell for $50-120. Condition, model type, and original components all affect the final value.

The colored dots on PING putters indicate the lie angle of the club, which is part of PING's custom fitting system. A green dot specifically indicates that the putter has a lie angle that is 2° upright from standard. Orange dots indicate a 2° flat lie angle. While these dots primarily relate to fitting specifications rather than directly affecting collector value, having the original and correct color coding can be important to collectors seeking authentic examples.

The best way to determine the age of your PING putter is by examining the address stamp on the club:

- "Redwood City, Cal." indicates 1967-1969 production
- "Scottsdale, AZ 85282" indicates 1969-1973 production
- "Scottsdale, Arizona" without ZIP code indicates 1973-1986 production
- "Phoenix, Arizona" indicates more recent production

The serial number can also help determine age, though PING does not publicly share their serial number dating system. For definitive identification, you can contact PING's customer service with your serial number.

Yes, PING Anser putters can be quite valuable, especially older models. The value hierarchy generally follows:

1. Redwood City Anser putters ($1,000-3,000+)
2. Beryllium copper Anser models ($200-1,000+)
3. Early Scottsdale Anser with ZIP code ($150-500)
4. Later Scottsdale Anser without ZIP code ($50-120)
5. Modern Anser reproductions ($20-65)

Condition, originality, and provenance can significantly affect these values.

To sell a vintage PING putter, first accurately identify the model and era to establish its potential value. For maximum value, consider specialized golf marketplaces like the GolfWRX forum, eBay with detailed descriptions and quality photos, or specialty golf retailers like 2nd Swing Golf. For rare models like Redwood City putters or beryllium copper versions, consider auction houses or specialty golf auctions that attract serious collectors willing to pay premium prices.

Active community of golf enthusiasts and collectors discussing PING putter values, identification, and the market for rare models.

Browse current listings and recently sold PING putters to gauge current market values and available inventory.

Official PING resource for club identification, including information about serial number locations and club authentication.

Golf community with detailed threads about vintage PING putter values and collector insights.

Active Reddit community focused on PING equipment, including vintage putter identification and valuation discussions.

Specialized golf retailer with extensive inventory of new and used PING putters, offering market price references.

For collectors, understanding the nuances of manufacturing eras, authentic identification, and condition assessment is essential to building a valuable collection. The most prized examples - early Redwood City models, beryllium copper editions, and early Scottsdale putters with ZIP codes - continue to appreciate in value as they become increasingly scarce.

Whether you’re a serious collector seeking rare PING putters or a casual golfer who has discovered an old putter in the garage, the vintage PING putter market offers something for everyone. By using the identification guides and value information in this article, you’ll be better equipped to determine the potential value of any vintage PING putter you encounter.

Remember that condition, authenticity, and proper identification are key to maximizing value. When in doubt about a particularly valuable model, consider professional appraisal services or contacting PING directly for authentication assistance.