Keiser University College of Golf Students Participate in Historic Hickory Open Championship
Keiser University College of Golf (KUCOG) Professor Ken Martin’s History of Golf class had a unique opportunity when Martin, along with College of Golf Executive Director of Golf Operations, Dr. Eric Wilson, organized a putting competition using hickory-shafted putters and golf balls from different historical eras, beginning in the early 1800s and progressing through modern day.
Students gathered at the KUCOG outdoor putting green as Martin explained each of the different putting stations, culminating in an 18-hole putting competition. They then putted three-hole segments with each of the following:
- Long nose putter and featherie golf ball (pre-1848)
- Kempshall Pyraline putter and smooth gutta percha golf ball (1848-1850)
- Wry-neck blade putter and hand-hammered gutta percha golf ball (1850-1865)
- Brown-Vardon semi-mallet head putter and bramble pattern gutta percha golf ball (1865-1900)
- Schenectady center-shafted putter and balata covered golf ball (1900-1960)
- Hackbarth putter and Pro V-1 golf balls (1960-modern day)
Par for the course was 36, and the Champion of the Historic Open Putting Championship was Zach Mohr, who scored 38, which is a new record. Finishing second with a score of 43 was Coleton Patten, and Drake Mares finished third with a score of 44.
Professor Martin’s History of Golf Class at the Historic Putter and Golf Ball Invitational
Historic Putter and Golf Ball Invitational Champion Zach Mohr
If you’d like to study with Dr. Wilson and other PGA Master Professionals, contact The College of Golf today.
