When we think about one of the most expensive sports in the world, most people probably remember golf. Some years ago, golf was known to be played only by the high class since it required a lot of expensive training and preparations if you wished to go professional.
Despite this, golf has lost its pretentious title over the years, and it is a game played by many today, no matter the age, status, or salary.
One thing that has not changed is the value of equipment needed to play, no matter the level of your game. From golf clubs to golf balls, bags, and carts, you would need to crack your piggy bank for some of the most valuable sporting goods.
While you might use clubs more often, putters are their variation, suitable for low-speed and short strokes to send the ball into the hole from a close distance. Surprisingly, golf putters and other clubs can be the most expensive parts of your golf experience.
If you are a professional player or wish to extend your collection, this list of the most expensive golf putters is just for you!
9. Black Pearl Tour “My Girl” Putter
Brand: Scotty Cameron
Finish: Black Pearl
Limited Edition: Yes
photo source: Scotty Cameron
The first putter on our list is a Limited Edition of adorable putters, usually bought as a collectible item rather than a playing putter. This Black Pearl finish putter has colorful “My Girl” engraved on the side, with a bold-red number “009” at the end. This number is a reference to the San Diego zip code.
Scotty Cameron, a well-known name in golf, has made numerous My Girl putters over the years, but this “tour” putter with medium toe flow was a tribute to one of the first gold club designers Karsten Solheim and his “Scottsdale Anser” putter.
Did you know?
“My Girl” line of putters is limited to around 500 to 1,000 putters made a year since the production started in 2002. The first “My Girl” Limited Release was marketed as “a putter for ladies” with balanced weight and pink poodles headcover.
8. Tiger Woods 1997 Masters TE I3 Putter
Brand: Scotty Cameron
Finish: Teryllium Newport
Limited Edition: Yes
photo source: Scotty Cameron
One of the most recognizable names in gold is Tiger Woods, justified based on his titles and victories. Since his equipment is sought-after by the fans and admirers of the sport, Scotty Cameron made unique Limited Edition putters for his record-breaking 1997 Masters victory.
According to the numbers on the putters, only 270 replicas were made, celebrating the number of strokes it took Woods to win one of the four major golf tournaments. The putter has a black Teryllium Newport finish, with Woods’ signature engraved on the sole.
Did you know?
Teryllium inlay was a preferred putter of Tiger Woods for most of his career before he switched to a solid construction head. The material is made from a copper alloy that gives the putter head a soft feel upon impact with the golf ball. Scotty Cameron often includes soft inlay on his putters.
7. Tiger Woods Stainless Limited-Edition Putter
Brand: Scotty Cameron/Titleist
Finish: Stainless
Limited Edition: Yes
photo source: Pinterest
The second Tiger Woods tribune on our list is Stainless Limited-Edition putters, handcrafted by Scotty Cameron in collaboration with Titleist. These putters are similar to the ones used by Tiger Woods in one of his Master’s victories in 1997. Only 21 putters were made.
The estimated price is the same as the last tribute to Woods and his fantastic year, but these are valued a bit higher due to being Limited Edition without any plans to repeat the series. The clubs are made of pure metal without any plastic not to disrupt the integrity of the putter.
Did you know?
American brand for golf equipment, Titleist has been in the business for over 90 years. The company is mainly known for its golf balls, but they produce all the necessary equipment, often collaborating with other creators and designers, such as Scotty Cameron.
6. First Classic COA Set Putter
Brand: Cameron Golf International/Scotty Cameron
Finish: Black Oxide
Limited Edition: Yes
photo source: Scotty Cameron
Another Cameron putter on the list is a set of seven First Classic putters for a price of $26,000. With only 500 units made, this set is saved in a wooden case creating a unique and rare collection of expensive putters.
The classic 1 model was the first series produced by Cameron’s first company, Cameron Golf International, in 1993. The success of the putters was immediate, with four PGA Tour wins in the same year. The production lasted for a year before Cameron continued with new projects.
Did you know?
The original Classic was made from carbon steel and finished with a layer of black oxide. Cameron partnered with Titleist in 1994, ending the production of the First Class and redesigning it for Titleist’s new line.
5. Bernhard Langer 1993 Masters Tournament Winner Putter
Brand: Scotty Cameron
Finish: Black Oxide
Limited Edition: Yes
photo source: Golden Age Auctions
Speaking of those four wins, the next putter on our list is from the original First Classic series from 1993, used by German professional golfer Bernhard Langer during the 1993 Masters Tournament. That was the first Major Championship won by one of Cameron’s putters.
Like the previous set, the Black Oxide finish has the initials “B.L.” on the side, with five “X”s on the other side. This lucky club was enough for Cameron to get tremendous recognition at the time. The Masters’ putter was sold for $59,100 at Golden Age Auction in 2021.
Did you know?
Bernhard Langer is one of the more successful German golf players. He has two Masters Tournament wins and 119 total professional victories. After turning 50, Langer switched to the senior championships, having won 11 Major Senior Tournaments until now.
4. Honma Beres S-05 T117 Putter
Brand: Honma
Finish: Gold/Platinum
Limited Edition: Yes
photo source: Pan West
Imagine this – it’s September 2018, and you wish to spend $75,000 on a set of fourteen gold-finished putters. Well, Japanese brand Honma had the same idea, releasing “the embodiment of the perfect golf club,” crafted by a team of more than 100 craftsmen. The set was available with a gold or platinum finish.
In addition, the whole package is expensive: from a golf club valued at $5,400 to golf bags worth $8,000, this set is truly a luxurious item to have in your collection. The release from the “five-star” series honors the company’s 55th anniversary.
Did you know?
Founded by two brothers in 1959, Honma became the leader in premium golf products soon after its debut. The brand started working in North America in 2019 and has equipped Donald Trump, Jack Nicholson, Marc Antony, and Danny DeVito with their products.
3. First Lady Golden Putter
Brand: Barth & Sons
Finish: Gold
Limited Edition: Yes
photo source: The Milliardaire
The original First Lady Golden putter by Barth & Sons was released in 2011, but it had a revamp in 2014 when the Special Edition came out. The Special Edition is made with gold and leather grip, with crystal inlays, which increases its value even more.
The stones included could be customized to the owner’s taste, on top of the 24-karat gold finish. The leather grip is handmade, adding to the charm of the club. In addition, the putter comes with a cherry wood case for safekeeping. First Lady is valued at $150,000.
Did you know?
Once a successful golf equipment company, not much is known about Barth & Sons today. Their putters are still being sold through organized online auctions and private sales.
2. Metal-Headed Blade Putter
Brand: Simon Cossar
Finish: Metal
Limited Edition: Yes
photo source: Your Golf Travel
One of the first designers to put his name on a putter was an Edinburgh-born clubmaker Simon Cossar. He has been working on golf equipment since the end of the 18th century from his shop Cossar Club Company, making some of the most iconic pieces for any golf collection.
This particular putter was sold for $165,000 at Christie’s Auction in 1998. It’s a rarity on its own without checking the price, as tradition remembers the use of wooden clubs at the time because golfers used feather-filled golf balls, which did not require a heavy putter.
Did you know?
The shaft of the metal-headed putter is made of fruitwood, with a fastened socket where the club fits into and a paper label writing “Probably Simon Cossar.” It’s unknown how many of the same putters have been sold or saved over the years.
1. Tiger Woods 1998 Backup Putter
Brand: Scotty Cameron/Titleist
Finish: Pro Platinum
Limited Edition: Yes
photo source: Golden Age Auctions
Rather than a replica or a tribune, this putter is the actual backup putter Tiger Woods used during his 1998 season. The golf clubs that Cameron made many clubs for Woods during his career, many of which are sought-after by collectors, but this one is more valuable as it comes with his letter of recognition.
The most expensive putter was sold for $393,000 at Golden Age Spring Auction at the beginning of 2022. Besides the letter where Cameron confirms the putter was used as Woods’ backup, it also came with a certificate of authenticity signed by Cameron.
Did you know?
Tiger Woods used Scotty Cameron’s Newport putter with a Platinum finish for the first time in 1996 during the U.S. Amateur competition. The putter did not last too long in his bag, but it did leave great importance for his success over the next couple of years.
