Keiser University College of Golf students recently enjoyed the opportunity to participate in a putting competition using hickory-shafted putters and golf balls from different historical eras, beginning in the early 1800s and progressing through modern day.

Led by Professor Ken Martin, the History of Golf class members gathered at the outdoor putting green along with College of Golf Executive Director of Golf Operations Dr. Eric Wilson who explained the six different putting stations which would culminate in the 18-hole putting competition. They then putted three-hole segments with each of the following:

•  Longnose putter and a featherie golf ball (pre-1848)
• Kempshall Pyraline putter and a 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)
• Bobby Jones “Calamity Jane” 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 Ryan Prellwitz, who scored 38, beating Troy Ettesvold by one stroke. Sandeep Matharu, Emmett Kulick, and Ivan Martinez tied for third place with scores of 40.

The students look forward to testing their newfound capabilities as they play with hickory shafted golf clubs next week at the Martin Downs Golf Club.