The History of the Ceramic Golf Putter

By Peter Stevens

Golfers know that putting is roughly 50 percent of the game, so the best way to shave strokes off your card is to putt well. Finding the right putter is key. For more and more golfers these days, ceramics are proving to be the answer on the green.

Early Development

Since the turn of the 20th century, golfers and club makers have sought the perfect material for a putter's "sweet spot." Early putters featured heads of persimmon, hickory, brass, steel, aluminum or a combination. No matter the material for the insert, stainless steel shafts remain the norm.

The Ceramic '70s

Before the 1970s, ceramic inserts on putters felt too brittle to many golfers. But in the early '70s, improvements in ceramic technology made ceramic inserts softer and Jack Nicklaus endorsed MacGregor's "White Fang" ceramic putter.

Searching for the Ceramic Sweet Spot

Solid one-piece ceramic putters have garnered popularity because they have one big sweet spot. Ceramics are lighter and softer than steel and lend better feel and control to a putter, even through an insert.

Choosing the Right Ceramic Putter

Conventional putters with ceramic inserts can help curb the "yips," while center-shafted ceramic putters allow an easy pendulum motion.

Popular Ceramic Putters

Several popular ceramic putters are the RAM Golf Concept I, II, and III Series and Caldwell Golf's Ichthus Mallet Putter.

About The Author

Peter F. Stevens is an award-winning author and journalist whose 10 books include "The Voyage of the Catalpa." For more than 25 years, he has contributed to a wide array of publications including "American Heritage," "American History," "Yankee," "VFW," "Golf," and "Golf News." The "New York Times" frequently syndicates his work.

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