"The Putter of the Future?"

Looking Back Vol. 8

Was this the beginning of oversized mallet putters?

Let’s find out. This piece, written by Golf Digest Editor Dick Aultman, was about Vance Elkins way back in August of 1971. Here’s an excerpt to get things rolling…

Like so many inventions, Vance Elkins’ putter was born of necessity. Late last year Elkins, a 39-year-old golfer with a seven handicap, reached the conclusion that bad putting was costing him far too much frustration — and money.

And now, the rest of the story…

My two cents? It looks a whole like the Putt Lab concept. But what do I know, I’m Certifiably Nuts.

Now for some bonus coverage from the August ‘71 issue of Golf Digest. This great piece about Hubert Green long before he won the US Open.

And one last thing. Anyone who doesn’t think Johnny Unitas wasn’t tough might very well be wrong. Looks to me like he would have been a Certified Golf Nut if we were around in 1971…

I hope you’ve enjoyed our trip back in time to 1971. And good luck finding one of those “Advance” putters made by Vance Elkins (Cute play on words, there, Vance) because I know at least one of you is going to conclude - without any evidence whatsoever - that it’s the Putting Secret. You know I’m right…

Until next time,

The Head Nut

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