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Golf Memorabilia: Rare Ryder Club to be Auctioned

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A putter belonging to Samuel Ryder is expected to fetch up to £30,000 at auction early next year.

The putter is one of only two such clubs owned by Ryder, the seed merchant who gave his name to golf’s most famous competition, the Ryder Cup.

The Robert Forgan mallet-shaped putter from around 1910, is stamped with the initials ‘SR’ and is being sold by Ryder’s daughter’s godson.

Ryder was seen by many as ‘frequently a deadly putter’ and his prized putter now comes to the market for the first time where it is estimated it will sell for between £20,000-£30,000.

Bonhams’ golfing specialist said: “The Ryder Cup is undoubtedly golf’s most exciting event and we are thrilled to be offering the Samuel Ryder’s wooden putter.
“There will be many golf clubs in Europe and the US that have hosted the Ryder Cup and will be interested in acquiring this important piece of golfing history.”

Bonhams auctioneers will sell the club at its next golfing memorabilia sale in Chester on 26th January 2008.

Ryder, who was born 1858 was an entrepreneurial character who made his fortune selling seed packets to garden lovers.

When his addiction to hard work started to affect his health, aged 50, his doctor prescribed fresh air and light exercise and encouraged him to take up golf.

Initially unimpressed by the idea, he became hooked after employing Abe Mitchell - one of the top professionals of the time - as his personal coach. Not someone to do things by halves, Ryder practiced six days a week for a year before applying in 1910 for membership at his local club, Verulam, in St Albans, playing off a respectable four handicap. The following year he was elected captain of the club.

Ryder started sponsoring golfing events and in 1926, following an unofficial match between American and British professionals prior to that year’s Open Championship, the Ryder Cup was born.