The world of golf harbours a treasure trove of rare and remarkable artefacts, but among them, one club reigns supreme as the most coveted and expensive ever sold—the illustrious Andrew Dickson Long-Nosed Putter. Steeped in history and crafted with meticulous precision, this extraordinary club fetched a staggering $181,000 at an auction held by Sotheby’s in 2007, solidifying its place as an irreplaceable gem for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Believed to have originated in the 1700s, the Andrew Dickson Long-Nosed Putter stands as a testament to the sport’s enduring legacy. Handcrafted with wood and sporting a slender, elongated shaft, its defining feature lies in its distinctive “long nose” design, which has garnered it both fame and reverence. As one of the oldest surviving golf clubs in existence, its rarity is unparalleled, with only a precious few other Long-Nosed Putters known to grace the world.
This particular masterpiece is said to have once graced the hands of Andrew Dickson, a Scottish golfer of the 18th century whose skill and passion for the game have become the stuff of legends. Bearing witness to the evolution of golf throughout the centuries, this club represents a tangible link to the sport’s origins and the storied figures who shaped its history.
While the identity of the fortunate buyer who claimed this priceless artefact remains shrouded in mystery, speculation points to a discerning private collector who recognized its unrivalled worth. By setting a new benchmark for the highest price ever paid for a golf club, the sale of the Andrew Dickson Long-Nosed Putter cemented its status as a true pinnacle of golfing heritage.
Beyond this extraordinary putter, a select few golf clubs have ascended to the upper echelons of value and prestige. Among them are the Long Nosed Scraper Golf Club, sold for an impressive $91,000 in 2011, and Tiger Woods’ iconic Scotty Cameron Newport 2 Putter, which fetched a staggering $393,300 in 2021. The esteemed company is joined by the likes of Bobby Jones’ King Midiron, acquired for $300,000 in 2012, and Ben Hogan’s revered Apex 2-Iron, which found a new owner for a princely sum of $250,000 in the same year.
These hallowed clubs stand as guardians of golf’s rich heritage, cherished possessions of both past legends and modern-day enthusiasts. From their masterful craftsmanship to the mystique that surrounds them, they embody the spirit of the sport and serve as enduring testaments to its timeless allure. As they continue to captivate the hearts and imaginations of collectors, these exceptional clubs are destined to appreciate in value, preserving the essence of golf for generations to come.