The first President’s Putter that hangs in the cabinet at Rye initially belonged to Hugh Kirkaldy who came to Oxford as professional to the University Golf Club. He won the Open with this putter in 1891. After Hugh’s tragic premature death the club came into the possession of John Low, the first Captain of the Society. John nearly putted his way to victory in the final of the Amateur in 1901 which he lost by one hole to the great Harold Hilton at St Andrews. This photo shows Harold Hilton hitting his tee shot at the first hole at St Andrews in their second 18 of the final of the Amateur Championship in 1901. John Low stands behind waiting to play. John gifted this putter which serves as a permanent memento of the man who was instrumental in the foundation of the Society.
