MacGregor Ironmaster Putters

[Richard Nixon]

There are dozens of varieties floating around on Ebay. They're good looking. Anybody have any favorites of the various models? And is it possible to shaft up these older models with a graphite shaft? (It's a project in my mind that I'd like to try.)

[bl8d]

Sam . the MacGregor Tourney Iromasters had a good reputation some years back and evolved into the various ING models.  I played with a guy who bought a ING putter for $1200, a ridiculous sum, and it never left his sight. Tommy Armour's name and mystique was strongly attached to them ,same as his Persimmon woods which were the grail for collectors in the mid-eighties. The price of these putters have dropped immensely since those peak days.
I had or have one in my collection somewhere. It is the green shafted Tourney Ironmaster with a thin round leather wrap. All I can say is the head feels nice on impact.
I can't see why you wouldn't be able to re-shaft with a graphite. Would it make it any better? I can't say if it would. It will change the overall weight for sure so you will have toadjust for it in some way.

[drewspin]

I think you mean IMG = Iron Master Goose-neck.

IMGL = Iron Master Goose-Neck Ladies

IM = Iron Master

etc.

There are a load of later reproductions.

[bl8d]

I think you mean IMG = Iron Master Goose-neck.

IMGL = Iron Master Goose-Neck Ladies

IM = Iron Master

etc.

There are a load of later reproductions.

Your correction is right.You can bank on it,   

[Richard Nixon]

Not gonna lie - I'm currently hunting for one. Even if I can't use it for another six months.

[KBob]

The one that is generally considered the most expensive is the IMG 5.  It should carry MacGregor and Tommy Armour and have two rows of "X" knurls on the hosel.  The actual value is dependent on market conditions.  In the 1980's and early 1990's, they used to fetch $2,000-5,000 while the Japanese collectors market was hot.

MacGregor used to advertise some of them as having "pencil" shafts (slightly) smaller diameter shafts to enhance sensitivity on greens.  In this era, you'll notice they have been "pinned" through the hosels.  Glue technology was not great and this step helped keep heads on.  My favorite feature is the little "A" chevron on these putters that make lining up really easy.   By today's standards, these putters will feel quite light in your hands, but the benefit is the ability to "slow roll" putts, rather than "banging them" with today's heavier models. 

If you adjust the loft and lie, I strongly suggest you have it done professionally.  But for my money, they are worth it. 
 

[br61]

I think I might have a IMG 5 putter somewhere in my attic. I'll look for it whenever I feel like going up there. Bought it from a local golf club pro about 20-25 years ago.

[br61]

I think I might have a IMG 5 putter somewhere in my attic. I'll look for it whenever I feel like going up there. Bought it from a local golf club pro about 20-25 years ago.

BTW, I needed to take couple items up there so I looked. Can't find it yet as it's pretty dark. I did find few oldies, MacGregor w/Jack Nicklaus on heel sole and GeoLow600 on the toe end of the sole. I can't remember where I got it but I know it's about 25 years ago. Original Ping 1A putter with black label on shaft, 85029 zip code. Original "Pro Only" grip on it with Ping name on the cap. Also one good oldie that Johnny Miller the d-bag actually used once, Oriziba Basakwerd putter. That was the only reason that I bought it is because JM used it on PGA Tour long time ago.

I'd like to know more about that MacGregor putter w/GeoLow600 on the sole. I do have early-mid 1930 brass MacGregor putter w/hickory shaft somewhere in my other room.

[KBob]

If I had that kind of stuff in my attic, I would be looking for the flashlight right now. Amazing examples.  Thanks for sharing.