Frank Johnston 208 putter - any info please

bazinoz · February 27, 2020

Hi Guys.

Came across this old 8802 style putter and wondering if anyone knows anything about them. There was an old thread (on here I believe) that mentioned the old ones had wooden shafts (this one is steel) and a photo of one also had “original” printed on the sole. I also found out that FJ were made by Golfcraft and were taken over by Titleist (or acushnet?) in late 60’s.

So, can anyone tell me what I have here, and a likely vintage. I was guessing probably a 70’s or 80’s putter, but no idea really.

TIA.

BIG STU · February 28, 2020

Reaching deep in the recesses of my mind I do believe that is a Golfcraft made putter. Before the Ping Anser the Ironmaster styles and Bulls Eyes were the most copied putters. Actually the famous 8802 is a modified clone of the Ironmaster. Yours regardless of it's origin is definitely a keeper. Has a lot of class IMHO due to the patina and ding marks and what is amazing is the shaft band is somewhat intact and the old cracked GP grip adds a touch of history and class

Newtown pippin · February 28, 2020

My Dad used one of those for decades (it may be better than a 8802) at least with the brass head and a Hickory shaft and leather wrap grip it was. That thing was money all day every day - Frank Johnston(?) Riverside California I think ? pretty sure my dad got his from Jimmy Powell when he was at Yorba Linda CC.

bazinoz · March 3, 2020

Thanks Big Stu. The level of knowledge on these boards never ceases to amaze.

And you've answered another question for me. I was wondering whether to re-grip it, and clean it up a bit. I'll definitely be leaving her well alone and use as is.

Any guess at a likely age of it?

bazinoz · March 3, 2020

Thanks Np. I love it when people can provide these snippets of golfing history.

And "better than an 8802" thats a statement. Love my 8802 putters. That's why I climbed all over this one when I saw it in an old set for sale. I'm definitely going to have to give it a go on the course.

Fellaheen51 · March 3, 2020

Seems as though Frank Johnson was an independent putter designer/builder doing his thing about the same time as John Reuter Jr. was doing his with Bullseyes. FJ started selling his putters through Golfcraft. Which was latter acquired by Acushnet for the club manufacturing capabilities. Golfcraft became Titleist golf clubs. Ironically, Acushnet also acquired the Bullseye line from Reuter.

Teevons supplies some historical background in the following:Have a Frank Johnston Golfcraft Caliente putter in inventory that's kinda interesting. Bi-metal, heel shafted, mini-mallet. A unique grip also. Never used in the field, but will hang on to it for the historical value.

BIG STU · March 3, 2020

My old man putted with one of those for years until he switched to a Billy Casper Wilson mallet given to him by Billy himself. He and Billy were friends--- And BTW I think sometime in the 60s the all mighty USGA declared that grip illegal

Yawn · September 20, 2020

Does anyone know anything about the Frank Johnston Skokie putter, the history, etc...I just bought one out of a basket for really cheap. Looked old, cool and similar to the bullseye.

Edited September 20, 2020 by Yawn

Bigarch · September 20, 2020

Nice putter, Yawn. Looks like a "Cash-In" style putter there...which was a very popular style. Love all the old Golfcraft stuff. They made some great looking clubs. All their irons had that real square toe look to them that I really liked. An old buddy of mine has a set of Lloyd Mangrum model Golfcraft irons with fiberglass shafts that I would love to have. Nice finds fellas.

Kinski · March 22, 2021

The 208 model putter bazinoz posted was made by the Frank Johnston Golf Co in Riverside, CA circa 1967-69. How do I know? I worked there as a college student in the summer of 1967. As noted Frank Johnston was the putter designer for Golfcraft in Escondido, CA. He was lured away from Golfcraft by a businessman I worked for in San Bernardino, CA who owned a small sporting goods store I managed for him. This businessman put a substantial investment into factory equipment as well as paying Frank Johnston’s salary. During the summer of 1967 I worked in the Riverside factory doing finishing work on putterheads and wrapping leather grips. The factory only lasted a few years. Although the company put out a good product, there was not enough capital to do the necessary marketing through ads or sponsored professional players to promote the brand on a nationwide basis. The original plan called for the eventual development and sales of full sets of golf clubs in addition to putters. This did not happen. You will note in this thread that Golfcraft putters designed by Frank Johnston bear his name as well as the Golfcraft name. These Golfcraft putters also had model names (e.g. Caliente). Frank Johnston was not permitted to use these names after he left, hence numbers were used instead at the new company.