Ray Cook

Discontinued

Overview

Ray Cook Golf is a brand specializing in putters, wedges, chippers, and related golf equipment, founded in 1963. It gained recognition for pioneering designs like the first forged aluminum mallet putter and achieving over 200 professional tour wins, including all four major championships.¹²⁴

History

Ray Cook Golf was founded in 1963 by Raymond 'The Putter Man' Cook, an engineer and golfer, who designed the M1 Mallet putter in his San Antonio, Texas shop.¹²⁴ The brand dominated PGA and LPGA tours through the 1960s to late 1980s with innovative putters, including the first aluminum putter with grooves.¹ In 2011, the company's assets, including nine putter lines and over 40 designs, were auctioned off.³⁵

Product Lines

Product Line	Positioning	Price Range
M1 Mallet Putters	Classic forged aluminum mallet design	$100 - $300
Billy Baroo Putters	Iconic model from Caddyshack film	$150 - $400
M1 Wedges	Tour-proven milled face wedges	$80 - $200
Limited Edition USA Putters	Patriotic black nickel-chrome finish	$120 - $250

Manufacturing

Products were manufactured in the United States, with models like the M1 Limited Edition Wedge labeled 'USA'.⁷ Production occurred in-house from the founder's small shop initially.¹

Notable Products

M1 Mallet - First forged aluminum mallet putter introduced in 1963, popular on tours.
Billy Baroo - Mythical putter featured in the film Caddyshack.
M1 Wedge - Limited edition USA wedge with milled face for spin and control.
Grooved Aluminum Putter - First aluminum putter with grooves crafted by founder.

Reputation

Ray Cook is regarded by golf enthusiasts for its tour-proven heritage, with over 200 wins and innovations in putter design.²⁴ Professionals valued its quality and dominance on PGA and LPGA tours.¹ The brand's discontinuation following the 2011 asset auction limits current availability, though vintage models retain collector interest.³⁵

Sources (7)