Kurt Howell
In the year 2023, Kurt Howell, a versatile individual who possesses not only a deep passion for golf but also accomplishments in music and business, embarked on an extraordinary journey. While serving as the National Sales Manager at NTP Technology (DAD/Penta), he laid the foundation for 813.GOLF, an enterprise with a singular mission: to revitalize and safeguard the heritage of putters. What began as a humble garage hobby soon blossomed into something truly remarkable.
Located in North Tampa, FL (813.golf, referring to the area code of Tampa), specializes in customizing putters and preserving their history.
Initially, Kurt's primary focus was the meticulous restoration of the iconic Acushnet "Bulls Eye" putters, a task he approached with unwavering dedication. However, his vision rapidly expanded to encompass all 18 models of Acushnet designed by John Router Jr. Bulls Eye putter released from 1964 to 1971. What had started as a quest evolved into an all-consuming passion. Kurt soon realized that he possessed the world's only complete collection of Acushnet Bulls Eye putters.
813.GOLF quickly gained recognition for its mission to "restore your father's putter," breathing new life into cherished family heirlooms. Furthermore, Kurt took on the responsibility of preserving and refurbishing numerous contemporary putter models, recognizing the need for a renaissance in their unique histories. With over two decades of fervent dedication to accompanying his now-professional golfer son, Hunter Howell, to tournaments and countless private golf lessons throughout the United States, Kurt has developed a profound appreciation for the significance of putting, putter restoration, and the preservation of their invaluable history.
In his unassuming garage, nestled across from his trusty water softener, Kurt outfitted himself with the necessary tools for the meticulous refurbishment of a diverse array of putters. From the sophisticated Scotty Cameron-Titleist, Ping, Acushnet, Slot Line, and WILSON putters, among others, Kurt's expertise spanned a multitude of models, and his dedication remained steadfast.
The word quickly spread about Kurt's fervor for putter restoration, capturing the attention of golf enthusiasts eager to rejuvenate their cherished putters. Many of these putters bore the scars of missed putts, had endured cart rides, and weathered the elements. Kurt's unwavering commitment breathed new life into these beloved tools, offering a ray of hope for golfers seeking to revive not only their putters' performance but also the memories intertwined with them. His meticulous craftsmanship earned him widespread recognition and a growing following within the golfing community.
Immersed in the intricate task of assembling the complete set of Acushnet Bulls Eye putter models, Kurt serendipitously stumbled upon a number of exceedingly rare treasures. These hidden gems, which serve as poignant testimonies to the rich tapestry of golfing history, ignited his unwavering commitment to their meticulous restoration. Unearthed during countless excursions to flea markets across the United States, these discoveries now contribute to Kurt's ever-expanding collection.
Kurt's dedication surpassed mere restoration, infusing an element of adventure and intrigue into his mission. These exceptional finds have become cherished mementos, showcasing the enduring allure of vintage golfing equipment and the fervor propelling Kurt's tireless pursuit of golfing history. The search persists, adding a captivating layer to his ongoing journey.
