All posts in Putters

Tiger Woods Strokes the Nike Method 003 Mallet Putter in Ryder Cup 2010 Practice

by James on September 28, 2010 in News, Golf Equipment, Manufacturers, More..., Nike Golf, Putters with 1 Comment
The Nike Method 003 Mallet Putter

Tiger Woods and the Nike Method 003 Putter

Perhaps I’m seeing things here… But take a peek at the picture above. Is that Tiger Woods with another Nike Method Putter in his hands? Well yessir, it certainly is.

Snapped during practice for the 2010 Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor, one can clearly see the Nike Method 003 under his arm. Oh no Tiger, say it ain’t so.

We all know what happened the last time Tiger made a putter change… at the 2010 British Open he gave a Method putter a go in the bag. But that experiment was short lived, and after some mediocre putting on the greens, his trusty Scotty Cameron went back to its rightful place.

What should be interesting to see is if Tiger sticks with the Method during continued practice, and into the matches on Friday. Conventional thinking would have one believe if his Scotty Cameron was good enough to win 14 professional majors, it should be good enough for another 14. When it comes to putting, I’ve found it’s more of a deal with the space between one’s ears than the putter in one’s hand. Obviously Tiger feels otherwise.

What’s your take? Should Tiger be fiddling around with his equipment? Or should he be more focused on getting his mental game back to the state that brought him so much success?

Should be an interesting weekend… can’t wait!

The Nike Method 003 Mallet Putter

[Via: GolfWRX]

The Axis1 Eagle Putter: Engineered to Turn Heads (and Sink Putts!)

by James on September 28, 2010 in Golf Equipment, Putters with No comments
The Axis1 Eagle Putter

The Axis1 Eagle Putter

Dubbed ‘Best in Show’ by Sports Illustrated (Golf Edition), ‘Best new golf product’ by Golf.com, ‘Most innovative club’ by the PGA Show and ‘Most innovative putter’ by MyGolfSpy, the Axis1 Eagle Putter is an innovation in putter design that will make your head turn… and perhaps sink a few putts too.

Created by Luis Pedraza, the Axis1 Eagle putter is noted to be the first 100% perfectly balanced putter. The uniquely designed hosel and clubhead give the club perfect balance, which, in theory, should result in more on-line putts because your putter won’t naturally open up. The face will want to stay square to the target line throughout your entire stroke. Interesting.

Axis1 Eagle Putter

The club itself is made from 17-4PH stainless steel, and features a copper insert for a soft feel off the clubface. Stainless steel counterweight screws are also inserted in the putter before it comes off the assembly line. The counterweights used precisely balance the putter, which, in the end offers up a 0 putter torque rating. Twisting and turning when you strike the ball? Not with the Axis1 Eagle Putter!

I have to say, I’m VERY intrigued about the Axis1 Eagle Putter. I’m not quite sure how I stumbled across it, but I’m glad I did. To the folks at Axis1, expect an email from me in short order. I’d love to get my hands on this one to give it some thorough testing on the greens. When it comes to putting and the technology imparted to help improve our games… I’m open to anything!

Stay tuned for more…

Jim Furyk Wields a used Yes! Sophia Putter to Win at Tour Championship

by James on September 27, 2010 in News, Golf Equipment, Manufacturers, More..., Putters, Yes! with No comments
The Yes! Sophia Putter

The Yes! Sophia Putter

So what was that mystery putter, anyway? I could see the traditional yellow, white and black grip on the putter, so I could tell it was a Yes! putter. But just what model was it that Jim Furyk had in the bag this weekend at the Tour Championship? After some quick sleuthing, I came away with the knowledge that it was a Yes! Sophia putter, and a model that Furyk had picked up in used condition at Joe & Leigh’s Discount Golf Pro Shop in Massachusetts. An interesting story, for sure.

When asked about the new flatstick, Furyk commented:

“It was used. It was a used putter. It’s got a nick on the back flange, it’s got a little ding in the top line. I never loft and lied it which is rare for me because I’ve always got my putters on a loft-lie machine at home, and the way the grip is on it, it might be slightly off center but that’s kind of how I like it anyway. I guess we were meant to be, who knows.”

I have a number of used clubs in the bag as well… I’m glad to see professionals taking to the used scene as well. Used doesn’t always mean abused, there’s still plenty of life in many clubs out there if you give them a chance! Furyk went on to explain further:

“They had some that were bigger, more like a mallet head that were heel shafted, kind of like Faldo used to putt with in his heyday, but they had lines on them, and I wanted something without a line. I just wanted it as simple as it could be, heel shafted. It was the only one in the shop of about 300 putters. At the time I didn’t think it was all the that pretty to be honest with you, but it’s getting a lot better looking every day.”

Very cool indeed. I love the classic look of the Yes! Sophia, reminds me very much of the Wilson 8802. Timeless.

Yes! Putters have a few other similar models up for grabs as well… that is, if blades are your thing. In addition to the Sophia, there’s the Mollie and Morgan. Both are inspired by classic designs… and both feature Yes! C-Groove technology.

For more information or to take a look at Yes! complete lineup, head on over to Yes! Putters.

The Yes! Sophia Putter

The Yes! Sophia Putter Top View

The Yes! Sophia Putter

[Via: PutterZone]

See How a Putter is Made — Science Channel Show

by Annie Latham on August 6, 2010 in News, Golf Equipment, More..., Putters with No comments

Bettinardi Golf, maker of high quality 100% CNC putters, is being featured in the Science Channel TV Series “Factory Made” (Season 2-Episode 25).  The segment will focus on how a Bettinardi putter is milled from a single block of Mild Carbon Steel (Bettinardi’s One-Piece Technology).




Each and every Bettinardi putter passes through no less than 10 sets of hands in the manufacturing process to ensure the putters meet the exacting standards that Robert Bettinardi demands. The final step in the process is the application of the company’s Honeycomb™ face, the flattest surface possible to provide the highest level of performance.

The putters list for $365.

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New Putter for Tiger?

by Annie Latham on July 14, 2010 in News, Golf Equipment, Manufacturers, Nike Golf, Putters with 1 Comment

Golfweek’s James Achenbach has the scoop…

Tiger Woods, who has won two British Opens at St. Andrews, announced on Tuesday that he is switching putters for the 2010 championship, which starts Thursday.

Woods will carry a Nike Method 001 blade putter into battle, replacing the Titleist Scotty Cameron Newport 2 that he acquired at the Byron Nelson Classic in 1999.

He said the St. Andrews greens were running slow:

“I’ve always struggled when the greens are really slow. Using the new putter, he claimed, “It (the ball) comes off (the putter face) faster.”

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Doglegging it…New Putter Garners Superior Results for Moore

by Annie Latham on July 9, 2010 in News, Golf Equipment, Putters with No comments

It’s no secret that Ryan Moore is one of our favorite golfers on the Tour.  His second place finish at the AT&T National was incredible.  Other “seconds” for Moore were where he placed in putting average and putts per round for the tournament and where he came in with total birdies.

Again, he defied common wisdom — this time by picking up a brand new putter on Tuesday, playing with it on Wednesday in a Pro-AM and then keeping it in his bag for all four rounds of the AT&T.

The club was a Custom MACHINE Putter by Dogleg Right Corporation.  The Custom TIG Welded Center Shaft putter that the he picked up from Dogleg Right’s Tour Rep, Ken McDonald, features a CNC milled hosel that is TIG-welded to a custom milled micro pocket in the putter head’s topline to create a Center Shafted setup, which is very easy for players to line up and stroke confidently.

The putter also features an interchangeable flange system (and therefore the Converter name) to allow the user to change the shape, weight, balance and MOI of the putter.  With its separate adjustable weighting system, players have the option of dialing in their ideal weight, up to 28 grams in as little as 1-gram increments.

The face of the putter has a unique VMG (Vertical Mill Groove) face mill pattern that helps produce a true forward roll, improved alignment optics and a soft yet solid and responsive feel.

There was no indication of how much fine-tuning Moore did with his putter.

In the post tournament press conference, Moore talked about his new putter, saying, “Something about the alignment of it, it’s just helping me see my lines a lot better.”

Note:  Moore was under no obligation to use the putter.

Suggested retail price: Custom MACHINE M2A Converter Putter with TIG Welded Center Shaft in 303 Stainless Steel starts at: $399.99.  MACHINE putters by Dogleg Right are sold through the company’s exclusive network of Authorized Fitters and Retailers as well as online through its website and golf forums such as Golfwrx.com and Puttertalk.com that it participates in.

For more information, go to Dogleg Right’s website.

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TaylorMade Rossa Corza Ghost Putter – An Overview

by James on June 13, 2010 in Golf Equipment, Putters, TaylorMade with 2 Comments
The TaylorMade Rossa Corza Ghost Putter

The TaylorMade Rossa Corza Ghost Putter

Earlier this month (June 2010), TaylorMade introduced the Rossa Corza Ghost putter. You may have spotted it in play on the PGA tour over the past few weeks… remember that strangely white putter you noticed on TV? That’s the Rossa Corza Ghost putter!

I can already hear you saying, ‘so what’s the deal with the white?’. TaylorMade breaks it down for us nicely on their site. Here are the key points as to why the Rossa Ghost putter should help you on the greens:

  • the contrast of the white head against the green makes it easier to see the topline and target line
  • the contrast of the 3 black alignment lines against the white crown makes it easier to aim
  • a circular hole through the head works with the alignment lines and ball to make it easier to aim
  • 2 outer alignment lines are one ball-width apart, making it simple to align your ball with the center of the face to promote solid contact
  • an AGSI+ insert negates backspin and promotes forward spin for better roll

The TaylorMade Rossa Corza Ghost Putter

Easier to lineup and aim you say? The ball will come of the face with a true roll too? Sign me up! While I haven’t rolled the rock with the Rossa Corza Ghost putter as of yet, I am somewhat dying to get my hands on one.

Key specs on the Rossa Corza Ghost putter:

  • Loft: 4 degrees
  • Lie: 70 degrees
  • Offset (mm): 3/4 shaft
  • Length: Available in 33, 34 and 35″

Top View of the TaylorMade Rossa Corza Ghost Putter

I have to admit, when I first noticed Sergio Garcia and Justin Rose with one of the new Rossa Corza Ghost Putters in-hand, I was heard to remark ‘what the heck is that!?’ They really do have a unique look to them, with the white clubhead and all. But hey, if the contrast in color helps you with alignment, then all the more power to this new bit of gear. Heck, I suppose it worked for Justin Rose last week at the Memorial, right?

In the end, I break it down like this: If the Odyssey 2-Ball had a baby with traditional Rossa styling, the Rossa Ghost is what we’d get. At least, something like that 🙂

I’m looking forward to what TaylorMade has in-store for the ‘Ghost’ line of Rossa putters. With the success the putter has had already on tour, they’re no doubt prepping other models with a fresh coat of white paint and AGSI+ inserts!

Face View of the TaylorMade Rossa Corza Ghost Putter

For more information, visit TaylorMade.

Be Like Phil: Buy the Limited Edition ProType Putter

by Annie Latham on May 6, 2010 in Golf Equipment, Odyssey, Putters with No comments

Callaway Golf announced the introduction of the Odyssey® ProType™ 82 Putter, a limited edition design inspired by the same model Phil Mickelson used to win his third Green Jacket. There will be only 82 right-handed and 82 left-handed ProType putters will be available for purchase in the United States starting on Monday, May 10 at 11:00 AM ET (8:00 AM PT).  The asking price is $500.

Anyone, interested in owning one of these limited edition putters can sign up to be eligible for purchase on a first-come basis at OdysseyGolf.com. Each of these 164 individually numbered, limited edition putters features a green highlight on the sole, a nod to Mickelson’s win at Augusta earlier this month.

The ProType 82 features Odyssey’s new White Ice insert, with a Tungsten weight behind it, along with a single white sightline that stretches from the face of the putter down the back flange-a look requested by Mickelson himself. These limited edition PT 82 putters will also come with a Phil Mickelson Limited Edition headcover and a Black Series grip, identical to what the four-time major champion used to win at Augusta.

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The Wilson Staff 8882 Putter: A Modern Take on a Timeless Classic

by James on April 17, 2010 in Golf Equipment, Putters, Wilson Staff with 2 Comments
The Wilson Staff 8882 Putter

A new take on an old classic. That pretty much sums up the Wilson Staff 8882 Putter. Based on the original Wilson 8802 putter, the 8882 brings all of the style, beauty and class you’d expect, in a revamped look of the timeless design.

The Wilson Staff 8882 Putter

The Wilson Staff 8882 Putter

The Wilson 8802 is one of the most famous putter designs in history. Designed by Ashland Manufacturing Company in 1914, it was renamed the Wilson 8802 when Thomas Wilson & Co. got into the game. To say the design is beautiful would be an understatement. To say the design is timeless would be spot-on. The 8802 is straightforward, with no head or toe weighting…

Many greats have used the 8802 over the years. The design itself was inspired by the Calamity Jane model putter that Bobby Jones used so expertly. But through the years such greats as Gene Sarazen and Arnold Palmer had the 8802 in the bag… Plus, Ben Crenshaw even had a replica of the original Wilson 8802 putter in his bag on his way to winning The Masters in 1995. You may recall that final putt on the 18th green, Ben sinking the putt, dropping the putter and putting his head in his hands. A timeless moment… and a timeless putter.

The WIlson 8802 Putter

The Wilson 8802 Putter

But I digress. You can’t deny the Wilson 8802 is one of (if not the most) famous putter designs in history… and Wilson has melded the classic gooseneck design into a new and updated version for 2010. Part of the new 88 line of putters, the Wilson Staff 8882 incorporates precision milling and VDP Alignment technology into a ‘new’ classic. Think of it as a blend of the old with the new.

The dual-milled face grips the ball for a true roll… Also, secondary master grooves in the clubface have been added to provide more forward spin, reducing skid after impact. The arched shape of the grooves will also impart a slight side-spin to help put your ball back on-track if struck off the sweet spot.

The VDP Alignment Technology (Visual Plane Differential) uses multi-surface markings to help get you into the right playing position before you make your stroke. Basically you want to get your eyes directly above the ball, doing so will ensure that the while line appears in-beteween the darker black markings on the face. Simple and easy… and it makes sense! Very reminiscent of the technology used in the SeeMore line.

Wilson Staff VDP Technology

Wilson Groove and VDP Technology

In all, 5 putters are part of the new Wilson Staff 88 line. The Wilson Staff 8881 is a traditional heel/toe weighted putter with plumber hosel. The Wilson Staff 8882 I’ve already talked about above… The Wilson Staff 8883 it a toe weighted semi-mallet with a heel shaft and gooseneck hosel. The Wilson Staff 8884 or a heel/toe weighted putter with a heel shaft and plumber hosel… and finally, the Wilson Staff 8885 is another heel/toe weighted putter, mallet style with plumber hosel.

The Wilson 88 Series of Putters

The Wilson 88 Series of Putters

You can’t go wrong with any of these new offerings from Wilson Staff. The good news is, depending on your taste and style of putter, Wilson has one that should fit your game nicely. For more information be sure to hit up the Wilson Staff 88 Putters.

MacGregor Golf Launches New Equipment Line

by James on April 15, 2010 in Golf Equipment, Drivers, Irons, Putters with 2 Comments
MacGregor M85T Driver

For some reason I thought MacGregor golf was done. Since Greg Norman’s grind to the final group on the British Open a few years ago, I hadn’t really heard much about them… However, since Golfsmith acquired full intellectual property rights to the MacGregor Golf brand last May, it looks like things are turning around.

If you’ve never heard of MacGregor Golf before, I have one question for you, have you been living under a rock!? The brand has been around since 1897, and their equipment has been in the bag for 59 major championships. Not too shabby.

At any rate, let’s get right down to it. Here’s the new product line you can check out right now at Golfsmith:

MacGregor M85T Driver ($299.99)

MacGregor M85T Driver

The M85T uses MacGregor’s exclusive FACEFIT technology to let you choose from an open, neutral or closed face position at address. Weight distribution within the clubhead puts the center of gravity low and deep, for drives that have tons of carry. Cup Face 360* technology also maxes out ball speeds across the entire face.

MacGregor M75T Driver ($199.99)

MacGregor M75T Driver

The M75T Driver is an oversized driver featuring a HOT clubface with Cup Face 360* technology. Again, the center of gravity is placed low and deep, giving you lots of carry and forgiveness on those off-center hits.

MacGregor VIP Forged Irons ($799.99)

MacGregor VIP Forged Irons

If you’re a low-handicap golfer that demands shot shaping and feel from your irons, the new MacGregor VIP Forged Irons are worth a look. Made from 1020 carbon steel, these sticks go through a 800-tom forging process to create a tighter grain structure, which in the end, promises improved feel and consistency. While not a full-out blade, the muscle cavity design is a nice blend of forgiveness and feel… and let’s face it, these clubs look classic.

MacGregor M85i Irons ($699.99)

MacGregor M85i Irons

The MacGregor M85i Irons are more of a game improvement cavity back. Providing ultimate forgiveness via the deep undercut back cavity and a low center of gravity, most players will notice higher shots that come down soft. Inside each cavity is a multi-material medallion with vibration-damping properties to help avoid those nasty ‘stingers’ and provide clean feedback. One other thing you’ll notice in comparison to the VIP irons, is the thick top line.

MacGregor ROTA Series Milled Putters ($129.99)

MacGregor Prestwick Putter

Available in three classic shapes, the new MacGregor ROTA Series Milled Putters are beautiful to say the least. Available in a ‘Prestwick’, ‘Hoylake’ and ‘Lytham’ edition, the three models cover all the bases depending on your style of putting. The Prestwick is a take on the more modern offset putter… The Hoylake looks like your classic blade (think Wilson 8802)… and the Lytham putter is a take on the modern mallet. All are works or art, and feature ARC face milling. The process leaves a texture on the strike area of the putter face for consistent contact and roll on every putt.

Check out our image gallery for a closer look at the new equipment from MacGregor.

Also available are a wide range of fairway woods, hybrids, wedges and more… you can even get MacGregor bags, balls, towels and hats. Golfsmith is doing it right, and I’m looking forward to seeing more and more MacGregor goodness in the years to come!

For more information, hit up the MacGregor line over at Golfsmith.

[Via: THP]

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