DIFFERENT STROKES
By Rick Sessinghaus, PGA

When it comes to putting grips, there's really no wrong answer! Don't be afraid to try different styles if you find your current grip isn't helping you make more putts. The cross-handed grip can help if you have trouble leaving the putterface open at impact. The 10-finger grip may help add some hinge in the wrists and release some tension.

Unconventional grips like the claw grip can help remove unwanted wrist and hand motion. No matter what grip you choose, the goal of the grip is to keep the clubface square at impact. This can be achieved by having the hands placed on the club in different ways, as these photos illustrate.

Remember the feel from putting comes right through your grip; you also need to be aware of grip pressure. The key is to maintain the grip pressure in both hands throughout the stroke. Just be sure that when you experiment, you stick with one style for a while. The last thing you want is to change up so often that you lose faith and confidence in your grip.

Axis1 Joey Key Feature: For golfers who want the benefits of the innovative AXIS1 putters, only this time in a more traditional blade-style design. Well, it's not fair to call it traditional with such a radical hosel, but the center-of-balance sweetspot is just plain incredible. It should be on everyone's must-try list. Who It's For: All player types, especially those who want to try what we think is one of the best putting innovations lately. Wow Factor: Gotta love that hosel with the clean blade-style lines. It's a cinch to align and roll straight putts. Specs: Coming soon this March. axis1golf.com | $299	Axis1 Umbra Belly Key Feature: The Umbra features a CG that's in the center of the putterface (as opposed to closer to the hosel) for a higher MOI, zero torque and straighter, truer-rolling putts. Who It's For: Golfers who like unorthodox-shaped putters and want to try one that just feels so darn good in the hands. Wow Factor: It's perfectly balanced. Try it. You'll immediately see what we mean. It's that good. Specs: Available in 34- and 35-inch models, in standard and heavy weights. axis1golf.com | $299-$349	Bettinardy BB1 Key Feature: The 2013 version of this blade has a slightly lower profile and a more shallow face than its predecessor, so the putter sits below the ball and frames it better. It's wider from front to toe, for stability. The "Hyper Honeycomb" face provides impact crispness. Its durable PVD finish enhances feel. Who It's For: Fans of exquisite craftsmanship, that's who. Wow Factor: Powder blue grip adds to the overall coolness. Specs: One model available for righties and lefties. Clubhead weighs 353 grams. bettinardigolf.com | $299

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It's pretty cool to be a putter these days. Anything goes when it comes to style, shape and function. Sure, drivers and woods have benefitted most from adjustability/interchangeability lately. But putter customization has picked up a lot of steam this year with new and popular models that promise different methods to help you perfect your stroke.

ODYSSEY FLIP FACE

Model Tested: Flip Face #5 ($320)
Rounded mallet with a single-bend shaft (no hosel) and full-shaft offset

First Impressions: The new Flip Face putters (there are currently three models) look fantastic. The #5 is a smallish mallet design, with the most striking feature (other than the adjustable face—more on that in a moment) being the rectangular cutout behind the face. We assume this does more than allow the face to flip—it pushes the CG back, lending a nice balance and feel to the putterhead. The Flip Face tech enables golfers to literally flip the putterface from the soft White Ice insert to the firmer Metal-X insert. This essentially turns one putter into two. This is done by using a simple wrench tool (which doubles as a divot tool, by the way) and loosening a screw located underneath the toe. The process is an easy one, but here's my only gripe. The screw comes all the way out, and it's black. I dropped it in the grass by the green—not fun. Had it been painted white—it might have been easier to find. Anyway, a small detail.

The top end of the putter has a Lamkin 3GEN grip that feels awesome. It also makes it easier to detect the difference in how the two sides of the putterface feel.

Performance: The first insert I tried was the Metal-X, which is an aluminum insert with oval-shaped dimples that grip the ball and impart a better launch on the golf ball. Upon trial, the insert felt impressively firm, but not so firm that it's uncomfortable. This is probably due to a urethane layer behind the aluminum insert. As it so happened, I tested this putter on some slower greens, so the Metal-X actually helped with my distance control. I felt as though I didn't need to muscle the ball toward the hole, helping to smoothen out my stroke. I for one have favored firm putterfaces for this very reason, and the Metal-X was right up my alley.

With a quick flip of the face, I was onto the White Ice insert—the same one in the popular White Ice series putters. First of all, what a difference! I was skeptical as to whether or not there would be much of a discernable difference in how the two inserts felt, but my skepticism quickly vanished. It really is like having two putters in one. The White Ice insert was softer, produced less putt distance and seemed like a great fit for putting on faster greens. If you're like me and you've had doubts as to how different the inserts feel—trust me, it's night and day.

Summary: Being able to adjust the feel and performance of a putter without affecting its overall look and balance is a genius move by Odyssey. The putter does what it says: It offers two unique feels from one putter. The mechanism is pretty slick too (don't drop the screw!), and I appreciate not having to store inserts away from the putterhead—you simply flip the face over. At $320, it may seem on the expensive side—but know that you really are getting two putters for the price of one here. And if that's what you want, you can't go wrong with the Flip Face.

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Will you switch to a long putter this year?

CHOOSE A PUTTER THAT'S RIGHT FOR YOUR STROKE
By Doug Hammer, PGA

It may surprise you that different putter styles yield different stroke paths. Con-sider the three images you see here. In the left photo, I'm putting with a blade putter; in the center image, I'm putting with a mallet; and on the right, I'm using a long putter. Notice how the path differs between the blade and mallets?

To be honest, it's sort of a chicken-and-egg kind of thing. If you use a mallet, you'll be more likely to make a square-to-square stroke because it's a face-balanced putter, meaning that the CG is below the shaft's axis. That said, if you feel more comfortable swinging on a straighter path (every stroke arcs somewhat), and you're currently using a blade putter, I suggest you switch. In fact, I bet it's pretty difficult for you to make a straight-to-straight stroke with your blade because it's heel balanced, meaning that when you balance it, the putter's toe points to the ground.

Of course, the most radical move, and one that few players use, is the long putter, which creates a very straight stroke path. But you have to be comfortable with the added length before you put one of those in play. As a general rule, decide how you feel about the stroke before you choose a model.

Axis1 Umbra Belly Key Feature: After having made a big splash with their uniquely shaped putters, Axis1 is back with a new belly length version of the Umbra. The makers say it's the world's first perfectly balanced belly putter. Who could argue with that? Who It's For: Golfers who like unorthodox-shaped putters and want to try one out in belly length. Players who have trouble squaring up the putter's face. Specs: Available in 43- and 45-inch lengths. The Umbra also comes in standard-length models, too. axis1golf.com | $299	Bettinardi Studio Stock 9 Key Feature: The SS9 is a wide-body, heel-toe design with a double-bend shaft that promotes a slight quarter-toe hang. What does that mean? It's super easy to use and swing on an arcing putter path. Better yet, there are a handful more designs in the Studio Stock line that have the same milled-carbon-steel look and feel. Wow, these putters sure are pretty. And we love that lime-green grip. Who It's For: Fans of Bob Bettinardi's commitment to incredible craftsmanship and outside-the-box thinking. Specs: There are four SS models, all weighing 350 grams. bettinardigolf.com | $375	Boccieri Tour Collection Key Feature: These premium offerings from the Heavy Putter line feature two models (blade and mallet) that are 100% CNC milled. Who It's For: Like your putter heavy? They don't get any weightier than these. Specs: Comes in five different stock lengths (32-36 inches) with head weights approximately 400 grams. An additional 200 grams is placed in the grip end. Two head styles. Want a longer putter? These can be converted to belly and long putter length. boccierigolf.com | $199

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Never Compromise Gambler Series

In case you haven’t noticed, the premium putter market is red hot. Despite a sluggish golf economy, it seems golfers are willing to spend a little extra dough to get the balance, looks and, ultimately, feel that comes with a premium putter. And with that, it seems the newly retooled and revamped Never Compromise putter brand is at its most apropos market position. Among its latest offerings are the high-end Gambler Series putters, each precisely forged of stainless steel, which, according to Never Compromise, is what’s behind the soft, buttery feel that comes with each of the four models available. Also available is the new “My Custom Putter” offering, which is as you’d expect—a chance to customize your Gambler Series putter with custom paint and various options.

We can’t help but gush over these new flatsticks, having tested and tried them ourselves. The forged feel is uniquely soft, yet not dull, and the aesthetics of every putter in the series is top-tier in our books. Here’s a look at some custom putter designs, and to learn how you can make one, visit mycustomputter.com.

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Five questions with Jake Schmidt of Plop Golf

How did PLOP start?

I founded the company in 1990 and named it PLOP, an acronym for “Physical Laws Of Putting.” PLOP originated with the design of its innovative, perfectly balanced, center-shafted, brass blade putter. It was used by many players, including Arnold Palmer, Seve Ballesteros and Lorena Ochoa.

What’s your company’s mission?

The company has two missions. The first is to custom-fit every golfer. Every Tour pro’s putter is custom-fitted to his or her individual stance. Most amateurs don’t have a Tour-like swing, but many do have a putting stroke as good as a Tour professional’s. And it’s our mission to fit you and custom-make your PLOP putter just like we do for Tour pros.

Our second mission is to design and produce custom-fit putters that are works of art, possess superior physics and are the best performing in the world.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a boutique company?

While the quality and design of a putter’s shaft, grip and head are crucial to performance, without the proper fit, the golfer is missing an intrinsic component. PLOP’s new patented computerized measuring device, the “PFIT” device, precisely measures each golfer’s personal putting stance, assuring the proper lie angle and length, which places the golfer’s eyes over the ball and intended putting line. By providing the standard for fitting, our device eliminates the guesswork of getting the correct size for every golfer’s individual putting stance. The result is straighter, repeatable putts.

Consumers also are more selective when purchasing their golf equipment, especially with the higher prices of putters. PLOP sells its custom-fit putters for the same price as or less than an off-the-shelf putter, no matter which manufacturer. This is a distinct advantage to both PLOP and every golfer.

You mill your putterheads differently than other companies. Why?

I only believe in designing center-shafted putters. It’s the only club that the USGA allows to be center-shafted, and that’s a big advantage for the golfer.

The new RSVP 2 putterhead body looks like the PING Anser 2 heel-shafted putter where the hosel is attached to the heel and made out of a singular block of metal. However, the RSVP 2 center-shafted offset hosel floats through a topline heel opening untouched and only connects to a vertical center post at the center of gravity. An advantage of all heel-shafted putters is that there’s an unobstructed view of the ball at setup and through the entire putting stroke.

In 2008, I perfected the method of manufacturing and permanently inserting a separately milled offset hosel (CSH) into a separately milled body (RSVP). The CSH technology increases the amount of feel and feedback that a player receives at the moment of impact with the golf ball, thereby increasing distance and control performance on long putts and keeping the golf ball on line. It also increases the sweet spot and provides virtually no twist in the golfer’s hands at the moment of impact, helping the putt to stay on its intended line. This is a direct result of the CSH technol-ogy, reducing the variables of how much grip pressure the golfer needs to make to counteract the torque imparted at impact with a golf ball for different distances of putts. Moving the connection of the hosel from the heel to the center also helps keep the putter from opening and closing during the putting stroke, a major advantage to keeping the face square at impact.

What’s new for 2011?

I just finished designing the first Center Shafted Hosel (CSH) mallet, the new ICON 2. Check out the photos and details on our website at plopgolf.com.

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Find the flatstick that works for you

Knock it stiff, then knock it in. Sounds easy, but it’s not. Find the flatstick that will make it easier for you. The fastest way to lower your handicap is to shave strokes on the green. Everybody knows that, so why do so few people put in the time on the practice green? For one thing, it’s a lot more fun to bust drives that stand over three-footers all day long. For another thing, it’s just so much work. We understand, but if you want to get better, you’ve got to start knocking in some of those little white pebbles. To make it fun, you have to roll the right putter, and we guarantee you’ll find at least one in the following pages. Keep in mind style (blade, mallet), hosel shape, materials and, of course, price. There are many premium offerings and a few steals, too.

Golf Tips Legend Our picks for new technologies, hot trends and equipment standouts. s = steel g = graphite

Adams a7 Select Key Feature: A stainless-steel head with a milled face and a clear, yellow, urethane face insert for improved feel and perimeter weighting. What We Like: They have a resounding feel. And dare we say, we like the splash of yellow color, both in the putterface and the grip. We like the mallet model, in particular. Who It's For: Fans of Adams equipment who also like the benefits of having a soft insert for a more muted feel. Specs: There are four models: two Anser-style, one blade and one mallet. adamsgolf.com | $69	Bettinardi Studio Stock Key Feature: The company's patented "Honeycomb" face pattern, which is produced from milled carbon steel. What We Like: How classy the line looks. The Borealis Black finish is top-notch. Who It's For: Golfers who don't mind paying a premium for a quality flatstick. It's hard to beat Bob Bettinardi's craftsmanship; that's why you'll pay a premium for it. Specs: Precision milled from soft carbon steel. Four models available. SS8 is the only left- handed model. bettinardigolf.com | $375	Boccieri Golf Mid-Weight Key Feature: The Mid-Weight series isn't as heavy as the earlier generations of Heavy Putters. Instead it weighs roughly 750 grams—still a lot, but lighter than earlier iterations. What We Like: Its balance point is 75% higher than conventional putters, which helps eliminate overactive wrists during the stroke. Why? There's a 200g weight inserted into the grip's butt end. Who It's For: Pendulum putters who want to quiet their overactive wrists. Specs: Four models available (two mallets, two blades), between 32 and 36 inches. H1-M shown. Comes in a Black PVD or Bronze finish. boccierigolf.com | $120

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Choosing the right putter means first looking at what type of putting stroke you have

Looking to drain a few more putts this year? We don’t blame you; and deciding to buy a new flatstick this year isn’t such a bad idea.

Golf Tips Legend Our picks for new technologies, hot trends and equipment standouts.

The trend with putters this year is, well, there isn’t one! Puttermakers are now offering so many different styles, shapes, materials, metals, etc. to accommodate literally every type of golfer. Speaking of which, the best way to go about buying a new putter is to look at what type of putter you are. Do you miss on the short side? Try a heavier one. Have trouble aiming? Consider a mallet with an aggressive alignment aid. Check your stroke, too, and see if the putter’s weighting best matches how you swing the putter. Typically, face-balanced models are good for straight-back-and-through strokes, and non-face-balanced models are good for arcing strokes.

Check out all the putter goodness we’ve put together in 2010. And don’t forget to get fit.


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When shopping for a new putter, consider how different models fit, feel and look. When all three match up, you know you have your next flatstick. That will boost your confidence and, as a result, you’ll start sinking more putts.

Great golfers make more putts than good golfers. It’s just that simple. But one thing you probably didn’t know is that they also tend to use equipment that better fits their strokes. And with so many putter styles to choose from, it’s a sure bet there’s a flatstick out there that fits you to a “T.”

If you don’t believe us, browse through this year’s models. You’ll see putters with oversized grips that help quiet your smaller, “yippy” muscles, mallets with adjustable weights, unique-looking alignment aids and face inserts that make impact feel as soft as Charmin.

Another factor to consider when buying a new putter is your stroke path. If you swing the putter back and forth on an arc, you should play with a blade; if you have a straight-back stroke, you should use a mallet. Easy, right?

Also, eschew traditional designs if an unorthodox shape feels better to you. If the latest techno-heavy models don’t work for you, go with a tried-and-true putter with updated enhancements. There’s no wrong answer, just what works for you.

Adams DiXX BLU Key Feature: A detachable computer that provides immediate feedback on swing path, impact position, tempo and a swing’s “speed balance.” What We Like: Who doesn’t want a computer on their putter?! Best of all, it’s detachable, enabling golfers to use the same putter they practice with. Oh, and the huge drop in price. Who It’s For: Gluttons for putting mechanics and those who want to refine their strokes with instant data. Specs: Heel-shafted, face-balanced mallet with a detachable computer. adamsgolf.com | $299	Cleveland Classic Putter Key Feature: Made of stainless steel, all of the putters in the Classic series have a CNC-milled putterface for the utmost in straightness and precision. What We Like: Aside from looks, the putterface is the most important part of a putter. With a milled face and classic good looks, these putters have it all. But the best part isn’t the putter. It’s the price, at less than $70. What a steal! Who It’s For: Anyone and everyone. Specs: Plumber-neck and slant-neck blade or mallet head. CNC-milled putterface on each. clevelandgolf.com | $69	Cleveland VP509 Key Feature: They’re not named VP (Visual Performance) for nothing. The series features a Dual Axis Alignment system so you know whether you’re lined up correctly or not. What We Like: The alignment aid. We know when our eyes are inside or outside the target line. We also know when they’re directly over the ball. That helps us line up square every time. Who It’s For: Golfers who struggle to align the putter at address. Specs: Comes in six models, each with three length and lie combos. clevelandgolf.com | $129

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TaylorMade Rossa TP

Milled To Perfection
One of the most beautiful pieces of golf equipment is the putter. In fact, a finely crafted milled putter is often considered a work of art among golf club aficionados.

Why, you ask? Well, milled (meaning it’s literally cut out of a chunk of metal) putters are generally praised for their uniformity, straightness and balance—three reasons why milled putters also tend to be on the higher side when it comes to price. But then again, if you take putting seriously and you want a beautiful putter made with impeccable attention to detail, a milled one might be right up your alley. Here’s a look at five top-contending milled flatsticks available for you to buy right now.

Scotty Cameron Kombi

TaylorMade Rossa TP
CNC-milled out of 1020 carbon steel to precise measurements, the Rossa TP putters by Kia Ma have become popular for their resilient feel and sound. The muted black finish is highlighted with strategically located tungsten weights for even greater balance. Six models are available.

Scotty Cameron Kombi
We’re not sure how to pronounce it either, but the Kombi is the latest nontraditional mallet milled from renowned puttermaker Scotty Cameron. It’s actually made of aircraft-grade aluminum, making its chassis lighter and more receptive to the three tungsten weights located to the sides and in the back of the clubhead. Finish off with high-contrast red graphics and sightlines, and the Kombi is a sophisticated putter that’s technologically advanced, too. Read More...

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Known as the most interesting and often the most colorful club in the bag, putters are more unique than ever. Want to try a new shape? A new material? There?s something new for everyone.

If you’re in the mood for a new flatstick, this is a good year to find one—’08 brings forth a slew of new shapes, sizes and materials that are visually appealing, feel great and are often adjustable for your specific needs. Speaking of which, whether it’s mallet, blade, movable weights or specific inserts that you’re looking for, there’s a putter for you. The question really shouldn’t be what type of putter do you want, but rather what kind of putter are you? The best way to learn what putter is going to work best for you is to start by simply analyzing what kind of stroke you have. If you arc a lot, a heel-toe blade is the best choice. If you putt with less opening and closing of the putterface, try a mallet. If you tend to come up short on a lot of putts, try a heavier-weighted model. Finally, if you want to concentrate on putting a better roll on the ball, try a putter with an insert or a textured putterface. Both are designed to impart a truer, faster roll. Then again, if you’re a player who wants all the above, there’s a collection of adjustable putters in ’08 that are right up your alley.

Understanding Our Charts
Key Features: What distinguishes this putter from the rest.
What We Like: We have our preferences, too. Basically, what impressed us in our review.
Who It’s For: The type of player putter was made for.
Putterhead: The material used for head construction.
Putterface: Indicates the material used for the strike area.
Weight: There are three general categories: heavy, standard or adjustable.
Designs: Indicates the putter’s general shape, as well as the other models available.

Adams DiXX Blue Key Feature: The detachable computer terminal provides immediate feedback on swing path, impact position, tempo, face angle and a swing’s “speed balance.” What We Like: The DiXX told us where we needed to improve immediately after we made a stroke. That’s invaluable. The “Blue” is a much cheaper version of last year’s version. Who It’s For: Although it’s a little pricey, it’s great for people who don’t have access to high-tech putting studios. Putterhead: Aluminum • Putterface: Same Weight: Std. • Designs: Heel-shafted, face-balanced mallet with a detachable computer adamsgolf.com | $399

Cleveland VP Series Key Feature: Using Dual Axis Alignment, the VP series ensures the golfer that he’s set up directly over the ball and the face is aligned properly. What We Like:When aligned perfectly, the alignment lines fall into place, making it easy to get in the right place and make a confident stroke. Also, the three lie options is a huge plus in our book. Who It’s For: Everyone, especially those who want to make sure they have a good, sound setup position. Putterhead: Steel • Putterface: Elastomer Weight: Standard • Designs: VP1, VP2 blade; VP5 mallet clevelandgolf.com | $109-$129

Cleveland VP Milled Series Key Feature: Much like the VP Series that uses Dual Axis Alignment, the VP Milled has the same technology but in a precision-milled form. What We Like: The milled design is generally preferred by better players who want the utmost in feel, consistency and weight. The low price tag (for a milled putter) is awesome; so too is the choice between three different head designs and three different lie configurations. Who It’s For: Although better players will love them, these putters perform well for everyone. Putterhead: Carbon steel • Putterface: Same Weight: Standard • Designs: VP1, VP2 blade; VP5 mallet clevelandgolf.com | $149

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In 2007, it's easier than ever to find a putter that's designed exactly for you

If you’ve ever been humbled after having your stroke analyzed at one of those high-tech putting studios, you know why the adage “feel is not real” is, well, real. After all, when examined under a microscope, all the flaws of your stroke are magnified. Your path goes left, your clubface is open, you hit everything off the toe—the data doesn’t lie and sometimes all that bad news is enough to make you want to impale your flatstick into the monitor. What’s important to keep in mind, however, is that our strokes demand specific kinds of putters. Whether it’s mallet, blade, movable weights or specific inserts, there’s a putter for you.

High MOI
Drivers aren’t the only clubs incorporating high MOI in their designs. A number of putters, like the Odyssey White Hot XG, place the weight deep and low to promote a truer roll. Also, its unique and light textured-weave insert helps move weight away from the face.

Moving Weights
The newest offering from Never Compromise features movable weights in the club’s heel and toe, thereby creating a putter adaptable to specific course conditions and putting styles. The GM2 Exchange gives players the opportunity to alter the putter’s weight by as much as 50 grams.

Rollgrovin’
Some putterfaces feature a one-of-a-kind Honeycomb face, others opt to soften their feel via a polymer insert. Rife Putters, however, include “RollGroove” Technology, in which milled grooves actually grip the ball and lift it from its depression, thus imparting forward spin and a better roll.

Milled, Not Cast
PING putters of the '70s and '80s set the standard for all the heel-toe-weighted models that followed. Now they’re back with a few of these early classic models (like the Redwood Anser). But there’s a twist: They’re 100-percent precision-milled from 303 stainless steel.

Putter Shopping 101
Here at Golf Tips, we’re a fortunate lot. Over the course of the year, we get to test new putters regularly, rolling putts on the local practice green or, more commonly, down our office’s hallway. We know that’s not how most golf nuts find their new clubs; they see what’s hot on Tour, walk into their local pro shop, pick up a bunch of new sticks and make a couple of strokes. Based on the way it looks, feels or fits them (or all of the above), they decide whether it’s worth sticking in their bag. But that’s not the only way. When buying a putter, there are a number of technical matters to consider, such as whether your stroke arcs (blades) or is more straight-back/straight-through (mallets). Also, putters with heavy (good for slower greens) and oversized (straight-back/straight-through strokes) grips are coming on the market. The more you know about your game, the better your purchases will be.

Understanding Our Charts
Features: The primary design elements that make the putter noteworthy.
Advantages: How the primary design elements are meant to elevate the performance of the putter.
What We Like: We have our preferences, too. A quick description of what impressed us in our review and testing.
Lineup: The other models available from the manufacturer.
Putterhead: The primary material from which the body of the club is forged, cast or milled.
Putterface: Indicates the material used for the strike area or if it has otherwise been altered to enhance performance. Check for putters with a milled face, as the process, if performed correctly, ensures a flatter contact area, which is key for consistency.
Weight: The overall head weight of the model listed in grams. Most putters fall in the 325- to 350-gram range.
Designs: Here you’ll find a description of the general shape of the club and its hosel structure. We limit the descriptions to either heel-toe blades (Anser style) or mallets. Also, face-balancing is noted as is the hosel/head connection point. If a putter isn’t labeled as face-balanced, it’s considered toe-down.

Adams DiXX Training Putter adamsgolf.com (800) 709-6142 | $1,000 The DiXX marks a technological breakthrough in the putting world. A tiny computer terminal attached to the putterhead offers instant feedback. Features: The DiXX provides immediate information related to swing path, impact position, tempo, face angle and a swing’s “speed balance.” Advantages: With the DiXX, you have an instructor with you wherever you go. Although it’s a little pricey, it’s cheaper than taking a lot of lessons at your local high-tech putting studio. What We Like: Gadgets! Not only is it just plain cool, but the DiXX tells us where we need to improve immediately after we make a stroke. Also, it’s great for people who don’t have access to the latest in computer analysis. One other thing: Did we mention we love gadgets? Lineup: DiXX Training Putter Putterhead: Aluminum Putterface: Same Weight: Std. Designs: Heel-shafted, face-balanced mallet with a detachable computer	Cobra Optica Series cobragolf.com (800) 225-8500 | $159 The Optica is the world’s first putter to employ Fiber Optic Technology (in this case, via Cobra’s TruGlo technology) to help golfers get their putts lined up. Features: An efficient weight distribution in the Optica provides forgiveness while the putter’s tri-material construction produces soft feel and dampens unwanted vibration. The TruGlo actually looks illuminated. Advantages: Connecting the aluminum clubface to the steel bar is a urethane section that minimizes vibration, perfect for golfers who play by feel. What We Like: The TruGlo alignment aid makes lining up putts a breeze. Lineup: Optica Series, IM Series Putterhead: 6061 forged Aluminum with Forged Steel weight bar Putterface: 6061 forged Aluminum Weight: Std. Designs: SL-01—Heel-shafted, face-balanced mallet; SL-02—Center-shafted, face-balanced mallet (available LH)
F2 Hamilton Series f2golf.com (800) 683-2390 | $129 From the company that designed the popular f2 wedge come the Hamilton Series putters. Features: Its MicroDome face insert ensures players will make better contact and hit straighter putts. Its perimeter back weighting increases the putter’s sweet spot and keeps mis-hits on-line and rolling the right distance. But no face-forward tech here! Advantages: The Hamilton Series combines all the latest in face and weighting technology to create a putter that’s both cutting edge and user-friendly. What We Like: The adjustable heel and toe weights make it easy to adapt to different green speeds. Also, the Hamilton Series comes in two different models. Lineup: Hamilton Series Putterhead: 17-4 Stainless Steel Putterface: Proprietary Polymer Weight: Adj. Designs: HM1—Offset-style hosel blade; HM4—Offset-style hosel mallet, heel-shafted, face-balanced mallet	Fisher Talon Tour Series fishergolf.com (800) 465-3473 | $179 A four-way insert and the ability to alter weight by as much as 100 grams? Yes. Features: The TS-1 (pictured) face insert features different contact materials on each of its four sides, from extra-soft to extra-firm. This allows the user to adapt to different green conditions (or dial in feel) without altering the stroke. Advantages: Customized feel is key, but so is the stability provided by the high-MOI design, complete with four different areas to adjust weight using three different metals. What We Like: If this putter was any more trick, it would require batteries. The TS-2 and TS-3 models feature reversible inserts, but are no less prone to twisting on off-center hits. Lineup: Talon Tour Series, Cobalt Series Putterhead: Stainless Steel (milled) Putterface: Kevflex polymer Weight: Adj. Designs: TS-1, TS-2, TS-3—Heel-shafted, face-balanced mallet (available LH)
Goolie BGS Series gooliegolf.com (858) 699-4331 | $179 A very sharp-looking and well-conceived design that earns the title “game-improvement putter.” Features: Goolie artfully combines an aluminum body with two nickel-chromium sections. The nickel has a specific gravity three times that of aluminum, which creates a high polar MOI. Advantages: The resultant MOI and CG location (positioned directly in line with the strike area) successfully negates twisting during all segments of the stroke for more consistent contact. The CG also promotes more topspin for a truer roll. What We Like: We really like the look and shape of the Goolie. If you need directional control on the greens, the BGS will help (especially the larger BGS-Ex model, pictured). Lineup: BGS Series Putterhead: Aluminum, Nickel Chromium (cast) Putterface: Aluminum (milled) Weight: Std. Designs: BGS-33, BGS-Ex—Heel- or center-shafted, face-balanced mallet	Heavy Putter Matte Series heavyputter.com (800) 546-2952 | $199 The “barbell of putters” now comes with a green aluminum plumber’s neck hosel and matte finish. Features: Two models (blade and mallet) come with a plumber’s neck hosel that’s offset by one full shaft. Add to that a hefty 250-gram Winn grip and 475-gram putterhead, and you’ve got a putter that keeps the larger muscles engaged and the smaller muscles quiet. Advantages: The heavy grip moves the club’s balance point 75% higher up the shaft than a conventional putter, making it easier to make a pendulum stroke. What We Like: The weight, of course. It isolates the larger muscles and eliminates the yips. The nifty matte finish and green hosel ain’t too shabby, either. Lineup: Matte Series, Original Series Putterhead: Stainless Steel (CNC milled) Putterface: Same Weight: Adj. Designs: A2-M—Plumber’s neck, full shaft of offset, face-balanced blade; B2-M—Plumber’s neck, full shaft of offset, face-balanced mallet (available LH)

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That closet in your house full of putters that never truly made the cut might soon have company, as the new flatstick pool houses a model that’s far better than the one in your hands.      

When poet William Cowper coined the phrase “Variety is the spice of life,” he obviously had putters in mind. Unlike every other club in the bag, which generally follow similar shape and size guidelines, putters are unquestionably the most unusual. Ranging from big to small, blade to mallet, light to heavy, cast to milled and so on, today’s putters are anything but run-of-the-mill. Exciting advancements in metallurgy, polymers and weight science have enabled putter designers to push the envelope of MOI, skid reduction and feel to achieve a new breed of putters designed to accommodate the needs of all golfers. And if you find that they don’t, a few models give you the freedom to self-adjust a putter to meet your own criteria.

As far as trends are concerned, oversized putters are holding court. These include models with improved alignment aids and weighting schemes to help the golfer produce more forward roll and less skid. Also, check for putters that position the CG behind the sweet spot but far away from the face.

Mallets are definitely here to stay, but ’06 also welcomes a proliferation of classic putter styles with modern features that make them perform far better than the originals. Does all this technology signify the end of the so-called, traditional blade-style putter? We’ll leave that up to you to decide.

Our Pro’s Take On: Putters
When it comes to purchasing a new putter, heed fundamentals:
Lie—How the club sits relative to your hand and body position affects how well you putt. A putter that’s too upright or too flat can cause it to drift off line, even if your mechanics are sound.

Length—The length of your putter directly affects your stance. If your putter is too long or short, your ability to create the desired forward and back pendulum movement can become almost impossible.

Grip—The size of your putter grip can change not only the way your arms and hands move during the swing, but also your setup and stroke.
The best way to make sure you’ve got these three variables under control is to consult with a clubfitter. I promise you’ll see better results.
— Dr. David Wright, PGA Wright Balance Golf Academy

Hot Hosel Design
When selecting a new putter, there’s a lot to investigate, but don’t forget about the hosel. This seemingly innocent design feature often has the most significant effect on how the club actually swings. Furthermore, knowing the difference between one hosel design and another can provide some insight into your stroke and what type of putter you are. Let’s examine some of the more popular hosel configurations, using Odyssey’s White Hot line as an example.

1. Plumber-Neck The plumber-neck is characterized by a horizontal bend just below where the end of the shaft and the hosel meet. This design, which generally provides a medium amount of offset, does a great job of keeping the hands ahead of the clubhead through impact. This tends to make the putter more forgiving and easier to use, which is the reason it’s so popular. Putters with plumber-neck hosels tend to be somewhat toe-down in their weighting scheme, which encourages a slightly inside-square-inside stroke.

2. Flare-Tip The flare-tip is typically a “shaft-over” hosel, meaning the shaft covers the top of the hosel where the two connect. Putters with flare-tip hosels generally have less offset and are more blade-like in their design. These putters tend to be quite a bit toe-down in their weighting scheme and usually work best for golfers who like to rotate the blade open and shut through the stroke.

3. No Hosel Face-balanced putters often have no hosel, but instead an S-bend shaft that goes directly into the putterhead. These putters are designed specifically for golfers who want to take the club straight back and straight through in a piston-like motion. If you typically like to rotate the clubhead during your stroke, these types of putters probably won’t work as well for you, although there are no absolutes in this regard.

4. Long Hosel These designs are usually elongated plumber-necks and are used to create face-balancing. Although they look very similar to the standard plumber-neck design, the extra length definitely creates a different feel, which you should take into consideration before selecting a putter with this type of hosel structure. Be aware that the elongated plumber-neck design doesn’t always result in face-balancing; many, in fact, are toe-balanced.

5. Slant-Neck These hosels often are plumber-necks that bend back from the shaft line. Usually, this type of putter is used to create a more substantial amount of offset, which promotes more of an upward strike into the golf ball. Another beneficial aspect of the slant-neck design is the position it places the hands in just prior to, and through, impact—just slightly in front of the golf ball.

6. Center-Shaft The majority of putter models feature shafts that enter the putterhead near the heel. Some, however, feature a more centered shaft insert position. This design typically is associated with a flatter lie angle, promoting a low-hands position. Also, the center-shaft position places the swing axis closer to the golf ball, eliciting extra control and a feel many golfers prefer.

Material Matters: Aluminum
The silvery-white alloy known as aluminum has become a popular ingredient in putters these days. Reason being, it’s roughly one-third the weight of steel and easily machined, making it an attractive element for equipment manufacturers to explore radical putter shapes without weighing the putter down in areas where excess weight isn’t desired. More important, aluminum’s light weight gives putter creators freedom to add high-density materials to key areas and produce higher moments of inertia while keeping the overall head weight in the modern 350-gram range standard. Corrosion-resistant and durable, aluminum is the second most malleable alloy on earth (behind gold) and sixth in the ductile rankings. —Ryan M. Noll

Mill To Win
One of the most popular methods of producing extremely high-quality putterfaces, like that found in MacGregor’s The Fat Lady Swings, is CNC (computer numerical control) milling. This technique, which utilizes computer technology to precisely control milling cutters, typically produces the most exacting tolerances and best striking surfaces possible. Milled-face putters not only produce superior consistency due to their extreme flatness, but also tend to provide a superior feel. You can generally identify a milled face by the milling lines made during the cutting process.

Body Shop
Just as insert materials are of the utmost importance when it comes to creating putters that feel and perform well, so, too, is the material used to create the putter’s body. Throughout the history of golf club design, clubmakers have experimented with nearly every type of alloy in the attempt to make a better putter, and the results have been decidedly mixed. However, today’s putter designers have seemingly come to the consensus that soft, strong materials tend to work best, as they lend themselves well to shaping, can be fitted with inserts and a variety of weights, and provide solid durability. Currently the most popular materials for putter head design are stainless steel, carbon steel and aluminum. Of course, each of these materials come in a variety of hardness and quality, each of which provide a slightly different look and feel than the other.

Weigh Your Options
Though most golfers probably don’t realize it, putters need to be tuned to provide optimal launch conditions in a similar way to drivers and irons. If a given putter doesn’t get the ball out of its own depression and rolling end over end in a speedy fashion, crooked rolls and missed putts are the likely result. To address this issue, many of today’s putter designers, particularly those who produce mallets, position fixed weights low and deep in the clubhead to promote a high launch angle and low spin rate. Though this probably sounds like the recipe for a high, bouncing putt, the truth is this is the ideal combination for putts that get up and rolling quickly and smoothly.

Another popular use for sole weights, most of which are made of heavy tungsten, is to give golfers the opportunity to customize feel and performance by making the weights movable. For example, players who tend to miss to the left can add weight in the toe area, and those who miss to the right can add weight to the heel.

Face The Music
The original Odyssey putters that were introduced in the mid-’90s, which featured polymer inserts the company called Stronomic, can be largely credited with the current popularity and success of putter insert technology.

The important thing to know about putter inserts is that they serve two basic functions: to provide a unique feel, and to move weight away from the putterface, which can then be repositioned to other areas, like the heel and toe, to provide enhanced forgiveness. Other than polymer, which is basically plastic, designers also favor materials like stainless steel, aluminum, ionomers and beryllium copper (as seen in MacGregor’s The Fat Lady Swings).

 

 

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