PutterZone.com - Best Putter Reviews

The Fringe: Sumi-G Head Cover Review

noreply@blogger.com (PutterZone.com) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:08:00 +0000

The common head cover almost seems intentionally designed to infuriate.

Like a python trying to swallow a pig, you must first yank the sock over the head of your 460cc driver, pulling and tugging until it finally jerks into place. If you’re lucky, it goes on straight. If not, more tugging and aggravation ensue as you curse under your breath.

But now you have a more enlightened alternative, one that won’t force you to swallow a pig or wash your mouth out with soap: the inventive head cover by a new company called Sumi-G.

Under The Hood

The name Sumi-G is a play on the Asian art form of black ink painting, which emphasizes clean, elegant lines and focused serenity. According to the company, “Sumi-G translates the spirit of the Sumi-E art form as inspiration for stylish and smart golf products…Our philosophy is uncomplicated: create simple, useful, and elegant products for the avid golfer.” The head cover features a mechanical closure that embraces the head and snaps onto the shaft.

-Unique mechanical closure

-Rigid exoskeleton protects both club and shaft

-Easy to pick up from ground with club

-Convenient one-handed operation

-$28, $32 or $38 suggested retail price (per hybrid, fairway wood and driver models)

Why It Rocks

The Sumi-G is like the iPod of head covers, a triumph of form as well as function. It literally reinvents the head cover category with admirable inventiveness and artful execution.

Let’s start with function. Hard shell shaft protection—check. Hard shell head protection—check. Ease of use—double check. You can literally snap this thing onto your driver in one second flat. No joke.

If you’re so inclined, you can even leave the cover on the ground, hit your shot, and then slip it back on by simply reinserting the club head mid-stride as you walk back toward your bag.

The active ingredient is a little swivel pocket that hugs the club head. When you remove the club, the pocket swivels upward for easy extraction. When you slip the club back into the pocket, it swivels back down to nestle the head within the outer hard shell.

The Sumi-G head cover is an aesthetic achievement as well, offering clean lines, crisp logo embroidery and a stylish metal Sumi-G emblem that adds just the right amount of flash to the presentation.

The Final Word

Wow! Sumi-G sets the new standard in hard-shell head covers, combining ingenious construction with remarkable ease of use.

About The Fringe

The Fringe is where PutterZone.com roams "beyond the green" in search of golf's hottest new gear. This bi-weekly series is reserved for products that truly earn the spotlight by demonstrating superior quality and ingenuity.

New Bettinardi Putters Aim for Next Level

noreply@blogger.com (PutterZone.com) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 17:39:00 +0000

The stunning news yesterday of the mutual parting of Mizuno Golf and putter designer Robert Bettinardi is no cause for mourning, as PutterZone.com has learned that Bettinardi is already teeing up a new line of putters for release on November 15.

The new line is the Bettinardi BB Series, which will feature five models at a retail price of $275 (BB8 model pictured here). The BB Series will feature two earlier BB designs, as well as three new creations. Two of the models will be available in left-handed versions.

PutterZone.com spoke with Bettinardi today to get the inside scoop on the Mizuno decision, and to inquire about what to expect next from Bettinardi Golf.

As you may recall, Bettinardi and Mizuno teamed up to create three series of putters in recent years: the A Series, the C Series and the Black Carbon Series. The Black Carbon putters have been particularly successful and have earned high marks from PutterZone.com.

Bettinardi reiterated that his parting from Mizuno was entirely mutual. He has a four-year contract with Mizuno that ends in 2009, and he and Mizuno simply decided to go their separate ways instead of renewing the contract.

“It was a great relationship,” Bettinardi said. “I have nothing but respect and admiration for the people at Mizuno. For me, it was a matter of wanting to take my company to the next level, to have more independence in terms of design as well as sales and marketing. I have a lot of dreams. I’m 48 years old. I don’t want to be 68 years old and wonder why I didn’t pursue them.”

In addition to the BB Series, Bettinardi will also re-introduce his famed Studio B Series putters for $375. The BB Series putters will be available at pro shops and via club fitters. The Studio B Series will be available on the Bettinardi Golf web site, which will soon be undergoing a substantial makeover, Bettinardi said.

Don’t expect Mizuno to ride off into the putter sunset, either. With its T.P. Mills-designed putters and later with its Bettinardi-designed putters, Mizuno has released some of golf’s most compelling broad-market putters over the past decade. Mizuno has proven to be very deliberate in its putter releases, with a clear focus on quality over quantity, and it will be interesting to see where they go from here.

As for Bettinardi, he says he’ll miss working with his friends at Mizuno, but that he’s also pumped up about the future of Bettinardi Golf.

“As far as I’m concerned, it’s a total restart,” he said.

Drill Bits: Let Go to Putt Better

noreply@blogger.com (PutterZone.com) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 16:39:00 +0000

To get a grip on your putting stroke, sometimes you just need to let go. Such is the message behind the following putting drill shared by Pat O'Brien.

Pat is a familiar face here at PutterZone.com as well as on the PGA Tour, where he is the putting instructor to Masters champion Zach Johnson, as well as several other pros. He is also a consultant to the SeeMore Putter Company.

According to Pat, "putting is all set-up based." In other words, if you take the right grip, and you address the ball correctly, the stroke will take care of itself. Pat's blog features tips on each of these fronts.

But once you are in your proper setup, with the right grip, what should the stroke feel like? In the following drill shared exclusively with PutterZone.com, Pat reveals one of his simple methods for teaching stroke feel and distance control:

"One of my favorite things for students is to have them grip the putter in the fingers of both hands. Keep the heel or back pads of hands connected to the grip, but take the thumbs off. Relax the hands and let the weight of the putter swing. Now stroke some 20 to 30 footers and see how close you can get to the hole. This is a good way to develop a sense of what a pendulum stroke feels like. I believe you have to give up control of the putter by removing tension to actually gain control of your speed. Remember, it is a weight on a stick and it will accelerate through gravity and not force when you allow it to swing."

Thank you, Pat! For more information, ready PutterZone.com's interview with Pat O'Brien.

TaylorMade Spider Balero Putter Review

noreply@blogger.com (PutterZone.com) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:21:00 +0000

TaylorMade continues to spin its web of Spider putters with the addition of the new Rossa Monza Spider Balero putter, the third putter in the Spider line.

But don't expect more of the same, because this Spider comes with a whole new set of features, as well as a new price tag ($159) that beats its two predecessors by $40.

Is the Balero a worthy successor to the Spider throne? Following is PutterZone.com's TaylorMade Spider Balero putter review. This review also inaugurates the new PutterZone.com video review series, as shown below.

The Storyline

The original Spider made quite a splash on the PGA Tour as well the recreational circuits when it was unveiled in early 2008. Later that year, TaylorMade introduced the Itsy Bitsy Spider, a diminutive offspring of the original. Aside from its smaller size and a few tweaks on the alignment front, the Itsy Bitsy Spider was a virtual replica of its predecessor.

Now comes the Balero, which is clearly more of a cousin than a sibling to the original Spider putters. This is a sleeker Spider with a new alignment feature as well as a new face insert.

The new alignment feature is called “ball in cup,” and it consists of a ball-shaped cutout in the sole that is enclosed in a semicircle that visually mimics the cup. A white sightline traverses the crown from the center of the “cup” to the center of the face.

According to TaylorMade, this feature “provides a visual cue that makes it incredibly simple to line up the clubface with the intended line…At address, the image of the ball resting in front of the clubface works in conjunction with the white line on the Balero’s crown and the round hole through the back to help simplify the act of starting the ball rolling on the exact line you’ve chosen.”

Another major distinction between the Balero and earlier Spider models is the new polymer AGSI-s grooved face insert (the “s” stands for soft).

Oddly, as of the writing of this review, the Balero page on the TaylorMade web site still erroneously references the AGSI+ insert found on earlier Spider models. The Balero’s new AGSI-s insert is made entirely of polymer, in contrast to the Titallium-polymer multimaterial composition of the AGSI+ insert, resulting in an entirely different feel.

The loft of the Balero is 2.5 degrees and the lie angle is 70 degrees. It comes in both right and left-handed models at lengths of 34 and 35 inches.

The View from PutterZone.com

I never thought I’d say this about a Spider putter, but I love the look of the Balero at address.

Simply put, the Balero boasts a visual harmony that the earlier Spider models lacked. It’s not visually “quiet” by any stretch of the imagination, but the presentation is nevertheless seamless and graceful.

The “ball in cup” alignment feature brilliantly mirrors the intended target, especially on shorter putts with minimal break, where you can easily envision a line running from the cup-sized semicircle to the center of the cup itself.

However, the “ball in cup” feature is ultimately more suggestive than overt, so it doesn’t crowd the eyes or cause overthinking at address. The overall effect is a subliminal sense of visual purpose.

The Balero is also a low rider, as its face is a full eighth of an inch shorter than the earlier Spiders (and most other putters, for that matter) from sole to topline. This gives the putter a lean, mean profile that I personally find appealing.

In terms of feel, the super-soft AGSI-s insert is radical departure from the AGSI+ insert found on the earlier Spider putters. This new insert is what I might call a “poker face,” as it doesn’t have much to say about miss-hits. Some golfers will love the reassuring consistency of the Balero’s feel, while others might find it to be a bit lacking in the feedback department.

The Balero could be viewed as a downscaled iteration of the earlier Spider putters. The new AGSI-s insert lacks the sophistication of the AGSI+ insert, and the detail work (ie: paintfill) lacks the sharpness found on the pricier TaylorMade models.

However, the Balero boasts its own unique advantages, particularly in matters of alignment. And at $159, the Balero hits an economic sweet spot and ultimately offers considerable bang for the buck. As an added bonus, the included head cover outclasses the putter’s price point with high-quality construction and a magnetic closure.

The Bottom Line

The TaylorMade Spider Balero Putter hits a home run in the alignment department, artfully integrating a complex design into a seamless presentation and a strong sense of purpose. The new AGSI-sinsert will appeal to golfers who prefer a soft, supple feel off the face. Rather than rest on the laurels of its predecessors, this Spider putter offers a fresh new look at a favorable price.

P.S. Check out PutterZone.com's Facebook page for a photo gallery comparing the original Spider putters to the Balero. Also, you can subscribe to PutterZone.com's new YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/PutterZoneDotCom.

The Fringe: Antigua Desert Dry Review

noreply@blogger.com (PutterZone.com) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:58:00 +0000

The notion of placing the word “technology” in the same sentence as “shirt” seems patently absurd, doesn’t it?

But then again, there was a time when “putter technology” or “shoe technology” would have seemed equally laughable. And now look at you, Mr. Interchangeable Tungsten Weight Putter Guy and Mrs. Shock-Absorbing Waterproof Golf Shoe Gal. The times, they are a changin’, indeed.

Which brings us to the Desert Dry line of golf apparel by Antigua. The Desert Dry polos claim to reside at the cutting edge of—you guessed it—“shirt technology.” Ha, ha, ha, you say? Well, Antigua gets the last laugh with these high-tech garments.

Under The Hood

Antigua describes Desert Dry as a “moisture wicking technology designed to absorb and wick moisture quickly and evenly to achieve the most efficient evaporation possible.” The fabric’s “air flow system” enhances breathability, reducing body temperature during exertion. The underarms also feature “antibacterial” fabric inserts.

-Available at golf pro shops across the country as well as online

-Often feature custom embroidery for golf courses and golf events

-Desert Dry apparel comes in a variety of styles and sizes for men and women

-100-percent polyester construction

-Do not wash with fabric softeners—they clog the pores of the material

-No batteries or assembly required (just kidding)

-Shirt price averages $65

Why It Rocks

We put Antigua’s Desert Dry technology to the test near PutterZone.com’s headquarters in the “coastal desert” of California, where the sun was sizzling by late morning. Yet by the end of the round, we were still feeling relatively cool—and looking cool, too (if we do say so ourselves).

Indeed, the proof of the shirt’s promise wasn’t in some magical and unrealistic sensation of personal air conditioning, but in the fact that the fabric wasn’t clinging and grabbing, which are the telltale signs of sweat retention. At the end of the round, we felt fresh and snappy.

The added fabric panels sewn into the interior underarms were the clincher. We’re not sure just how “antibacterial” they really are, but they do a great job of fending off those pesky deodorant stains that can afflict, ahem, certain golfers.

The Final Word

Antigua’s Desert Dry apparel delivers a comfortable solution to the sweaty, grabby behavior of lesser shirts. If you want to stay dry while still looking cool as you head toward the 19th hole, this is the fabric for you.

About The Fringe

The Back Nine Movie Debuts on Thursday

noreply@blogger.com (PutterZone.com) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:01:00 +0000

You know you are taking golf seriously when you're reading Stan Utley's The Art of Putting while playing ball with your dog. Such is one of the scenes in the trailer for the new movie The Back Nine, which stages its one-day nationwide theatrical release on June 25.

The movie follows filmmaker Jon Fitzgerald in his quest to become a professional golfer...at age 40.

A self-described "above-average" golfer, Fitzgerald was still light years from professional status when he embarked on his journey. He hired a team of experts, including a swing coach, a yoga instructor and a sports psychologist. He pounded balls. He strapped himself to swing aids. And all the while, he maintained his day job to help pay the bills for his young family, including a daughter in elementary school and a son on the way.

Some of the scenes in the trailer are uncomfortable, suggesting that Fitzgerald's quest caused strain on his family. In his narrative, he says that he is at his happiest when on the golf course. The film also features two father figures in Fitzgerald's life, who are described as "polar opposites," and who no doubt have their own divergent perspectives on what Fitzgerald is attempting.

PutterZone.com has not seen the film, but the trailer looks compelling. After it's short theatrical release this weekend, it will no doubt be available on DVD. Click here to view the trailer and theater locations.

SeeMore's Hat Full of Rabbits

noreply@blogger.com (PutterZone.com) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 03:25:00 +0000

The SeeMore Putter Company is already enjoying a successful U.S. Open—and the tournament hasn’t even started yet.

Indeed, three out of the 30 players who qualified for this week’s U.S. Open at the local and sectional levels did it with SeeMore putters in their hands.

Josh Brock of University of North Carolina Wilmington qualified as an amateur. Charlie Beljan of the Gateway Tour sank a putt in sudden death at the Colorado sectional qualifier to earn his ticket.

And Matt Nagy, who is ranked just 773rd in the college circuit, got a last-second call as a qualifier alternate and promptly shot a course record of 63 to pave his way to Bethpage Black. One newspaper account accurately called it a "major miracle."

SeeMore just keeps delivering Cinderella stories. Two years ago, it was Zach Johnson winning the Masters with a SeeMore FGP model. Ten years ago, it was Payne Stewart winning the U.S. Open at Pinehurst with his own FGP.

So don’t be surprised if you see another rabbit come out of SeeMore's hat in the near future.

P.S. Click here for more about the story of Payne Stewart and his SeeMore putter.

Remembering Payne Stewart 10 Years Later

noreply@blogger.com (PutterZone.com) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:58:00 +0000

Ten years ago this week, the late Payne Stewart staged an epic putting performance to win the U.S. Open at Pinehurst, generating highlights that will remain in our golfing memories forever.

Sadly, Stewart passed away later that year in a tragic airplane accident. This month, the Payne Stewart Golf Club opened in Branson, Missouri, paying tribute to the man, the golfer and the father.

The most enduring memories from Stewart's U.S. Open victory in 1999 are his lengthy putt to win the tournament (video below) and his ensuing celebration, but he also sank dramatic one-putts on holes 16 and 17 to set up his storybook finish. He needed just 24 putts to finish on that Sunday.

That year, Stewart ascended from 40th to second in putting on the PGA Tour, so his putting game was razor sharp. Nevertheless, to sink such putts amid major tournament pressure remains a remarkable feat.

The magic in Stewarts hands was his new SeeMore FGP putter, which literally put his putting game into overdrive. SeeMore's signature RifleScope alignment system, which consists of a red dot that is visually hidden by a blackened lower shaft, proved to be an empowering piece of technology for Stewart. In the accompanying video, you can see how he sets up the putter and uses the black shaft to communicate proper setup and alignment prior to stroking the putt.

The SeeMore Putter Company later fell on hard times, but has staged its own remarkable comeback in recent years under new ownership, proving that the RifleScope system is as timeless as Stewart's victory. When Zach Johnson used the original SeeMore FGP to win the 2007 Masters, it only added to the company's renewed momentum.

This week, on the eve of the U.S. Open, we remember Payne Stewart, and we salute the SeeMore Putter Company.

P.S. To learn more about the SeeMore story and the people behind it, read PutterZone.com's interview with SeeMore consultant Pat O'Brien. O'Brien was not only a friend of Payne Stewart, but is also the putting instructor to Zach Johnson.

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Free U.S. Open iPhone App Sets The Standard

noreply@blogger.com (PutterZone.com) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:45:00 +0000

When the Masters iPhone application debuted earlier this year, it set a new standard for mobile enjoyment of a major tournament. But now the Masters app has been one-upped by the free U.S. Open iPhone app, which not only features flyover videos of each hole of Bethpage Black, but also walk-through videos of each hole as well.

For example, you can get a ground-level view of the par-five fifth hole with accompanying video of USGA Director of Rules Mike Davis explaining what's different about the course this time around. He even tosses a ball on the ground near the green to demonstrate how the ball will no longer maddeningly roll off the hill at the slightest nudge. It's not all lollipops to the pros, however, as Davis also explains how the removal of pine trees behind the green has made approach shots more difficult by eliminating a reference of depth perception.

There is also a browser version of the app that can be viewed on most mobile internet devices at m.usopen.com.

One area where the U.S. Open iPhone app falls short of its Masters companion is in live tournament coverage. The U.S. Open app will feature only one hole of live coverage on Saturday and Sunday. However, it will also feature live "marquee" group coverage on Thursday and Friday, but it remains to be seen what that will include.

Still, like never before, the walk-through videos put the nitty-gritty details of a major tournament course in the palm of your hand. And, of course, you can't beat the price of admission.

Bettinardi Putter Wins Again

noreply@blogger.com (PutterZone.com) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:16:00 +0000

Brian Gay is suddenly one of the hottest players on the PGA Tour, winning his second tournament yesterday by a convincing margin. And it's his putter and putting game that are enabling him to trounce the field.

Brian Gay's putter is a custom Mizuno Bettinardi D.A.S.S. (for Double Aged Stainless Steel) C-03 model putter.

Designer Robert Bettinardi tells PutterZone.com that he worked closely with Gay over several months to craft and fine tune the putter. Their efforts are clearly paying off. In winning the St. Jude Classic over the weekend by five strokes, Gay needed just 100 putts over four rounds. No wonder he went wire to wire as the tournament leader and eventual victor. Earlier this year, Gay won the Verizon Heritage Classic by 10 strokes.

Gay's flatstick has the F.I.T. face (for Feel Impact Technology) found on the Mizuno Bettinardi Black Carbon putter line, making it a cross between the Black Carbon line and the earlier Mizuno Bettinardi C-Series putters.

Word is that Gay employs a very light grip pressure with his putter. Light grip pressure can help a player cultivate touch and feel on the green, which is obviously the case with Gay.

P.S. The Mizuno Bettinardi Black Carbon putters earned high marks from PutterZone.com in earlier reviews. Click here and here to read the Mizuno Bettinardi Black Carbon putter reviews.

The Fringe: Cleveland Niblick Review

noreply@blogger.com (PutterZone.com) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 20:09:00 +0000

So-called “rescue” or "utility" clubs are all the rage these days, enabling you to play it safe from the fairway or disentangle yourself from an errant drive. But what happens when even that safety net fails? What happens when things still go bad near the green? Who’s going to rescue you now?

Enter the Niblick by Cleveland Golf. This ain’t no stinkin’ rescue club. It’s a survival club.

Are you on the collar or first cut, stalked by the twin tyrants known as Skulling and Chunking? Are you ensnared in the strangling rough? Are you tormented by low-hanging branches? Have no fear, because the Niblick is your Swiss Army knife. You will survive, and you will score.

Under The Hood

Cleveland Golf calls the Niblick a “short iron hybrid,” billing it as a multidimensional replacement for the common pitching wedge or nine iron. It is designed for chipping and pitching, as well as approach and recovery shots. The name comes from the original Scottish “niblicks,” which were a staple of ancient golf.

-Available lofts of 37 degrees (nine iron) and 42 degrees (pitching wedge)

-Wedge-style sole with eight degrees of bounce for minimizing fat shots

-Large Zip grooves for added spin

-Iron-style hosel offset for natural address position

-Gelback cavity insert for vibration dampening

-Retail price is $109

Why It Rocks

Chipping is a breeze with the Niblick. It offers a soft, easy touch for bump-and-run shots, and the plumpness of the club is a reassuring sight for those who tend to blade the ball. You can even employ a putting-style stroke from the short fringe.

The Niblick also performs well on pitches and approach shots as long as you trust the natural loft of the club. It may look similar to your standard long-iron hybrid, but you need to overcome that mental image and swing it like a short iron on approach shots. The Niblick can feel a bit hefty at first compared a short iron, so be prepared for an acclimation period. Once you get the hang of it, however, the Niblick flies 'em high. The stopping power of the Zip grooves is frosting on the cake.

Best of all, the Niblick shines in matters of recovery, and it’s particularly effective on lower shots off troublesome lies in the proverbial jungle—such as when you are off in the rubble about 40 yards from the green with tree branches crowding your view. In such situations, the Niblick packs the best of both worlds into a single club with its wedge-style sole and short-iron loft, enabling you to get the ball off the ground without flying it too high.

The 37-degree model is probably best for punching out of trouble, but you can de-loft the 42-degree model for similar results.

The Final Word

Now this is a utility club. Sure, you might have to mothball your nine iron or pitching wedge to fit the Niblick in your bag, but you’ll get a box of tricks in return. For mid to high handicappers in particular, the Niblick is a smart choice for shaving strokes.

About The Fringe

Slotline SS-384 Mallet Putter Review

noreply@blogger.com (PutterZone.com) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:58:00 +0000

Slotline Golf is proving to be a real blast from the past, with its putters ranking sixth out of 17 brands in play at the recent Champions Tour’s Principal Charity Classic, just a few putters shy of PING.

Considering that the Slotline brand was on mothballs for the preceding seven years, that’s quite an achievement.

One of the more popular Slotline models on tour is the SS-384 mallet, at least one of which has been in play for the past seven weeks.

At just $99, the SS-384 sounds like a steal. But is it the real deal when put to the test? Following is PutterZone.com's Slotline SS-384 mallet putter review.

The Storyline

Slotline was a pioneer in the concept of high “moment of inertia,” or MOI, which is today one of the hottest concepts in putter design. High MOI enhances forgiveness by reducing twisting and turning on miss-hits. Slotline’s signature “slot” and “line” alignment system also proved to be ahead of its time, as it continues to be emulated today.

Slotline was a giant in the putter industry in the 1980s, but subsequently fell on hard times. By 2001, its product offerings were nonexistent.

However, under new ownership, Slotline has made a swift and strong comeback this year, with the older tour professionals being particularly receptive to embracing this once-familiar brand. For more on the Slotline story, ready PutterZone.com’s earlier Slotline Raider putter review.

The Slotline 384 features a hollow-body stainless steel construction with an embedded 30 grams of tungsten for extreme backweighting and ultra-high MOI.

As with all new Slotline putters, the SS-384 features a matte black finish and a “tri-milled” pattern, which reduces the contact surface area while ensuring perfect flatness and true loft. It also features “radiused” edges that “reduce snagging during the stroke and provide soft flowing lines at address.”

The SS-384 is face balanced and comes in lengths of 33 to 35 inches. The loft is three degrees, the lie angle is 71 degrees and the head weight is 340 grams. The 300 series putters are the most affordable of the three new Slotline putter families.

The View from PutterZone.com

The Slotline SS-384 sets up beautifully with a crisp, clean profile. In a putter world increasingly filled with loud UFO-style mallets, the SS-384 stands in stark contrast with its graceful ambiance.

The hollow-body construction is the SS-384’s primary performance asset, creating extreme tungsten backweighting for ultra-high MOI. On that front, the SS-384 works as advertised, offering substantial forgiveness on miss-hits, and swinging with a vivid sense of poise and balance.

A collateral effect of this design is a rather unusual acoustic personality, as the hollow chassis of the SS-384 rings like a bell when striking the ball. This resonant sound is reminiscent of an empty Coke bottle being tapped from the bottom.

Such unique feedback was startling at first, as I didn’t see—or hear—it coming. But it grew on me. Different doesn’t mean wrong, it just means different. PutterZone.com HQ is overflowing with putters, but only one putter sounds like this. If you like your putter to sing a bit of a song, you’ll love it. If you like your putter to keep quiet, then it’s probably not the putter for you.

The “slot” and “line” alignment system is perennially effective, as long as the lie angle of 71 degrees is in your mechanical ballpark. With this system, a gold sightline visually intersects a notch on the rear topline of the putter, enabling you to achieve a consistent setup.

A second gold sightline runs along the crown parallel to the face to assist in squaring the putter. Personally, I could do without this secondary visual aid, as it verges on informational overload when combined with the slot and line system. My take is that the leading edge of the putter itself is sufficient for gauging squareness. Still, it's nothing a black Sharpie pen or black model paint can't easily remedy.

Lastly, you can’t ask for more than the grip and head cover that come with the Slotline SS-384 mallet, which both outperform the putter's $99 price point.

The Bottom Line

The SS-384 should be on the short list of any golfer looking for an affordable mallet with classic looks and rock-solid performance. The SS-384’s unique audio feedback will appeal to those who like their putter to play a little music, and the high-MOI design delivers the goods on accuracy and forgiveness.

Quick Hit: Heavy Putter MID-WEIGHT K4

noreply@blogger.com (PutterZone.com) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 13:59:00 +0000

John Daly’s brash trousers and persistent Twittering are generating headlines these days, but so are his resurgent game and imminent return to the PGA Tour. Daly’s new performance weapon is the Heavy Putter MID-WEIGHT K4 by Boccieri Golf, which he says has helped shorten and sweeten his stroke. After switching to the K4, Daly promptly finished second at the Italian Open. The secret to the Heavy Putter isn’t just its heavy head, but also a counterweight in the shaft that raises the balance point of the putter. The new MID-WEIGHT putters shave 150 grams off the total weight of the original Heavy Putters for a slightly lighter touch.

Sweet

The Heavy Putter MID-WEIGHT K4 packs a lot—dare we say a ton?—of innovation into a sleek visual package. By courting the average golfer with a little less weight and little more tradition in the aesthetics department, Boccieri Golf has taken the Heavy Putter to the next level with the MID-WEIGHT series. The heavy head still offers ample stability, while the counterweight in the shaft brings it all into balance, promoting a smooth, steady stroke.

Bittersweet

Even the MID-WEIGHT series is going to be too heavy for some golfers. To say that the Heavy Putter is for everyone would probably be a stretch. Of course, saying any putter or club is for everyone would be a stretch.

Who’s It For?

Golfers who seek added stability in their stroke, and especially golfers who were on the fence about earlier Heavy Putter models.

Final Word

Boccieri Golf has a hit on its hands with the MID-WEIGHT series, proving the old adage that less is often more.

Lowdown

Street Price: $169

Head Weight: 400 grams (shaft counterweight brings total weight to 750 grams)

Lie Angle: 70 degrees

Loft: 3 degrees

Length: 32 to 36 inches

Toe Hang: Half past 4 o’clock

Material: Cast stainless steel with milled face

Included Accessories: Head Cover

Ready for a deeper look? Ready PutterZone.com's Heavy Putter K4 review.

Putter Buzz: TaylorMade Red Stripe Putters

noreply@blogger.com (PutterZone.com) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:16:00 +0000

TaylorMade's ascent, MacGregor's descent and Heavy Putter's new marketing icon. Here's the latest putter buzz on the PGA Tour and beyond:

1. TaylorMade is red hot on the putter front right now. Just a week ago, its Spider and Kia Ma putters simultaneously won tournaments on the PGA, LPGA and Champions tours. Also, the company is rolling out its new Spider Balero, the latest addition to the Spider family. Now TaylorMade is generating tour buzz with its prototype TaylorMade RS putters (for Red Stripe, pictured here), as reported in GolfWorld. The TaylorMade Red Stripe putters are already available in Japan. No word on U.S. retail availabilty at this moment, but you can find a Japanese issue Red Stripe putter at TourSpecGolf, a U.S.-based retailer of Japanese golf gear.

2. PutterZone.com was the first to report that John Daly had switched to the Heavy Putter MID-WEIGHT K4 model a few weeks ago. Now he has apparently struck a promotional deal with Heavy Putter, as he now appears on the Heavy Putter home page. Heavy Putter's familiar new rallying cry of "7 out of 10 golfers chose the new MID-WEIGHT" is now accompanied by the following tagline: "So did John Daly."

3. Zach Johnson recently switched from a SeeMore putter...to a SeeMore putter. Truly, it wasn't much of a switch. Johnson traded his original SeeMore FGP (the one that helped him win the Masters) for the similar FGP Stainless with a black finish. That's quite an endorsement for SeeMore's new Stainless line of putters as a replacement for the original aluminum bronze SeeMore putters. Johnson promptly won the Valero Texas Open after the switch.

4. Just a little more than a year ago, MacGregor Golf seemed to be on a roll. Not only had Greg Norman taken over as the company's chairman, but famed putter designer Bobby Grace had introduced the second iteration of his MacGregor DCT putters. Alas, the venerable MacGregor brand has taken a quick tumble. It cut ties with Grace last June, and now the Shark is out of the picture as the MacGregor Golf brand has been sold to the retailer Golfsmith.

5. Steve Stricker wielded an Odyssey White Hot Tour #2 Putter on the march to victory yesterday.

6. PutterZone.com is now on Facebook. Click here to check it out.

Nickent Tour Prototype Milled Putter Review

noreply@blogger.com (PutterZone.com) — Fri, 29 May 2009 14:39:00 +0000

The most recognized putter in the Nickent Golf portfolio is the PIPE putter, which looks just like its name. While some swear by the PIPE, no one would enter it into a beauty contest.

Now come the new Nickent Tour Tour Prototype Milled putters ($179), which are the stylistic yin to the PIPE's yang—crisp, clean and very traditional in profile. Is Nickent's trip back to the future worth the price of admission?

Following is PutterZone.com's Nickent Tour Prototype Milled putter review, specifically the MP/05 blade model.

The Storyline

The five new Nickent putter models include two heel-toe blades (MP/01 and MP/02), a Zing-style putter (MP/03), a mid mallet (MP/04) and a softtail-style design, the MP/05 being reviewed here.

Each Nickent Tour Prototype Milled putter is milled from 8620 carbon steel and features a proprietary face insert with "Alternate Groove Technology," which is milled from anodized 7075 aluminum to produce “an extremely true roll with a soft feel.”

The standard loft of the Nickent Tour Prototype Milled putters is 3 degrees, and the available lengths range from 33 to 36 inches. The head weight on all models is 345 grams. The toe hang on the MP/05 is half past five o'clock.

According to Nickent, the putters will be made in “very small quantities.” In fact, they don’t even appear under the putter category on the Nickent web site. To see the Tour Prototype Milled putters, you have to enter the site’s shopping cart.

The View from PutterZone.com

Early reports had the price of the Tour Prototype Milled putters at $249, a figure that was even printed in putter previews in at least two national golf magazines. Such a price would have pitted the putters against some pretty stiff competition in the crowded ultra-premium category.

In a stroke of genius, however, Nickent rolled the putters out of the gates at $179. Suddenly, what sounded like a bit of a stretch had the scent of a steal. And now that I have one in my hands, I can confirm that the Tour Prototype Milled is a sweet putter for the price.

The MP/05 is a riff on the classic softtail design popularized by T.P. Mills, which is a favorite of mine. This design is angular and stubby from the front, but a thing of curvy, symmetrical beauty from above. The MP/05 doesn’t have a cavity, so it boasts a seamless visual flow from topline to flange. A white alignment dot on the crown is the lone adornment visible at setup.

Nickent delivers on its promise of soft feel with the Alternate Groove Technology insert. The insert feels supple but not at all squishy, and it strikes a distinctive chalky note in the hands as well. The roll off the face is clean and tight, with quick topspin when struck well. If you miss the center of the face, the softness yields to a bit of a bite in the hands and ears that informs you of your misdeed.

The MP/05 is nearly fully toe down in balance, so it really wants to swing on an arc. Therefore, this is not a putter for folks who subscribe to more of a straight-back-straight-through stroke. The 345-gram head feels hefty, at least on the 35-inch model. This weighty sensation is likely amplified by the rotational behavior of the toe-down balance.

I have a few quibbles with the putter on the accessories front. First, the colorful checkered brand logo dominates the grip right below where the right thumb rests on the club, creating unnecessary visual noise and encroaching on the classic beauty of the putter head. Also, the head cover that comes with the putter is, to be kind, unattractive. The good news is that if the grip or headcover are really bothering you, they can be easily replaced for about $10 or less.

I do like the fact that Nickent chose a dark gunmetal gray for the finish of the head, which is a different visual flavor than the familiar finishes of black and stainless steel. I also like the fact that the hue of the insert is consistent with the rest of the head, and that the face displays no logos or paintfill. Such restraint is admirable in this age of over-adornment.

The Bottom Line

The Nickent Tour Prototype Milled putters offer classy good looks and solid performance at a sweet price. The Alternate Groove Technology insert delivers a crisp roll with a soft yet sturdy feel. The MP/05 model will appeal to golfers with an arcing stroke who want to upgrade their putter without breaking the bank.

TaylorMade Scores Rare Hat Trick

noreply@blogger.com (PutterZone.com) — Thu, 28 May 2009 03:52:00 +0000

Having a professional win any tournament with your putter in his or her bag is a big deal in the putter industry, generating fodder for press releases and bragging rights.

But having three professionals win tournaments with your putters in a single week? Such is the remarkable hat trick accomplished by TaylorMade on Sunday.

Rory Sabbatini won the HP Byron Nelson Championship with a TaylorMade Rossa TP by Kia Ma Daytona putter (try saying that fast). Meanwhile, Michael Allen was victorious in his Champions Tour debut at the Senior PGA Championship with a TaylorMade Rossa Itsy Bitsy Spider mallet. Finally, Yani Tseng won the LPGA Corning Classic with the same Itsy Bitsy Spider in hand.

Let's review: One brand, two putter models and and $1.75 million in earnings on a single Sunday. To say that TaylorMade had a good weekend would be a gross understatement.

Click here to read PutterZone.com's review of the Itsy Bitsy Spider and here for the review of the Rossa TP by Kia Ma.

Father's Day Golf Gift Guide

noreply@blogger.com (PutterZone.com) — Mon, 25 May 2009 15:04:00 +0000

With Father's Day just around the corner on June 21, it's time to back away from the ties and power tools and get your dad something he'll really dig: cool golf gear. Following are some unique golf gifts that will help you bridge the generations and put a smile on his face:

Slotline 581 Hi-Moment Putter ($159)

Back when you were a wee tyke or teenager in the 1980s, there was one big “S” in the putting world, and it wasn’t Scotty. It was Slotline, whose Inertial putter pioneered the concept of ultra-high MOI. Fast forward to this year, when the venerable brand was reborn and reintroduced under the guidance of Chad Lehr and company at Dynamic Brands. Now your dad can reconnect with the putter of his past with the Slotline 581 Hi-Moment putter, a modernized throwback to the original Inertial. It’s no secret why Slotline is red hot on the Champions Tour right now.

Dixon Earth Balls ($29.99)

Remember the good old days when you just dumped your old motor oil down the storm drain? You don’t? Well, your father does. But it’s a different world now, and he’s just fine with that, because he wants his grandchildren to enjoy clean air and water, too. For this reason, he'll dig Dixon Golf’s eco-friendly Earth golf ball, which is constructed without the use of heavy-metal pollutants and non-renewable synthetic compounds. Even the packaging is made from 100-percent recycled material. Best of all, the Earth ball compares in cost and quality to other high-performance balls.

Vireo Tees by Evolve Golf ($5.95 for 35 tees)

Is your dad trying to build a fire or knock it close to the pin? You have to wonder with all of those little broken sticks he leaves in his wake. It’s time for him to try the new Vireo-S3 tee by Evolve Golf, which is not only eco-friendly, but also extremely durable. Made from recycled materials, this tee features a proprietary “sweet spot” system comprised of “depth insertion” guides along

the stem. This system enables the golfer to achieve proper and consistent tee height for optimal sweet spot alignment.

Golfdotz ($5.99 for two dozen)

Dad used to play with a thin blade putter, now he swears by his mallet. He always had trouble with his 3 iron, now he’s money with his hybrid. Heck, maybe he’s even playing with an eco-friendly Earth ball and renewable Vireo tees. His evolution is almost complete. All he has to do now is put down the messy Sharpie pen and mark his ball in style with Golfdotz. These wicked-cool golf ball tattoos are durable, practical and stylish—sort of like dad himself.

iGolfrules ($9.99)

Clean up your room before you go out to play. Take the car but be back by midnight. Dad was always a stickler for rules, right? Well, now you can put the rules of golf in the palm of his hand with the iGolfrules application for the iPhone, which is based on the popular Golf Rules Quick Reference book. This program features more than 200 illustrations, and it covers match play as well as stroke play. And if your dad doesn’t have an iPhone? Well, maybe you need to add that to your gift list, too.

Adidas Trophy Belt ($40)

Your dad might not be ready for a fashion statement in the vein of Ian Poulter’s pink pants, but he could probably use a bit of an upgrade in the belt department. The Trophy belt by Adidas offers just the right amount razzle-dazzle in an otherwise classy and conservative package. Dustin Johnson, Justin Rose and Sergio Garcia are among the PGA Tour pros who have sported this belt. If dad is feeling his oats like Phil Mickelson, he can opt for the white leather version. But the all-black model is probably the safer bet.

Homer Kelley’s Golfing Machine ($17 on Amazon.com)

The first time Homer Kelley played golf, he shot 116. The next time he played, which was six months later, he shot seventy-seven. No joke. Obsessive and inquisitive by nature, Kelley immediately set out to solve the mysteries of the golf swing that would account for such a vexing variance from one round to the next. In his new book Homer Kelley’s Golfing Machine, Scott Gummer pays tribute to Kelley’s quest, which resulted in a controversial book that has been touted by Bobby Clampett, Steve Elkington and others, including up-and-comer Morgan Pressel. Sometime it's the old dog who teaches the new tricks, eh?

And The Payne Stewart Putter Winner Is...

noreply@blogger.com (PutterZone.com) — Wed, 20 May 2009 18:42:00 +0000

The winner of our recent contest for a Payne Stewart commemorative putter by the SeeMore Putter Company is Ron Ehrlich of Yorba Linda, California.

Ron's winning entry was identified after all entries were placed in randomized order, after which a number chosen by a SeeMore representative matched his slot in the order.

Ron is a longtime golfer and self-described “equipment nut” who just happens to own an original SeeMore FGP—the same model that Payne Stewart used to win the 1999 U.S. Open.

He says that he was a fan of Stewart’s and that he remembers watching the U.S. Open on television when Stewart stroked his epic putts to secure the victory. “That’s something I won’t forget,” he says. “I’m absolutely thrilled to win this putter. It means a lot.”

Ron says that he will display the putter as a keepsake and heirloom.

The SeeMore Putter Company, which is becoming legendary in putter circles for its customer service, has already contacted Ron and will be shipping the putter to him this week.

Drill Bits: Nail Your Putts

noreply@blogger.com (PutterZone.com) — Tue, 19 May 2009 14:55:00 +0000

Eben Dennis wants you to putt better by narrowing your focus and finding your natural stroke.

"Golf is over-taught and over-analyzed," he says. "If you keep it simple and unclutter your mind, you will improve your game."

Eben is currently a teaching professional based in McKinney, Texas, and his students include PGA Tour Professionals, collegiate golfers, amateurs and beginning golfers. His current and former students include PGA Tour players such as Nick Faldo, Billy Mayfair, Robert Gamez and Shaun Micheel. Eben learned golf at Champions Golf Club while growing up in Houston, where he received tips from Jackie Burke and Jimmy Demaret as well as Ben Hogan, Julius Boros and Bruce Crampton. He attended Florida State University on a full golf scholarship and played professionally in the United States and Australia. His brother is Clark Dennis, who played in 207 PGA Tour events and who finished sixth at the 1994 U.S. Open.

Eben was kind enough to share the following drill, which exemplifies his emphasis on simple concepts that can have a substantial impact:

"This is a drill I taught Nick Faldo in 2000 that improved him from one of the worst putters on tour to number one in putting at the 2000 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, where he averaged 25 putts per day. It's called the thumb pointing drill. Even though there are a couple of other elements (such as how to hold the club for control and how to get in the best setup) that will enhance your putting performance, this drill will immediately help you become a much better putter.

First, you must focus on the relationship between your hands and the intended target. Now, feel the corner of your lower thumb on the grip that is closest to the target. On your right hand (for right handers) it will be the corner of the nail on the outside of your thumb. Take some practice strokes feeling that corner pointing at your target at the end of the motion. Now execute some three to six-foot putts making sure to hold the point at the ﬁnish of the stroke.

By doing this you will discover that the ball goes the direction you pointed good or bad. Two things will come from this drill: (1) your focus will shift away from the putter head and ball; and (2) you will complete your stroke, giving you better rhythm and distance control. When you get a good feel for short putts, increase the distance until you feel comfortable from all distances. Once you learn to narrow your focus to your hands and where they are going, the act of putting will become simple and fun."

Thank you Eben! To learn more about Eben Dennis, as well as his clinics and book, visit www.powerfeelgolf.com.

TaylorMade Introduces Spider Balero Putter

noreply@blogger.com (PutterZone.com) — Wed, 13 May 2009 17:58:00 +0000

TaylorMade continues to spin its short-game web with the upcoming release of the TaylorMade Rossa Monza Spider Balero putter, which joins the original Spider and Itsy Bitsy Spider in the growing family of Spider putters.

TaylorMade will release the Spider Balero putter on May 21 for a suggested retail price of $149, which is $50 less than the original Spider and the Itsy Bitsy Spider. You first heard about the Balero here on PutterZone.com back in January.

The Balero is billed as "a large mallet that combines the forgiveness and feel of the Monza Spider with a uniquely shaped head that makes it dramatically easier to aim the clubface correctly."

Like earlier Spider models, the Balero boasts high MOI for enhanced forgiveness. It also includes TaylorMade's proprietary AGSI grooved face insert, which is designed to put a truer roll on the ball.

Where the Balero really stands out is in its alignment features, including a "ball in cup" visual cue that consists of a ball-sized cutout in the flange that is visually embraced in a cup-sized semicircle. According to TaylorMade, this feature "provides a visual cue that makes it incredibly simple to line up the clubface with the intended line."

For the past few years, it seemed like $250 and above was the hottest price point in putters, with putter companies racing to join the ultra-premium category. This year, it's the $149 price point that's sizzling with the TaylorMade Spider Balero putter, Never Compromise X-Ray putters and Rife IMO putters, all of which are being released later this month.

Never Compromise X-Ray Putter Review

noreply@blogger.com (PutterZone.com) — Tue, 12 May 2009 16:01:00 +0000

Despite remaining dormant on the new product front for the entirety of 2008, Never Compromise managed to rack up $34 million in prize money on the PGA Tour last year with its existing putters.

Now, Never Compromise is back with its new NCX-RAY—a.k.a. X-Ray—putters ($149; May 22 release), which aim to light a fresh retail fire under the brand while advancing its success on tour. So are the new putters worth the long wait?

Following is PutterZone.com’s Never Compromise NCX-RAY putter review, which will compare and contrast two models—the Tau blade and the Alpha mallet.

The Storyline

The name X-Ray is derived from the translucent appearance of the proprietary red “Suspended Face Technology (SFT)” insert found on all four NCX-RAY putters—the Alpha full-sized mallet (which is technically known simply as NCX-RAY, but Alpha is its nickname), the Beta half mallet, the Sigma single-sightline mallet and the Tau blade.

The Never Compromise X-Ray putters have already made a bit of a splash on tour. Several notable Cleveland Golf staffers (Cleveland is the parent company of Never Compromise), such as Stephen Marino and Vijay Singh, have switched to the new putters. Word is that even some non-Cleveland staffers, such as Fred Funk and J.B. Holmes, have decided to bag them as well. Not bad for a $149 stick.

The SFT insert is designed to heighten the MOI of the putters while delivering enhanced feel. The insert consists of horizontal metal ribs embedded in an “ultra-lightweight” material that allows for 25 percent of the overall head weight to be distributed to the extremities of the putter. Such weight redistribution lowers and deepens the center of gravity for the achievement of high MOI.

The promise of consistent directional dispersion was backed up in a recent test conducted by Hot Stix Golf for Golf Magazine. Out of 13 mallet putters tested, the Alpha was the putter that lost the least distance roll on putts struck toward the toe and heel compared to the center.

Meanwhile, the protruding metal ribs reduce the surface contact area to provide “consistent ball velocity off the face.” The surrounding lightweight material aims to reduce vibration while still offering “responsive feedback.”

The Alpha’s head weight is a hefty 365 grams, while the Tau weighs in at 340 grams. The loft is three degrees and the lie angle is 70 degrees on both putters. The Alpha is face balanced, while the Tau has a slight toe hang.

The View from PutterZone.com

The Never Compromise NCX-RAY isn’t your father’s putter. It’s not even your older brother’s putter. This is something entirely different.

Never Compromise is based in Huntington Beach, California, but this putter looks like something created at Area 51. The translucent red plastic of the SFT insert is probably the most alien material I’ve ever seen on a putter. The thin metal ribs embedded in the insert look like they might pick up a shortwave signal. The SFT face makes the Odyssey White Hot urethane insert look positively organic.

In other words, Never Compromise is going boldly where no manufacturer has gone before in terms of insert aesthetics. And you know what? Good for them. The futuristic look of the X-Ray putters will no doubt have its naysayers, but I’ll bet that a lot of people will go wild for it. One thing is for sure: No one will accuse Never Compromise of looking drab anymore.

Moving on to performance, I conducted my own unscientific version of the aforementioned Hot Stix test, and I was very impressed by the stability and distance consistency on miss-hits with both the mallet and the blade. At one point, I sank three evenly paced practice ten-footers in a row with the Tau blade—one deliberately off the heel, one deliberately off the toe and one off the center (and no, I’m not boasting; trust me, I miss plenty). This experience made me a believer in the SFT face’s promise of “consistent ball velocity off the face.”

It would be hard to make a blanket statement about the feel of the SFT insert, as it varies significantly between the mallet and the blade. I prefer the feel of the Tau over the Alpha, as it has a soft, supple quality that makes good on the promise of responsive, vibration-free feedback. On the Alpha mallet, the SFT insert feels firmer and tinnier, a sensation that is likely related to the acoustics of the open-air frame.

Where the Alpha really excels is on the alignment front, with the two parallel red sightlines framing the ball and offering a vivid sense of directional reference. The frame of the head unfolds as a bright black and silver ribbon, to which the sightlines provide a bold yet complementary contrast. Indoor retail lighting just doesn’t do this putter justice—you need to see it outside to absorb the full effect of the design and its coloration.

The Tau sets up nicely, too, with an elegantly angled flange and a silver bumper that complements the black finish. The plumber’s neck hosel actually angles slightly toward the target, resulting in an unusual amount of offset (see photo and notice how far the leading edge of the shaft is from the leading edge of the face). Offset, of course, is ultimately a matter of personal preference.

The stock grip on the X-Ray putters is excellent on both the tactile and cosmetic fronts. Never Compromise smartly avoided the carnival-like grip designs that seem to be proliferating in the putter industry, opting instead for a clean black with white lettering that doesn’t intrude on the eyes at setup.

The Bottom Line

Never Compromise appears to have a hit on its hands with its new NCX-RAY putters, which offer cutting-edge visuals as well as rock-solid performance. The Tau blade boasts a supple yet responsive feel, while the Alpha mallet excels in matters of alignment. Both putters boast remarkable directional consistency and overall accuracy on miss-hits as well as pure strikes. For $149, the Never Compromise X-Ray putters ultimately deliver serious bang for the buck.

John Daly Rocks The Heavy Putter

noreply@blogger.com (PutterZone.com) — Mon, 11 May 2009 14:22:00 +0000

Long John Daly tamed his short game over the weekend as he wielded a Heavy Putter MID-WEIGHT K4 blade en route to finishing tied for second at the European Tour's BMW Italian Open. Daly closed with a 66, prompting him to remark via Twitter, "Funny how they actually start talking about my game and not my pants today."

PutterZone.com has been taking note of the Heavy Putter's sudden rise through the professional ranks, recently observing that "it is starting to gain tour traction." Bernhard Langer used a Heavy Putter protype to win the Champions Tour's Legends of Golf a few weeks ago, while Fabrizio Zanotti used a Heavy Putter to finish second at the Open de Espana last week. Heavy Putter's hot streak continued this week in the hands of Daly.

John Daly's putter, the Heavy Putter MID-WEIGHT K4 by Boccieri Golf, is pictured above. In an earlier review of the K4 model, PutterZone.com concluded that "it offers traditional beauty with an innovative edge, and will particularly appeal to golfers who seek a

stabilizing influence on their stroke."

Meanwhile, the C-Groove pattern on the face of Henrik Stenson's putter was unmistakable under the bright television lights yesterday. Indeed, it was a Yes! C-Groove Donna model that helped Stenson fire a 66 yesterday to win the Player's Championship and $1.7 million.

In a recent interview with PutterZone.com, Yes! Golf's Blair Philip noted that the company doesn't pay any tour professionals to use its clubs. The proprietary C-Groove face on Yes! putters is designed to impart immediate topspin for a truer roll. Henrik Stenson's putter, the Donna ($229), is a "hybrid" putter in the shape of a blade but with added girth from front to back for enhanced MOI.

Heavy Putter Hot in Europe

noreply@blogger.com (PutterZone.com) — Thu, 07 May 2009 01:35:00 +0000

A week after helping Bernhard Langer win the Champions Tour’s Legends of Golf in partnership with Tom Lehman, the Heavy Putter remained red hot at the European Tour’s Open de Espana, helping Fabrizio Zanotti earn the equivalent of nearly $300,000 as the tournament's runner up.

Zanotti’s model is the Heavy Putter B2-M (pictured here), which is one of the original Heavy Putter designs. He closed with a 65, and placed in the top ten in putts per GIR and putts per round. In four rounds, he didn’t record a single three-putt. It was his first overall top ten finish since joining the tour in 2007.

Word is that Zanotti switched to the Heavy Putter jus a few weeks ago. So far, so good, apparently.

There’s a sense here that the Heavy Putter is starting to gain tour traction as well as retail momentum, with the new Heavy Putter MID-WEIGHT models widening the net of consumer appeal.

Quick Hit: Nike OZ Putter 2009

noreply@blogger.com (PutterZone.com) — Wed, 06 May 2009 15:08:00 +0000

Nike Golf's value-priced OZ series putters have undergone an extreme makeover for 2009, including a new kelly green face insert. Also, two traditionally styled blades now accompany the futuristic OZ mallets. The new Nike OZ 2 blade borrows from the classic softtail design popularized by T.P. Mills. It features a matte black finish with dual sightlines on the crown to assist with squaring the face. The lightweight polymer insert aims to redistribute weight to the perimeters for enhanced forgiveness.

Sweet

The Nike OZ 2 blade is a true beauty at address, with clean flowing lines and a quiet confidence. Nike avoids the common mistake of cluttering the lower portion of the grip with bright colors and logos, further enhancing the putter's visual calm. The ball rolls sharply off the face. The grip and included head cover do justice to the price point.

Bittersweet

While the words "polymer insert" typically imply a soft feel, the insert on the new OZ putters is quite firm and clicky. Some will like the edgy green face, while others will find it gaudy.

Who’s It For?

Golfers on a budget with an arcing stroke and an affinity for the softtail design.

Final Word

The Nike OZ 2 blade delivers solid performance for the price, especially for those who aren't too picky about feel.

Lowdown

Street Price: $99

Head Weight: UTD

Lie Angle: 71 degrees

Loft: 3 degrees

Length: 33 to 35 inches

Toe Hang: Half past 4 o’clock

Material: Cast steel with polymer insert

Included Accessories: Head Cover

Stay tuned for PutterZone.com's comprehensive review of the Nike OZ 2 putter.

NCX-RAY Putters to Arrive on May 22

noreply@blogger.com (PutterZone.com) — Tue, 05 May 2009 14:32:00 +0000

It's official: The much-anticipated retail return of Never Compromise begins on May 22 with the release of its new Never Compromise X-Ray putters, a.k.a. NCX-RAY putters. The street price is $149.

The X-Ray putters are already a familiar sight on the PGA Tour, where seven professionals put them into play at the recent Zurich Classic, including J.B. Holmes and Steve Marino. V.J. Singh has also made the switch to an X-Ray putter. You first heard about these putters here at PutterZone.com back in January.

Out of 13 mallet putters recently tested by Hot Stix for Golf Magazine, the Never Compromise X-Ray mallet was the putter that lost the least distance roll on putts struck toward the toe and heel compared to the center. Such high MOI performance was achieved by using an "ultra-lightweight" face material, allowing Never Compromise to relocate 25 percent of the head weight to the extremities.

The NCX-RAY putters get their name from their translucent dual-density face insert, which employs horizontal ribs embedded in a softer composite material to provide "ultimate dampening yet responsive feedback."

The four models are the Alpha, Beta and Sigma mallets, as well as the Tau blade.

With the X-Ray putters, Never Compromise appears to have turned up the volume on aesthetics and technology while taking their price down a notch, making them a good fit for these value-oriented times.