Love Your Putter

The latest issue of GolfWorld includes a telling tale of Kenny Perry and his PING G2i Craz-E putter.

Now, you may recall that PutterZone.com turned the spotlight on Perry's putter last year. A member at Perry's club in Vero Beach gave the putter to him, and Perry credited the gesture for reviving his putting game: "I've putted beautifully ever since he gave me this putter," Perry said.

Now comes news that the tip of the shaft on Perry's beloved putter broke at the recent SBS Championship after rusting from the inside out. Perry promptly put a backup Craz-E putter into play, but, he said, "That putter didn't look or feel the same."

The broken club was overnighted from the tournament in Hawaii to PING's headquarters in Phoenix for an emergency repair. Perry went so far as to request a replica of the shaft band bearing the original owner's name and address so that the putter will look exactly as it did before the shaft replacement.

We find this story quite instructive, as it is yet another vivid demonstration of how the putter is the most personal stick in the bag.

Kenny Perry is among a handful of the most elite golfers in the world, yet the slightest change in his putter causes him great concern. Shouldn't a guy that talented be able to pick up any old stick and roll the rock with consistent authority? Apparently not.

There is a lesson in here for the average recreational golfer, and for those who dismiss the importance of developing a personal relationship with your putter.

Simply put, you should love your putter. You should love every aspect of how it feels, looks and, of course, performs.

Some folks will say, well, it really doesn't matter that much, putting performance is more about the golfer than the putter.

Well, then, how do you explain the numerous PGA Tour professionals who come undone when their trusty putter gets lost or broken? How do you explain Kenny Perry, Payne Stewart and other elite golfers who, upon switching to a new putter, immediately elevated their games?

Which brings us to the related discussion about putter pricing, What is a reasonable amount for someone to spend on a putter? People ask us this question quite frequently.

The answer is: Pay what you can afford for a putter that you can love. That could mean $89 for one of the beautiful new Cleveland BRZ putters, or $325 for one of the gorgeous new SeeMore DB4 putters, or $179 for the hot new Slotline 600 Series putters, or $299 for the exquisite TaylorMade Kia Ma Monaco putter (pictured above), to name a few.

Does that mean that one putter offers $100 or $200 more in actual performance than another? Hard to say, isn't it? You can't put a price on love. And loving your putter is a huge factor in long-term performance.

If you love your putter, you will be inspired to practice more. You will look forward to using your putter. You will keep it for a long time, enabling you to enjoy consistency and familiarity, both of which can raise your game. How do you quantify such things?

So find a putter you love. Whether it starts off as a cheap date or an expensive date, the most important thing is that your putter should be marriage material.

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Cleveland Classic BRZ Putter Review

With its new Classic BRZ putters, Cleveland Golf aims to enhance its wildly popular Cleveland Classic line, which has earned “best buy” honors from PutterZone.com for the past two years.

The Cleveland BRZ model numbers and shapes are largely the same as the original Classic putters, but they come with two distinct upgrades—the BRZ finish and a copper-infused face insert. At $89 (with a scheduled retail release of March 1), they also cost $20 more than their original Classic counterparts. Word has it that Woody Austin has already put a BRZ putter into play on the PGA Tour.

So are the Cleveland Classic BRZ putters a worthy sequel to the originals? And are they ultimately worth the added $20 investment? Following is PutterZone.com's Cleveland Classic BRZ putter review.

The Storyline

The Classic BRZ putters are cast from 17-4 stainless steel. The bronze-colored finish is created by a manufacturing process called “physical vapor deposition,” or PVD. Each BRZ putter comes with an oil-treated cloth for cleaning and maintenance.

Oil cloths are typically associated with high-end carbon steel putters bearing “oil can” and black oxide finishes. These finishes are much more sensitive to the elements—such as water and fertilizer—than stainless steel or plated finishes. Rubbing them down with oil adds a protective barrier to rust and corrosion.

Compared to oil can and black oxide finishes on carbon steel, PVD finishes on stainless steel are known to be quite durable, but Cleveland Golf nevertheless feels that the BRZ finish will benefit from regular oiling.

The BRZ insert is crafted from aluminum with a thin layer of copper infused into the surface for a “soft yet responsive” feel.

The Cleveland Classic bronze putter models are the BRZ 1 putter (Anser-style blade), BRZ 2 putter (heel-shafted mallet), BRZ 4.5 putter (slant-neck blade) and BRZ5 (double-bend mallet; a new addition the Classic line). Each comes with three degrees of loft and lie angles of 70 degrees. PutterZone.com tested the BRZ 1 (below; 340-gram head weight) and BRZ 5 (above; 350-gram head weight).

The View from PutterZone.com

Holy cow, the BRZ putters are drop-dead gorgeous. A putter this dazzling for $89? You’ve got to be kidding me.

Words probably don’t do justice to the BRZ finish, but I’ll give it a shot. The head is a luscious chocolate bronze with a stylishly contrasted copper insert. The sole is finely polished, revealing a brighter bronze that complements darker satin accents.

Lastly, the use of black and white paintfill is both synergistic and judicious—the final touches in a deliciously harmonious package. It’s an utterly fresh look that nevertheless manages to exude a sense of maturity and familiarity.

Now, allow me to digress a bit…Back in the day, my father bought me my first “big boy” putter: a manganese bronze PING Anser. I always loved the look of that putter, and how it seemed to age right along with me, the finish darkening over time, vividly reflecting its usage like a trusty old hammer.

The BRZ putter evokes fond memories of that old PING Anser, as it is a bronzed stick that promises to evolve and age in proportion with its usage, as well as its exposure to the elements. In reality, it won’t be nearly so quick to show its wear, but the inclusion of the oil cloth bodes well for some sort of visual weathering, right?

The included cloth isn’t overly oily, but it does put a nice gloss on the finish. I dared to test drive the BRZ putters in the wake of violent storm that left the local greens saturated. Afterward, I dried them off and rubbed them down with the oil cloth, and they still look brand new. I guess I'll just have to keep punishing them.

In terms of performance, the Classic BRZ putters are essentially the same as their siblings in the main Cleveland Classic line—which is to say they are rock solid. They live up to their “classic” name by offering timeless shapes that deliver abundant poise and playability.

In terms of feel, the BRZ putters seem to be a bit beefier than the original Classic putters. For example, whereas the original Classic 1 boasts a buttery softness on the sweet spot, the Classic BRZ 1 offers a richer, thicker sensation to the hands. One’s preference between the two is strictly personal.

The stock grip on the BRZ putters is the same red grip found on the original Cleveland Classic putters. While the red grip color complements the stainless steel finish on the original Classic putters, it’s not very harmonious with the BRZ finish. I think that a black or even white replacement grip would look righteous with the BRZ putters.

The stock black head cover, too, is the same one that comes with the regular Classic putters. The head cover is fine, but I wish it somehow reflected the BRZ theme in color or name.

However, at the $89 price point, it’s hard for me to complain about the grip or head cover. For the price, Cleveland Golf has over-delivered on quality where it counts: the performance and looks of the putter itself. If they need to cut a few corners on accessories to meet a humble margin at a fantastic price point, that’s fine with me. And, in the end, I believe that the BRZ finish and copper-infused insert fully justify the added $20 compared to the original Classic putters.

The Bottom Line

Cleveland Golf has taken its Classic line to the next level with the BRZ putters, offering a fresh and utterly delicious look to go along with rock-solid performance. When it comes to delivering remarkable value in a putter, Cleveland Golf is still king.

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Exclusive: Cleveland BRZ Putters

Cleveland Golf is set to rock the bargain putter world with its new Cleveland BRZ putters, which are some of the coolest looking sticks we've ever seen under $100.

PutterZone.com now presents an exclusive first look at these bronze beauties, which will be released on March 1 at a street price of $89.

In the words of Cleveland Golf, "Inspired by the classics and crafted for performance, these classic putters feature a BRZ finish and a copper infused face insert for a soft yet responsive feel."

Each Cleveland Classic BRZ putter comes with an oil-treated cloth for rubbing down the putter to prevent oxidation of the BRZ finish. How cool is that?

The Cleveland BRZ line consists of the following models:

Model 1 - Anser-style blade (pictured here)

Model 2 - Heel shafted mallet

Model 4.5 - Slant neck blade

Model 5 - Double bend mallet

Cleveland Golf has been knocking it out of the park lately with its Classics putters, which have earned Best Buy honors from PutterZone.com for the past two years. The new BRZ putters appear poised to extend Cleveland's hot streak.

Stay tuned for PutterZone.com's official Cleveland BRZ putter review. For more photos of the Classic BRZ putters, visit PutterZone.com's Facebook page (become a Fan while you're at it!).

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Boccieri Golf Unveils Heavy Wedge

Just yesterday, in previewing the new Heavy Putter Lite-Weight series for 2010, we remarked that inventor Stephen Boccieri likes to pull rabbits out of hats, and that his work for the year was likely not done.

Well, less than 24 hours later comes word of the new Heavy Wedge by Boccieri Golf, which incorporates the same counterweighting technology found in all Heavy Putters.

With the Heavy Wedge, a 65-gram weight is incorporated into the butt of the shaft, effectively raising the balance point of the club. The goal is to promote "distance control, tighter shot dispersion, acceleration through impact, smoother tempo and incredible feel on both full swing and greenside shots."

The Heavy Wedge will be unveiled at the PGA Merchandise Show later this month, and should be available at retail for $109 starting in February.

Judging by the photos, this is one sharp-looking wedge. We'll be interested to see how it handles.

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Preview: Heavy Putter Lite-Weight Series

The Heavy Putter continues to go on a diet with the upcoming release of the Lite-Weight series, which follows the MID-WEIGHT series that was introduced last year.

The Heavy Putter Lite-Weight putters by Boccieri Golf will be released next week at a street price of $119, making them an early candidate for 2010 "best buy" putter status.

The original Heavy Putters weigh a whopping total of 900 grams, while the MID-WEIGHT putters weigh 750 grams. The new Lite-Weight putters weigh a total of 600 grams (inclusive of a 375-gram head, grip, shaft and counterweight), which is light for a Heavy Putter, but still heavier than most.

Following is the scoop on the new putters, in the words of Boccieri Golf:

Heavy Putter Lite-Weight Series: "The addition of the 'Lite' line of putters is the natural evolution of the brand following the success of MID-WEIGHT Series. This increased selection gives players the opportunity to choose the ideal weighting scheme to suit their personal preference. That said, the 'Lite' Series maintains the proven technology that has made the Heavy Putter a popular choice. At 600 grams it is still heavier than virtually all other options on the market and incorporates the counterweighing in the grip that raises putter’s center of gravity, reducing the force on your wrists and hands and allowing them to remain passive throughout the stroke. This leads to far more consistent distance and directional control."

The Lite-Weight series features for models that come in black PVD or silver satin finishes:

-Q2-L:Classic Anser-style toe-droop blade with a plumber’s neck hosel

-L3-L: Mid-sized mallet with a heel bent shaft (in the Rossie vein)

-M4-L (pictured above): Traditional 8802-style flanged blade with heel shaft and long hosel

-N1-L: Bullseye-style blade

The incorporation of the Heavy Putter technology within lighter, classically styled designs at an affordable price could be a magic combination for Boccieri Golf. And keep an eye on inventor Stephen Boccieri. His likes to pull rabbits out of hats, and we get the feeling that his work is not done for 2010.

Stay tuned to PutterZone.com this week as we continue our previews of 2010 putters that will be featured at the PGA Merchandise Show in January.

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Nike Method Putter Review

For the better part of 2009, Nike Golf had a putter bun in “The Oven”—which is the nickname for the company’s secretive research and development facility in Texas.

After about three trimesters—during which the mysterious putter was splashed across television screens in the hands of several PGA Tour professionals—Nike’s new baby was revealed to the world in August as the Method putter. It was perhaps the longest public pregnancy in putter history.

Now, after the release of a limited-edition Method putter in late 2009, the main Method line is set for official retail release later this month for a street price of $249.

So is there a Method to Nike’s madness? Can the Swoosh compete in rarefied air of the premium putter price range? Following is PutterZone.com’s Nike Method putter review, specifically the 001 and 004 models.

The Storyline

By the time the Nike Method putter was officially unveiled in August, it had already notched two major tournament victories in the hands of Lucas Glover and Stewart Cink. Talk about a hot start.

The Method putter features a“polymetal” face groove technology that combines milled steel with polymer, as evident in the distinctive black polymer pattern on the face. The polymer is actually “ported,” meaning that there is a solid polymer layer behind the face, through which the groove pattern is extruded (see photo below, where the bottom of polymer layer is revealed along the front sole).

The ported polymer design allows for 30 grams of internal weight to be redistributed from the front and center to the rear perimeters of the putter for enhanced MOI. The polymer layer also aims to dampen vibration upon impact. Meanwhile, the polymer grooves are designed to give way to secondary steel grooves for “controlled forward roll.”

Each Method putter is milled from 303 stainless steel. The line consists of five models: Method 001 (classic blade), Method 002 (heel-shafted blade), Method 003 (heel-shafted mid mallet), Method 004 (face-balanced blade), Nike Method 005 putter (face-balanced mid mallet).

PutterZone.com had the opportunity to test drive the 001 and 004 models. Both feature 343-gram heads with a loft of two degrees and a lie angle of 71 degrees.

The View from PutterZone.com

If you want to start an argument, just go on any golf equipment forum and mention Nike putters. Some folks are just convinced that Nike is incapable of making a great putter, and many of them are stridently vocal about it.

Well, I’ve got bad news for the Nike haters. With the Method putter, the mighty Swoosh has a winner on its hands. Simply put, the Method putter is a technological knockout, one that vividly walks its performance talk.

The feel of the Method putter is phenomenal. It’s softer than an all-metal face, but I wouldn’t call it soft, because that can imply "squishy." Rather, I would say that the feel of the Method is almost airy or ephemeral, if that makes any sense.

Indeed, there are times when it seems as if the putter head is moving through the ball rather than striking it. You still get nice click in the hands and ears, but there is very little tactile resistance on the sweet spot (particularly on the 004 model for some reason). The result is a very sensual putter that promotes a fluid, unflinching stroke.

The roll of the ball seems especially tight off the face of the Method putter, with the white orb hugging the turf in a gorgeous topspin. Is it the grooves? I can’t say, but I don’t have any other explanation. All I know is that the Method excels in matters accuracy and distance control, at least in my hands, and much of that has to do with the crisp roll off the face.

On the Anser-style 001 model, I love the use of a single sight dot on the crown as opposed to the more common sightline on the flange. The topline of the 001 is narrow, and the center flange is only slightly stepped. The result is a putter that appears very clean, confident and visually quiet at address. It’s what I would call a badass putter, in a good way.

Meanwhile, the 004 model features three parallel sightlines along an extended flange. The topline is beefier than the 001, and the double-bend neck brings a hint of shaft kickback. While the 004 model is heel shafted, it is indeed face balanced, as the shaft angle intersects the center of gravity.

The included head cover looks sharp in black with silver and red piping, and it features a sweet magnetic strip closure (hooray, Nike!). I’m not blown away by the Golf Pride grip, but it certainly looks sharp in vivid red with black and white accents.

Cosmetically speaking, head of the Method putter leaves me a bit wanting. For the price, I would just like to see a little more artistry incorporated into the presentation. The paintfill choices are uninspired, the finish work is ho-hum, and the only attempt at true adornment—the little pyramid patterns milled into the bumpers—seems halfhearted.

But I am nitpicking here. Overall, the look of the Method is solid enough, especially on the business ends of the putter (the top view and face). And the putter sure looks beautiful when the ball rolls tightly off the face and into the hole.

The Bottom Line

Nike Golf is now officially a force to be reckoned with on the premium putter front. The Method putter is a significant technological achievement that produces real results in terms of feel and roll. With two major championships already on its resume, the Nike Method putter should be a smash hit in the hands of recreational golfers as well.

For more photos of the Method putters, visit PutterZone.com's Facebook page (and become a Fan while you're at it).

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Preview: Odyssey Black Series Tour Putters

Odyssey Golf is starting the new year with a bang, following up on the recent release of its White Ice putters with its new Black Series Tour Designs putters, which will be released on January 15.

Following are the lowdowns on both putter lines, in the words of Odyssey Golf:

Odyssey Black Series Tour Designs putters ($269): Black Series Tour Designs putters are available in several core Odyssey models, including the #2 (pictured here), #4, #6 and #9. Black Series Tour Designs were crafted through extensive work between the Odyssey design team and Tour players like Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els. With a new black look, the precision-crafted milled putters in Odyssey’s Black Series Tour Designs are designed to offer elite performance at the highest levels of the game. Each putter is milled of 1025 carbon steel for the soft feel demanded by the best players in the world. A urethane dampening layer is subtly placed between the putter head and the tungsten flange, which enhances the feel off the face. Black Series Tour Designs putters feature Advanced Roll Technology (A.R.T.) for precise response and the truest roll possible. A.R.T. is achieved through multi-material construction using tungsten weighting, which creates a quicker, more favorable roll by moving the center of gravity back and lower in the putterhead.

Odyssey White Ice putters (starting at $129): White Ice putters are available in core models like the Odyssey #1, #9 and Rossie, as well as more progressive shapes such as the #7 and the Sabertooth model The White Ice line features the brand’s best-feeling multi-layer insert to date and a rich dark nickel finish. Recent changes made by golf’s ruling bodies concerning grooves in irons and wedges are leading to a greater number of softer golf balls that provide more spin and control around the green. Odyssey engineers, who have always developed inserts in tandem with shifts in golf ball technology, armed themselves with this knowledge and worked with Tour pros to develop the new White Ice line. The result is a new insert that features an inner core that is 19% firmer and 92% stiffer than previous models. These changes produced enhancements in feel, sound, responsiveness and resiliency, which add up to consistent distance control and ultimate feel on the green.

Stay tuned to PutterZone.com this week as we continue our previews of 2010 putters that will be featured at the PGA Merchandise Show in January.

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Preview: 2010 Yes! MOI Series Putters

Yes! Golf is charging into the new year with its new MOI Series putters, as well as the new Donna II putter, all of which will be available starting on February 1.

We saw prototypes of the two MOI Series putters at the PGA Fall Expo in September and were immediately enamored with their two-tone look.

Following are the specs of the MOI Series putters in the words of Blair Philip, Yes! Golf's directior of research and development:

Yes! Mollie putter ($299; pictured above): Multi-material mallet. The Mollie putter is a familiar shape with many technologies working for the player simultaneously.The back of the putter is fitted with a section of ultra-heavy tungsten which significantly increases the MOI of the putter when combined with the ultra light face of aeronautical-grade 6061 aluminum. The body is made of 303 stainless steel and the entire club is CNC milled to perfection. The light "soft" face and the heavy back make this putter extremely forgiving without being too huge. It also has the added advantage of the C-Groove technology found on all Yes! putters, which gives the ball an efficient over-the top rolling motion.

Yes! Morgan putter ($299): Multi-Material toe-down blade. The Morgan putter is fashioned after what could be considered the most classic shape ever in putter design history. This blade-style putter is made in the same way that Mollie is with a light aluminum face and a heavy tungsten, back making it as forgiving as any club can be for its size and shape. An easy to use blade was the goal. and YES! Golf has delivered. Morgan has an MSRP of $350

Meanwhile, Yes!'s popular Donna model will enjoy a fresh iteration in 2010 with the release of the Donna II putter. Here is he lowdown, in the words of Blair Philip:

Yes! Donna II putter ($249): This is also a multi-material design that features the same construction as the original Donna putter by YES! Golf that has won so many tournaments worldwide, including the 2008 Tournament Players' Championship and World Cup. The Donna II is a toe-down "hybrid mallet" with a plumber's connection that is incredibly easy to use. The face and hosel section are made of 6061 aluminum and the back of the putter is made of 303 stainless steel. The heel and toe weighting are very obvious since the back of the putter actually comes through the face of the putter to maximize MOI. The shape is somewhere between a blade and a mallet, so this putter will appeal to just about everyone. Donna is also fully CNC milled.

Stay tuned to PutterZone.com this week as we continue our previews of 2010 putters that will be featured at the PGA Merchandise Show in January.

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Preview: S-Blade Black Eye Putters

S-Blade putters will unveil its Black Eye Series putters ($190) in January at the PGA Merchandise Show. S-Blade putters are distinguished by a convex face that is designed to impart immediate topspin.

This 2010 putter preview continues our series showcasing the flatsticks to be featured at the 2010 PGA Merchandise Show later this month. If you can't make it, this is the next best thing to being there.

The S-Blade Black Eye Putter Series features five models: Emperor Classic, Emperor Blade, Sabretooth, Crescent and Arrowhead.

According to S-Blade's Patrick Connelly, "All S-Blade Black Eye Series putters have a spherical shaped face: Gentle curves both top to bottom and side to side, engineered so that the contact is just above the mid-point of the ball, promoting top-over-bottom roll and a wider sweet spot. This technology creates no skid or bobble when the ball leaves the face."

We met Patrick at the PGA Fall Expo in Las Vegas and were impressed with the S-Blade putters in limited testing.

Stay tuned to PutterZone.com this week as we continue our previews of 2010 putters that will be featured at the PGA Merchandise Show in January.

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Preview: 2010 Bettinardi BB Putters

Robert Bettinardi is back in black with his new Bettinardi BB Series putters ($275), the first Bettinardi retail line to be unveiled since the famed putter designer parted ways with Mizuno last year.

This 2010 putter preview continues our series showcasing the flatsticks to be featured at the 2010 PGA Merchandise Show later this month. If you can't make it, this is the next best thing to being there.

The Bettinardi BB Series includes five putter models, "all plated with a luxurious Black Nickel finish that guarantee the highest level of durability. Each model in the series is milled with a single sightline to aid with alignment and has a three-degree loft. Every BB putter has a pistol style grip and a patented black Bettinardi head cover."

The five Bettinardi BB putter models are, in Bettinardi's words:

BB1 putter: A traditional heel-toe weighted design has a rounded shape punctuated with soft edges throughout. A perennial favorite for the professional and amateur golfer.

BB8 putter: A sharper more sleek appearance with a neck that is milled in a heel basis position to promote additional toe hang. A popular model in many Tour players’ bags.

BB25 putter: A modern blade style, the BB25 is a fresh take on a classic design with a slightly tapered body and a single flange further enhancing the 100-percent CNC milled flow neck.

BB26 putter (pictured above): This center shafted heel-toe weighted design incorporates elements from the BB1 but with a center shafted zero offset. The BB26 design is slightly thicker in appearance at address. A spud style neck provides a smooth transition from shaft to putter head.

B32 putter: A face balanced mallet, this modern design has a classic pear shaped profile at address. The unique flange achieves maximum perimeter weighting for optimum performance. Its spud neck has a double bend shaft. Available in left and right hand.

Stay tuned to PutterZone.com this week as we continue our previews of 2010 putters that will be featured at the PGA Merchandise Show in January.

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