The late Harvey Penick believed that the three most important clubs in a golfer's bag are the putter, the driver and the wedge. "Nothing is more important psychologically than knocking putts into the hole," wrote Penick. "Sinking putts makes your confidence soar and it devastates your opponent".

Putting is often perceived as a game within a game. Nearly 40 per cent of all the strokes played on a given day is allocated to putting, so it goes without saying that confidence in one's putting stroke and putter is both a key element and beneficial to one's game. But one should always remember that the "flat stick" is such a personal choice and is a matter more of the mind than anything else.

Of particular interest is the fact that two of golf's greatest players stuck to one putter or at least one shape of putter-head throughout most of their careers. Bobby Jones dubbed his putter "Calamity Jane", while Jack Nicklaus used a blade putter to win most of his 18 Majors - the exception being his last Major win at the 1986 Masters when he used an oversized MacGregor putter.

New putters continue to surface almost on a monthly basis. Some really are worth the money, some not, and some will fade before year's end into oblivion to be used as ornaments, doorstops and for some other interesting purpose. We selected and tested, under various conditions, 12 models that have recently been introduced to the golfing industry.

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Never Compromise - The Gray Matter Company

This company's black-gray-black putters are has enjoyed unprecedented success on the professional golf tours having recorded 56 Tour victories to date since their inception in 1998. (The technology advantage of the putter is the ultra-light weight polymer center section of the putter called "Gray Matter TM ").

At only 30 grams, it constitutes only 10% of the putter head's total weight, forcing 90% of the putter's weight to the heel and toe. (For comparison, the equivalent center section of a traditional heel-toe weighted blade-style putter weighs approximately 140 grams; the center section of insert putters weighs about 100 grams.). Both putters perform extremely well on all green conditions.

Never Compromise was founded by many of the original architects of Odyssey Putters, who started the company before Callaway purchased Odyssey. Never Compromise products continue to be used by many professionals on all the tours, with converts such as Ernie Els, Jean Van de Velde, John Huston, Laura Davies, Juli Inkster, Vincente Fernandez and Grace Park, who are just a few recent tournament winners.

We tested both the Theta and the Kappa models and our testers found that overall, these two putters together with PING's AnserF below, received the highest praise of all the putters tested for this article.

Models available in range: 10
Suggested Retail Price $139.95
Website www.nevercompromise.com

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Ping

The PING Anser is the most successful and the most imitated putter in history. The brainchild of the late Karsten Solheim, the Anser was developed in 1966 because Solheim was looking for an "answer" to a competitor's model.

The PING AnserF forms part of PING's range of Isoforce2 putters. The shape of the head is modeled on the original Anser, but, unlike the Anser, the AnserF has a stainless steel head with a copper insert. This insert, developed by PING WRX ([pronounced "works"), the company's research division, consists of 50 hexagonal pixels. PING claims that these pixels deliver "the feel and feedback required for consistency on all types of putting surfaces".

The AnserF has a clean, classic appearance and sits nicely at address. It has a solid "waggle weight", which means it feels neither too heavy not too light and therefore promotes a smooth putting action. On long-range putts, from both on and off the green, the AnserF rolls the ball at a steady pace and delivers consistent distance. It also feels solid on short putts. It is a good investment, which should serve one equally well on all types of greens.

Our testers had nothing but positive comments and recommendations for this model and all PING putters in general. PING definitely offers the broadest range of putter models of all the manufacturers and their service is "nullus secundus" (second to none).

Number of models available in the range 6
Suggested retail price $150.00
Website www.pingolf.com

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Dandy Putters - The Onset Reverse Grip Putter Company

Allan Strand, the designer of the Dandy Putter, is always asked why his Onset (putter face pointing towards the ground) putter is better than an offset putter. "Elementary, my dear Watson: The Dandy putter is center shafted with an onset; meaning the shaft is behind the head. And this makes it a better putter because it is easier to pull mass than to push it. Example: it is easier to pull a wagon than to push it. The onset of the Dandy lets you pull the mass of the putter back on the backstroke and then gravity brings it through and online. The Dandy onset delivers the entire force of the mass at impact. Offset putters deliver the force AFTER impact. This requires more energy and produces stress on the hands and arms".

The putter works! And, the latest update to the Original Dandy blade putter, is further refined with an even higher center of mass for better control and more accuracy. The Dandy Blade IV is the perfect putter to begin automatically setting you up in the proper position to roll the ball with a low back-and-through putting stroke; the hallmark of great putting, supported by a great putter.

The majority of our testers, especially the teaching pros concurred that of all the putters tested, the Dandy is the only reverse face-balanced putter that gets you in the professional setup position every time. Its forward-pressing shaft automatically puts your hands properly in front of the putter face for better control.

The Dandy's forward-pressing shaft also has a standard pistol grip rotated 90 degrees clockwise to help you feel the one-piece connection between your left shoulder, forearm, wrist and hands. This prevents the left wrist from bending backward, or "breaking down" " the No. 1 cause of putting inconsistency.

Any user of this putter will most definitely need patience to learn a new grip (setting the club on the heel rather than the palm of your hand). If you have the time and forbearance, this putter may be the answer to your putting needs.

Their website is state of the art with loads of information at a click of the mouse. Our testers placed the Dandy in their Top 5 putters tested. The Dandy was recently used by Vijay Singh to win the 2000 Masters victory and is currently being used by Dr. Gil Morgan on the Senior PGA Tour.

Models available in range: 4
Suggested Retail Price $149.95 to $499.95
Website www.dandygolf.com

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Hustler Golf - Center Shafted Putters

This putter was developed by a 97 year old, Ed Monett, whose decision to place the shaft in the center of the head went totally against tradition. With his partner, Bruce Baker, they knew from a mechanical viewpoint that it provided superior sight alignment and energy transfer from the putter head to the ball than could be had from heel-shafted putters. These center-shafted pioneers are being imitated by many of the more popular manufacturers, as there seems to be a new trend towards center-shafting putters.

These chaps really have got it together and with 3 patents under their belts, they have developed a revolutionary face insert (an aluminum insert resembling finely crafted mesh that has a total of 900 miniscule projections to the square inch) that our testers just absolutely loved. These face designs provide an exceptional soft touch, appear to have the greatest "grab" or dwell time, and because of its curved face, imparts a very smooth roll, a most immediate topspin roll and DEADLY accuracy. The markings, feel and look of these putters are exceptional. Even miss-hits feel solid. Our testers gave the Pyramid high marks though the head seemed somewhat light. Adding lead tape to suit the individual's needs readily cured this concern.

So if you are looking for a great USGA approved putter that squares you over the ball and provides a superior sight line and is deadly accurate, this is the putter for you. AND, for the big spender they have the $15,000 diamond encrusted model a 1 Carat Diamond inset into solid gold head - the "Diamondhead Talisman".

Number of models available in the range 5
Suggested retail price: $79.95 -119.95
Website www.hustlergolf.com

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Perfect Round

As one of the newer putter companies in 2000, Perfect Round have introduced an updated version of cylindrical putters. The Perfect Round Putter is a unique blend of art and technology, and is the result of extensive testing in the laboratory and in the field. Their patented technology and design provides a putter for the amateur as well as the professional. Their Unique Selling Proposition is that the center shaft creates an ideal putter for both left and right-handed golfers with the cylindrical shape providing a truer roll with an aggressive topspin.

The Perfect Round Putter is investment cast from aircraft quality A356. The end caps are cast from silicon bronze formulated to provide perfect perimeter weight distribution. This ensures there is no twist of the clubface as a result of off center hits. The brass runners keep the bottom section of the putter off the grass - drastically reducing friction. Instead of dragging the putter along the grass the club glides with the natural swinging movement and reduces the chance of stubbing the putter.

Our testers found this putter to be of great assistance to both beginner golfers and experienced golfers in helping them set up on the correct line and stroking the ball. Overall this putter proved deadly accurate on those short 3 footers. One will have to adjust to the look of this putter versus the standard putters.

This putter is in the same teaching and training type class of putters as the SeeMore Putter, though it does not come as well documented as the SeeMore regarding optimum usage. Our testers did however sink more putts with this putter than the SeeMore. Customization is available.

Number of models available in the range 1
Suggested retail price: $139.00 (with head cover)
Website www.perfectround.net

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Scotty Cameron by Titleist

As the putter used by the world's top two players, Tiger Woods and David Duval, the success of Titleist's range of Scotty Cameron putters has been well documented. Titleist's combination of top-quality designs, materials and exceptional strategic marketing, has allowed the company to capture a large section of the putter market.

We tested the Newport from the new Pro Platinum range The Pro Platinum putters are easily recognizable because of their platinum nickel finish.

Unlike the other Scotty Cameron ranges - the Teryllium II and the Oil Can Classics - the Pro Platinum offers a crisper feel and will probably perform better on medium to slow greens, which makes it ideal for conditions experienced by the average club golfer.

The Newport is Titleist's bestseller due to Tiger, but is irrespective of this fact, an excellent all around putter. It has a solitary aiming line, though a dot on the top of the putter can be ordered for alignment purposes. It has a solid feel and performed well in all categories - short, medium and long putts. The grip, manufactured especially for Titleist by Royal Grips, has a particularly good feel.

Our testers found that there were no major distinguishing aesthetic features nor exceptional performance attributes over the putters in this article other than that of being a status symbol.

Number of models available in the range 6
Suggested retail price $249.95
Website www.titleist.com

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Mizuno

Mizuno's has recently introduced their new series of putters created by noted putter designer T.P. Mills.( Phil Mickelson won this year at the Bell South PGA tournament using a T. P. Mills design).

The head and neck of the putter are forged from a single piece of mild carbon steel, and according to Mizuno, the lack of joins and inserts results in a soft feel with the purest feedback possible.

Designed using Mizuno's exclusive Grain Flow Forging process, Select 1025 Mild Carbon Steel and precision computer milling, these putters provide golfers with the ultimate in feel and consistency. The putters are available in six new designs (TPM 1-6) to offer a variety of shapes and styles. This is the first line of putters that Mizuno has introduced in more than five years.

The Heel-and-Toe short neck was used for this impression. The head of the Heel-and-Toe model has an attractive double nickel non-glare finish. It is a relatively heavy putter with a thick grip, and in theory, it should be ideal for people who tend to overuse their hands in the putting stroke. The weight of the putter promotes a pendulum swinging action, and the thickness of the grip will reduce the activity of the hands in the stroke.

Number of models available in the range 6
Suggested retail price $129.99
Website www.mizunousa.com

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Odyssey

The launch of Odyssey's range of White Hot putters coincided with the introduction of Callaway's Rule 35 golf ball on the American market - not surprising since Odyssey is a subsidiary company of Callaway. The insert in the White Hot putter is made from the same material as the Rule 35 golf ball. The White Hot putters have a distinctive Odyssey look - silver with black alignment aids, but unlike previous models, the inserts are white rather than black. The insert is extremely soft and delivers superb feel. Naturally the putter will produce its best results when used in combination with a 'softer-feel' golf ball. It is also better suited to faster greens.

Our testers, using the White Hot #2, found that it took an inordinate amount of time to get used to, as the insert feels much 'softer' at impact than other insert-putters. However, once one becomes accustomed to it, the putter performs well, especially on medium to longer putts where feel and feedback plays an important role.

Odyssey is already having success stories on the Tours with both Annika Sorenstam and Bruce Fleisher as the company's most visible proponents.

Number of models available in the range 5
Suggested retail price: $109.00
Website www.callawaygolf.com

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XEN GOLF

A new golf company from, of all places, Wyoming that we were first introduced to in 1999 at the PGA Golf Show in Las Vegas.
The company has decided that all that there is to putting is finding the holy grail of putting commonly referred to as "True Roll Technology" - shades of Tear Drop, Carbite, Fisher and Callaway/Odyssey.

Their determination is that based on simple Newtonian physical principles, if a putter strikes a golf ball at or just above the equator (or the center of mass), the result is a straighter roll. Conversely, if a putter strikes a golf ball at or just below the equator, or center of mass, then it causes backspin, which results in an unpredictable roll.

Xen claims therefore that it has designed a putter that is more likely to strike a ball at just the right place. Their theory being that by raising the center of mass of the putter itself, the putter blade will then strike the ball more consistently. ENOUGH ALREADY!

Our testers found these two models, the "Pride Special" & "Winn" models to be bulky, unbalanced, rough and very inconsistent even though the company does, in all fairness, offer custom fitting to make appropriate adjustments. These putters were the least liked for lack of a better adjective by our 25 testers.

According to their website only one model, #4400, is currently available.

Number of models available in the range 1
Suggested retail price: $159.95
Website www.xengolf.com

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SEE MORE PUTTERS

This is the company that had its moment of glory when the late Payne Stewart used their Brass Blade model in winning the US Open. Laura Baugh is also a staff member.

Lately the SeeMore putters have been racking up victories on the Tours and are enjoying healthy sales.

The best way to describe this putter is to consider the putter as both a teaching aid and a training aid to help the player stroke the ball on a straight line. Materials composition is fairly basic in that brass is the metal of choice.

The new SeeMore THT Mallet incorporates a two-piece construction. The head is made of aluminum for great feel. The putter is weighted by a separately cast brass insert, for ideal feel and weight.

Our testers found that the best model and best results were obtained with their latest model, the THT Mallet. The aiming line of the THT Mallet has been extended, to the whole width of the putter, for aiming excellence. The "ground plumb" of the THT, along with the longer aiming line, make it an excellent putter for alignment of the club head and the body. Great documentation including a video and triangulator are extremely beneficial to the user.

Our testers felt this to be an excellent putter both as training and teaching aid and as a regularly used putter. There website is state of the art and a wealth of information.

Number of models available in the range 4
Suggested retail price: $129.00 - $179.95
Website www.seemore.com

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CARBITE

Best known for its wedges and inserts, this San Diego Company has made a name for itself as well in the putter domain. Boasting that in 1998, its patented technology won all four Major Championships in 1998 plus the 1999 US Open, Carbite has become a dominant force in the putter wars. Their aggressive research, marketing and money-back guarantees have indeed vaulted Carbite into a major player in the industry.

Their primary USP - Unique Selling Proposition - is that their putters have a stronger resistance to twisting than almost any other conventional putter available. Therefore, this feature alone, allows their Polar Balanced putter users to make 50% more putts even if they miss the sweet spot by as much as 1".

Our testers used both the ZG Mallet and ZL Blade with the aluminum head and found a similar design to the Wilson Blade 8802. The ZL Blade's performance rating received was within acceptable standards though the head was found to be rather light. The testers enjoyed the set-up of this putter as well as the weighting to be acceptable. The general conclusion was that this putter is best suited for smooth and fast greens primarily.

The ZG Mallet was, by far, the better of the two putters tested. The aiming lines and weighting were the two most positive attributes of this model. All the testers felt that this would be a putter to cover the full spectrum of users and rated it as one of the top three putters in this article.

Of note, the number one ranked putters on both the PGA and Senior PGA Tours are using Carbite putters.

Number of models available in the range 12
Suggested retail price: $129.00 - $149
Website www.carbitegolf.com

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VEREX by Farrar Golf Industries

Another of the new golf companies of 2000.

Three models were introduced at the January PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Florida. The models introduced were the V130R (identical in design to the V120R but with a flatter lie), the Tour Mallet and The Tour Blade. The Tour Mallet is an exceptionally accurate mini-mallet with a straight shaft and curved hosel. The Tour Blade is an open-cavity, blade-styled club utilizing the superior V-technology of the original V120R, but incorporating a straight shaft and curved hosel system. The shape of the head is that of traditional mallet-style designs.

Our testers all agreed that the Verex Putter looks and feels like no other putter they have ever handled. The unique head design with a low center of gravity acts as a true pendulum in your hands, which was found to be very helpful for instructional purposes. The center shaft alignment places the force of the stroke exactly where it needs to be-directly behind the center of the ball. The angle of the hosel and curve of the shaft allow the golfer to set up directly over the club head for perfect visual alignment of the shot. The traditional milled steel face provides accurate and consistent feedback to one's hands, giving in effect, better distance control.

The Verex putter gained national attention with the remarkable efforts of amateur golfer, Patrick Just, who sank 65 putts in a row with the V120R at the PGA Show. Though the shapes of the putters are unique, their milled faces and responsive feel impressed our testers.

Retailers are experiencing both brisk sales and positive feedback with these putters.

Number of models available in the range 4
Suggested retail price: $129.00 - $149
Website www.farrargolf.com

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C-Groove

Another company that is new and a true roll devotee. Developed by Harold Swash, Europe's "Putting Doctor", C-Groove's is a most interesting and innovative putter. Their patented 20 degree grooves cut into the face of the club, grip the ball on impact and get the ball rolling toward the hole faster than any other putter design that we have tested. After testing all the abovementioned putters our testers found the C - Groove the one putter that puts a "pure roll" on the ball almost immediately. This smooth and fast roll is visibly evident. There was no "jump" off the club whatsoever, which is visible on most putters.

All models are made of 17-4 Polished Stainless Steel. Models are available in face-balanced, heel weighted, perimeter balanced and numerous shaft options. The company has just recently introduced two new putter models: C-Groove Back Mount Shaft (BMS-1) a center shafted model and the C-Groove Insert Hosel (Model I/H-1).

Our testers used the Model PG 100 Mallet. The majority of the testers were extremely positive towards the putter. The clean, the classic mallet look, the feel, the aiming lines and the performance made this putter one of the 5 favorites tested.

Number of models available in the range 5
Suggested retail price: $129.00 -$139.00
Website www.bestputter.com