| With the advent of space
age materials, computer aided design programs, engineers abounding
(themselves being avid golfers) and entrepreneurs entering the
putter business, the past 5 years have produced "innovative"
and decidedly avante - garde putter designs. However, rest assured,
these putters are finely tuned instruments that really deliver
performance, feel and aesthetics.
Do not for one instant assume that these putters
are totally useless or lack functionality. Many, while appearing
to have no lineage whatsoever as far a putters are concerned,
do in actual fact work and even win tournaments.
The Scotty Cameron Futura Putter is by far both the most intriguing
and functionally designed work of art for putters and has already
accumulated wins on Tour.
So without further delay, let us take a gander
at the 4 putters, which really stand out amongst my 100 plus putters
previously tested and reviewed:
TaylorMade's Monza Putter
Mike Weir's Masters victory in 2003 further solidified
what is turning out to be another banner year for the top ranked
driver and fairway woods company. Following on the heels of their
remarkably well-accepted line of Rossa putters, TaylorMade has
introduced their Monza putter.
 Truly
a work of art, the visual charisma, sleek and eloquent lines of
this putter are second to none! The deep trapezoidal-shaped mallet
style of this putter, together with its superlative alignment
guide, exudes confidence. The Monza's linear alignment system
is made possible by the putter's trapezoidal shape, into which
is installed a pair of Tungsten-Titallium CGB (center of gravity
back) pipes that are positioned perpendicular to the clubface
and bisected by a white sight-line.
Due to these pipe's length and weighting, a massive
shift of more than 100 grams is moved from the front of the putter
head to the rear. This shift of weight transfers the CG (center
of gravity) well towards the back of the head, which in turn positively
alters launch conditions by increasing the launch angle slightly
while reducing backspin. The result is a smooth, nearly bounceless
roll right off the putter face.
Additionally, these elements work together to
provide a vivid and powerful optical tool that helps the player
build a clear image of the target-line, and helping him or her
to consistently 1) aim the putter face correctly, and 2) swing
the putter head down the target-line, consequently rolling the
ball with precision and accuracy.
The Monza is precision-forged of high-strength,
6061 aluminum and finished in a rich black color via a precision
anodizing process that enhances durability and cosmetic appeal.
Included is a distinctive-looking red-and-black Medallist grip
with Diamond traction, made by Winn, and a new Rossa red-and-black
head cover.
The Monza will be a godsend to those golfers
who simply cannot use the Odyssey 2 Ball putter due to that putters
reverse effect of alignment. The Monza will especially be exciting
to those golfers who truly benefit from linear alignment. Moreover,
both the set up and the feel, derived from the Rossa's proven
soft-yet-solid Titallium insert, are superb.
Street Price: $159.00 www.taylormadegolf.com
Tilteist's Futura Putter by Scotty Cameron
 The
new Futura has been a concept that Scotty has been working on
for over the last five years. The Futura is a unique design that
features 75% of the weight in the back "horseshoe" and
25% in the face and body. This weight distribution gets the ball
rolling immediately and performs like no other putter tested in
the Studio. The sole was designed to never close when setting
up and the top-line is shaped for a contoured look. Two plugs
have been milled into the back of the face and stainless weights
have been applied to create even more stability and give the putter
solid sound and feel.
The Futura is very well balanced and offers superior
ball alignment, unlike the Odyssey 2 Ball putter that can cause
"eye confusion alignment". Its head cover is itself
a work of art, though it is rather bulky and cumbersome.
Street price: $285 www.scottycameron.com
Nike's Oz Mallet Putter
 The
unique dual-density weighting places 66% of the club head weight
in the rearward stainless steel ring. This positions the center
of gravity deeper in the club head to reduce skidding allowing
the ball to roll more quickly on a truer line. The lightweight
aluminum front portion of the club head is 65% lighter than steel
and contains Nike's proprietary feel enhancing 6061 aluminum insert
that is 73% softer than steel. The putter is face balanced and
produces a great feel for those golfers appreciating a delicate
touch. The Oz has a paddle style shaft and a double bend stepless
steel shaft.
Street Price: $129.00 www.nikegolf.com
Ben Hogan by Bettinardi
 The
2003 US Open Winner, Jim Furyk, won using Bettinardi's Big Ben
putter. Additionally, many of golf's greatest players have used
putters milled by Bettinardi to win tournaments all over the world.
With combinations of exotic materials, one-piece
technology, and the patented honeycomb finish, Robert J. Bettinardi's
lines of precision milled putters are changing the face of golf.
In our testing, the touch, the feel and the looks
of this new "Big Ben" putter drew accolades from all
of our 25 testers. Due to popular demand and outstanding quality,
the Ben Hogan Company has teamed up with the Bettinardi Company
to produce the Ben Hogan by Bettinardi line of putters. Bettinardi
will continue to design and manufacture their premier line of
one-piece putters, albeit under the Hogan brand in the US. Bettinardi,
however, does retain his name for the Japanese market. Tour introduction
started in early 1999. Bettinardi putters have already produced
6 victories on the regular tour and 12 on the Japanese Tour, with
hundreds of top tens and millions won in prize money.
Street Price: $199.00 www.bettinardi.com
In conclusion and without any doubt whatsoever,
putting is the most critical golf skill that needs to be acquired
to become not only proficient in putting, but to be a good/low
handicapper. Putting is about aiming the putter correctly and
rolling the ball on the intended line.
Yet, after all is said and done, all the articles
written, usage endorsement paid to pros, putting is the most elusive
skill for a golfer to acquire.
Confidence in your golf game is built from understanding
the correct techniques and how these lead to improved putting.
Of course, as Gary Player is fond of saying, "the harder
one practices, the luckier one gets".
Try the belly putter, the tall putter, left-handed,
switch putting, or any of many types of grip options, cross-handed,
the claw, ten-fingered, reverse overlap, or split-handed. Find
out what works for you, then enjoy the great game of golf to its
fullest.
Golf is more fun when you are the best putter
that you can be, whatever the technique and putter used to achieve
your goal.
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