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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.
Barry Lotz, J.D., Ph.D. is the director of the Professional
Golf Teachers Association of America. He is also a member of the
Golf Writers Association of America and the California Golf Writers
Association and a Mediator for the golf industry. He is a contributing
writer to numerous national magazines. He can be reached at drlotz@cbsgolf.net
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