guerin rife two bar mallet macgregor/bobby grace fat lady swings

The Hot List 2006
Mallet Putters
Clubs listed alphabetically
Guerin Rife Two Bar Mallet
HEADWEIGHT: 355 grams
Street price: $200. WEB: 2barputter.com.
n Key Technology: A four-point stability-weighting system places the center of
the mass behind the center of the putterface, and the LieAline fitting system allows
the weight and lie angle to be adjusted. A two-bar alignment system promotes a
visual path to the hole. A blade version is also available.
n PanelIST Comment: “If you can stomach the contemporary look, I think you’re
going to like it. The ball rolls incredibly true with a silky-good feel.”
n THE JUDGES’ VERDICT: Technology galore. Although the two-bar look is a bit
unusual, the ability to adjust lie angle and weight is too cool to ignore.
HOT
LIST
HOT:
HOT:Three
Heavier
wins
swingweight
on the Champions
feels more
Tour.
powerful
Really.
NOT:
NOT:
There’s
For average
no getting
Joes,around
moveable
the weights
fact thatnever
it looks
need
liketoabe
tuning
moved.
fork.
Heavy Putter B1
headweight: 550 grams
Street price: $230. WEB: heavyputter.com.
n Key Technology: A 550-gram head (designed to promote a pendulum stroke)
results in an extremely high moment of inertia (it won’t twist on off-center hits). Mass
in the grip end of the shaft helps control the heavy head.
n PanelIST Comment: “To quote Gomer Pyle: ‘Surprise, surprise, surprise!’ Hits
the ball softer than you think, and the stability made 10-footers feel like tap-ins.”
n THE JUDGES’ VERDICT: Some might think the added heft will weigh down your
game on the greens. We’re not among them. This is a classic example of a small
company with a big idea that should get full consideration.
HOT
LIST
HOT: Available in nine custom lengths.
NOT: Caddies will hate you for loading up the bag with this beast.
MacGregor/Bobby Grace Fat Lady Swings
headweight: 350 grams.
Street price: $180. WEB: macgregorgolf.com.
n Key Technology: A body made from aircraft-grade aluminum (the same kind
found on 747s) uses multiple metals for weighting purposes. The adjustable copper
weights help promote a high moment of inertia and a deep center of gravity (CG).
The double-bend shaft promotes hands ahead at address.
n PanelIST Comment: “The ability to adjust weights is a bonus if you find yourself playing on courses with different green speeds.”
n THE JUDGES’ VERDICT: It’s not austere, but it hardly falls into the ostentatious
category, either. And we’ll match its balance against anything else out there.
HOT
LIST
HOT: Nick Price won a major with the old version. This one’s better.
NOT: Sound coming off the face on long putts tends to be a bit tinny.
Never Compromise Gray Matter 2
headweight: 340 grams
Street price: $200. WEB: nevercompromise.com.
n Key Technology: The midsize mallet features an aluminum-infused composite-weave insert that is half the density of standard aluminum. This allows weight to
be moved away from the putterface. Three head variations make up the set.
n PanelIST Comment: “For a big putter, it swings well, and the shaft lines up
nicely with the ball. The distance control also was easy to dial in after just a few
putts, something that can’t be said of many other mallets.”
n THE JUDGES’ VERDICT: The coloring is classy and frames the ball well, providing a simple, but effective means of alignment. It works without being gimmicky.
HOT
LIST
162
GolfDigest.com
February 2006
HOT: Three versions offer something for everyone.
NOT: The FM model is one of the clunkier-looking mallets on the market.
Nickent Pipe
headweight: 346 grams
Street price: $150. WEB: nickentgolf.com.
n Key Technology: A cylindrical half-pipe—the exact arc of a golf ball—on top
of the clubhead provides a three-dimensional alignment aid. A heavy tungsten plug
in the rear of the pipe section accounts for 15 percent of the putter’s weight, pushing the CG farther back.
n PanelIST Comment: “Not the cleanest appearance, yet a soft feel. The pipe
looks like one of those electronic price-tag devices, but it makes it easier to align.”
n THE JUDGES’ VERDICT: It looks like a potato masher, but it has the precision
of a sharp knife. It rolls the rock as well as anything on the market.
HOT: An offshoot of Odyssey’s 2-Ball that makes complete sense.
NOT: The white pipe doesn’t look durable.
HOT
LIST
Nike OZ Black T130
HEADWEIGHT: 335 grams.
Street price: $140. WEB: nikegolf.com.
n Key Technology: The soft-polymer insert is designed to keep the ball in contact with the face longer to promote a true roll. The lightweight polymer (63 percent
lighter than aluminum) allows for more perimeter weighting, giving the T130 the
highest moment of inertia in the Oz line.
n PanelIST Comment: “Finally a putter with a softer feel than a steel face, but
more of a click than with most insert putters.”
n THE JUDGES’ VERDICT: There is nothing dull about addressing a ball with this
putter. It’s big, visually impressive and steady throughout the stroke.
HOT: Sets where it should so you don’t have to manipulate the club.
NOT: It’s hard to focus with so much going on in the design.
HOT
LIST
Odyssey White Steel Tri-Ball SRT
HEADWEIGHT: 352 grams.
Street price: $200. WEB: odysseygolf.com.
n Key Technology: The three white disks extend the target line. A lightweight
milled-aluminum body is buttressed by a “high density alloy” ring connecting the
front to the back. A urethane face insert surrounds a milled stainless-steel center.
n PanelIST Comment: “It’s just so big that it’s hard to take seriously. But this
one is no joke. The balance is excellent, especially on the short ones.”
n THE JUDGES’ VERDICT: Is three better than two? We don’t know. Odyssey’s
designers have taken the 2-Ball idea to its logical next level in a way that makes
sense. Dave Pelz, the originator of the three-ball putter, likely would agree.
HOT
LIST
HOT: Tour usage (Charles Howell III) and an insane MOI number.
NOT: At first sight, the sheer size scares the daylights out of you.
Odyssey White Steel 2-Ball SRT
Editors
’
Choice
HEADWEIGHT: 335 grams.
Street price: $190. WEB: odysseygolf.com.
2006
n Key Technology: The ring-weighting system (above) along with the lightweight aluminum body push weight to the perimeter and create a moment of inertia
that is 33 percent larger than the previous generation 2-Ball. The familiar 2-Ball
alignment pattern remains the same.
n PanelIST Comment: “The ball came off the face with plenty of roll, and it’s
very easy to keep the balls lined up. It’s light, but not too light.”
n THE JUDGES’ VERDICT: A step up in technology for the runaway market leader
should not be overlooked: A great seller has become an even better putter.
HOT: A fresh update to one of the most popular putters ever.
NOT: When the original came out, it was the only one of its kind. No more.
HOT
LIST
FEBRUARY 2 0 0 6
GolfDigest.com
163
The Hot List 2006
Mallet Putters
Ping Doc 12.5
HEADWEIGHT: 342.5 grams.
Street price: $200. WEB: pinggolf.com.
n Key Technology: Symmetrical lines provide improved alignment aid.
A low CG reduces skidding, and the semicircle shape positions the majority of weight
on the perimeter, away from the face, to create an extremely high moment of inertia.
n PanelIST Comment: “It’s good that they made this smaller. Sets up square
and swings like a croquet mallet, which is a good thing.”
n THE JUDGES’ VERDICT: Still a bit outside the mainstream in terms of design,
but you feel like you can take an aggressive stroke and still control the pace of
the ball.
HOT
LIST
HOT: The florescent
HOT: Heavier
headcover
swingweight
with feels
magnetic
moreclosure
powerful
is way cool.
NOT:
NOT:
For
Sounds
average
soJoes,
loud at
moveable
times you
weights
feel like
never
telling
need
it to
to be
shut
moved.
up.
Ping G5i Craz-E
HEADWEIGHT: 360 grams.
Street price: $145. WEB: pinggolf.com.
n Key Technology: The alignment aid has been improved through the addition
of a series of shapes, colors and lines in the back cavity to complement the ballwidth, crescent-shape top rail.
n PanelIST Comment: “Some might find the look a bit tough to get used to, but
it lined me up perfectly almost every time.”
n THE JUDGES’ VERDICT: Crazy when it came out two years ago, it’s considered
darn-near conventional now. And we’re not about to call anyone nuts for using such
a technologically sound putter.
HOT
LIST
HOT: Still one of the best-selling putters in the market.
NOT: Might have to battle its Ug-Le sister mallet for attention.
Ping G5i Ug-Le
HEADWEIGHT: 365 grams.
Street price: $145. WEB: pinggolf.com.
n Key Technology: The face-balanced center-shafted putter features a plus/
minus 2-degree lie adjustment, along with a stepless parallel-tip center shaft. It also
has the “dual durometer” insert found in all G5i models.
n PanelIST Comment: “It’s definitely weird-looking, but it has a nice feel to it at
impact, although it takes some of the sensitivity out of your stroke.”
n THE JUDGES’ VERDICT: Ping always has been about function over form, and
this putter is the latest example of that player-friendly thinking. If you think Karsten
wouldn’t be proud of this design, think again.
HOT
LIST
HOT: Blue Winn pistol-style grip is one of the flashiest in the putter corral.
NOT: Has a look that, unfortunately, lives up to its name.
TaylorMade Rossa AGSI Monza Corza
HEADWEIGHT: 345 grams.
Street price: $180. WEB: taylormadegolf.com.
HOT
LIST
164
GolfDigest.com
February 2006
n Key Technology: The Anti-Skid Groove System Insert (AGSI) features polymer-filled and angled face grooves that are designed to produce forward spin and
reduce skid and bounce.
n PanelIST Comment: “Very evenly weighted with awesome alignment features.
It just rolls so true and feels so balanced. It has a nice click at impact, too.”
n THE JUDGES’ VERDICT: Technology is abundant in a mallet that’s not overdone.
A nice change of pace from the monster-size putters. It’s easy to see why this one
has captured a fair amount of attention on the PGA Tour.
HOT: The AGSI insert alone makes this one worth a look.
NOT: Seeing the grass in the open space takes some getting used to.
TaylorMade Rossa AGSI Suzuka CGB
HEADWEIGHT: 335 grams.
Street price: $130. WEB: taylormadegolf.com.
n Key Technology: Unlike iron grooves, which are empty, the AGSI grooves
are filled with a polymer to dampen vibration at impact, contributing to a softer feel.
Heavy weight plugs are positioned in the heel and toe on the sole.
n PanelIST Comment: “Really like the compact look, and the feel is wonderfully
solid, not mushy like some. Wish the alignment line was on the top line.”
n THE JUDGES’ VERDICT: A classic semi-mallet with up-to-date technology. The
face appears to be somewhat closed at address, which might put off some, but
overall a nice option for those with something smaller in mind.
HOT: Has few smaller mallets with which to compete.
NOT: Only three lengths (33 through 35 inches) offered.
HOT
LIST
Titleist/Cameron Futura Phantom
HEADWEIGHT: 330 to 340 grams.
Street price: $290. WEB: titleist.com.
n Key Technology: The large U-shape frame with extended sole rudders provides stability at setup. The deep shaft mount near the CG helps promote a stroke
along the proper path.
n PanelIST Comment: “This looks and feels much better than the original
Futura, although it still wants to drift open a little at address.”
n THE JUDGES’ VERDICT: One of Cameron’s fellow puttermakers touted the deep
shaft mount as being a major plus. And when the competition starts giving you
kudos, that’s saying something.
HOT: More visually and audibly acceptable than its predecessor.
NOT: Still looks like a science-fair project—one that’s gone wrong.
HOT
LIST
Titleist/Cameron Futura Phantom Mallet
HEADWEIGHT: 330 to 340 grams.
Street price: $290. WEB: titleist.com.
n Key Technology: A semicircular backweight adds stability, and five sightlines
provide plenty of alignment help. The top line slopes up from the heel to the toe.
This helps promote the proper loft and face angle at address.
n PanelIST Comment: “Loved the weighting and the control on short putts.
Reminds me of the old Zebra with all the alignment lines.”
n THE JUDGES’ VERDICT: This one’s like a Teletubbie—it’s round and soft and
just makes you feel good all over. Part of that is the size, which is a considerably
more comforting look than that of its sister putter.
HOT
LIST
HOT: Conveys a premium feel at address and delivers it on impact.
NOT: Only available in 34- and 35-inch lengths. What’s with that?
Mallet or Blade?
Depends on your stroke, says short-game guru Stan Utley
S
hould you pick a putter based on
looks and feel? Certainly, but keep
in mind that the kind of stroke
you make generally works best with only
a certain kind of putter. If you swing with
an arc, you should use a putter that is
heel-shafted and has more weight on the
toe. Conversely, if your putting stroke is
more of a straight-back, straight-through
method, then a face-balanced putter
Illustration: Lauren Nadler
(ones that have the shaft in line with the
center of the clubface) are a better option. Don’t know if your putter is facebalanced or has toe hang? Balance the
shaft on your index finger. If the face
points toward the sky, it’s face-balanced.
If the toe points toward the ground, it
has toe hang.
Stan Utley is a member of Golf Digest’s
Professional Advisory Staff
The Club Doctor
n Many instructors
recommend that you
position your eyes
over the ball at address. If
your putter is too short, your
eyes will be well outside the
line; if it’s too long, your eyes
will be well inside. Neither of
those options will produce a
consistent stroke.
FEBRUARY
FEBRUARY22000066 GolfDigest
GolfDigest.com
.com 165
XXX
The Hot List 2006
Blade Putters
Clubs listed alphabetically
Gauge Design GA01A
headweight: 350 grams
Street price: $275. WEB: gaugedesigns.com.
n Key Technology: A six-dimensional sole design allows the putter to be set up
without the toe being raised. The elevated CG is designed to promote an immediate
forward roll. Joseph ETBW version (shown) has tungsten weights in the heel and toe.
n PanelIST Comment: “Like the look and weight, and it feels great off the clubface. Nothing not to like. I would putt with this in a second.”
n THE JUDGES’ VERDICT: Has the type of solid feel that makes you think you
always have the stroke under control. An insiders’ putter that will have your buddies
thinking you know something they don’t.
HOT
LIST
HOT:
HOT:
New
Heavier
three-dimensional
swingweight feels
parallel
more
hosel
powerful
design.
NOT:
NOT:High
For price
average
tagJoes,
will have
moveable
you hiding
weights
the never
receipt
need
from
toyour
be moved.
spouse.
MacGregor By Bobby Grace M1
headweight: 340 grams.
Street price: $200. WEB: macgregorgolf.com.
n Key Technology: The flush-milled beryllium-copper face insert provides a flat
surface that the company says is milled within a tolerance of one-sixteenth the size
of a human hair. The adjustable-weight system on this heel-shafted blade provides
opportunity for customization.
n Panelist Comment: “A very traditional putter that is well-balanced and easy
to move. Sets up incredibly square, and you get a consistent roll time after time.”
n THE JUDGES’ VERDICT: This is a Jaguar in looks and performance. It gets high
marks everywhere.
HOT
LIST
HOT: The moment of inertia is similar to the original 2-Ball.
NOT: Weights are adjustable but only if you pay $50 for the kit.
Never Compromise Milled Series
headweight: 335 grams.
Street price: $200. WEB: nevercompromise.com.
n Key Technology: A tungsten weight in the putter’s heel moves the sweet
spot to the center line to improve the moment of inertia (resistance to twisting).
The headweight is increased by 10 grams (from 335 to 345 grams) on the shorter
32- and 33-inch versions for improved feel.
n PanelIST Comment: “Love the black coloring because it frames the ball well.
The shaft lines up with the ball nicely, inspiring confidence on the short-range putts.”
n THE JUDGES’ VERDICT: It performs well without being gimmicky. With seven
head designs to choose from, we defy you to find one that doesn’t fit your eye.
HOT
LIST
HOT: Use by Vijay Singh adds credibility and visibility.
NOT: Looks like most other NC designs, so tech story might get lost.
Odyssey Dual Force 2
headweight: 330 grams.
Street price: $90. WEB: odysseygolf.com.
n Key Technology: A new, firmer Stronomic insert is designed to produce more
feedback and a better sound than the original. By taking out the stainless steel in
the face, more weight has been distributed to the putterhead’s perimeter for increased moment of inertia.
n PanelIST Comment: “It feels heavy, but I liked the balance. It sets up nice and
puts a good roll on the ball.”
n THE JUDGES’ VERDICT: The originator of the stronomic insert has come with a
definite upgrade, although the insert can feel a tad “thuddy” on super-long putts.
HOT
LIST
166
GolfDigest.com
February 2006
HOT: The three-footers feel as nice as the 20-footers, especially at $90.
NOT: A little too light for putting on slower greens.
Odyssey White Steel
headweight: 330 grams.
Street price: $120. WEB: odysseygolf.com.
n Key Technology: The milled 17-4 stainless-steel insert placed inside a urethane-face insert is designed to produce a firm, crisp feel. Its extremely flat surface
promotes consistency. A satin finish highlights the alignment lines.
n PanelIST Comment: “A definite keeper. The brushed finish is a plus, and the
soft edges give it a pleasing look. The only thing that could make it better would be
if it actually putted for me.”
n THE JUDGES’ VERDICT: If you’re a blade person, you might have overlooked
the 2-Ball company. Don’t. Solid shape and performance here.
HOT: Red Swirl grip just feels like you’re going to make everything.
NOT: Is 17-4 stainless steel really the ideal insert?
HOT
LIST
Ping G5i
headweight: 339 grams.
Street price: $115. WEB: pinggolf.com.
Editors
’
Choice
n Key Technology: The new insert in all five head styles has a soft urethane
perimeter that surrounds a harder urethane middle for improved feel and sound. The
addition of holes and cavities in the body increases the moment of inertia.
n PanelIST Comment: “I liked how it rolled very much. It feels great and has a
confidence-inducing look. The insert is not too hard and gives good feedback. You
could really feel the face.”
n THE JUDGES’ VERDICT: Mess with a standard and you usually screw it up.
Unless you’re Ping. Our top scorer produces innovation at a working man’s price.
HOT: It’s new and it’s from Ping. That makes it worth a try.
NOT: The blue alignment aid in back will jar most purists.
2006
HOT
LIST
TaylorMade Rossa AGSI Daytona CGB
headweight: 335 grams.
Street price: $130. WEB: taylormadegolf.com.
n Key Technology: The Anti-Skid Groove System Insert (AGSI) features 12
polymer-filled grooves that are designed to promote forward spin and reduce skid
and bounce. A lightweight titallium insert allows weight to be redistributed to the
perimeter of the putterhead, thus increasing moment of inertia.
n PanelIST Comment: “Just so well-balanced. I could see a lot of people going
to this. It works.”
n THE JUDGES’ VERDICT: TaylorMade has taken its technological expertise and
applied it to putters again. AGSI is one of this year’s most interesting concepts.
HOT
LIST
HOT: If there’s a blade with more tech to it, we’d like to see it.
NOT: Candy-apple red insert isn’t cheap, but some think it looks that way.
Sweet Strokes
Putter wins on the pro tours spread among large, small companies
T
he big shots that pay players the
big money all enjoyed success in
2005, but the fickle nature of the
flat stick provides the occasional opportunity for smaller puttermakers (Guerin
Rife, T.P. Mills, Bettinardi) to receive some
recognition, too.
Scotty Cameron by Titleist putters led the
way on the PGA Tour with 14 wins (thank
you, Tiger), followed by Odyssey (13), Never
Woods: J.D. Cuban
Compromise (5), TaylorMade (5), MacGregor/Bobby Grace (4) and Ping (3).
On the Champions Tour, Titleist had
seven wins, including two by Mark McNulty’s original Bulls Eye putter. Ping (5),
TaylorMade (5), Odyssey (4) and Guerin
Rife (2) followed.
On the LPGA Tour, Annika Sorenstam’s
10 wins powered Odyssey to 17 wins. Ping
was a distant second with six.
Tiger Woods’ six
wins accounted
for nearly half of
Titleist’s 14 PGA
Tour putter wins
in 2005.
FEBRUARY 2 0 0 6
GolfDigest.com
167
The Hot List 2006
Blade Putters
Titleist/Cameron Studio Style
headweight: 330 to 350 grams.
Street price: $300. WEB: titleist.com.
n Key Technology: The German stainless-steel inlay (designed to enhance
sound and feel) is attached to the milled 303 stainless-steel body with screws and a
polymer. The thin top line gives the putter a soft, less-mechanical look.
n PanelIST Comment: “Pure Scotty. Has great balance, but the head feels a bit
lighter than the Studio Stainless models.”
n THE JUDGES’ VERDICT: This one speaks for itself. Richer-looking than almost
everything else out there, this is just a classic putter that makes it feel as though
you’re putting on autopilot.
HOT
LIST
HOT:
HOT: Already
Heavier making
swingweight
inroads
feels
onmore
the pro
powerful
tours.
NOT:
NOT:
For Smallish
average Joes,
grip feels
moveable
as if itweights
were made
neverfor
need
a munchkin.
to be moved.
T.P. Mills Professional Series
headweight: 352 grams.
Street price: $200. WEB: tpmills.com.
n Key Technology: The head is “grain flow forged” from a single piece of 1025
mild carbon steel for a solid, yet soft, feel. It’s computer-milled for a precise shape.
The True Temper fluted Pencil shaft (exclusive to the Mills line) provides a responsive tip for enhanced feedback.
n PanelIST Comment: “I liked this feel better than the Cameron. It’s so classy.
Sits well, aligns wonderfully and had the most solid feel of any putter out here.”
n THE JUDGES’ VERDICT: A real player’s putter. It’s like a good, cold beer—crisp,
clean and thoroughly enjoyable.
HOT
LIST
HOT: Black-oxide finish produces one of the coolest looks on the greens.
NOT: What good are the crosshairs on the face if you can’t see them?
Yes! C-Groove Dianna
headweight: 320 to 350 grams.
Street price: $200. WEB: yesgolf.com.
n Key Technology: C-Groove technology features concentric edges on the
putterface that grip the ball, lift it out of its resting position and impart forward roll.
The head weight is between 320 and 350 grams based on the company’s variable
weighting system (kit and wrench included to make adjustments).
n PanelIST Comment: “For sure, this puts the best roll on it of them all. Plus, it’s
attractive. . . . Who makes this again?”
n THE JUDGES’ VERDICT: It’s got a cool, graphite look to it, and the weighting
seems to be just about perfect. We’re believers in the C-Groove technology.
HOT
LIST
HOT: LPGA Tour players are using in substantial numbers.
NOT: If you’re a lefty, you’re out of luck. Available in RH only.
Groove Thing
Scorelines on putters aren’t new, but the technology is cutting edge
I
Super thin
grooves, like in
the Rossa AGSI
putters, are designed to grip the
ball at impact.
168 GolfDigest.com
February 2006
n an attempt to reduce the skid-producing backspin in the launch of the
ball at impact and get it on a forward
roll as soon as possible, some putter manufacturers—notably TaylorMade, Yes! and
Guerin Rife—have turned to grooved
faces or grooved inserts on their putters.
It’s hardly a new idea. The 1000 Putter,
developed by Robert Blake Wilson in 1901,
boasted 17 scorelines across the center
of its face. But although there are few
new ideas, there is better execution. The
theory is that the very thin grooves grip
the ball at impact, reducing backspin on
its initial launch.
Do these putters work? Why not ask
the PGA, LPGA and Champions tour
pros who produced 12 wins with one of
these in 2005. They’ll likely tell you these
putters are, well, groovy.