Haute new putters

Golf Digest, April, 2001

Shapely flowing curves, graceful necks, high-gloss hues and cutting-edge materials--designer-clad supermodels walking the runways of Paris? No, the fashionable new flat sticks on display at the recent 2001 PGA Merchandise Show. Small wonder that putter designers have become name-brand celebrities. Of course, this high-tech stylin' can come at a price. But figure a putter that performs well and looks sharp--and makes you look even sharper on the green--is likely to stay in your bag a lot longer than that new big-bucks driver. Stroke for stroke, that's a bargain.

David Glod of Tour Edge created the T Balance Putter ($125) to allow golfers to "pull" the putter through the ball, rather than push it. How? With a center-mounted 90-degree Bend shaft and Stability Bar that shifts weight behind the sweet spot. For details, visit www.touredge.com or phone 800-515-3343.

Copper and carbon steel team up in the new CS putters from CopperStix ($400). Designer Bruce Sizemore Jr. uses copper to "increase dwell time off the face"; the soft steel is for consistent feedback. Phone 888-TRY-STIX or go to www.copper stix.com.

Joining the tour-proven line of T.P. Mills forged putters from Mizuno is the TPM-8 ($150). The curved top line matches the sole to assist in setting up on any green contour, and a graceful "kick-back" neck adds a stylish note. Phone 800-966-1211 or visit www.mizunousa.com.

Odyssey's TriHot putters feature full-length face inserts made of the same material as the cover of the Callaway Golf Rule 35 ball, plus the TriSole design. Shown here is the scoop-back blade ($315). Visit www.callawaygolf.com for more information.

The C2 cavity model ($220) from Drossos Design uses a polymer insert that extends all the way through the clubhead, maximizing perimeter weighting and enhancing feedback. Phone 877-223-7225 or visit www.caddyprogolf.com.

From its rounded, flowing neck to a high-toe topline (to aid alignment), the Studio Design 1.5 putter ($275) from Scotty Cameron by Titleist shows the top-selling putter designer at the top of his game. Part of a four-model line, all with a high-buff black oxide finish. Phone 888-324-4766 or go to www.titleist.com.

The stainless-steel inserts on the 1.8 Milled Series putters ($250) from Pixl Golf are composed of 100 individual pixels. The theory: Each acts independently at impact, like coils on a mattress, for consistent distance and feel. Visit www.pixlgolf.com or phone 888-4PIXLGOLF.

The Snyper ($169) is one of the new Bobby Grace signature putters from Grace & James. The body and hoselare made of aircraft aluminum, with a copper-face insert and copper weights dovetailed in the heel and toe for perimeter weighting. The bi-metal technology features a black anodized finish. Phone 727-572-7700 or go to www.bobbygrace putters.com.

The new BB1 short slant putter ($325) from Bettinardi features a copper insert that's capped by a thin layer of 24-karat gold. The company says its proprietary HoneyComb finish creates a clubface that is smoother than other milled putters; it's certainly distinctive. Phone 708-802-7400 or visit www.bettinardi.com.

Working on your stroke? The Line-M-up ball-marking kit ($20) from Fine Tune Golf has a plastic brace that snaps on any ball and comes with two markers and other goodies in a velvet bag. Phone 877-9LINEMUP, or visit www.FineTuneGolf.com.

Also look for: the center-shafted Z/I Omega mallet from Never Compromise (800-615-3850, www.nevercompromise.com); the oversize Hog's Eye by Dogleg Right (800-784-3464, www.DoglegRight.com); STX's new Greeny Series (800-789-7888, www.stxgolf.com); and Ping's Isopur2 putters, previewed last month (800-4PINGFIT, www.pinggolf.com).