Scotty Cameron is an artist. Modern artist to some, renaissance artist to others, and an artist of his own breed to a thoughtful few. Though he doesn’t work with oils, he does offer his pieces of art in an oil (can) finish, and while you may not find him among the lilies at Giverny, you will find him among the mills at his California studio.
Scotty Cameron makes putters. Far from ordinary putters, many believe them to be the best in the land. What began as a hobby has turned into a world-class business and a long-standing association with Titleist. Scotty’s works of art routinely top the professional golf tours in putter counts and can be found in the bags of players like Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, Adam Scott, Brad Faxon, Davis Love III, and more. These pros and more trust Scotty with their “gamer,” the putter they know will make the crucial 10-footer to win a major.
But Scotty’s putters can also be found in the bags of average golfers, many of whom have been using the same “gamer” to sink crucial 10-footers to win a weekend nassau for years. All those years of use, unfortunately, can take their toll on a putter as rain, sand, pesticides, and thousands of well-struck putts (and a few not-so-well-struck ones) wear down the finish on a golfer’s most cherished club. Putters get nicks and bruises from temporary moments of anger on the rare occasion a critical putt is missed or from the clatter of irons. Yet that favorite putter stays in the bag while drivers, wedges, and irons come and go.
Now for Everyone
Though weekend golfers could previously purchase a Scotty Cameron work of art, the putter they used shared only a little in common with those used by professionals. Scotty Cameron has maintained the trust of professional golfers not only through stellar craftsmanship, but a genuine interest in personal, custom service. Scotty’s putters – and the professionals who wielded them – are his friends. The weekend golfer was just a customer.
That all changed on April 26, as Cameron opened the Scotty Cameron Custom Shop and Restoration Department to provide those weekend golfers a similar level of service. These services were previously available to only “Club Cameron” members, but now anyone who owns a Scotty Cameron putter can avail themselves of the Cameron crew’s services.
The Cameron philosophy is one of humble service and constant tinkering, and the Custom Shop and Restoration Department now lets everyone with a favorite Cameron putter tap into that philosophy. Said Cameron, “My feeling has always been when a consumer purchases a Scotty Cameron putter, he or she is making an investment in the future of their game. My name is on it and the Titleist script is on it, meaning it has to be made to exacting standards and contribute to improved performance for the golfer. These initiatives address that philosophy.”
Cameron continues, saying “I think most golfers have a special relationship with their putters. Golfers talk to their putters. Sometimes it is punished by getting placed in a closet, the garage or the trunk of a car. Most often, golfers always go back to that special one, that special relationship. To me, and a lot of other people, putters are heirlooms. They are passed down from generation to generation. The goal of the Putter Studio has always been to make the best product while providing outstanding service. The ability to refinish and restore putters is an extension of that service.”
Quite a Shop!
Occupying 10,000 square feet of space, Scotty’s Custom Shop and Restoration Department contains over 20 stations, each used for a specific task, including grinding, buffing, polishing, dremeling, milling, stamping, gripping, paint fill, inspection, and authentication.
Scotty Cameron’s Custom Shop and Restoration Department is like a spa for putters. They enter tired, weary, and battle-scarred but leave restored to their original luster and, if the owner so chooses, with some additional decorations as well. I recently sent a trusty old putter in to Scotty’s studio for restoration, custom work, and authentication. Here is how it came out…
My Coronado Visits the Spa
I’ve been using mallet putters for over a decade; most recently Scotty Cameron’s own Red X putter. However, when my arc stroke gets off, I’ve always turned to my trusty Coronado. The blade putter has a sensitive sweet spot and a feel that encourages me to swing back and through on an arc, opening and closing the putter face just as the best putters in the game have done for centuries. The Coronado is one of the simplest, classiest blade putters you can find.
I sent the Coronado off to Scotty Cameron’s shop to have a few things done:
- Restoration ($110)
- Pro Platinum Finish ($30)
- Initials Stamping “TST” ($30)
- Authentication ($30)
In total, $200 to restore, authenticate, and customize the putter. I also added, at costs of $47 and $22 respectively, a Lime Green Custom Shop headcover and grip, to further ensure my Coronado’s status as a one-of-a-kind putter.
Just over a month after sending in the putter, I received a large, yellow box in the mail.
My Coronado had returned, complete with the certificate of authenticity (in the tube) and a cleaning cloth. When I pulled the putter from the box and removed the headcover, the difference was astounding. I recognized the putter, of course, but the transformation was dramatic as you can see:
Back
Let’s just say they did a little more than remove that lead tape on the back…
Here you can see the old black/oil finish and the new Pro Platinum finish. A lot of Coronados are being re-done in the Pro Platinum finish, making a classy putter even more svelte. Also visible on the re-finished putter: Scotty’s “Custom Shop” stamp to the left and the dancing “TST” (The Sand Trap) initials.
Face
Look below for an even better picture of the face. What was once worn and stained is now flawless.
The fine mill lines evident – and quite well worn – on the original have been restored to the face, sans nicks, scratches, and stains. “Scotty Cameron” was filled in with lime green paint to match the rest of the putter: the sole, the lime green grip and headcover, and shaft band.
Sole
I haven’t seen many mirrors as smooth and reflective as the bottom of my refinished Coronado.
Perhaps the most dramatic picture, this shows the transformation from tired, rusty, well-worn putter back into stunning work of art, complete with a mirror-smooth finish, matching lime green accent, and a fresh fill of crisp white paint.
Grip
Wash your hands before you use this grip, as you’re not going to want to get it dirty at all!
The transformation is not complete without the finishing touches! Here you can see the old grip – the original from nearly a decade ago – and the new Custom Shop Lime Green Grip. Had I not elected to pay $22, I’d have received an “NOS,” or “new old stock,” grip identical to the original but, naturally, brand new.
Play Testing
After putting it off for a few weeks, I finally mustered the courage to put the Coronado into play. After a quick adjustment (it’s a tad lighter than my Red X), I began rolling the ball into the hole once again, sinking several putts over twenty feet for par or birdie.
I was concerned that the Pro Platinum finish would harden the rather soft sweet spot feel, but my concerns were unfounded and, ultimately, unproven. My Coronado has retained the same solid, smooth, and lively feel it’s always had, regardless of it’s new color. The putter plays and feels exactly as I remember it, and that’s perfect.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to wipe down the putter with the Cameron-supplied cloth and put it back on display in my office where it belongs…
Authentication
While spending time at the Scotty Cameron Putter Spa, I had the putter authenticated as a true blue Scotty Cameron. You can view my putter in the official registry by looking for putter A003685.
My registry entry reads “Coronado in a pro platinum finish with a custom shop stamp and ‘TST’ initials handstamped on the back wall.”
The great part about the Restoration Department is that you can go to a second-hand shop or golf store, buy a “neglected” Scotty, and restore it to its original beauty for less than the cost of a new putter. Says Doug Hardman of The Cameron Collector, “I recently picked up a used Newport Oil-Can for $69. It was trashed, but after I get it back from the Restoration Department, I’ll have a very nice putter for under $200.
For golfers or collectors who send their putters in to the Cameron shop, adding authentication will run $30. For anything out of the ordinary, that’s a steal. You’ll almost always get the $30 back if you ever want to sell your putter, and if you are building a collection, you can’t go wrong with having a “pedigree” for each putter. The analogy here is that if you want a dog for a pet, you don’t need AKC papers… but if you are showing that dog in competitions, you’d better have them handy!
Doug continued, saying “some will argue that buying a new putter is a better way to go, but there are those of us that like the look/feel of the older classics. I use the analogy of restoring a classic car all the time. I bought a 1973 Porsche last January and spent all winter/spring restoring it. I spent about as much as it would cost to buy a newer Boxter, but I wanted a classic. So now I have a “new” 1973 Porsche.”
Like the 1973 Porsche, my Coronado is no longer made.There are always people that prefer “older technology” and fond memories over the newest glitz and glam, but that doesn’t mean the “old technology” can’t look great.
If you own a Scotty Cameron, you may want to look into authentication, restoration, or customization. Give your old friend some new life – and a little more personality too. As the saying goes, you may drive for show, but you putt for dough.
Special Thanks
Special thanks to the members of the realcameronfans mailing list and Doug Hardaman of The Cameron Collector.
Photo Credits: © Scotty Cameron .com, Erik J. Barzeski/The Sand Trap .com.
Wow, You got me sold! Just a few days ago I found the T.P. Mills site where it got me all excited about having my own putter personaly fitted, but this article just changed my view. I see Scotty’s is my feature!
Great article. I also liked Doug’s comments and analogy. I recently sent in my first putter, a Mizuno M-200, and it is amazing what the Studio can do.
Hi I have 2 new scotty xperimental 1998 teryllium putter and wondered if you could tell what they might be worth
thanks
Erik,
I don’t know if you realize it or not but Scotty Cameron uses a picture of your putter with the “TST” initials on the services options page under the initials section.
Boy, I’m so tempted to send off the bought-very-used Newport Pro Platinum I have to the spa for some revitalization (and hopefully some clubhouse envy!)
I refinished a ProPlatinum MidSlant Newport 2 from Cameron. They did an incredible job, and the finish looks wonderful. I was thrilled with the results.
I had asked them to customize the putter with blue paintfill (instead of white), but they elected to do only certain parts of the hosel, and soleplate lettering in blue, and the rest in standard white paintfill. The refinishing process includes a new shaft, grip, and headcover. I chose the Studio Design grip, and a red Studio Stainless headcover with a new pivot tool. The shaft includes a “Scotty’s Custom shop” shaftband, which is a nice touch!
hi i have a new scotty cameron circa no.2 putter. i love the putter. the only problem with it is it rusts alot. is there anything i can do about it because i have tried to clean it and nothing seems to work
Stephen, you would be interested in our Circa 62 Review. The circas take a lot of care and effort, but it’s time well spent. Or you can send it to Scotty and have him put on a platinum finish, as some have done.
I COLLECT SCOTTY CAMERON PUTTERS AND HAVE SEVERAL IN MY COLLECTION HOWEVER I HAVE A BLADE YES PUTTER THAT I PUT WITH A LOT AND THE BLACK FINISH IS SO MIRROWED THAT IT WILL BLIND YOU IN THE MID DAY. DOES SCOTTY CAMERON WORK ON OTHER PUTTERS BESIDES THEIR OWN?
THANKS
No. The Custom Shop only works with Scotty Cameron putters. However there are several other places to get the work done. These include Slighter Golf (slightergolf.com) and Colbert’s Putter Plating (putterplating.com).
Thanks for the article, this is really informative and convinced me I should spend the money to restore a newport no. 2 putter I purchased on ebay. IT has some nicks and scratches, and I want it to look mint. Thanks for the information and idea!
I´m waiting for my own Coronado, it was shipped 3 weeks ago. Now I can not wait, after seeing your pictures. Thanks for the article. 😀 😆
Hi! Is it possible to put a Pro Platinum finish on a terrylium putter that has an insert?
Yes, you can have the Pro Platinum finish on your TeI3 Putter. I personally like the Pro Platinum finish for its endurance and have had several TeI3 Putters restored with the Pro Platinum finish. It also feels great!
I live overseas and am considering sending my Coronado for restoration. However, living in the tropics the putter has suffered badly with the black finish corroding away on the face and in other spots – a victim of flooding, while I was overseas for a few months. Is there any way to check before shipping what are the limits of restoration?
I just sent a studio design 2 off today to get restored and refinished to a pro platinum finish and with cherry red paint fill. and I have a pro platinum newport 2 there right now and is going to come in within the next week. SO EXITED!!!!!!!!!!!
I recently sent in my NEW Newport Studio Select for some custom work. I had a top line and flange line engraved, all the paint fill color changed and the loft adjusted. When I received my putter back I was disappointed with the results. First the fill paint-Translucent Blue was darker than the photos displayed in the slide show on their website. Second, my putter was brand new and in perfect condition when I sent it to them. I got it back and it had a scratch on the face-not enough to affect performance, but distracting none the less. Finally, the loft adjustment (not lie adjustment) changed the overall putter’s feel. It does not set up like it did prior to the changes, it doesn’t feel right in my hands, it doesn’t feel right in the stroke. I sent the Custom Shop an email and ask for some insight and feedback and got no response after a week. I just sent another email requesting the same. They are happy to take your money for the work, but at this point I feel like they could care less about my dissatisfaction.
Dr. Kalei Campbell
Newport Beach, Ca.
I sent my Studio Stainless to the Custom Shop for a restoration which included an Accident Orange grip, orange and green paintfill, my initials and a four leaf clover stamp. They did a great job! I was dissapointed tho to not get an oil cloth which I thought came with restoration. Can anyone tell me the best way to clean my grip that’s starting to have bag ware? Thanks
I just bought a used Circa 62 (the 2006 model) and its rusted a bit and kind of nicked up. If I do the regular restoration without the pro platinum will he put that gun blue/black oxidish paint on again or will he give me the charcoal mist because I heard he wasn’t offering the old blackish color anymore? Thanks
I sent my catalina two oil can finish for refinishing & they did a fabulous job HOWEVER after 4 months & incredible care the finish stated to wear off I was told there was nothing that could be done a bout it That is the nature of the finish even though I wiped it down before & after every round I had to change the finish to pro platinum to prevent rust
Somewthing is not right with the oil can finish that is now being used
I sent my studio design 1.5 in about a week n a half ago can anyone tell me how long did it take for them to get there putter back cause im pretty excited and wuz wandering when to expect it in.. thanx
Thomas, it will take about two weeks plus shipping time.
Or do you order it under the option for the stamp with translucent colors? By the way does anyone know if a stamp comes with that option. I tried asking the custom shop via email but they never answered back.
I just bought a studio deign scotty cameron and I was thinking about having it refinished. I saw in the coronado above that the finish in the pro platinum is shiny all around the putter. The older pro platinum finishes have more of a matte finish on the back and a shiny finish on the bottom. Does anyone know if the pro platinum offered at the custom shop is shiny all around like the one shown above. Thanks!
I just got my Newport Beach back from the Custom Shop (it’s a Studio Stainless Steel model). They did a great job refinishing it, the putter looks better than it did new. All I wanted them to do was add a sight dot to the topline; I had already removed all paintfill from the putter myself, for a clean, stripped look. They left it that way, at my request, but they refinished the head in silver mist (the original finish), removing all bag dings, scratches, etc. They also put a new shaft and grip on the putter and checked the loft and lie angles. I highly recommend the service.
I have sent of a newport series 1 which used to be oil can finish, I did not specify which finish I wanted when I get it back. Will they refinish it in oil can, stainless or platinum?? Don’t really mind which one but do they have a standard?
They will finish it back to the original unless you specify otherwise
one thing i can say about trying to care for your scotty cameron finish is something my father in law told me. he has had the same scotty for years and it looks perfect. what he does is use motor oil. he puts some inside the head cover every once in a while and also has some on a cloth that he wipes it down with. just a suggestion for some of you that have problems keeping the finish looking perfect.
I have a Scotty Cameron Titleist Caliente Grand aluminum mallet putter (circa early to mid 1990’s) I have broken the shaft and need a replacement shaft and grip. It is a double bent shaft that I am told measures 355 vs. the current 370 shafts. It is a 36″ shaft. If I sent it to you could you replace the shaft and grip and if so, how much would it cost? Thank you for your reply.
heard about the new line on honey-dipped putters (chromatic-bronze) coming out soon and saw a pix of tour pro Marc Turnesa proto-type at the players he was using of Golf.com. I wonder when they will be out, about what price point, and what styles..Anybody heard ??
i just bought a studio design JAT proto on ebay, but it is used and i saw it had some dings on the top, so i want to get it refinished. the only thing i am worreid about is how long it will take, i saw in the posts above from 2 weeks to a month. just wondering if anyone has some verification on how long it actually takes. shipping and everything included.
I live in the UK. can you recommend a suitable outlet to refurb my old Scotty Studio 1.5…it is going rusty, all over the blade. ???
if you get the custom shop stamp and the initials on a studio style newport two, where will each of them go?
Thanks for including my comments (request). However, I posted that to Scotty Cameron on April 27, 2009 and still have not received any reply from his company or his restoration and custom shop. Perhaps you could tell me where or who to email to get a reply. I sincerely would like to restore and repair my Scotty Cameron putter.
Mike Wiggins
email: wigsmail@yahoo.com
i recently called to get my scotty cameron refinished and they said it would take ten weeks. There is not going to be a gap in any year of my life where i dont play golf for 10 weeks. i am a poor college student who can barely sqaunder up money to pay for greens fees, much less buy a temporary putter. Is there anyway you can send me a temporary scotty cameron for the 10 weeks? Or just maybe send me a free one for having the balls to ask for a free one. im sure u got a 1000 just layin around. i dont care just give me one u messed up on. Anyways thanks for listening. hope you had a laugh.
Has anyone seen a blue goose S. Cameron 1989 hand stamped before?
I’ve heard right now that wait times are from 6-8 weeks at the Scotty Cameron Shop. Check out Wieberman Golf for great Scotty Cameron Refinishing and much quicker turn around time! Good luck!
The turnaround time depends on what you are getting done at the Custom Shop.
The current quoted turnaround time is 20 days for custom work (stamps, paintfill, sightlines, etc) and 45 days for complete restoration work.
bought s/c putter, would like to have it redone how, where, and how can i get this started
I have a studio design 3.5 black pearl finish, and I heard that they will not or cannot refinish this putter? I think this is a very good looking putter so if true im amazed at that, why would they dicontinue a finish like that, and if my putter becomes worn is there a way out there to fix this? thankyou
I just went through the entire process a few days ago so I’ll try to lay out how it all works step by step.
– Go to http://www.scottycameron.com/customization/modifications.asp?mp=1&st=customization to view the available options
– Choose the options you want and submit them. You’ll have to pay a deposit ($45 for me) once you submit your choices.
– Mail your putter to the Custom Shop (they’ll email you complete instructions once you pay the deposit). My 35″ Newport fit perfectly into one of FedEx’s “Tube” boxes, but I’ve read about people having the original shaft removed to save on shipping costs. You’ll also have to print out the Packing Receipt and place it in the box along with your putter, and you’ll have to write your Order Number in large print on the outside of the box.
– Up until they receive your putter, you can log onto their website and make changes to your order as you wish. Once they receive your putter though, you can no longer make any changes. The email they sent me did say that you could if it’s absolutely needed, but you’ll have to pay a $25 fee.
– They said they’d email me when the putter is finished and is being shipped.
Hope that helps out.
The Black Pearl finish was never really “discontinued”. Scotty Cameron never actually put the Black Pearl finish on his putters; an outside company did it for him (BOS if I remember correctly). Because of this, he doesn’t have the capabilities within the Custom Shop to put that finish on a putter. If you want to refinish a putter in Black Pearl, BOS (Black Oxide Services) can still do it for you. Just do a google search for their website to find more info.
Has anyone seen a crown on the front of the circa62 #3
Thanks
hi i was wondering if anyone new if instead of a platnum finish you could get the gunmetal finish with the interesting colors in it
I have a 2005 studio 1.5 with black pearl finish,well the finish completly came off, due to an accident, does anyone one know where i can have my putter refinished to its original condition, i heard Cameron doesn’t due black pearl finish, I also checked out BOS but none of the finishes are listed as black pearl, or they listed under another name, need help thanks!
I have a near new Cameron Studio Select Newport 2 putter that i listed on e-bay to sell. When I took pictures for my listing I noticed part of the red paint in one of the red dots on the back of the putter was chipped and a small piece of the paint missing. I don’t want to sell it this way and hate to spend $45 plus all the time to get it repaired at Cameron. Anyone know where I could find a small amount of this translucent red paint?
I have a Circa Scotty that originally came with an oil can finish. Rusted pretty good in about two months. A local shop sent it out and had a Matte black finish put on it and it has held up very well but I’m ready for some touch up restoration work. Will the custom shop redo with a matte finish?
I have a Scotty Cameron putter that pre dates his contract with Titleist when he was making these putters out of his garage, as I understand it. It is hardly used but has developed rust because of moisture getting inside the head cover. I have a number of questions but I don’t see a means of contact via phone. Is there a way of contacting you by phone? If not where are you located so I could make an appointment sometime next fall or winter when I spend that time in the La Quinta, Ca area. Please advise me of the best means of contact. I would appreciate talking to someone on this.
Don’t send your putter to their custom shop. Please look at their yelp reviews first,I wished I would have before I sent my putter to them!
Their custom service is the worst i’ve ever experienced. I had to leave for vacation,so I called them a week ahead of my vacation. Everyday they said will sent out overnight shipment and provide tracking number in afternoon.I never received tracking # called everyday kept getting same round around. So as of now i’m having to cancel one day of leaving town because they could not ship out as promised!
I truly believe the right hand does not know what the left hand is doing
over, there is no communication in their company.
So save yourself a lot of stress and anguish,and send your putter elsewhere.