There’s no question that Scotty Cameron putters engender mixed feelings among the general golfing population.
On the one hand, there are those who balk at the price or complain some designs are too derivative. On the other hand, there are players like me who really appreciate the subtleties of his improvements and the tremendous feel they afford. These people don’t mind shelling out the bucks for his putters. Not to mention the legion of fanatic collectors (last year one rare Cameron went for $35,000).
Coming out April 1 along with the Newport Detours we talked about in a January Bag Drop, the new Circa 62 putter lineup fixes one complaint I had with mine and introduces a whole new classic design. Unfortunately, it looks like one of last year’s models bites the dust. Here’s the story…
Confessional
I am a Cameron putter fan. I think I have six of them right now and have bought and sold many more over the last decade or so. I’m a putter junkie anyway, and as such I’ve been drawn to Camerons because they always look right to me and, more importantly, feel right.
If you don’t agree with me that his versions of classic designs are more artfully crafted than the original, here’s a comparison I’d like you to make. Go to a golf shop and put a Ping Redwood Anser (the new milled Anser Calcavecchia used to win the Honda and that I now have in my collection) next to any of Scotty’s Newport putter heads. Then tell me you don’t see a huge difference in proportions and finish.
Beauty is as Beauty Does
Last year I put a Circa 62 Model 3 into my bag like the one we reviewed here. Even as fickle as I am, that putter won my loyalty. The only thing that bothered me is that the finish was just too shiny. The glare was very distracting. So I got another one and shipped it off to the Custom Shop and had it redone in a Pro Platinum finish.
It was a ridiculously expensive exercise, but I ended up with a putter I think I’ll be using for quite some time. Still, it appears I should have waited a year. The new Circa 62s are now done in a “charcoal mist” finish. It looks to me to be more of a matte finish. Perfect.
Because these putters are carbon steel, maintenance is an issue unless you don’t mind rust spots popping up. It will be interesting to see if this new finish is as durable as the Pro Platinum finish.
With the new finish comes a new color scheme. Instead of last year’s yellow and white, this year it’s red and white. And instead of the original leather “stitch-back” grip and the subsequent black “Baby-T” grip, this year we have a red “Baby-T” and a new matching red headcover. I like it.
Say Hello
There’s a new model this year, the Circa 62 Model 6. Obviously it looks a lot like the Ping B-60 with its “B-back” and plumber’s neck. But when you compare the photos, the differences are obvious.
The Model 6 has a more pronounced “B”, much thicker top line, and the high toe that is one of the Circa 62 line’s hallmarks. However, unlike the rest of the line with the circle site dot, the Model 6 has a site line in the flange.
I putted with a similar Ping version (B-61) for a few seasons back in the late 80s, early 90s and loved it. As I recall, Jim Colbert was among the several PGA Tour pros using it as well. I’m really looking forward to getting my hands on one of these new Cameron models. Hey, I said I was fickle.
Say Goodbye
The Circa 62 Model 5, the domed mallet model J.B. Holmes used so effectively on the PGA Tour early last season, appears to have been dropped from the lineup.
And that brings up an interesting dichotomy between Cameron and Ping. You can still buy most of the dozens of Ping putter models ever made by special order. I see putters I used in the 70’s available today. Cameron doesn’t do that.
Just like the Circa 62 line, he’ll introduce a line, add or subtract models over a couple of years and then stop making the line and replace it with something new. Thank goodness eBay serves as something of a warehouse for older discontinued models.
Newport Detour Update
It looks like both the Newport 2 and 2.5 Detours will be offered in 33″, 34″, and 35″ lengths. They’ll be bedecked with an orange grip and a matching orange headcover ala the original Detour models.
Price and Availability
Both the new Circa 62 line and the Newport Detours will be shipping the first of April and should reach golf stores and places like Edwin Watts by the middle of the month. I’m sure the street price will be around the $300 suggested retail price at least initially.
In the End…
Watching Scotty Cameron putters evolve over the years is part of the fun of being a putter freak. His new twists on old designs, along with his new concepts like the Futura and Detour, continue to give me hope that maybe one day I just might finally find the magic wand that makes everything.
Jack: Great write-up. I’m intrigued by the new finish, too, and wonder if the new charcoal mist finish might become available as a Custom Shop option for last year’s Circa 62 models.
I still love my No. 3 after having it in the bag for a year. Clean look, crisp feel and great distance control. I have an Odyssey Black Series 2 in the bag for testing right now, but I think the Circa 62 is still going to be my workhorse this year.
Don,
Thanks. As is my compulsion, I’ve bought two putters over the winter… the Redwood Anser and a Odyssey XG #9 like Phil’s (only right handed). Preliminary carpet tests indicate the Circa 62 #3 will be in the bag when the snow melts. It’s hard to give up on a putter that gave you a career round.
Thanks for the update! Any chance that Scotty might bring back the Del Mar 3. It looks similar to the XG Phil is using and it would give Scotty a semi-mallet offering, in the Circa 62 line that would be a good replacement for the #5.
Just a thought!
If you could plant the seed with the Titleist Rep!!!
Jack, I also have a Scotty Custom Shop Circa No. 3 in Pro Platinum. I also had the CS add two parallel site lines to the flange. Great flat stick and may kick the Mil-Spec out of the bag in a few weeks. I have a Circa No. 6 on order and can’t wait to roll a few with it. Great looking putter and finish.
Jack: I too should be coming into possession of an XG #9, which I’m looking forward to trying because I love heel-shafted putters. I’m sure the Circa 62 will remain my starter, but I like to play a round or two with a different putter every so often to shake things up and get a fresh feel for the old putting stab, er, stroke. I’m actually more excited about having the XG #9 in the backup role than the much more expensive Black Series putter (the feel is a little odd in my prelimary carpet tests).
Despite what my wife says (often), you really can’t have too many putters. 😀
😀
Just purchased a circa 62 #6 and are dropping a lot more putts. I have been using a SC coronado mid slant for years, but the new putter feels a hell of a lot more comfortable.
If you are after a putter that sits well and has great control i suggest have a look at one of these.
Just got my Circa 62 # 6 today! I am excited to see what this beauty can do!!
I’ve used my new Circa 62 #3 charcoal mist putter for 5 rounds now, and I’m absolutely delighted with it. I was a little concerned that the putter head might be too light, but it’s so easy to stroke well and the ball comes off hot and true, which I like. It’s extremely comfortable and easy to line up. I’ve had half a dozen Scotties in the past but definitely think this one is the best. The design is classic and I much prefer the feel of the carbon steel to the stainless or the inserts. Even when I miss a putt I don’t mind too much because the feel is so good and I glimpse looks of envy from my playing companions. Definitely the best of the Scotties, in my humble opinion.
Have played 3 rounds with the circa 5 and have not seen the ball skip once! Was playing the MacGregor M5K and the balance was nice, but the distance control with the circa 5 great!
Just picked up the No. 6 today and it is what i have been looking for, i previously had the elusive J.A.T Mickleson and Sergio used had to swap it over as it keeps rusting in our lovely wet weather in England, I have to say even if it didnt rust I think i would still get a Circa as they have a beautiful feel, soft but still very solid unlike those spongey inserts.