I’m a huge fan of milled putters. I’ve had one (but used many) in my bag since high school and rarely play a putter that isn’t milled. I’ve played Scotty Cameron’s and Tad Moore’s, among others, but recently I found out about Big Oak Putters, a company specializing in hand-crafted, milled putters. When I was looking through their product line, I found the T’ville and it really appealled to my eye, so I had to give it a try.
Design and Concept
Big Oak Putters specializes in the niche market of high-end milled and handmade putters, offering traditional looks with the new patented top-weighting technology. Dave Curry, founder and lead designer, has been involved with the design and development of putters for over 15 years. Through his research, he’s developed a patented top-weight design that’s incorporated in his putters.
Dubbed the “cue ball effect” by Curry, overspin is generated immediately at impact by concentrating the center of gravity or mass above the equator or the ball at impact. Much like a cue stick impacting the cue ball in billiards, overspin is achieved above the equator of the ball, “NOT” below the equator like other manufacturer’s designs.
Looking through the Big Oak Putters online store shows some very simple designs and standard looks, which is refreshing. Anymore, putters are beginning to look more like kitchen appliances than golf clubs. It’s too gimmicky and Big Oak Putters agrees.
Look and Feel
The T’ville has a very standard look. There is no offset, which I like, and is very similar to the old Ping Pal 4 in shape; however, it doesn’t have as dramatic of a cut out in the back. The shaft connects very closely to the head which helps give it a standard and simple look.
Like I said, I’ve been using this putter for my last few rounds, and I have been making more 6-10 foot putts than ever before. Like most, this range of putt is where my round can go sweet or sour. I typically have a putt of this length throughout my round, whether to save par after a poor chip or for birdie after a nice approach shot. So, making more putts of this length have helped me shave a few strokes off my game.
When hitting putts from this length, I found that my ball got rolling quickly (not skipping or skidding before going into a roll), which aided my ball to keep its line, ultimately resulting in a more true roll. As I hit the ball on my putts the putter felt very solid and had a nice feel to the way the ball came off the face. It wasn’t as if I was putting with a warm stick of butter or a 2 x 4. I felt like I could take an aggressive stroke at all putts, but had control of the pace put on the ball. Part of what helped with controlling the pace of the ball was the weight of the putter.
The T’ville has a good weight that aids in a smooth stroke. It is a heavier putter, but not one that is so heavy I had to use unnecessary movements to get the putter started on the backswing. My stroke really emulated a pendulum motion that most of the teaching professionals preach. The ball came off the putter at the same pace that the putter came through the ball. Some of the newer putters I’ve toyed around with seem to have a trampoline-effect with the ball.
Typically, I have always had a slight forward press prior to putting a ball. When my putting goes bad, I usually end up missing putts to the right, which means my forward press is more of a press to the right, opening the clubface. But with the forward press I had always gotten more of a true roll on my putts and figured the positives outweighed the negatives.
The reason I’m telling you this is because with the T’ville I noticed that I didn’t need a forward press to get the ball rolling true. It was a bit of an adjustment, but one for the better. Since the T’ville gives me a true roll, I am able to eliminate the majority of my misses shoved out to the right.
Extras
The T’ville comes with an embroidered headcover with the Big Oak Designs logo. It’s not the best looking thing, but it does what it’s supposed to — protect the putter. One thing the cover wasn’t good in was rain. The last time I played with it, there was a downpour of rain and the putter got soaked (through the headcover). By the time I was able to get the club out (after a flight), the putter had some small rust spots. Since I’ve owned milled putters before, I knew that a little oil would help prevent any further damage. I think it would be helpful to get a special care instructions manual or something to keep this putter nice for longer.
Big Oak Putters has chosen high quality components for their putters. They use True Temper shafts and Bidwell grips. I particularly loved the grip. It is red leather and is just the perfect combination between soft and hard. The grip and shaft really give great feel through the club on impact.
Specs
The T’ville is available in a 72 degree lie with patented top weighting and ‘half shaft offset Pro style hot double bend neck’. The T’ville will run you $309 plus $9 shipping and handling (anywhere within the continental U.S., 48 states, via UPS Ground).
Conclusion
I played with the T’vlle for the last 6 rounds I’ve played and haven’t putted better in my life. It’s got great feel and rolls the ball true. My only complaint is that I would like a user manual for how to care for my putter. That would be helpful to keep my putter looking in pristine condition.
These putters are starting to get a good following on the various tours, being used on the tours since 2000. Recently, Tom Jenkins, of the Champions Tour, won the 2005 Allianz Championship using the T’ville putter. After using the T’ville for a handful of rounds, I can understand why he chose the T’ville as his putter.
Stop by Big Oak Putters and see if they have a putter that is your style. They’re a little pricey, but since their handmade, I think they are completely worth it. Besides the T’ville, there are five other models in the Big Oak product line.
They can be ordered through their website or by simply calling 229.227.9000.
Nice post and I will take a look. I total agree with the idea of a complete care book.
Your link to Big Oak at the top is borked.