SC Newport 2 Design Question

[Tommy]

I just received a Scotty Cameron Newport 2 ( http://www.scottycameron.com/product...ils.asp?id=258 ) as a gift. It is the first putter I have owned with this kind of neck and was a little curious to find the shaft slightly angled to the head of the club i.e. the shaft is not at 90 deg. or perpendicular to the floor. As a consequence, my hands are slightly behind the head of the putter when it is lying flat on the floor.

Is this normal for this design or all putters, in general?

Please note, I have been using a Titleist Bullseye and Fisher F-5, neither of which make it possible to tell. More to the point, I've never studied a putter as intently as the SC...I can see why there is such a following.

Thanks for any thoughts.

[sscameron]

Well, as you have seen on the SC site, there are a number of designs. It comes down to personal preference and the swing path you have for your putter. Usually the mallet type putters(SC Futura, Odyssey 2Ball) are for the straight back and through path, the blade type(bullseye, flange, anser/Newport) are for a open/close path.

As for how it lies and lines up, yes, the hands will be behind the ball, keeping your head slightly behind the ball instead of on top or inside. Also, with the lie and length, I find it best to have your arms relaxed, so if you're not a tall person, and have a 35" putter, you'll probably want to get a shorter shaft. I'm 6ft, and the 35" shaft is too long, as I will be sending mine to SC to have them to readjust the shaft and possibly lie angle.

BTW - congrats, I wish I would get gifts like that! :)

[iacas]

I just received a Scotty Cameron Newport 2 (

There aren't any putters that have a shaft perpendicular to the floor... so I think you were either using your Bullseye incorrectly or your wording is not clear. I'll assume the latter.

Look at this guy putting. His putter shaft is not sticking straight up and down, but rather, is angled relative to the ground.

[Tommy]

Well, as you have seen on the SC site, there are a number of designs. It comes down to personal preference and the swing path you have for your putter. Usually the mallet type putters(SC Futura, Odyssey 2Ball) are for the straight back and through path, the blade type(bullseye, flange, anser/Newport) are for a open/close path.

Thanks very much sscameron, that's exactly what I needed to know i.e. that at setup, my hands will be behind the ball for this putter.

I have always had a straight back and through path, but am trying to develop a open/close path as it feels more natural. With respect to length, the shaft is 35" and I'm approx. 5'10" and have find that it offers greater flexibility with respect to stance. I've certainly heard the arguement that I should be using a shorter shaft... Thanks again for your help.

[Tommy]

There aren't any putters that have a shaft perpendicular to the floor... so I think you were either using your Bullseye incorrectly or your wording is not clear. I'll assume the latter.

Sorry Erik, I may not have been clear. I understand, normally, shafts are not sticking straight up. Rather, wanted to know whether the design of this SC put your hands behind the ball. Hope that's clearer. Your thoughts?

ps: I just joined Sand Trap and have found it a wealth of information and an extremely helpful and supportive community. Great job. Thanks.