Scotty Cameron and Ping putters....cont'd

[PGApro05]

Just wanted to post in response to the common question of whether or not a Scotty Cameron is worth $350. I would say yes. I am a PGA Pro, Certified Clubfitter, and Certified Club Repair Specialist. I have no particular bias towards any brand, and my bag is full of equipment from different companies. I have been to the Nike Oven in TX and Ping headquarters in AZ to see factory production and design processes first hand. First, most credit must be given to Ping for creating the majority of modern day putter designs that are still seen today. Anser = Newport , Anser 2 = Newport 2. Ping is a USA born company with roots stemming from California, and having the first true custom fit putters on tour. Ping was an inspiration for Scotty Cameron putter design. Companies like Taylor Made and Odyssey have created a new modern trend based on MOI, Alignment, and Roll. This is why you see a lot of the crazy designs being endorsed by their tour players. When it comes to price, each company has a variety of price points in order to gain market share. These price points vary due to quality of materials and manufacturing process times. Higher quality metal is more expensive to purchase raw. These metals are more difficult to mine and manufacture into putter heads. Compare gold, silver, and bronze for example. Scotty Cameron putters use a variety of metals, depending on the model that you purchase. Carbon Steel, German Stainless Steel, Copper, etc. These different metals create a different feel when you putt. Preference for feel varies per player and when correct, it makes it easier to have consistent speed when having to drain a must make pressure putt during the round. If you really want to see an amazing steel, check out his Damascus Steel putters. There are some cool pics online, and a few PGA Tour players have been lucky to get one. Also, I have worked in golf retail for 10 years with some major companies that compare to Wal-Mart when it comes to store size, and I have never seen a Scotty Cameron arrive with a manufacturer defect from the factory. Not ONE. Every other company has shipped us defective products at one time or another. This happens when mass production is taking place at the factories. If you go to a store to shop for a Scotty Cameron, the selection is usually limited because he keeps production to a smaller level, allowing more time for quality control and pure craftsmanship. When it comes to fitting a putter, Scotty Cameron putters should be custom fit before you purchase one. Visit a reliable clubfitter, get it done, and order the putter. Most of you golf guru's are impatient. Custom order it and hold your horses for a few weeks until it arrives. The other half of my backing up of Scotty Cameron is the fact that he is a great guy. He has dedicated his LIFE to making putter designs so we can satisfy our golf addictions. Every year he holds a collectors convention in the USA and Japan that almost anyone can sign up for. This includes playing golf and rubbing elbows with him in the clubhouse. He also goes to the PGA Show in Orlando every year to unveil new products and sign autographs for anyone and everyone. I randomly found myself standing next to him this year at Augusta when I was there for the Master's. I had been hoping for years to have a chance to meet him. The guy was mixed in with the regular mob of spectators. He wasn't wearing any crazy logo branded shirts or products. He was walking with the normal crowd and wearing everyday slacks and a button up dress shirt. Hardly anyone recognized who he was and I was lucky enough to be shoulder to shoulder with him waiting to cross a cart path. I took the opportunity and introduced myself. He happily signed my Master's flag and took two minutes out of his day to chat and shake hands. Awesome guy! My final thought is to remind you that the club performs only as good as its operator. I can shoot even par with a putter from the 1930's just as well as my $350 Scotty Cameron. I watched a fellow pro shoot 66 with a current model $80 Cleveland putter. If you are a couponer and bargain shopper, then get a cheap and durable putter and GO PRACTICE PUTTING. If you have the money for a Scotty Cameron, buy one and GO PRACTICE PUTTING. If you are not averaging 31 putts per round or better, then your putting is negatively affecting your score. Avoid pounding 100 balls on the range in 15 minutes ;-)

[carpediem4300]

just bought the ping anser 2,.....love it :D

my cleveland never arrived :(

[lumpuckeroo]

I am a big Scotty homer, currently have 3 and looking for number 4 late this summer and number 5 before next season.  But, are they worth it, if I had a scotty's weight in gold not sure it would be $350, so technically it's not worth it. I know I have tried all the putters on the market and nothing feels like a Scotty, I will be playing them until I can no longer play.

[The Tin Man]

I buy my $300 putters used for $100-$150. (I live in an area with a number of golf superstores with large selections of used gear.)

Anser - $20-30 used. (I have a few.)  They feel harsh, and too hot for me. All the other putters I'm talking about here are Anser clones.

SC - I like the mild steel ones like The Circa 62's and Platinum's.

The sleeper is the Cleveland Stainless Soft Putter . New they were around $80. Used when you can find one they are super bargains. Very close to a SC stainless in feel and address. (The stock grip is where they saved a few pennies. Replace it.)  The model I'm talking about was discontinued to join the face insert crowd. It's milled.

The Ball is as important as the putter. $50 Pro balls are more consistent then $15 balls. Hot off the driver is good, hot off the putter not so good.