Golf Magazine’s ClubTest 2010 Putters (with Direct Links)

Golf Magazine recently published its ClubTest 2010 for Putters.  Much like Golf Digest’s Hot List, the ClubTest is among the most influential equipment publications in golf:

2010: Blade Putters
-Cleveland Classic 4 Putter | Official Site
-Heavy Putter Mid-Weight Q2-M Putter | Official Site
-Nike Method 004 Putter | Official Site
-Odyssey Black Series Tour Design #6 Putter | Official Site
-Ping iN Series Anser V2 Putter | Official Site
-Rife 460 Mid Blade Putter | Official Site
-SeeMore DB4 Putter | Official Site
-TaylorMade Daytona 6 Putter | Official Site
-Titleist Scotty Cameron California Coronado | Official Site
-Yes! Dawn Putter | Official Site

2010: Midsize Mallet Putters
-Adams a7 Select 62 Putter | Official Site
-Never Compromise X-Ray Beta Putter | Official Site
-Nike Method 005 Putter | Official Site
-Odyssey White Ice 2-Ball Putter | Official Site
-Ping iN Series B60 V2 Putter | Official Site
-Rife 400 Mid Mallet Putter | Official Site
-TaylorMade Rossa Monte Carlo Putter | Official Site
-Titleist Scotty Cameron Studio Select Sqaureback 2 Putter | Official Site
-Wilson Staff 8883 Putter | Official Site
-Yes Ashley Putter | Official Site

2010: High MOI Mallet Putters
-Callaway White Ice Mini Putter | Official Site
-Heavy Mid-Weight D1-M Putter | Official Site
-Ping iN Series Wack-E Putter Gallery | Official Site
-Rife Deep Blue Putter | Official Site
-SeeMore SB1 Putter | Official Site
-Titleist Scotty Cameron Studio Select Kombi | Official Site
-TaylorMade Rossa Spider Balero Putter | Official Site
-Yes! Madison Putter | Official Site

Odyssey Golf Welcomes New Brand Ambassador Dave Pelz

Press Release:

Callaway Golf Company (NYSE: ELY) today announced a formal relationship between its market-leading Odyssey brand and world renowned short game and putting instructor Dave Pelz.

The agreement brings together a former NASA scientist whose unparalleled dedication to putting and short game instruction has yielded 19 Major Championships, with an innovative equipment manufacturer that is #1 in Wins, Usage, and Top-10 Finishes across the world’s major professional tours.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dave Pelz to our very elite group of brand ambassadors that include Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Johnny Miller, David Leadbetter, Annika Sorenstam, and one of Dave’s students, Phil Mickelson,” said George Fellows, President and CEO, Callaway Golf. “Dave’s canon of putting research and accomplishments as a short game instructor are unequaled. His knowledge and contributions to Odyssey’s continued growth will be significant.”

The collective goal of Odyssey and Pelz is a long term commitment to lower the scores of all golfers, and putting is central to that mission. Odyssey’s dedication to the craft of making the world’s best putters, combined with the scientific approach and putting expertise of Pelz, creates an excellent blend to the collaboration.

“Odyssey approaches putter manufacturing with the same approach I’ve committed to researching and teaching putting over the years. While I’ve had many opportunities to endorse putter brands before, this is the first time I’ve ever done so because Odyssey is special,” Pelz says. “They put the golfer first and focus on providing tools that best facilitate lower scores. Odyssey’s dedication to innovation and commitment to quality make me excited about what we can do together to help golfers play their best in the future. I’m thrilled to join their team.”

Annually listed among the top ten teachers of the world by both GOLF Magazine and Golf Digest, Pelz spent 14 years as a NASA scientist before dedicating himself full-time to a career in golf research and development. Founder of the Dave Pelz Scoring Game School, ten of Pelz’s professional students have won a total of 19 major championships. Pelz has taught more than 60 PGA of America Education Seminars and has presented papers at four sessions of the World Scientific Congresses of Golf. He serves as Technical and Short Game Consultant to GOLF Magazine and is a New York Times Best-Selling Author of several books, including “Dave Pelz’s 10 Minutes a Day to Better Putting,” “Putt Like the Pros,” and “Dave Pelz’s Putting Bible.”

For information on Odyssey’s innovative product line, please visit http://www.odysseygolf.com/.

INTRODUCTION OF CLEARVIEW PUTTER™ RECEIVES HIGH MARKS

Press Release:

Much like every other frustrated golfer today who is serious about lowering their scores and being more consistent, Stephen Ross would do almost anything to improve his game.

After trying every gimmick and new club available to help his golf skills, Ross came to the conclusion that “simpler is better.”  And simplicity was the impetus for the creation of his new Clearview™ Putter.

Made of acrylic and featuring a Dual-Line™ Alignment System, the Clearview Putter takes the guesswork out of putting and eliminates the excess swing thoughts before, during and after the putting stroke.

Ross realized that the biggest flaw in golf is aiming a golf ball, whether driving, hitting irons, chipping or putting.  According to a leading golf publication, there’s a 90% chance that golfers are not aiming where they think they are aiming, and that the majority of players are not square to the target line. Setting up to a target that goes from directly in front of you to perpendicular at address creates an optical illusion, which is why players are not aiming properly.

“The Clearview Putter works down the target line like playing pool or shooting a rifle,” says Ross.  “Without a repeatable set up, the chances of putting a good stroke on the ball are greatly diminished.”

The Clearview Putter’s Dual-Line System gives every player the ability to set up properly and consistently every time.  The design of the Clearview Putter features a black line perpendicular to the face on the top of the clear acrylic, as well as a green line that is parallel to the face. On the underside of the acrylic are two intersecting red lines which, when lined up correctly, disappear under the black and green lines.  That’s when you know you are set up properly.

Many of the best tour players mark their ball with a straight line as an aid for alignment. Just pick out the path you want to start your ball. Match the lines on the Clearview Putter to the line on the ball, and you only have to think about distance control.  Simple.

With its unique Dual-Line system, the Clearview Putter helps you aim properly and align your stroke on the right line every time.

Using the Clearview Putter will help you gain these instant advantages:

• Sets you up properly over the ball
• Positions your hands in the same place every time
• Provides instant feedback, and
• Improves your aim by simplifying the sight line

During the stroke, if at any time you see the red lines, you know that your stroke has broken down and needs to be corrected.

PGA golf professional Jimmy Hanlin and a host of former tour players have been amazed with the Clearview Putter. “It is an absolutely extraordinary concept and certainly no gimmick,” Hamlin said.  “The Clearview Putter’s Dual-Line system really does for every golfer what it needs to do – aim them correctly each time enabling them to make the best stroke possible.”

In addition to the obvious advantage of being clear acrylic, the Clearview Putter provides amazing feel, which is so important in putting.  And, it comes with adjustable weights to suit your preference.  The Clearview Putter is available in offset or straight shafts in standard, upright or flat lies. The Clearview Putter conforms to USGA specifications and can be used in any tournament.

YES! Golf Introduces Three New Models For 2010

Press Release:

YES! Golf introduced three new putters to its line of popular C-Groove putters for 2010. The two new blade putters, Mollie and Morgan, feature multi-material head construction for high MOI. The Donna II features the same hybrid head as the Donna, but is now offered with a plumber neck hosel.

Mollie:

The Mollie is a toe-down flanged-blade that features several technologies working simultaneously to provide more roll and consistency. The back of the putter is fitted with a section of ultra-heavy tungsten, which significantly increases the MOI of the putter when combined with the ultra-light C-Groove face of the aeronautical-grade 6061 aluminum. The body is made of 303 stainless steel and the entire club is CNC milled to perfection. The light “soft” face and a heavy back make this putter extremely forgiving. Mollie has a head weight of 355 grams, loft of 2.5 degrees and lie of 72 degrees standard with a classic goose-neck hosel. Mollie is available in right hand only for a suggested retail of $360 (U.S.)

Morgan:

The multi-material toe-down blade Morgan is fashioned after what could be considered the most classic shape ever in putter design history. This blade-style putter is made in the same way that Mollie is, generating a high MOI. The ultra-light C-Groove face is made of aeronautical-grade 6061 aluminum and the back is ultra-heavy tungsten, making it as forgiving as any club can be for its size and shape. The body is made of 303 stainless steel and the entire club is CNC milled. Morgan has a head weight of 355 grams, loft of 2.5 degrees and lie of 72 degrees standard with a classic goose-neck hosel. Morgan is available in right hand only for a suggested retail of $360 (U.S.)

“The Morgan and Mollie are classic blade putter shapes with a head that combines a tungsten back with a stainless steel body and an aluminum face,” said Dave Richardson, director of sales, YES! Golf. “The synergy of the light, aluminum face and extremely heavy back perimeter maximizes the moment of inertia, stabilizing the face at impact, resulting in more control and consistency. We initially tested the putters on tour and received very positive reviews from the players and both putters were given the silver award on the Golf Digest Hot List. We feel we have two winners.”

Donna II:

Donna II is also a multi-material design that features the same construction as the original Donna putter. The Donna II is a toe-down “hybrid mallet” with a plumber’s connection that is incredibly easy to use. The face and hosel section are made of 6061 aluminum and the back of the putter is made of 303 stainless steel and the entire club is CNC milled. The heel and toe weighting of the Donna II maximizes MOI. Donna II has a head weight of 355 grams, loft of 2.5 degrees and lie of 72 degrees standard. It is available in right hand only for a suggested retail of $300 (U.S.)

The Morgan, Mollie and Donna II will be available April 1, 2010.

YES! Golf, based in Denver, Colo., is the proven leader in grooved putter technology. Harold Swash, known as the European putting doctor, introduced the innovative theory of concentric grooves in 1995. Today, C-Groove putters are taking the golf world by storm making YES! Golf one of the fastest growing putters on the professional tours. For information on YES! Golf, call 800.845.4327 or go to www.yesgolf.com.

PGA Show Preview: Roll-Master Golf (Ringer®)

Press Release:

Jack Feighery started over 40 years ago with a dream in the basement of his Connecticut home machining precision parts for a variety of industries including the military.  Today, the entrepreneurial engineer is the owner of KAF Manufacturing and Roll-Master Golf and his dream has come true.  His creation, the “Ringer®” putter, is set to make sound waves in the golf industry as it introduces a whole new way to putt using a person’s ears in addition to their hands and eyes to swing a putter.  Further, this unique putter face is CNC Milled and then machined to final specifications by “electric discharge machining” after heat treatment.  “EDM” is a technology and process that is normally utilized in the production of tools-dies-molds and precise component parts.  However, it has found a new use – the “Ringer Putter Face”.

The technology behind the invention ensures the most perfect putter face available on the golf market today while adding a previously unforeseen benefit – a clear, bell-like sound at impact when the ball is hit.  According to Feighery, this “ring” gives the golfer the ability to use a brand new method of putting. This “new way to putt” integrates the auditory senses to improve the consistency and effectiveness of a golfer’s putting stroke.  “Sound = Feel” is the motto for this revolutionary instrument which makes its world debut later this month at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Florida (Booth #708).

Jack Feighery’s son Kraig is a PGA Golf Professional in Florida and has already sold hundreds of this design.  He states that “once people actually try it, they are hooked – most never before realized how important sound is when making a putting stroke.  It just makes sense – people learn to swing a golf club in one of three ways – sight, touch, or by hearing what the pro tells them during a lesson.  The same holds true in putting – now, with the ‘Ringer’, golfers have the chance to really ‘hear’ the sweet spot.”

PGA Show Preview: RoboCup

Press Release:

RoboCup, the ball return robot that was invented by Fine Tune Golf in 2009 has expanded their retail distribution. The company reports that it now has product available at many notable retailers within the golf industry. Unlike other putt-return devices, RoboCup differentiates itself, as it’s the only one that works in a real golf hole on a putting green. It’s stellar lifeline and technology make it unlike any option out there.

The company has been working with several golf courses, resorts, country clubs and retailers since its launch at the PGA Merchandise Show in January 2009, where it was deemed ‘Best New Product’. Fine Tune Golf has announced that RoboCup is now available at the following outlets:

• Retailers: Golfsmith.com, TGW.com, PGA Superstore (10 stores), GolfTown Canada (48 stores), Edwin Watts Gol
• Distributors: YES Golf UK/Canada, Sports Life Asia, ORGAHEAD Germany, Quality Golf Australia

“Seeing RoboCup within these highly regarded venues is incredibly rewarding for us,” says Keith Foley, inventor and co-founder of RoboCup. “When our partners experience the true performance of RoboCup, often times positioned within their own signature putting area, it is a no-brainer for them to carry our product,” he says. Foley says that the innovation is becoming a fixed installation within putter fitting studios like Taylormade, Callaway/Odyssey and RIFE, amongst others. “We continue hearing that the product is moving well and selling itself,” he adds.

RoboCup is the only ball return device designed to work on every practice green with a practice or full-depth cup. When your putts drop into the hole, RoboCup’s innovative design automatically shoots the ball right back to you. RoboCup runs on 4 AA batteries and will return the ball up to 14 feet or more, depending on green speed. A set of batteries last for 12,000 putt returns, making it a longtime golf companion. Combine it with the Caddy Cord, and even missed putts shoot back to you. The bundled putting solution truly becomes a golfers personal and portable putt-return caddy.

Key RoboCup Highlights:

• RoboCup saves time – with golfers not having to retrieve their balls, they can triple their practice time.
• RoboCup is the only putt return device that works in a real golf hole on a real putting green.
• RoboCup’s inventor Keith Foley has a reputation for well-engineered products, also known for the G-Clip and Line-M-Up creations.
• RoboCup saves wear and tear on peoples’ backs – golfers can avoid retrieving their own ball.
• RoboCup is affordable, at only $59.95 MSRP for both the RoboCup and Caddy Cord.

With the momentum and support from industry retailers, golfers and tour pros, RoboCup is positioned to become a recognized household name in golf. Together, RoboCup and Caddy Cord bring one impactful solution to the game.

Fine Tune Golf  will be located at Booth #973 at the PGA Show in Orlando Florida (January 28-30, 2010).

PGA Show Preview: Wilson Golf (Dual-Milled Face Putters: 888 Series)

Wilson Golf today announced a new line of five innovatively designed putters, the Wilson Staff 888 series. These putters were inspired by classic Wilson designs but have been updated with precision milling and cutting-edge technology to blend classic shapes with modern performance and feel.

The 888 series putters utilizes VPD, or Visual Plane Differential, alignment technology with multi-surface markings to help players position their eyes directly above the putting target line. The putters all feature dual-milled faces, meaning that the first pass milling operation ensures a flat face for consistency. Then, secondary master grooves are milled directly onto the face of the putter to promote forward spin and reduce skid after impact. The arched shape of these secondary grooves imparts a slight side spin on heel and toe impacts, helping to hit the ball in a straight line.

“The 888 series of putters has a style for every player,” said Bob Thurman, global director of R&D. “We have taken the vintage shapes from our rich history of Wilson archives and applied the most cutting-edge technology to the designs to provide golfers with a putter that looks streamlined and classic but has all of the latest innovations to keep our putts straight and accurate.”

The 888 series putters consist of 8881 through 8885, each with its own unique features, as follows:

• 8881 – A traditional heel-toe putter that is heel-shafted with a plumber hosel (also available in men’s left-handed options
• 8882 – Heel shafted with an off-set gooseneck hosel
• 8883 – A toe-weighted putter with a semi-mallet
• 8884 – A heel-toe weighted, semi-mallet hybrid
• 8885 – Heel-toe weighted mallet putter with a heel-shafted plumber hosel (also available in women’s and men’s left-handed varieties)

All 888 series putters incorporate low durometer and soft polymer VRAD grips by Golf Pride with a step-less barrel shaft for improved feel and feedback on the green.

The suggested list price for any of the five Wilson Staff 888 series putters is $149.99.   Wilson will be exhibiting at Mtg Room 202-B at the 57th PGA Merchandise Show (January 28-30, 2010):

About Wilson Golf
For nearly a century, Wilson Golf has designed, manufactured and distributed premium and recreational golf equipment throughout the world. Since 1914, Wilson Staff irons have won 61 Major championships, more than any other iron manufacturer in history. Wilson Staff’s Zip Ball, Di9 iron and the Wilson Staff Smooth driver were honored with Golf Digest’s Hot List awards in 2009. Wilson Staff, Profile, ProStaff and Hope consumer brands continue that tradition today by delivering the highest quality golf equipment to all golfers to enhance performance on the course and overall enjoyment of the game.

PGA Show Preview: Azimuth Golf’s The Putting Lane

Press Release:

Azimuth Golf announced its plans to exhibit at the 57th PGA Merchandise Show, Jan. 28-30, 2010, in Orlando, Fla (Booth #1110).

Bill Hulbert, Instructor at Black Gold Golf Club, Yorba Linda, CA & Director of Golf Instruction for Azimuth Golf is pleased to join the industry to debut the company’s new and innovative Multi-Purpose Training Aid – the AZIMUTH GOLF SYSTEM featuring the patented PUTTING LANE™ to golf’s most influential retailers from around the world.

“In my 28 years of teaching this is definitely the most effective training aid I have used,” stated Hulbert. “It quickly trains the student to actively and correctly use their eyes and mind to start putts on line, land chip shots on the proper spot, and even develop correct full swing takeaway and delivery positions. Plus, it fits in your pocket or golf bag so it’s always with you.”

Bill Hulbert and Kermit Olson, President of Azimuth Golf and Inventor will be demonstrating the product on GREEN 2 during Outdoor Demo Day, scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010, at Orange County National Golf Center & Lodge in Orlando, Azimuth Golf will showcase its AZIMUTH GOLF SYSTEM to influential PGA Professionals and VIP retailers.

From Thursday, Jan. 28 to Saturday, Jan. 30, the AZIMUTH GOLF SYSTEM will exhibit on the show floor at Booth 1110 and will showcase at the New Product Center at the Orange County Convention Center.

Azimuth Golf System Explained

Two major components of good putting are:

• Correct alignment
• Starting the ball on line

THE PUTTING LANE™ develops a process, using the eyes and the brain that consistently produces positive results.

But…that’s just the beginning. THE PUTTING LANE™ morphs into the Azimuth System which can be used for chipping and full swings as well.  By using the multiple alignment discs provided, we can set up practice stations that create proper alignment and visualization for chip shots, correct set-up, takeaway, and backswing positions for the full swing. The concepts are so simple, and the visualizations are so strong, that it begs the question, “Why didn’t I think of that?”

The person that did have the proverbial brainstorm is Kermit Olson, a former world class Karate champion and current golf and putting fanatic.  This new product’s major debut will be at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando at the end of January 2010.

PGA Show Preview: HONMA Golf

Press Release:

HONMA Golf Co., Ltd., stewards and manufacturers of premium men’s and ladies golf equipment, has been participating in the PGA Merchandising Show in Orlando, FL for over 20 years. They announce their continued participation in the 2010 show taking place later this month, January 28-30th.

Stop by the Honma Golf booth #1273 and have a chance to win the ultra prestigious 24- karat gold plated PP-001 5-Star putter with 5-Star HONMA ARMRQ graphite shaft (shown). Provide one business card and have a chance to win one of the world’s most expensive putters valued at $4,395.00.

While visiting the Honma booth, please take the opportunity to experience their many other hand-crafted products as Honma celebrates their 51st year in the golf business. HONMA’s PP Series putters show why they are masters of style and elegance perfectly matched with outstanding feel and performance. Named for the Professional Player series, the highly-anticipated PP Series brings back the buttery soft feel and unmistakable character of HONMA’s mild steel putters. The body is comprised of forged mild steel, laser-carved 304 stainless steel face insert. The PP-001 and PP-002 are available in the lavish full gold plated, gloss nickel platinum-colored or gloss nickel black finish. Standard lengths available are: 33”, 34”, and 35” also custom lengths available by special order.

Distributors:
North America: Premier Golf Distributors, Inc. 888-845-8665

Canada California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington: Golden Pro Golf  408-456-0666

PGA Show Preview: Lamkin (2TEN Grip)

Press Releases:

Lamkin Introduces New 2TEN Putter Grips

Lamkin has introduced a new putter grip line for 2010, the 2TEN, available in three sizes. This polyurethane grip allows durability to marry comfort, for a seamless fit with the putter. The soft polymer outer layer keeps moisture out and forearms relaxed, to promote light grip pressure and minimize hand tension for smooth, consistent strokes.

The 2TEN putter grips are made of a proprietary, lightweight, soft (but not spongy soft) polyurethane. It comes in three sizes – Standard pistol, Midsize paddle and Oversized, the latter of which is called the Mega Lite. The color combination on all three is blue on top, red on the bottom, with a white thread stitching. The grip material also has increased durability – accomplished through its thickness and density — to last longer than traditional polyurethane used in other grips on the market. Because it’s thicker, there’s more material between the underlisting and surface layer. The Standard pistol grip provides consistency and feel for extra-smooth putting strokes every time. The Midsize paddle grip provides a uniform stroke with relaxed tension to minimize wrist breakdown. The extra-large Mega Lite weighs roughly 30 percent less than standard oversized grips, to minimize hand pressure without adding weight.

“We are especially excited about the Mega-Lite 2TEN grip,” says Bob Lamkin, president and CEO of Lamkin Corporation. “It weighs just 86 grams, which is about the same as most standard-sized putter grips, so golfers who want to use it won’t sacrifice feel during their putts. They get the benefit of having a grip that eliminates their hand use during the stroke, causing putts to roll truer.”

Oversize grips have become popular but the problem is, many of them are very heavy – up to 200 grams — which means the golfer loses feel of the putter head during the stroke. Plus, the extra weight completely changes the performance characteristics of that putter. This grip model is much lighter, a feat that was accomplished by significantly reducing the density of the underlisting. That density reduction translates into a grip that can be made larger yet still weigh the same as a conventional putter grip. Thus, a golfer can use less grip pressure, remove the hands and wrists from the putting stroke, and thus take a much more natural stroke to get the ball rolling on target quicker. And any player currently using a standard-sized putter grip can easily make the transition to this oversized model without sacrificing feel.

In addition, the surface pattern works in conjunction with the dense material to help the golfer maintain complete control over the putter without having to squeeze too tight. The side is elegantly finished with a tight weave stitching.

Lamkin will be exhibiting at Booth #1100 at the 57th PGA Merchandise Show (January 28-30, 2010).

About Lamkin

Lamkin Corporation, a family owned company headquartered in San Diego, has been manufacturing the highest quality and best performing grips in the golf industry since 1925. From golf’s finest leather grips to unmatched proprietary compounds, Lamkin grips give players at every level a better feel for their game. This history of excellence has made Lamkin the chosen grip of nearly every major club manufacturer and professional golfers worldwide.  Full 2010 Product Brochure (PDF).

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