The Nike Golf Method putter franchise is expanding its boundaries in a Nike way with the introduction of a new mid-Mallet putter, the Nike Method Concept. Inspired by the notion of the Concept car, Nike designers have created an iconic shape that blends art with science without sacrificing the game-changing performance that Nike Method technology delivers – a smoother stroke and a truer roll with far less skid.

The art is in the profound shape. This radical shape has the appearance of a blade, yet plays like a mallet. This bold red front and the strong black back design radiates Nike and will appeal to those who are curious and are looking for ways to bring a new level of confidence to the putting green.

The science is in the multi-material technology and the distinctive two body parts. The face of the putter is light, weighing only 90 grams. The body is heavy, weighing 200 grams. This innovative combination of the two sections results in a very high MOI-to-head ratio putter with a small mallet footprint. While the Nike Method Concept has a small mallet footprint, it provides the stability of the largest mallets in the game.

The lightweight aluminum face and a high-mass stainless steel body position the center of gravity farther back in the head and lower to the sole, delivering a truer roll. As with the successful Nike Method putter franchise, the Method Concept also features Nike’s polymetal groove technology that generates a faster forward roll at impact for increased accuracy.

“We are giving consumers something new and something better,” said David Franklin, Master Model Maker, Nike Golf. “There’s a reason the shape is the way it is. It allows us to infuse vital science and powerful technology that delivers a very high MOI in a relatively small package.”

The Nike Method Franchise has more than 35 worldwide wins on the professional tours, including three major championships.

“Method technology has such a good feel and it rolls the ball beautifully,” said Nike Golf athlete and 2011 Masters Champion, Charl Schwartzel. “Those two aspects in putting are very important.”

Availability: February 17, 2012

MAP: $199.00, RH/LH: 32”, 33”, 34”
MAP: $229.00, RH 41”, 43” Mid-Length

www.nikegolf.com

With more than 25 worldwide wins, including three major championships and counting, the Nike Method technology has become the new face of confidence in putting. The latest addition to the Nike Method putter franchise is the distinctive Method Core Drone, which already has tasted Tour success three months prior to it becoming available.

Nike athlete Suzann Pettersen already has won twice with the Method Core Drone, once on the Ladies European Tour at the Ladies Irish Open, and again on the LPGA Tour at the Safeway Classic. After her first victory with it in Ireland, she was so thrilled that she tweeted about it with an accompanying photo saying: “My new best friend from Nike. The Drone!”

Available on November 1, 2011, the Nike Method Core Drone features the Nike major-winning Polymetal groove technology in a high-Moment of Inertia (MOI) package. With its iconic larger mallet shape and milled face, the Nike Method Core Drone is loaded with geometry. Its extreme mallet design and Opti-mass weighting in the center and wing tips keep the clubhead on its path, preventing twisting and creating a smooth, accurate stroke. The high-MOI putter enables more stability, which provides a better roll and ultimately leads to increased confidence over every putt.

The Nike Method Core Drone also has the distinctive Polymetal Groove Technology that exists in all Nike Method putters, generating a faster forward roll at impact for increased accuracy. The polymer and aluminum grooves lessen impact vibrations and provides pure sound and feel. This helps eliminate backspin, which causes skidding and misdirection. This revolutionary and visibly distinctive red insert decreases backspin, which was expressed by Nike Golf athletes as an important ingredient to their putting accuracy, distance control and ultimate putting success. The less backspin, the more “true” the putt will roll.

The Method Core Drone also comes in a belly putter length and is one of six models in the Nike Method Core line.

Availability: 11/1/11
MSRP: $203.99 $227.99 Belly Putter (41”)
RH/LH: 33”, 34”, 35”
RH: 41”

www.nikegolf.com

At last weeks Deutsche Bank Championship, Phil Mickelson switched his putter to belly putter which a lot of pros have been using lately on Tour with a lot of success. Phil’s belly putter is a Sabertooth with a White Hot XG insert. It is 45 ¼ inches long with a lie of 70 degrees. It has also been custom weighted to put more weight behind the face. A tungsten weight insert was machined to bring the putter up to the required belly putter head weight.

Last week, Phil worked with Austie Rollinson (Odyssey’s Principal Designer) here at the Odyssey Putting Lab in Carlsbad. There was one Sabertooth putter made for Phil. In fact, the putter that Phil is using was in the office of the main designer of the Sabertooth, Tom Hilton. Tom happens to be lefthanded, which is fortunate because there are not many lefthanded White Hot XG Sabertooth putters lying around these days.

Prior to building Mickelson’s putter, Rollinson consulted Odyssey PGA Tour rep Johnny Thompson, who was responsible for developing the putter spec used successfully by Keegan Bradley. (Obviously, Mickelson has played with Bradley recently and during practice rounds this year and has seen the putter up close.) After Rollinson and Mickelson spent some time in the Odyssey Putting Lab in Carlsbad this week, Rollinson made a couple of small changes to the putter, so Phil’s gamer is slightly different than what Bradley plays. Rollinson did make Phil a different belly putter—an Odyssey D.A.R.T. model—a few months ago that Phil tried at home before getting the Sabertooth last week.

www.odysseygolf.com

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The original 2-Ball putter from Odyssey Golf was revolutionary in using a golf ball to help with aligning your putts, and 2011 brings the alignment technology to a whole new level with the Odyssey Golf line of D.A.R.T. putters.

Watch this video of Odyssey Golf’s Principal Designer Austie Rollinson talk about the technology and features of the new Odyssey D.A.R.T. putter from the 2011 PGA Merchandise Show.

About Odyssey D.A.R.T Putters
Odyssey’s Direction and Realignment Technology (D.A.R.T.) utilizes a dart-like pattern on the top of the putterhead to easily align the center of the putter face with the target when addressing the ball.

The D.A.R.T design is based on the brain’s ability to complete images that the eye doesn’t at first see. In this case, the mind completes the apex of the dartdevice in the center of the ball, ensuring the most accurate alignment possible.

“The completion of the D.A.R.T device at the center of the ball is the key component to this new alignment technology,” Rollinson added. “In designing the D.A.R.T. putters we examined the Gestalt Effect, which was developed in the late 1800s and is based on a theory that our senses have the capability to visually create whole forms rather than just a collection of simple lines and curves. The Odyssey D.A.R.T. putter utilizes this effect using multiple lines to create an image that refines alignment and helps golfers make more putts.

Also featured in the D.A.R.T. line of putters is Odyssey’s newest multi-layer insert, White Ice, which has been fine-tuned to enhance sound, resiliency and consistency. The inner core of the insert is 19.65 percent firmer to enhance feel and 92 percent stiffer for better resiliency, which leads to consistent distance control. The face surface of the White Ice insert has been roughened to enhance sound at impact with today’s softer golf balls and to increase friction to promote forward roll. Adjustable weighting allows golfers to optimize their putters with three interchangeable options to dial in the perfect feel.

Availability
The new D.A.R.T line of Odyssey putters will be available on February 18 and the new product introduction retail price is $179. Two models will be available featuring D.A.R.T technology—the D.A.R.T. standard model is a mallet with a double-bend shaft and full shaft offset, while the D.A.R.T Blade features a crank-neck hosel and full-shaft offset.

www.odysseygolf.com

Last year Yes! Golf filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation in United States Bankruptcy Court in Colorado. What would happen to its assets and patented putter technology was up in the air, until Bankruptcy Court auction of Progear Holdings dba Yes! Golf. The winner of the auction was Adams Golf with a bid of $1.5 million and total purchase cost of $1.65 million (inclusive of administration costs).

The purchase includes acquisition of all of Yes! Golf’s patented putter technology designs (including C-Groove Putters) , the company’s registered trademarks and all existing inventory and capital equipment. Yes! Golf will be integrated into the Adams Golf operations in Plano, Texas. The purchase is subject to funding that is expected to occur within the next two business days. Historical financials prepared by Yes! Golf show that its revenues were approximately $10.2 million in 2007 and approximately $2.4 million in 2010.

“We have been looking for an attractive avenue into the putter market for some time and believe the Yes! Golf brand and technology platform provides us just such an opportunity,” said Chip Brewer, President and CEO of Adams Golf. “Yes! Golf provides Adams Golf compelling putter technology and a positive brand image, including ongoing tour usage based on the performance of the product alone. The Yes! Golf brand will likely benefit from the inclusion into our operational infrastructure and we intend for it to serve as a source of future growth for our company.”

The bigger quest remains, what will happen to the Yes! Golf brand since being acquired by Adams Golf? Will it be rebranded as Adams-Yes! Golf putters, similar to what happened when Puma Golf purchased Cobra Golf to form Cobra-Puma Golf? Hopefully we’ll be able to get some answers from Adams Golf at the PGA Merchandise Show about this new acquistion.

What do you think?

For more information on Adams Golf, visit adamsgolf.com.

Being a gambler takes on a whole new meaning in the Never Compromise Limited Edition line of Gambler putters. The Gambler is for golfers who want perfection on the greens and appreciate modern construction and classic design.

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The Gambler series features four models (2 blade & 2 mallet) are forged from 303 Stainless Steel, which provides a combination of the soft material and forged grain structure for unprecedented feel at impact . With names like Royal(blade), Flush (mallet), Boat (blade),  and Straight(mallet)-you’ll appreciate how each is individually machined with unique artwork on their soles. These are some of the nicest putters from Never Compromise. We’ll be rolling the Gambler and let you know what we think!

Starting on February 11th, you’ll be able to create your very own custom Gambler putter with various paint-fill and engraving options. The Gambler Limited Edition line of putters hits retail in February.

Specs on the Gambler Royal Putter:

Grip: Winn

Type: Blade

Style: Plumber Neck

Loft: 3

Lie: 70

Head Weight:  340 grams

Length: 34″ or 34″

Available in LH and RH.

MSRP: $299

www.nevercompromise.com

Callaway Golf Company (NYSE: ELY) today announced the introduction of the Odyssey® ProType™ 82 Putter, a limited edition design inspired by the same model Phil Mickelson used to win his third Green Jacket. Only 82 right-handed and 82 left-handed ProType putters will be available for purchase in the United States.

Odyssey Protype 82 Limited Edition Putter

Beginning May 10 at 11:00 AM ET (8:00 AM PT), those interested in owning one of these limited edition putters can sign up to be eligible for purchase on a first-come basis at OdysseyGolf.com. Each of these 164 individually numbered, limited edition putters features a green highlight on the sole, a nod to Mickelson’s win at Augusta earlier this month.

Since the year 2000, Odyssey has been the # 1 Putter across the world’s major professional tours in wins, usage and top-10 finishes. Throughout 2010, Odyssey putters have performed particularly well on the PGA Tour, already claiming a total of eight victories—the majority of which were captured by models featuring Odyssey’s distinctive White Hot and White Ice® inserts, which run across the face of the putter. Odyssey’s eight PGA Tour wins is more than putters from Ping®, TaylorMade®, Nike® and Rife® have combined in 2010.

ProtoType 82 Features
The ProType 82 features Odyssey’s new White Ice insert, with a Tungsten weight behind it, along with a single white sightline that stretches from the face of the putter down the back flange—a look requested by Mickelson himself. These limited edition PT 82 putters will also come with a Phil Mickelson Limited Edition headcover and a Black Series grip, identical to what the four-time major champion used to win at Augusta.

“I’m very excited that the designers at Odyssey have produced this limited edition putter with the same design as my gamer,” Mickelson said. “Tournaments are won and lost on the green, which is why I rely on Odyssey technology. Our design team gives me the best chance to win. Odyssey’s winning results on tour are a testament to their engineering capabilities.”

“We develop more putters for tour players around the world than any other company,” said Austie Rollinson, Principle Designer for Odyssey Golf. “Phil came to us a few years back to develop this particular model and he’s obviously had great success with it on the PGA Tour. The ProType 82 Putter was developed due to the large number of requests we receive from people interested in the product that Phil uses on the game’s biggest stage.”

“There are also a handful of ProType putters like Phil’s in development and in play on tours across the world,” Rollinson added. “We firmly believe that in order for Odyssey to remain the dominant putter company in the world, it’s crucial that we continue to develop and vet our ideas with the best players in the game.”

Each of the 164 individually numbered, limited edition ProType 82 putters will be sold at a price of $500. For more information on this offer and Odyssey’s complete lineup, visit www.odysseygolf.com.

At the 2010 PGA Merchandise Show, I got a tweet from ZENIO asking me to stop by their booth and check out the ZENIO Putting System. I’ll be honest, I’ve never heard of this company and I was really curious.

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This was probably one of the more interesting putting training aids I saw at the PGA Merchandise Show and in the video, you’ll see Dr. Richard Jaekel talk about the benefits of the ZENIO Putting System.

How Does it Work?
ZENIO is a revolutionary new training and fitting system that gives golfers immediate and accurate data on their putting in real time and in real outdoor conditions. Measuring the size of a matchbox and weighing just 29 grams, the ZENIO attaches to any putter in just 15 seconds. It uses the latest sensor technology to measure the key parameters of the putting stroke – impact, rhythm and face angle – and then immediately transmits the information to a Smartphone of PDA via Bluetooth, where it is displayed in an easy-to-understand graphical format.

Why ZENIO?
With data from each session being recorded, users can chart their progress over time on all manner of putts (straight, breaking, uphill, downhill) from a variety of different distances, helping to build up a clear picture of putting strengths and weaknesses and how to improve your putting consistency . ZENIO’s innovative software uses the player’s ‘Best’ performance as a benchmark for future sessions and also includes a Tour player consistency benchmark for comparison. Golfers can also use the ZENIO to find their optimum stance, grip and posture, and by using the fitting option can even reveal which putter type suits their stroke best.

The real beauty of the ZENIO is that you can use it to train in real conditions rather than in the protected environment of a putting lab (not sure how many of have access to one). ZENIO’s mobility allows you to test your putting on the practice green as well as on the golf course in real time, anywhere you want, anytime. All you need is the ZENIO and a Smartphone and you have your putting coach in your pocket.

My Thoughts on the ZENIO
I really liked the idea of the ZENIO Putting System, but there are a few minor drawbacks. It only works on a Windows Mobile Operating System Smartphone/PDA. But they will release a version eventually for the iPhone. The other drawback is the high price tag. At 671 Euros or $912 USD, the cost might be a little too high for most consumers. Hopefully, as they sell more units the  manufacturing costs of the ZENIO will go down.

Overall, I was really impressed by the ZENIO Putting System and it shows a lot of promise as robust putting training aid, that gives you tons of quantitative data and feedback.

http://www.zeniosports.com

The Never Compromise NCX-RAY line of putters are used by some of the best golfers in the world, including Steve Marino, Vijay Singh, David Toms, and other PGA Tour pros. In this video Mike Eggeling PGA Tour Representative for Cleveland Golf/Srixon walks us thru the features of the new Never Compromise NCX-RAY line of putters.

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Special thanks to Cleveland Golf/Srixon and Mike Eggeling!

For more information about Never Compromise NCX-RAY Putters, visit http://www.nevercompromise.com

Over the last couple of years I’ve discovered that reading the greens is just as important as the mechanics of your putting stroke. But one area that I’ve been looking to improve on is my alignment of the putter face. It’s really easy when your looking at the hole straight on, but the minute your setup over the ball to putt, everything looks completely different. You then start to question, if the putter is aligned at the hole and if you’ll hit the sweet spot of the putter, etc. Sweet Spot Golf has introduced a series of putters for men called the AX and Pink line for women, to help with aligning your putts and finding the sweet spot of the ball.

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Look and Feel
The unique triangle shape of the mallet style Sweet Spot AX and Pink Putters, is designed to help you with aligning the putter and finding the sweet spot of the ball indicated by the diamond on the crown of the putter. Behind the sweet spot diamond you’ll find the Performance Positioning System(PPS) which are arrows that are designed to help with aiming and aligning your putts. Both the AX and the Sweet Spot Pink putter’s feature a 4 inch wide face (which is the exact width of the green’s cup) and heal and toe perimeter weighting promoting a high MOI by dispersing the weight from away fro the center of the putter. 

The face on the AX is milled, while on the Sweet Spot Golf Pink putter features a polymer insert in pink. Both the AX and Pink putters are available in milled or polymer insert, if you prefer one over the stock setup. The black (body) and red (sweet spot diamond and PPS) color scheme of the Scratch Red AX give the putter a very stealthy appearance, that you don’t normally see in putters. If you don’t like this color scheme, the Ax is also available in Ript Blue, Krushd Grape, and Earl Gray.

The women’s Pink putter features a white body with pink sweet spot diamond, pink PPS, pink polymer face, and black and pink custom Winn grip . The reason for the white and pink color scheme isn’t because Sweet Spot Golf is trying to stereotype women’s golf equipment, it because Sweet Spot Golf is a proud sponsor of the National Breast Cancer Foundation. When you purchase this putter or any of their clubs in Pink line, Sweet Spot Golf will make a donation to help fight breast cancer. 

Performance
Both the AX and Pink putters weigh 362 grams, which is designed to help you make that smooth pendulum stroke with your upper body and not your hands.The weight of the putter does contribute to its high MOI, because of the heel and toe perimeter weighting that help with preventing the face from twisting and keeping your putts on line. During my tests of the AX, I didn’t find the head weight to make a significant difference in my putting stroke or keep the face straight at impact, like the Heavy Putter I recently reviewed. 

The 3-degree’s of loft of the AX and Pink putters is designed to roll the ball pure to the hole, with little skipping or jumping of the ball. Most of the putts I rolled with the AX seemed to roll very pure and straight on a consistent basis, with little or no wobbling. Part of the top spin imparted on the ball is contributed to the high center of gravity of both the AX and Pink putters.

Aligning the putter face and the sweet spot of the ball with the putter could not be any easier with the AX and Pink putters. The sweet spot diamond and alignment arrows of the PPS, made lining up my putts really easy at address. I was able to make adjustments with ease and stop second guessing if my putter was aligned at the hole. I found this extremely helpful in the 3-5 foot range of putts and also on the longer 10+ foot putts. This in my opinion is where the Sweet Spot AX and Pink putters excel.

The one area where I felt that the AX was lacking in, is feel and responsiveness. For me putting is all about feel, and without it’s hard to tell if you hit the putt well or missed the sweet spot of the ball. No matter what type of putt I made with the AX, I always got the same ping sound of the ball hitting the putter face.  I think part of the problem is the steel material the AX is constructed out of that give it very little feel and responsiveness that I’ve come to expect in  putters with or without an elastomer insert. This made it difficult at times to judge how well or poorly I struck the ball and distance control.

As mentioned before the women’s Pink putter does feature a polymer insert, that my wife did find to be very responsive. My wife did note that she had  to get used to the ping sound the Pink putter would make. Overall, she did notice her putting improve by using the Sweet Spot Pink putter, compared to her blade putter. 

The other drawback of the AX is its $149 price tag, which is pricey in my opinion for this type of putter. In this price range I would expect the putter to have some sort of insert for feel and responsiveness. The women’s Sweet Spot Pink putter also retails for $149, but Sweet Spot Golf will make a donation to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. So, the price for the women’s version is easier to accept, because you know that part of the proceeds is going to a good cause.

Overall, the Sweet Spot Golf AX is a great putter for helping you align your putts, but could use some improvements by milling the face of the putter out of a softer material or adding an insert to make it more responsive. If your looking for a putter to help you with aim and alignment, you might want to look into the Sweet Spot Golf AX or Pink putters.

Sweet Spot Golf AX and Pink Putter Retails for $149