Connect with us

Putter Reviews

Review: Directed Force Putters

Published

on

Pros: Stroke stability and consistency are likely to improve with a proper fitting. The putters also double as training aids for stroke tempo.

Cons: The looks, overall feel and forced-forward-press grip will likely take getting used to.

Who’s it for: Golfers seeking more stability in their stroke. If you don’t get fit properly, however, the technology will not reach its maximum potential.

The Review

DirectedForcePuttersOften times, great inventions are made out of necessity — a solution to a problem. That’s how Bill Presse, founder of Directed Force, developed his innovative putter technology. As a playing professional and teaching pro, he was frustrated by poor putting and needed a solution. Presse began building putters, and after “drilling holes in [putter] heads,” he figured out he could make a putter that stayed square to the putter path. His buddies were disbelievers, so he built “the revealer” to prove the technology — another invention born because of a problem.

Unlike most putters, which are either face-balanced or have what’s called “toe hang,” Directed Force putters ($399.95) are lie-angle balanced. That means the putter face stays straight (or perpendicular) to the putter path throughout the stroke, which is ideal in theory. And serious golfers across the globe have spent countless hours trying to improve their ability to keep their putter face perpendicular to their path during their stroke.

Can this new putter technology provide a shortcut? Watch the video below to see it in action.

Presse’s technology is effective for golfers because of the importance of the face angle at impact. According to findings from SAM PuttLab, the face angle at impact determines 83 percent of a putt’s initial starting direction, and is thus about 5 times more important than putter path.

Here’s how they’re made.

DirectedForcePutters5

The company first forges the putter heads from 6061 aircraft aluminum, then CNC-milled to the proper shape and finishes them with a type-3 anodized coating. It’s important to note that lie-angle balance is not achieved because of the outlandish head shape, which is the immediate assumption, but rather due to the location of the shaft relative to the center of gravity (CG) in the club head. To dial in the specific lie angle of each putter — which are weighted differently depending on a putter’s lie angle, length and grip — weights are installed on each side of the putter face (toe and heel), as well as on the sole. It’s those weights, in conjunction the putter’s shaft position, that give the putters their “lie-angle balance.”

DirectedForcePutters4

Not only does the head shape look, well… weird, but the grip is unconventional, too. But there’s science behind it, as well. Watch the video below to learn more about the PressGrip, developed by Presse, and how it works.

The putter shaft runs through the PressGrip at 3 degrees, instead of straight in (or 0), placing the putter in a forward-press position without the golfer’s hands moving forward of center. This allows the golfer to choke down or up on the grip without losing lie angle, and since the grip is made with a constant taper, changing hand positions doesn’t affect the feel of the grip.

The PressGrip comes in two sizes: Mid-Size (1.250 inches) and Large (1.375 inches), and can be purchased separately for $29.95.

Directed Force’s putter technologies are not dependent on the PressGrip, however, so the putters can be made with the aftermarket grip of your choice. Presse says the grip size and weight affect weighting in the head, so make sure to factor that in during your purchase.

Does it work?

DirectedForcePutters3

First off, the grip feels very different at first, even for someone who forward presses their putter. It’s the first thing most golfers comment on when they try it for the first time. And while it can feel strange, all it takes is a few strokes to get used to it. After that, you’ll be disappointed going back to a normal putter grip — at least I was.

The second thing someone will comment on is the head shape… obviously. It’s a lot of putter head to look at, and the shape is far from conventional. That being said, different doesn’t mean bad in this case.

DirectedForcePutters6

This putter has one of those, you’re-just-along-for-the-ride feels, and seems to swing itself. For yippers or those who struggle with short putts, those are great words to hear. And due to the displacement of so much weight well behind the face, it has a very high moment of inertia (MOI). That means it hardly matters whether you hit it off the toe, heel or center of the face. The putter allows you — and I have confirmed this — to hit 30+ foot putts dead off the heel or toe without much, or any, noticeable affect on distance or direction.

Because of its reliance on lie-angle balance, the technology won’t be as beneficial if the putter isn’t fit to your lie angle. So make sure — if you’re seriously interested in buying a Directed Force putter — you get fit by a Directed Force Fitter, or do a Remote Fitting with Directed Force, which cost $30 but comes with a $30 discount code if you choose to purchase the putter.

The Numbers

So how do Directed Putters perform? We tested them with two golfers on SAM PuttLab, each of which was fit remotely for Directed Force putters several weeks before the test.

  • Tester 1 was me, a former college golfer and now a 1-handicap, weekend player. I’ve used the same off-the-rack Anser-style putter for the last two years, and only practiced with a Directed Force for about 30 minutes at the PGA Merchandise, which is where we discovered the putters.
  • Tester 2 was GolfWRX’s Zak Kozuchowski, our editor and resident professional golfer. He was recently fit for his gamer, an 8802-style, in the fall by another putter company.

Tester 1: Gamer

Screen Shot 2016-03-10 at 1.55.40 PM Screen Shot 2016-03-10 at 1.56.20 PM Screen Shot 2016-03-10 at 1.58.00 PM

Tester 1: Directed Force

Screen Shot 2016-03-10 at 1.57.09 PMScreen Shot 2016-03-10 at 1.56.51 PMScreen Shot 2016-03-10 at 1.57.34 PM

Tester 1 Data Analysis

  • Consistency improved on average with Directed Force putter (98 percent versus 90 percent with gamer).
  • Face rotated less with Directed Force putter on average.
  • Putter path was more neutral with Directed Force putter on average (3.5 degrees left versus 3.9 degrees with gamer).
  • Putter path improved with Directed Force putter (56 percent consistency versus 52 percent consistency with the gamer).
  • Rise angle was higher with gamer putter (1.6 degrees up versus 1.0 up with the Directed Force).

Tester 2: Gamer

Screen Shot 2016-03-10 at 2.00.41 PMScreen Shot 2016-03-10 at 2.00.53 PMScreen Shot 2016-03-10 at 2.01.02 PM

Tester 2: Directed Force

Screen Shot 2016-03-10 at 2.01.22 PMScreen Shot 2016-03-10 at 2.01.35 PMScreen Shot 2016-03-10 at 2.01.45 PM

Tester 2 Data Analysis

  • Putter path consistency improved with Directed Force on average (95 percent versus 87 percent with gamer).
  • Putter path was 2.3 degrees left with the Directed Force on average, but much more neutral with gamer putter (only 0.5 degrees left).
  • Rise angle was less downward with the gamer (1.1 degrees down) versus 2.6 degrees down with the Directed Force putter on average.
  • Face rotation consistency was better with the gamer on average (93 percent versus 89 percent with the Directed Force)
  • The face rotated less throughout the stroke with the Directed Force on average, and was less closed at impact on average (0.6 degrees versus 1 degree).

The numbers show a rise in consistency for both golfers when using the Directed Force putter compared to gamers. Tester 1, who had little experience with the putter, struggled with alignment, and both players hit more “down” on their putts with the Directed Force, most likely due to the forced forward press.

Therefore, it appears that the Directed Force putters can immediately add consistency to a golfer’s stroke, although it is likely that it will take time for golfers to truly optimize their putting with them.

The Takeaway

DirectedForcePutters7

If you’re going to try a Directed Force putter, make sure you get fit for it. It’s designed to work with your specific lie angle, and isn’t going to be as effective as it could be if it’s more than a few degrees off.

The oversize putter head’s feel and the grip could be a shock to many golfer’s systems, but after just a few putts most golfers will find that they’re no longer even noticing the odd-shaped putter head. And while the setup and stroke that the putter encourages may take some time to master, the benefits are fruitful.

Based on our testing, there’s no question golfers can improve the consistency of their strokes with a Directed Force putter, which is a rare thing to be able to say.

Your Reaction?
  • 279
  • LEGIT47
  • WOW30
  • LOL16
  • IDHT7
  • FLOP7
  • OB5
  • SHANK78

He played on the Hawaii Pacific University Men's Golf team and earned a Masters degree in Communications. He also played college golf at Rutgers University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism.

50 Comments

50 Comments

  1. BK

    Apr 26, 2020 at 3:17 pm

    Excellent reviews about the putter. Nice article. Thank you.

  2. Joe Lavery

    May 11, 2019 at 12:30 pm

    Is there any Directed Force fitters in the greater Toronto area?

  3. BigE

    Apr 25, 2017 at 4:58 am

    I’ve noticed a number of sidesaddle comments here. I’m a sidesaddle putter too. I’d love to give this putter a try at some time. My worry is the weight of the head (350g I think?). Most SS putters tend to run a little heavier IMHO to promote the more pendulum stroke. Plus, I suffer from a bit of the “tremors” in my hands and so need more weight to steady the putter head. I know I could add the weight myself (lead tape etc) – but am then worried the I would reduce the lie angle balance if even only a bit. Maybe a future design could allow for adding weight (plugs etc)? Great design and great idea. But I’m worried about spending $400+ for a putter that might be too light for me.

  4. Bill Presse IV

    Oct 30, 2016 at 5:07 am

    Hey guys ! I just want to say thanks for all the buzz and honest comments…brad purrer, very sorry about your experience. Going forward you can contact me personally bill at directedforce dot com. And mention this thread and I’ll remember who you are, maybe I can make things right or at least try. Also for the record I do remember playing with Shane, the guy is a pretty stick already. When I play with strangers I’ll offer them the use of a demo putter for the round. He play it on the front nine snd also didn’t putt very well either. So on ten I said ‘hey man just play one holes with it and tell me what you think’ he said ‘ok’ … the guy made just about everything he looked at. As the inventor it was really fun to watch his eyes light up and being stoked to grab it out of his bag. I thought it was a fluke, but them about a week later he joined us for another round at the club I play at, so I gave him the same putter to use again. If I hadn’t seen with my own eyes I’d have to question but again he drained everything inside 10 ten feet or so and dropped a couple bombs too. Glad I wasn’t betting him lol

    • charles wright

      Oct 21, 2020 at 11:48 am

      Bill this concept seems really good. I would like to recommend an adjustable lie angle to these, similar to the Cure putters. It would take so much of the guesswork out the purchase. Sincerely, Charles

  5. Joe Duffer

    Aug 12, 2016 at 9:48 pm

    Have you considered making a side-saddle (face-on) model of this putter? If you do, I would recommend designing a narrower face (heel to toe) to address clearance issues. Thx

  6. Barney

    Jun 27, 2016 at 3:08 pm

    Some of my acquaintances at golf course used these oddly shaped golf putter, i cant ever imagine me holding these any time soon. But in the future, i might give it a try

  7. pomo207

    Jun 7, 2016 at 5:21 pm

    I bought this putter at the trade show and had the privilege of being “fit” by the designer Bill Presse. The putter is odd looking and takes awhile getting used to. Once you do get use to it watch out. I won my clubs two man event this past weekend and I made everything I looked at. If I didn’t make I burned the edge or left it just short. This putter is worth every penny.

  8. Hitting The Golf Ball

    Jun 3, 2016 at 2:42 pm

    This looks awesome. And what a detailed review! Thanks.

  9. bad purrer

    May 30, 2016 at 4:35 pm

    tried to order one but the company reps suck…weeks and weeks I wait for a response…..this is a fly by night pos, no way am I spending 400 bucks with these losers.

    • James Wilson

      Jun 1, 2016 at 8:04 pm

      Are you sure you are looking at the correct website? I placed an order and received an order confirmation email immediately. When I called and left a message I received a phone call back from the company about 2 days later letting me know there was a back order. Of course I am a bit disappointed that I have to wait, but back in the mid 80’s it was a 3 month wait for a set of Eye 2 irons. They were worth the wait, and I am positive that this will be as well. Good luck to you, and I hope you find a putter that you can putt well with. I am thinking your post is simply a troll post…

    • Bill Presse IV

      Oct 30, 2016 at 5:14 am

      Please read post I made above , thanks and sorry will try to fix it

  10. JML65

    Mar 28, 2016 at 4:34 pm

    I just ordered one. The technology looks pretty legit to me.

  11. Eye4golf

    Mar 22, 2016 at 10:29 pm

    Living in Albuquerque,NM is there anywhere close I can get fitted and demo one, Scottsdale is a drive but I go down there once in a while so who’s the fitter?

    • 54ispossible

      Mar 23, 2016 at 10:41 am

      Send an email to [email protected]. He is the Director of Tournament Player Relations and lives in the Phoenix area. He is usually able to provide fittings on the weekends in the phoenix area.

  12. Lance

    Mar 22, 2016 at 3:40 pm

    Looks like axis 1 technology with different look and grip.

  13. Large chris

    Mar 22, 2016 at 6:40 am

    Have to admit this is intriguing…. Think I will play around with an old centre shafted putter and some lead tape in the garage and see if I can achieve this same lie angle balance effect.

    • Bill Presse Senior

      Apr 5, 2016 at 8:49 pm

      LC put your reconstructed old putter in the Revealer to ensure it is
      Lie Angle Balanced.

  14. Betheballdanny

    Mar 22, 2016 at 2:25 am

    ParMan is right, it’s stupid good. I now own about 30 obsolete putters. I took one of my anser style putters out the other day thinking it would be fun roll again like I used to do rotating putters in and out. Now I’ve got some real puuuurty putters in the stable so I took out one of my finest (not going to name names) and had hi hopes thinking I’d like it and put good. I rolled a few times and couldn’t believe I used to think it was solid or accurate for that matter. It’s just not a fair fight, the DF has raised the bar on how a putter should perform.

  15. Dan

    Mar 22, 2016 at 12:29 am

    I just need a laser sight and i can consistently 3 putt.

  16. cocheese

    Mar 21, 2016 at 11:47 pm

    Mike,

    Where did you get fit for the putter in Scottsdale? I don’t see a fitter in the area listed on their website.

    Thanks!

    • 54ispossible

      Mar 22, 2016 at 9:32 am

      Send an email to [email protected]. He will be able to fit you in the Phoenix area.

    • Bill Presse IV

      Oct 30, 2016 at 5:17 am

      Update, hotstix and horneceks and Reid west… whisper rock also if you can get in????

  17. 54ispossible

    Mar 21, 2016 at 11:23 pm

    I have a video of the backstrike in the revealer. It fails to stay square like all others.

  18. Ronnie

    Mar 21, 2016 at 11:13 pm

    The Backstryke actually fails in the revealer and does not compare with the technology in the Directed Force Putter.

  19. Mark

    Mar 21, 2016 at 9:47 pm

    So what happens when you hold this putter horizontally and check the toe hang amount? Does it rest like a face balanced putter or does it have some toe hang? Just wondering…

    I think I really want the “revealer” first and see how my putters stack up (all modified, none are “conventional”).

    • Bill Presse Senior

      Apr 5, 2016 at 8:59 pm

      Hi Mark,
      Our development focus has been on developing a putter when held in a putting position, not when held horizontally or vertically.
      So the putter is not face, toe, nor heel balanced when held horizontally. Cause holding a putter horizontally does not mean a thing when you are putting. It is LIE ANGLE BALANCED, which means that when held and then swung in a putting stroke, the face stays square to the arc by itself. Thus eliminating so much use of the small twitch muscles in the hands, wrists and forearms.

  20. Betheballdanny

    Mar 21, 2016 at 8:32 pm

    This putter is like the prom date that puts out, a lot of par savers and birdie putts, may not be the best looking one at the party but starts to get really good looking when the putts drop. I saw someone mention an Oddesey Backstryke ha I have one of those and it’s junk compared to this putter, not even in the same ball park. It took me about one round to realize that I could relax and just pull it back and go. My DF has paid for itself countless times in skins games and playing with the boyz this last summer. Index 2

  21. Dave

    Mar 21, 2016 at 7:20 pm

    I’m sorry, I just couldn’t play it.

  22. Scott Mohn

    Mar 21, 2016 at 5:37 pm

    Due to a tremor in my left hand, I still use the 50″ putter, side saddle. Do they have a 50″ model?

  23. Joe

    Mar 21, 2016 at 5:23 pm

    Good review. Thanks.

  24. Mike howland

    Mar 21, 2016 at 4:36 pm

    I was fit for one when I was out in Scottsdale with a buddy and met one of the reps. The $400 is less than what you spend on a driver and having a putter that literally reduced my putts per round by 4.5 strokes, it is a no brainer. I got rid of the grip and putt a super strike on it – just couldn’t adjust to the feel/shape and it clicked. It’s not the sexiest by any stretch, but it flat out performs and will save you strokes. ~or~ you can go dump $400 on a Scotty and keep missing them but look pretty. I traded my hand made Piretti for it and then sold the Scotty X5 after 2 rounds. Zero 3 putts.

    • 54ispossible

      Mar 21, 2016 at 7:21 pm

      Glad you like it Mike! We will have to tee it up next time I’m in Houston!

      Chris

  25. 2Short

    Mar 21, 2016 at 4:01 pm

    Interesting that they didn’t ‘spin’ any other branded center shafted putters with that gizmo. Of course the axix is off with a non center shafted putter if you spin it.

    • Chris Herrbach

      Mar 21, 2016 at 4:09 pm

      Other brand center shafted putters spin around like the non center shafted. I’ve seen it myself. They demonstrated at the PGA show.

    • ParMan

      Mar 21, 2016 at 5:43 pm

      2Short you have to experience this thing in person. 10 putts with it compared to 10 putts with whatever you are using would be enough to show you. I watched over 100 people demo this a the Minnesota golf show and EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM putted better and loved the “feel” of it swaying back and forth through the putt. I was very skeptical but tried it, bought one, and have shot my 2 best rounds since using it. I absolutely LOVE it. Guys I play with laughed at me when they saw it… then I laughed when they were paying me after the round and now they want to buy one lol

  26. Tider992010

    Mar 21, 2016 at 3:21 pm

    Looks a little like a bottle opener. Interesting tech through!

  27. alexdub

    Mar 21, 2016 at 3:04 pm

    I think that the price point is really going to be the killer. Whether or not the technology actually helps, the $400 price point is out of market for the casual AM’s who would most benefit from this putter. At 400, they are hitting that Scotty/Betti market. Will anyone—I mean anyone—in that market purchase this putter?

    • Carlos Danger

      Mar 21, 2016 at 4:31 pm

      No way people in that market purchase this. Because people in that market are more interested in getting the pretty/custom Betti/Scotty/Byron/etc…to show off than they are buying some atrocity that helps them make a 3 footer.

      Believe me I know…Im one of those people

      • Donald Matunis

        Mar 22, 2016 at 12:15 am

        May i ask how much you have in your irons and woods. And how many times per round you use them. Especially the driver and 3wood

  28. JAG

    Mar 21, 2016 at 3:01 pm

    I don’t think it’s bad looking at all, it’s a little funky, but compared to some of the monstrosities out there it looks like it could disappear after a few uses. The matte black helps a lot in that regard. It kind of reminds me of a fighter jet. As for the four hundred bucks, how often does a true innovation come along in golf? Assuming this is the first putter to ever be lie angle balanced. I think he should charge whatever he thinks he can get for something that no one else has to offer. I’ll definitely test it and may have to start saving my pennies. People spend that kind of money all the time for a driver and something that gets the ball in the hole should be worth that or more!

    • Bill Presse IV

      Oct 30, 2016 at 5:25 am

      Thank you, it’s was more expensive to make than most other $400 putters and each one is hand balanced to perfection as well. 100% made in the USA

  29. ooffa

    Mar 21, 2016 at 2:16 pm

    400 bucks? Really? C’mon that’s gotta be a misprint.

    • ParMan

      Mar 21, 2016 at 5:47 pm

      Check out the pricing for custom fit putters. Edel, Scottys, etc. $400 is still cheaper than a new driver and you take more strokes with your putter. Why spend $200 on a putter that doesn’t work. This thing is money, and you’ll win enough money off your friends with fewer strokes so it will pay itself off over time. After using this lie angle balanced putter, I could never go back. I’m a 2 handicap and have bought a new putter each year the past 5 years trying to shave those last 2 strokes off my handicap. My first 2 rounds with the Directed Force? Par. Par. Once the next handicap revision comes I should be at scratch so I feel like it’s the best $400 I’ve EVER spent on golf equipment.

  30. PKS

    Mar 21, 2016 at 1:42 pm

    I like the concept, as I use a center shafted putter, but I don’t think I could get comfortable looking at that putter head.

    • ParMan

      Mar 21, 2016 at 5:49 pm

      It took me some time practicing to get used to it but once more putts started going in and 3 putts disappeared I love it now

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Equipment

Blade vs. mallet: What style putters do the top-50 players in the world use? (2022 update)

Published

on

Four years ago, I wrote an article where I analyzed the putters that the top-50 players in the world were using, and the top-50 players in strokes gained: putting. I wanted to find out whether more mallet-style putters, or blade-style putters, were being used by the world’s best.

In 2018, I found that 44 percent of the top-50 players in the Official World Golf Rankings were using mallet style putters, and 56 percent of the top-50 in strokes gained: putting were using mallet putters.

Flash forward to 2022, and it would seem that more and more top golfers are switching into mallet putters – Scottie Scheffler, for example, just switched into a mallet putter after using a blade-style putter throughout his career.

What are the actual numbers, though? Are more top PGA Tour players really using mallet putters these days, or is the shift overblown?

I wanted to find out.

For my research, I simply went through the most recent GolfWRX WITB photos, and the most recent photos on Getty Images, to figure out what style putter each player in the Top-50 in the OWGR is using, as well as each Top-50 player in strokes gained: putting on the PGA Tour for the 2021-22 season.

Below are the results:

Top-50 in OWGR: Blade or Mallet?

Mallet putter users, 62 percent (31 out of 50)

Rory McIlroy’s TaylorMade Spider Tour mallet putter

Rory McIlroy (No. 1: TaylorMade Spider Tour Hydroblast)

Scottie Scheffler (No. 2: Scotty Cameron T-5.5 Proto)

Patrick Cantlay (No. 4: Scotty Cameron T5 Proto)

Jon Rahm (N0. 5: Odyssey Rossie S White Hot OG)

Xander Schauffele (No. 6: Odyssey O-Works #7 CH Red)

Will Zalatoris (No. 7: Scotty Cameron Circle T Phantom X T-11 Proto)

Justin Thomas (No. 8: Scotty Cameron T5 Proto Tour-Only custom)

Viktor Hovland (No. 11: Ping PLD DS 72)

Sam Burns (No. 12: Odyssey O-Works 7S)

Billy Horschel (No. 16: Ping PLD Sigma 2 Tyne 4)

Cameron Young (No. 17: Scotty Cameron T5 prototype)

Max Homa (No. 18: Scotty Cameron Phantom X T5.5 Prototype)

Sungjae Im (No. 20: Scotty Cameron Flowback 5 Prototype)

Shane Lowry: (No. 21: Odyssey DFX 2-ball)

Abraham Ancer (No. 23: Odyssey White Hot No. 5 Stroke Lab)

Keegan Bradley (No. 25: Odyssey Versa Jailbird)

Sepp Straka (No. 27: Odyssey Tuttle Stroke Lab)

Tyrrell Hatton (No. 28: Ping Vault Oslo)

Kevin Kisner (No. 29: Odyssey 2-Ball 11)

Dustin Johnson (No. 30: TaylorMade Spider GT Black)

Corey Conners (No. 31: Ping PLD Prototype)

Tom Hoge (No. 32: TaylorMade Spider X Hydroblast)

K.H. Lee (No. 33: Odyssey Works Versa 2-ball)

Adam Scott (No. 34: L.A.B. Golf Mezz.1 prototype)

Aaron Wise (No. 36: TaylorMade Ghost)

Brian Harman (No. 37: TaylorMade OS CB)

Daniel Berger (No. 43: TaylorMade Spider X Hydroblast)

Jason Kokrak (No. 44: Bettinardi Studio Stock 38)

Harold Varner III (No. 46: Odyssey White Hot OG 7S)

Seamus Power (No. 48: Ping PLD3 Mallet)

Harris English (No. 49: Ping Scottsdale Hohum)

Blade putter users, 38 percent (19 out of 50)

Tom Kim’s new custom Scotty Cameron blade-style putter

Cameron Smith (No. 3: Scotty Cameron 009M Prototype)

Collin Morikawa (No. 9: TaylorMade TP Soto)

Matt Fitzpatrick (No. 10: Bettinardi DASS Prototype)

Jordan Spieth (No. 13: Scotty Cameron 009 tour prototype)

Tony Finau (No. 14: Ping PLD Prototype)

Joohyung “Tom” Kim (No. 15: Scotty Cameron TourType GSS Prototype)

Hideki Matsuyama (No. 19: Scotty Cameron Newport 2 GSS)

Joaquin Niemann (No. 22: Prototype Ping PLD Anser)

Tommy Fleetwood (No. 24: TaylorMade TP Juno)

Ryan Fox (No. 26: Ping Anser 2D)

Thomas Pieters (No. 35: Scotty Cameron Squareback Select 2 Tour Only)

Talor Gooch (No. 38: Odyssey Tri-Hot Two)

Brooks Koepka (No. 39: Scotty Cameron Teryllium TNP2)

Kevin Na (No. 40: Odyssey Toulon Madison)

Kurt Kitayama (No. 41: Scotty Cameron Newport prototype)

Louis Oosthuizen (No. 42: Ping Vault 2.0 Voss)

Mito Pereira (No. 45: Ping Vault 2.0 Dale Anser Stealth)

Paul Casey (No. 47: Scotty Cameron 009M Prototype)

Alex Noren (No. 50: Odyssey O-Works 1W)

Top-50 in Strokes Gained: Putting

Mallet users: 70 percent (35 of 50 players)

Kelly Kraft’s custom Odyssey Versa 1-Ball Red prototype mallet

Lucas Herbert (No. 1: TaylorMade Spider X Hydroblast)

Denny McCarthy (No. 2: Scotty Cameron GoLo N7)

Tyrrell Hatton (No. 4: Ping Vault Oslo)

Beau Hossler (No. 5: Odyssey 2-Ball Ten)

Christiaan Bezuidenhout (No. 6: Odyssey White Hot OG #7)

Kelly Kraft (No. 7: Odyssey Versa 1-ball Red Prototype)

Kevin Kisner (No. 9: Odyssey 2-ball 11)

Sam Burns (No. 10: Odyssey O-Works 7S)

Martin Trainer (No. 12: Scotty Cameron Circle T Prototype Phantom T12)

Chesson Hadley (No. 13: Odyssey White Hot OG 2-Ball)

Mackenzie Hughes (No. 14: Ping Scottsdale TR Piper C)

Rory McIlroy (No. 16: TaylorMade Spider Tour Hydroblast)

Ian Poulter (No. 17: Scotty Cameron T-11 Proto)

Justin Rose (No. 20: Axis1 Rose Prototype)

Billy Horschel (No. 21: Ping PLD Sigma 2 Tyne 4)

Matthew Wolff (No. 23: TaylorMade GT Notchback)

Adam Long (No. 24: Scotty Cameron T5 Proto)

Viktor Hovland (No. 25: Ping PLD DS 72)

Max Homa (No. 27: Scotty Cameron Phantom X T5.5 Prototype)

Patrick Cantlay (T28: Scotty Cameron T5 Proto)

Jon Rahm (T28: Odyssey Rossie S White Hot OG)

Wyndham Clark (No. 31: Scotty Cameron T5 Proto)

Xander Schauffele (No. 32: Odyssey O-Works #7 CH Red)

Vince Whaley (No. 33: Odyssey White Hot OG #7)

Rory Sabbatini (No. 34: Scotty Cameron Flowback Prototype)

Austin Cook (T35: Ping Sigma G Tyne)

Sungjae Im (No. 37: Scotty Cameron Flowback 5 Prototype)

Andrew Putnam (No. 38: Odyssey Stroke Lab Black Rossie)

Sepp Straka (No. 39: Odyssey Tuttle Stroke Lab)

Seamus Power (No. 40: Ping PLD3 Mallet)

J.T. Poston (T41: Scotty Cameron GoLo 5 Black Tour Prototype)

Adam Scott (T41: L.A.B. Golf Mezz.1 prototype)

Troy Merritt (No. 43: Yes! C-Groove Mollie Tour)

Jason Kokrak (T46: Bettinardi Studio Stock 38)

Mark Hubbard (No. 50: Odyssey Metal X Milled #9HT)

Blade users: 30 percent (15 of 50)

Matthew Fitzpatrick’s custom Bettinardi blade-style putter

Brendon Todd (No. 3: Sik Pro C-Series)

Cameron Smith (No. 8: Scotty Cameron 009M Prototype)

Matt Kuchar (No. 11: Bettinardi Tour Department SS28 DASS)

Marc Leishman (No. 15: Odyssey Versa #6)

Alex Noren (No. 18: Odyssey O-Works 1W)

Maverick McNealy (No. 19: Toulon Stanford MM Custom)

Matt Fitzpatrick (No. 22: Bettinardi DASS Prototype)

Tommy Fleetwood (No. 26: TaylorMade TP Juno)

Patrick Rodgers (No. 30: Odyssey Toulon San Diego)

Seung-Yul Noh (T35: Scotty Cameron Select Prototype)

Scott Stallings (No. 44: Scotty Cameron Newport 2.6 Prototype)

Brooks Koepka (No. 45: Scotty Cameron Teryllium TNP2)

Justin Lower (T46: PXG Prototype)

Richy Werenski (No. 48: Scotty Cameron Circle T Prototype)

Patrick Reed (No. 49: Odyssey White Hot Pro #3)

Conclusion

In 2018, 44 percent of the top-50 players in the Official World Golf Rankings were using mallet style putters, and 56 percent of the top-50 in strokes gained: putting were using mallet putters.

In 2022, 62 percent of the top-50 players in the OWGR use mallet style putters, and 70 percent of the top-50 in strokes gained: putting were using mallet style putters.

What do you think this means?

To me, it means that each golfer should try as many putters as possible – under the supervision of a professional fitter or local club professional – and find the best possible putter to fit their stroke style and preferences.

Your Reaction?
  • 184
  • LEGIT41
  • WOW14
  • LOL5
  • IDHT4
  • FLOP2
  • OB1
  • SHANK13

Continue Reading

Putter Reviews

REVIEW: Ping’s new PLD (Putting Lab Design) putters for 2022

Published

on

Not every golfer has access to custom-built golf putters like PGA Tour players do, but with Ping’s new PLD (Putting Lab Design) program, they can get pretty darn close.

Through the newly launched website, pingpld.com, golfers will have access to precision milled putters like the ones seen on Tour, and they can even customize their own putter with a Tour-level fitting experience either online or in person.

There’s three essential levels to the new PLD program: PLD Custom, PLD Limited and PLD Milled. Each of the levels comes with different putter options at differing price points.

“The PLD program allows us to bring golfers more of what we do best – design and build the highest-performing custom putters in the game,” said Ping President John K. Solheim, in a press release. “It offers nearly endless possibilities. Golfers can craft their own custom design through PLD Custom, choose the proven performance of a PLD Milled model or add to their putter collection by acquiring a PLD Limited. It gives golfers a chance to play what the pros play and own a piece of Ping history.”

“We established the PLD name several years ago as an extension of the PING Putting Lab,
where we’ve been fitting some of the top players in the world for more than 20 years,” said
Solheim. “Until now, access to the master fitters who deliver these custom putter experiences has been limited to the best players in the game. We can now bring golfers what they’ve been asking for either through a virtual or in-person experience.”

Below, we go further in-depth on each of the three options within the PLD program.

Ping PLD Milled

PGA Tour players such as Viktor Hovland, Tony Finau and Bubba Watson use Ping PLD precision milled putters, and now consumers will have access to those Tour-proven putters.

Each of the heads (Anser, Anser 2, DS72 and Prime Tyne 4) are machine milled from forged 303 stainless steel. Ping offers a breakdown of the specs for each available model, which will sell for $485 each:

Anser

Slight Arc
350g
Matte Black finish
Ping black graphite shaft
Lie Angle: 20° +/- 4°
Loft: 3° +3°/- 2°

Anser 2

Slight Arc
350g
Satin finish
Chrome stepless steel shaft
Lie Angle: 20° +/- 4°
Loft: 3° +3°/- 2°

DS72

Straight Stroke
365g
Satin finish
Chrome stepless steel shaft
Lie Angle: 20° +/- 2°
Loft: 3° +3°/- 2°

Prime Tyne 4

Aerospace grade, machined aluminum hosel
Strong Arc
360g
Matte Black finish
Matte-black stepless steel shaft
Lie Angle: 20° +/- 4°
Loft: 3° +3°/- 2°

“The PLD Milled is an exciting addition to our putter line,” said John K. Solheim. “We’ve
identified a couple of our most popular models from the past and some newer designs that have attracted a lot of attention in the last couple of years. We’ve given the new putters a very clean, premium look to emphasize the precision process they undergo before they are ready for play. As we collaborate on new designs with our engineers and tour staff through the PLD program, we’ll add new models to bring golfers the latest in tour-proven performance on the putting green.”

Ping PLD Limited

Ping’s PLD Limited will feature periodic limited-edition releases consisting of either putters that are played on Tour, or iconic designs from history. According to Ping, these putters are mostly targeted toward collectors, so they will have serialized numbers and will not be available for custom modifications.

For its first release ($790), Ping developed a 2022 version of the original Ping Anser, celebrating the 55th Anniversary of receiving the original Anser Patent on March 21, 1967.

“A lot of time has passed since the invention of the Anser putter,” said John A. Solheim, Ping’s Chairman & CEO and the youngest son of Karsten Solheim, who designed the original putter. “We think it’s important to remind the golf industry and some of the younger golfers that the iconic design they see with other brands’ name on it was created by Karsten in his garage in the mid-1960s. I was fortunate to be at his side building the first Ansers, and continued to do so for many years. It’s time Karsten gets the credit he deserves for inventing the Anser putter.”

Ping PLD Custom

The highest level in the Ping PLD program feature the PLD Custom putters, where golfers can customize their own designs with either the help of a Ping Master fitter in person, or virtually through the PLD program online. To help golfers find their perfect putter, they will use the PLD iPing putting app, and a Ping Master fitter will analyze the player’s data to recommend a putter.

Then, golfers can fully customize the putter to their liking, with ability to change head model, Tungsten weighting, face milling, finish, alignment aids, stampings and paint fill. Ping’s Master Fitters will also help golfers get the correct length, lie angle and loft for their stroke and biometrics.

The putters themselves will sell for $1,290, and a $200 non-refundable payment is required to schedule and participate in a PLD Custom Fitting, whether it’s virtually or in person.

Personally, I received a Ping PLD Custom Fitting in-person at the company’s indoor facility in Phoenix, Arizona. After identifying my stroke flaws (of which there many) using Ping’s iPing putting app, I tried out a slew of different head options and we made head adjustments along the way to figure out what truly works. Here were my final specs:

Head model: Ping Anser
Finish: Patina
Weight: 350 grams
Alignment line/dot: None
Stamping: “T” on the hosel
Length: 35.5 inches
Shaft: Chrome Stepless Steel
Grip: PP58 Black Midsize

What blew me away most was how impactful length and lie angle can be on comfort at address and stroke pattern. Even minor changes felt drastic. Also, the depth of face milling can truly change both feel and sound; I never realized how much.

Another point of note: Switching up alignment lines obviously can affect aim, but for me, they also influenced my stroke itself due to the visual changes. I highly suggest going through a full putter fitting to determine what specifications you prefer for yourself.

Check out the photos below of the putter that was designed for me through my work with a Ping Master Fitter:

Ping PLD putters are available for pre-order today, and head over to Ping’s PLD website to book your own fitting here.

Your Reaction?
  • 126
  • LEGIT12
  • WOW15
  • LOL4
  • IDHT3
  • FLOP1
  • OB0
  • SHANK10

Continue Reading

Putter Reviews

WRX Spotlight Review: T Squared TS-713i Standard Series putter

Published

on

Product:  T Squared TS-713i Standard Series Putter

About T Squared: T Squared Putters is a small putter manufacturer just south of Buffalo, New York. The company was founded by Tony Tuber who created his first prototype putters, after hours, in his father’s machine shop. Since then Tony and his father have been creating high-quality putters in the same facility that creates high precision instruments for the medical field. They pride themselves on creating the highest quality, most precise putter they can offer. They offer a few different head shapes from small traditional blades to high MOI mallets and even a custom program to get exactly what you want.

The Ts-713i Standard Series is based on the Ts-713, the first prototype that Tony created. It is a blade-style putter with a slightly longer flange and a unique face insert milled from 6061 aluminum. The body of the Ts713i is milled from a solid block of 303 stainless steel that is produced in the USA and has a Teflon backing between the body and face insert.

This Teflon backing helps give the putter a softer feel at impact and reduce any unwanted vibration. Details are what T Squared is all about and the neck of the putter shows off their milling expertise. The neck is similar to a plumbers neck, built with multiple pieces and offering some cool texture on the section bonded to the head. Another great detail is that all the silver markings on the putter are not filled with paint, they are milled into the head. T Squared finished the head in a sharp matte black and then milled all the markings on the putter for a unique, shiny silver look that really stands out. Ts-713i putters are built for customizing and have a ton of options that you can select if you would like to build something totally unique

On the green, the T Squared TS-713i really performs fantastic. I found the feel at impact very solid without any unwanted vibration. The impact produces a muted click and soft feel that I wasn’t expecting from this aluminum insert and thin face. The deep milling and Teflon coated back to the insert really work together to produce a great, responsive feel that I enjoyed. Deep milling usually makes me a little worried because it can soften the putter too much and lose that feel we all demand.

The TS-713i has no issues and transmits impact feel back to your hands with ease. Mishits are a little louder and harsh, but nothing even close to unpleasant. I have used putters that don’t feel as good on perfectly struck shots as the TS-713i feels on mishit putts. Distance and accuracy on those mishit putts are not as drastic as you would expect with a blade putter. I often just missed the cup by small margins when I struck a putt on the toe or heel of the TS-713i. There aren’t too many blade putters that have shown this level of forgiveness on the green for me.

The “T” alignment aid on the flange of the putter is large and easy to use. Not only do you get a straight line from the face to the back edge for alignment, but the back of the “T” also helps you square the putter up to your target. The Pure grip is not my thing, and it would be great for T Squared to offer a few more options, but that is an easy fix and a very minor criticism.

Overall, the T Squared TS-713i is a great putter from young Tony Tuber that exceeded my expectations. His attention to detail, precision milling, and take on a classic head shape offer golfers something different without sacrificing any performance. If you are looking for a great feeling putter that is made in the USA, you should take a look at T Squared and see what they can make for you.

Your Reaction?
  • 61
  • LEGIT15
  • WOW6
  • LOL2
  • IDHT2
  • FLOP5
  • OB0
  • SHANK6

Continue Reading

WITB

Facebook

Trending