At one time I believed that the best putter one could purchase was a Scotty Cameron. If you can easily misplace or hide $2500 plus from the wife, you can purchase the holy grail of all putters, the Cameron 009…

The Cameron 009 is quite possibly the most coveted of all Cameron putters, except for Tiger’s own personal magic wand. Unfortunately, not all of us have a spare $2500 + laying around, myself included.  Luckily for the masses, we have some great options. Options that are more attractive than any "off the rack" Scotty Cameron flatstick.  In fact, I could argue that the off the rack offerings coming out of the Cameron studio are pretty lame right now. Two companies that come to mind are Byron Putters and C&L 350 Milled.

Sure, there are myriad offerings in the boutique, custom putter market, but I am speaking from personal experience and a lighter wallet. For a lot less than any used Circle T putter, I purchased 2 Byrons and a 350 Milled C&L putter. Both custom finished to my own exact specifications. Want your initials stamped? Done. Want a special finish? No problem. Want a special headweight? Sure. Almost forgot, you need a sound slot as well? Absolutely. In less than 4 weeks since placing my Byron 007 putter order, I was the proud owner of my first Byron 007 Oil Can putter.

Oil Can Byron 007 with Club Byron AME headcover.

This Byron 006 is right at home with this AME Golfwrx.com headcover.

Oh sure, I still love my Scotty Cameron Inspired By David Duval putter, but it may have a really difficult time getting back in my bag as my gamer. I can remember when I switched from an old Ping Anser to my first Cameron, I was in love and I thought that love would last forever. We are all fairly fickle when it comes to putters. Well, maybe nowhere as much as Mark Calcaveccia is. The Byron 007 just feels like such an advancement in feel, and especially in the looks or quality department. It certainly doesn’t look or feel mass produced in any way, shape or form. Order an 006 or 007, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

As you can clearly see, the face milling on this Byron 007 (above) is second to none.

Black oxide Byron 006 is a real looker.

Interior pocket milling is evident as are the handstamped Byron letters.

Soon after purchasing my Byron putters I gave in and called Lee at C&L 350 Milled putters and placed my putter order directly with him. Being able to pick up the phone, speak about putters and then order a custom putter from one of the company’s owners is like a breath of fresh air. I asked Lee if it was possible to get pictures of my custom 350 Milled flatstick all through the manufacturing process. He happily obliged!

She looks a little raw right now, but she won’t after smoothing and an oil can bath.

Being able to see the putter’s progress up close really makes you love your putter that much more. My Oil Can C&L 350 milled putter won’t be here for about a month, but from the looks of the raw putter pics, I am confident that I’ll love it right out of the box, no questions asked. Well, I may ask, "Why didn’t I order this sooner?"

My raw putter, clamped down in the vice getting my initials punched by Chip himself.

It looks really neat to see the milling and stamps; sans oil can finish/paintfill.

I think that Scotty Cameron has really separated himself from the golfing masses. Unless of course you desire any of his non-traditional, newer offerings. In fact, older pro platinum, oil can, gun blue and studio stainless are beginning to cost more USED, even for the non-limited edition stuff. If you desire a tour caliber putter, you’ll have to pay used car prices for that 009. Great putter companies like C&L 350 Milled Putters and Byron Morgan Putters are providing the services that Scotty won’t. Personalized, custom putters at a fraction of the price, not off the rack and with 100% of the quality, finish and feel that many hardcore putters simply desire and demand. Hopefully these guys won’t turn into a Scotty Cameron Studio anytime soon, because I’ll want to place another order or two again in the very near future!