Equipment
Cleveland launches new TFi 2135 and Huntington Beach Collection Putters
In 2015, Cleveland launched a line of TFi putters that feature a raised sight line that was positioned at the equator of a golf ball to make alignment easier. After positive results and reviews, including one of our own, Cleveland has extended its line with new mallet options.
While the TFi putters have a less-than-classic look, Cleveland is also offering options for traditionalists by launching its new Huntington Beach Collection putters — named after the sea-side town in California where the company resides.
With two drastically different lines for golfers with different needs and preferences on the greens, Cleveland may just have a putter suited for everyone.
See what GolfWRX members are saying about the putters in our forums.
New TFi Models
For a reminder of how the technology works, here’s a graphic from Cleveland.
Like the original models, each of the new mallet heads have a milled, copper-infused aluminum face with a layer behind it made from polymer; the combination creates a softer feel. And since the face is significantly lighter than a face made from steel, weight was able to be distributed more rearward in the putter heads for greater stability and forgiveness on off-center hits, according to Cleveland.
Below are the three new models; Cero, Elevado (and Elevado Counter-Balanced option), and Mezzo.
TFi Cero
The new Cero has an elongated sightline, and a ring-like shape for stability and forgiveness. Its head weight is 370 grams, and it’s available in 33-, 34- and 35-inch lengths.
TFi Elevado
The Elevado has two wings for both added stability and additional assistance with alignment. It’s available in 33-, 34- and 35-inch with a head weight of 370 grams.
The TFi Eleveado also comes in a counter-balanced model, which has a head weight of 405 grams, and is available in lengths of 35 and 38 inches.
TFi Mezzo
The lightest of the TFi extension line is the Mezzo, with a head weight of 360 grams. It has a center-shafted design with slight onset, and has new-age, angular head shape.
TFi Specs
The new TFi putters will be available on Sept. 16 for $159.99 (the Elevado Counter-Balanced option will sell for $199.99). There will be a $10 upcharge for the Winn Pro X (1.32 inches) grip.
Related: Our review of the oroginal TFi 2135 models
Huntington Beach
The Huntington Beach Collection features three models (No. 6, No. 4 and No. 1), each of which are made from soft 304 Stainless Steel with a precision-milled face.
The diamond-shaped pattern on the face, which measures 0.012 inches, is four times deeper than the company’s Classic Collection HB putter faces (0.003 inches). The depth of the milling is designed to impart more friction on the golf ball for a truer roll, as well as a softer feel.
Learn more about each of the head styles below, each of which can be bent 4 degrees in each direction to fit your desired lie angle.
HB No. 1
The No. 1 is a blade with a plumber’s neck with soft, curved edges, and weighs in at 345 grams.
HB No. 4
Model No. 4 is also a blade with a plumber’s neck, but has more sharp edges and angles for a more-squared off look.
HB No. 6
Cleveland’s No. 6 model is a mid-mallet with a double-bend shaft.
Specs
Each of the Huntington Beach putters will be available for $99.99 on Sept. 16, and there will be a $10 upcharge for a Winn Pro X grip (1.32 inches).
See what GolfWRX members are saying about the putters in our forums.
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Equipment
A shocking Backstryke putter appearance + 7 interesting gear photos from the Zurich Classic
Welcome to New Orleans, where TPC Louisiana plays host to the 2024 Zurich Classic. In between breakfast beignets and nightly Creole feasts, PGA Tour players are also competing in the unique two-man format at the Zurich this week.
Although the vibes in Nawlins are a bit lighter-fare than the recent back-to-back competitions the Masters and the RBC Heritage signature event), the gear news was no less serious this week.
We spotted some recent changes from Rory McIlroy, a very rare Odyssey Backstryke putter, dove into the bag of legendary New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, and spotted Patrick Cantlay continuing to test new equipment.
Get your beads out and crack your crawfish, because it’s time for an equipment rundown from The Big Easy (meaning New Orleans, of course, not Ernie Els).
See all of our photos from the Zurich Classic here
Rory’s on-and-off lob wedge
Since the end of 2023, Rory McIlroy has had an on-again, off-again relationship with a Titleist Vokey K-Grind lob wedge. In his last start, it was on, and the wedge is back in the bag again this week. We got a great look at the complicated grind that McIlroy uses.
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A full look into McIlroy’s bag above also shows that he switched out of the TaylorMade BRNR Mini Copper that he used at the RBC Heritage, and he’s back into the Qi10 core 3-wood. As we discussed last week, McIlroy will likely keep the BRNR around as a course-specific club, trading it in and out for the 3-wood.
See Rory McIlroy’s full 2024 WITB from the Zurich here
Turning Back the clock
Unless Tommy Gainey is in the field, it’s unlikely you’ll ever see Odyssey’s Backstryke technology make an appearance on the PGA Tour.
But then, when you least expect it, Russ Cochran shows up.
For more than a decade – since the 2013 Sony Open in Hawai’i – Cochran has been stuck on 599 PGA Tour starts. This week will be his 600th.
Cochran is in the field at the Zurich this week playing alongside Eric Cole, whose regular caddie is Reed Cochran, Russ’s son.
The Backstryke putter was first released back in 2010, and its unique design helps shift the axis point of the putter closer to the CG of the head. And, the putter is getting a nod this week at the Zurich Classic, thanks to Cochran’s 600th career PGA Tour start.
The putter is certainly awesome, but don’t forget to check out Cochran’s full WITB from this week.
Drew Brees with a Super Bowl winning Scotty Cameron putter
Drew Brees, a legendary retired quarterback for the hometown New Orleans Saints, made an appearance at the Zurich’s Wednesday Pro-Am, playing alongside Zach Johnson, Ryan Palmer, and current Saints QB Derek Carr.
Brees’ bag included a TaylorMade Stealth2 Plus driver, a BRNR Mini 13.5-degree, a Stealth 5-wood, a mixed set of P-790 and P-760 irons, Milled Grind Hi-Toe wedges, and a custom Scotty Cameron “New Orleans Saints” putter, which Scotty made for Brees following his Super Bowl MVP-winning performance in 2010.
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It should also be noted that Brees has his Venmo QR code as a bag tag.
If you’re gambling with Brees on the course, just know that not having cash won’t work as an excuse.
Brilliant.
See Drew Brees’ full WITB from the Zurich here
Stricker’s unrecognizable putter
Steve Stricker has made numerous upgrades to his bag recently, including a new TSR3 driver and T100 irons, but his longtime Odyssey White Hot No. 2 putter is still going strong. It’s the most recognizable unrecognizable putter ever.
Here’s a better look at Stricker’s flatstick, which he started using back in 2007.
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Patrick Cantlay has opened the equipment-switching floodgates
Over on the PGA Tour’s Equipment Report this week, we covered Cantlay’s recent switch into Ping Blueprint S irons, and a Titleist TSR2 driver.
Cantlay hadn’t switched irons for about seven years, so the iron switch he made at The 2024 Masters came as a shock to the norm. He simply isn’t one to change gear very often, so anytime Cantlay makes a switch, it’s news.
It seems the floodgates of equipment testing have opened up a bit for Cantlay, who was also spotted testing a custom Scotty Cameron blade putter on Tuesday this week. By Wednesday, Cantlay was back practicing with his familiar Scotty Cameron T5 Proto mallet, but it’s certainly something to keep an eye on going forward.
Daniel Berger’s custom Jailbird site lines
Berger, who’s currently using Odyssey’s Ai-One Mini Jailbird mallet putter, has a unique 3-dot, 2-line alignment on the crown of his navy-white-navy-white mallet putter. Looking down at the putter, it’s easy to see why this alignment system would help; it just seems impossible to set up to the ball off-center, or misaligned to the target.
Also, for anyone worried, you can rest easy. Yes, he’s still playing the 2013 TaylorMade TP MC irons, which we highlighted in our recent “Modern Classics: Old vs. New” video testing series.
FitzMagic teams back up
Brothers Matthew and Alex Fitzpatrick are teaming up once again at the Zurich this year, and Bettinardi Golf hooked them up with some festive “FitzMagic” headcovers to match this week.
See what else is in Alex Fitzpatrick’s WITB here
And, with that, we say goodbye to the Zurich Classic in New Orleans. Don’t forget to check out all of our photos from this week, including 30 unique photo galleries full of equipment photos.
We’ll see you next week in Texas for the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson!
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Whats in the Bag
Alejandro Tosti WITB 2024 (April)
- Alejandro Tosti what’s in the bag accurate as of the Zurich Classic.
Driver: Srixon ZX5 Mk II LS (9.5 degrees @10.5)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS T1100 75 6.5
3-wood: TaylorMade Qi10 Tour
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Black 80 TX
Hybrid: TaylorMade Qi10 Tour Rescue (22 degrees)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX 6.5 100
Irons: Srixon ZX7 Mk II (4-PW)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Mid Tour Issue X100
Wedges: Cleveland RTX6 ZipCore Tour Rack (50-10 MID, 54-10 MID, 58-10 MID, 60-06 LOW)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Mid Tour Issue X100, S400
Putter: Scotty Cameron
Grips: Golf Pride MCC Plus4
Check out more in-hand photos of Alejandro Tosti’s WITB in the forums.
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Whats in the Bag
Drew Brees WITB 2024 (April)
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Driver: TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus (10.5 degrees)
Mini driver: TaylorMade BRNR Mini Copper (13.5 degrees)
5-wood: TaylorMade Stealth Plus (19 degrees)
Irons: TaylorMade P790 (4-8, PW), TaylorMade P760 (9)
Wedges: TaylorMade MG Hi-Toe (52-09, 56-10, 60)
Putter: Scotty Cameron Select Newport 2 Prototype
Check out more in-hand photos of Drew Brees’ clubs here.
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Realist
Aug 23, 2016 at 12:35 pm
I rocked a Cleveland HB6 for a while. Really enjoyed the feel but the head felt so light. I then went to a Ping Piper S, Scotty fastback, and now I am hooked with my Nike Method Mod. It is the perfect combo of weight, milled feel but softness of an insert. Going to buy another one before they all but disappear from the market.
lefty
Aug 17, 2016 at 10:34 am
no lefties for the tfi….Cleveland your killing us
kade
Aug 17, 2016 at 6:52 pm
theres a lift in the 2135 tfi 1
tlmck
Aug 17, 2016 at 5:04 am
I have used Clevelands in the past with good success. Did not care much for the brass faced versions. However, since getting my Bettinardi Queen Bee 6, I have stopped putter shopping.
Pub
Aug 17, 2016 at 3:21 am
The Elevate looks GOOD! A nice play on the old #7 type. Good job, Cleveland
christian
Aug 16, 2016 at 10:37 pm
I tried the TFi earlier this year on a whim the over-length conterbalanced model with an oversized blade-look head. It was automatic, I bought it and it’s easily the best putter I have had. EVERYBODY I know that tries it are hugely impressed too..It looks a bit odd, but the results speak for themselves. My buddy has a counterbalanced Scotty, also over-length, and he got this absent look in his eyes after trying my putter around the practice green.
Justin
Aug 16, 2016 at 12:02 pm
Honestly, aside from the sole of the putter, these look cheap to me. They almost have a “cast” look to them like the old original Ping Ansers (which I understand some people like). They just don’t have that refined look of Cameron, Bettinardi, Toulon, Edel, Lamb, etc.
But then again, I’m not sure what more we could really expect for the excellent price point of $99. Those other putters I mentioned routinely sell for $300+ and in most cases much more.
4puttfor90
Aug 15, 2016 at 6:40 pm
Now I’m not going to sit here and comment saying I’ve used every putter on the market… However, I have used a large majority of them; from Betti’s to Topflite, (even the dreaded “Scotty faced milled’s). I will say that Cleveland struggles to sell putters, I don’t really know why because they are basically a cheaper version of the Scotty Cameroon’s you see flying out the door with an almost $400 price tag? Please.
I am not the best putter in the world hence why I have garnered the nickname “4puttfor90”. Cleveland is actually trying to help people save strokes off their putting game by trying new technology. Applause please. While Scotty Cameron is thinking of new ways to make putters at a cheaper cost, that feel worse, and at higher prices. (Go find me a milling mark other than the face on this years Scotty Cameron’s). You won’t find one on the Cleveland’s but you won’t find the $400 price tag either.