I don’t know what it is, but I’m fascinated by putters and their wide range of creators. I have a Scotty Cameron that’s been in my bag for over 10 years. I’m comfortable with it, though it doesn’t always work. What putter does?
I’m not one to experiment with putters, either, but I do like to look at what’s out there, and this year’s PGA Merchandise Show provided some interesting things to ponder. I’ve picked three pieces of putting gear that stood out.
One was a training tool that could be taken on the course. It was created by a guy who came to the show to visit, not exhibit. He’d done that before. But he found a good ear for listening – mine!
Another was a small rangefinder – for putting. Who needs a range-finder for that? Certainly not me, but I could be wrong. We’ll see
And then there was the putter that got the most attention at the show, which drew somewhere between 35,000 and 43,000 industry members depending on who was making the estimations. That putter is adjustable, and it got a lot of eyeballs. The International Network of Golf conducted a pre-show vote of over 30 new products and the top five were invited to a new special event – the ING Showcase of New Products. This adjustable putter was in the thick of it.
NOW FOR the specifics:
The putter from the guy off the street was the most visual. New Jersey resident Jack Paster has spent “years’’ designing the Perfect Putt 2. The Perfect Putt I was just “the conception.’’
“Primarily it’s a training tool,’’ said Paster. “The USGA allows nothing, but this could be used on the course. Anyway, it makes you change your setup and then you can take that to the course.’’
Perfect Putt 2 consists of a small box with optics that snaps on to the putter.
“It’s not a mirrored device, but you capture your target. You know just where you’re aiming,’’ said Paster. “But it’s up to you to read the right line. You’re assured the face of your putter is aligned to the target. We’ve had a lot of positive feedback.’’
Perfect Putt 2 is priced at $59.99. It might work, who knows? Might be worth a try.
NEXT UP is the Mileseey IONME2, a pocket-sized rangefinder designed for putting accuracy. It was created in China but produced in City of Industry, CA., by Mileseey Technology (US) Inc.
Who needs a range-finder on the green? I asked Noah Harrington, a veteran caddie about that. Like me, he feels putting is more of a “feel’’ thing.
“But a lot of golfers want the numbers,’’ said Harrington.
Well, what about the old theory about visualizing that circle around the cup?
Harrington didn’t think that approach would go away any time soon but believes this unique rangefinder, priced at $399, would catch the fancy of enough golfers to make it a worthwhile investment. Mileseey also has a full-course rangefinder on the market for $599.
FINALLY, there’s the RightSize Putter, created by Joel Farmer of Go for it Golf of Palmyra, PA. This putter, which caught the attention of International Network of Golf panelists, is adjustable – actually VERY adjustable. It can range in length from 17 to 35 inches, comes in three colors and is available for both right- and left-handed players.
The company calls it “a gift to last a lifetime’’ but it is targeted for players between the ages of 2 and 12. Length can be altered by two retractable shafts and the longest version includes an extension piece. Introductory price is $40.
OTHER products in the ING Showcase were lowercase golf bag, by lowercase golf; Stix Jack Nicklaus Brand, Stix Golf; Swing Suit, LitFit Golf; and Uforia, AVGAR Sport. The Showcase was well-received by both media members and presenting companies.
“Members of the media gained early access to innovative products launched at this year’s show,’’ said ING founder Mike Jamison, “and the presenting companies were able to showcase their products to multiple members of the media simultaneously. It was a win-win for all who attended.’’