Putter Deals - Secrets to Buying or Getting What You Want

[nikieignite460]

rcain1us  After seeing the beauuuuuuuutiful putter that rcain1us has going for him (we are) I don't really see the point in buying a $300 Cameron off the shelf that does not have one bit of your own personality, or even one for $200 off the bay for that matter.  After seeing your's I'm most certainly planning on getting that done before summer.  Thank you.

[Charlie_Foxtrot]

rcain1us  After seeing the beauuuuuuuutiful putter that rcain1us has going for him (we are) I don't really see the point in buying a $300 Cameron off the shelf that does not have one bit of your own personality, or even one for $200 off the bay for that matter.  After seeing your's I'm most certainly planning on getting that done before summer.  Thank you.

That's exactly what I was thinking.

[Hungsolo]

Nice summary, thanks and have some mooj for the effort!

As for Slighter -- Tom is awesome to deal with and there's something to be said about having that much flexibility and choise in customizing your own putter -- the hard part is know what you want and making a decision!

For those (righties) that didn't notice, David Mills' site was recently updated.  He's put about 31 Tour and Shop Designs on sale...  He also put another limited series up, but i forgot what they were called.

Yes, at www.tpmills.com

But I understand the ho's at golfwrx where Jay Green spends a lot of time snapped up a lot of the putters - some guy bought about 4 of them. And he put out a Holiday Series in the Soft Tail -- but I don't like snow on my bumpers and heel-toe areas -- too distracting. I think a putter ought to be a functional piece of art -- but that's just me. I hope David sells them quickly and begins work on my Custom soon.

As to Tom Slighter, he is very easy to deal with and great at communicating with you. I putted very, very well with his stick but changed my putting stroke to an Utley Style. Eventually, I will get another Slighter. His Portland is a nice take off on Scotty's 009. I'll just get him to shave the plumber's neck for a sleeker look.

David is starting mine on Friday!!!

[drewspin]

Speaking of custom putters, I came across a new site -- 


www.350milled.com

Looks like it is under construction.

Whoops --  thanks Charlie -- yes, if  you are at work, push enter site very quickly or turn down the volume...


As to what is needed and to finding what type of putter you need, I'd try a fitting studio -- Dana Upshaw, MadMax has a Super Sam machine, etc., other places I know have close up video of your putting stroke and contact -- that can tell you a lot about what fits you and your stroke if the shop has different putters, necks, offset, heads, etc.....

350 milled is a startup by Lee Harville and Chip Usher.  They should be up and running by June.

[Tigersworld]

Another up and coming company for custom work Machine putters by DoglegRight.

http://www.doglegright.com/custom_put.html

Junior

[SBR67]

David is starting mine on Friday!!!

Sweet! What are you getting?

Edited to add that I just saw that you picked up a BST Ping.

If this is a softtail, I want the first shot at it... 

[Desmond]

Nice summary, thanks and have some mooj for the effort!

As for Slighter -- Tom is awesome to deal with and there's something to be said about having that much flexibility and choise in customizing your own putter -- the hard part is know what you want and making a decision!

For those (righties) that didn't notice, David Mills' site was recently updated.  He's put about 31 Tour and Shop Designs on sale...  He also put another limited series up, but i forgot what they were called.

Yes, at www.tpmills.com

But I understand the ho's at golfwrx where Jay Green spends a lot of time snapped up a lot of the putters - some guy bought about 4 of them. And he put out a Holiday Series in the Soft Tail -- but I don't like snow on my bumpers and heel-toe areas -- too distracting. I think a putter ought to be a functional piece of art -- but that's just me. I hope David sells them quickly and begins work on my Custom soon.

As to Tom Slighter, he is very easy to deal with and great at communicating with you. I putted very, very well with his stick but changed my putting stroke to an Utley Style. Eventually, I will get another Slighter. His Portland is a nice take off on Scotty's 009. I'll just get him to shave the plumber's neck for a sleeker look.

David is starting mine on Friday!!!

No way!!

He told me that he was starting mine on Friday!  Ordered mine on Dec. 28.

[Desmond]

Speaking of custom putters, I came across a new site -- 


www.350milled.com

Looks like it is under construction.

Whoops --  thanks Charlie -- yes, if  you are at work, push enter site very quickly or turn down the volume...


As to what is needed and to finding what type of putter you need, I'd try a fitting studio -- Dana Upshaw, MadMax has a Super Sam machine, etc., other places I know have close up video of your putting stroke and contact -- that can tell you a lot about what fits you and your stroke if the shop has different putters, necks, offset, heads, etc.....

350 milled is a startup by Lee Harville and Chip Usher.  They should be up and running by June.

I saw the site referenced on Chip's site (www.chipandputt.com)-- thought something was up. We just don't know who is doing the milling.

[hoganapex]

Warning Loud Music is Right!  Some first time Godaddy user came up with that - I know because it was me!

but, we are reviewing what a pro has done for us, so hold on we will have a very nice site in about 7 days to go along with a really nice putter.


thanks guys,

         lee

[Jack from Canada]

From being a small-time participant on various forums, I've learned a few things about buying equipment - let's talk about putters.

Any secrets or insight out there you wouldn't mind sharing? Or sources for refinishing?

A few here --

1. Dave Curry at Big Oak Putters puts his hand made, hand milled tour samples on sale in October at the end of the season for about 60% off retail. They look brand new.  www.bigoakputters.com

2. TP Mills - www.tpmillsputters.com   David Mills has an OTR lineup of four models - you can specify length, lie, loft for $255 at head weights that range from 348g-360g in the various models. Jay Green runs the site. You can specify carbon or stainless steel. You can ask Jay for a few custom items like tour black satin finish for a few more bucks.

3. Someone knowledgeable with Mentor, please mention his special deals - he is generous to members here and has innovative designs.

4. I know some will buy an old Scotty on the cheap and send it to Cameron for refinishing and customization and then sell the headcover Scotty sends to offset the cost. Maybe someone will give details as to cost, etc. or a reference.

5. Tom Slighter also does customs at www.slightergolf.com for a starting price in the range of $325+. He also does great refinishing work. You can see his refinishing photos on his site. Just don't ask him to put copyrighted stampings or patented grooves on your putters - the Scotty people will scream (as they should) and it is in poor taste. lol.

6. While I am not familiar with his work, I've seen Byron Putters pop up on various sites -- http://www.byronputters.com

7. Another small shop is http://www.edelgolf.com/  Edel Putters -- they have fitting professionals in several high class locations - Pebble Beach is one fitting location.

8. Kevin Burns - you once heard a lot about his designs - very angular - and while he's been in hibernation for a time, word is that he is coming out with a new line this spring http://www.kbgolf.com/pages/home.html  His current line is a little light in the head for me - 328g.

9. I once owned about three Bettinardi Putters -- bought two of them on ebay. That is where you find a deal on used Betts. I know that Bett once had a great deal on refinishing their putters - it was less than $80 to refinish the head, new shaft, new grip. That deal is no longer applicable as they've gone Scotty (see expensive) See  http://www.bettinardi.com/studiob/customization.php 
They also have  a Studio B Fitting Location at their HQ in which you can try out what they have, get your stroke with various putters videoed, and they will adjust your selection to get optimum performance. Call to check out pricing but it starts at $400. It is less than TKS from what I've heard -- and you get fitted. But still, it's not a great deal. Even though I am tempted to find a BB1 Short Slant in Black Thunder Finish - sorry, ummm, that sounds so metrosexual.

why... ..why..... ....why would you do this to me ..i already have 27 putters and now this..........

[albsterama]

Awesome info! Pity most of these are out of my budget range...

[Desmond]

Awesome info! Pity most of these are out of my budget range...

Since the time I posted this info, we can add more information:

1. As stated above, contact Big Oak Putters in October and he will sell his tour samples from $150-170. They look brand new - so you get a $325 putter for $170 -- not bad.

2. A new addition in town is www.350milled.com -- they haven't released their first putters -- but it is based on a blend of the Cameron 009 and Anser Style - the owners told me they use the highest grade carbon steel - simple milling marks on the face, Nippon Putter Shafts and Iomic Grips (high quality materials). You can also add a floating face, sightlines and your own stampings on the face or cavity - limited on the sole to the toe area. They come in 2 finishes -- oil finish and black oxide -- flat, satin, polished wherever you want.

Caveat -- they only come in one headweight -- 350g with a variance of 1-3 grams; and one neck -- plumbers neck with one full offset.

The first release price is $250. Basically, if it fits your specs, you get a $500+ putter for $250. After the first release, the price may increase a tad.

And no, we don't know who mills the putter and they won't say -- all we know is that his pedigree is impressive and that he has a couple of decades worth of putter experience - but the work is very attractive. For pics and specs, you need to email lee@350milled.com

Warning-- turn down the volume on your computer before you go to the site -- they play some music on the entry.


3. Also, I think Byron Putters is soon to be a sponsor of our site -- contact Drewspin for pricing and spec info -- he may have a deal for you.

[albsterama]

Thanks swingman, I've bookmarked all the sites above - i am sure i'll be due for a change but i need to give my #9 a chance to work first. Excellent info indeed...

[Desmond]

Thanks swingman, I've bookmarked all the sites above - i am sure i'll be due for a change but i need to give my #9 a chance to work first. Excellent info indeed...

I've tried the #9 on the GG and EW Putting Greens -- nice stick -- too much toe hang for me but Phil seems to like it.

[Jack from Canada]

Awesome info! Pity most of these are out of my budget range...

Since the time I posted this info, we can add more information:

1. As stated above, contact Big Oak Putters in October and he will sell his tour samples from $150-170. They look brand new - so you get a $325 putter for $170 -- not bad.

2. A new addition in town is www.350milled.com -- they haven't released their first putters -- but it is based on a blend of the Cameron 009 and Anser Style - the owners told me they use the highest grade carbon steel - simple milling marks on the face, Nippon Putter Shafts and Iomic Grips (high quality materials). You can also add a floating face, sightlines and your own stampings on the face or cavity - limited on the sole to the toe area. They come in 2 finishes -- oil finish and black oxide -- flat, satin, polished wherever you want.

Caveat -- they only come in one headweight -- 350g with a variance of 1-3 grams; and one neck -- plumbers neck with one full offset.

The first release price is $250. Basically, if it fits your specs, you get a $500+ putter for $250. After the first release, the price may increase a tad.

And no, we don't know who mills the putter and they won't say -- all we know is that his pedigree is impressive and that he has a couple of decades worth of putter experience - but the work is very attractive. For pics and specs, you need to email lee@350milled.com

Warning-- turn down the volume on your computer before you go to the site -- they play some music on the entry.


3. Also, I think Byron Putters is soon to be a sponsor of our site -- contact Drewspin for pricing and spec info -- he may have a deal for you.

there's more............oh my god.........well if I start by selling the wifes car....

[drewspin]

Thanks, SwingMan.

I will becoming a sponsor selling Byron Putters through TurfSurfer.com sometime in the month of June!

The putters have been very well reviewed and there are lots of custom options.

More later,
Drew

[chipaputt]

Hello,
www.350milled.com has been updated with a bunch of pictures on the gallery page!

[Desmond]

Hello,
www.350milled.com has been updated with a bunch of pictures on the gallery page!

Wow -- received my 350 Milled Oil Can Finish yesterday -- pics don't do it justice.

Initial indications are that it rolls wonderfully -- the Fuji Graphite Putter shaft keeps the swingweight down at 35.5 inches. Will report later after a few rounds.

[mainuh]

Hello,
www.350milled.com has been updated with a bunch of pictures on the gallery page!

Wow -- received my 350 Milled Oil Can Finish yesterday -- pics don't do it justice.

Initial indications are that it rolls wonderfully -- the Fuji Graphite Putter shaft keeps the swingweight down at 35.5 inches. Will report later after a few rounds.

"Don't you know you are not supposed to bring back these old threads. It only confuses the members."

rob 

[Desmond]

We've stickified this topic as a starting point for members looking for custom putters.

Let's add to it as we learn more.

We probably need info on Edel and more on Byron.

[jaylasvegas]

Another up and coming company for custom work Machine putters by DoglegRight.

http://www.doglegright.com/custom_put.html

Junior

they have been around for years
DLR are the guys that brought us the HOG putters

[Desmond]

Another up and coming company for custom work Machine putters by DoglegRight.

http://www.doglegright.com/custom_put.html

Junior

they have been around for years
DLR are the guys that brought us the HOG putters

I liked my old HOG Anser Style -- if I only knew back then what I knew now! (I would have still had a Mills  )

The worst idea of DLR was a machined grip -- it was an aluminum grip -- can you imagine how hot that could get??

It makes me wonder about their thought process although the Machine Putters look nice. 

[Backspin9]

Here is my 2 cents:  (FWIW )

1.  Kevin Burns is doing (or did) putters for TourStage.  They look pretty nice.  I don't know if they will sell them in the U.S. as Bridgestone since BS doesn't have a putter line, but it would make sense.

2.  I have sent some really beat-up Scottys into their shop for restoration.  They all came back looking great EXCEPT if they have to re-mill the face, the head will be light, which is not a good thing.  Camerons are all light to begin with.

3.  Recently I sent a SC Newport 2 Center Shaft Proto in for a new shaft, grip, headcover, and basic re-finish.  Cost me $89.  I specifically told the NOT to re-mill the head as it had no dings in it.  It came back looking brand new and was sold on eBay (in an hour) for 2 1/2 times what I paid for it.

4.  It sounds like a broken recording, but anyone who does not get their putter adjusted for length, lie, and swingweight is cheating themselves.  It is SO easy to do (and inexpensive) that your are foolish NOT to do it, especially if you are not a good putter to begin with.  Just think, by not getting your putter fit and adjusted you will be leaving birdies and par saves on the table.

[burns9304]

Kevin Burns did make putters for Tourstage but that relationship is over and has been since 2005.  He kept promising a new line of putters under his own name in early 2006 but that never happened.  He makes a GREAT putter, but he has taken FOREVER to release his new line.  Got tired of waiting and got myself a limited edition Whitlam Devon for a back up; it's also a great putter. 

[TNplatypus]

Not sure where to post this but I went to the TP Mills site and didn't see a selection of right handed models.  I'm not savvy enough about putters to know all of the model numbers or styles so how could I go about getting what I need?  Would it be inappropriate to ask a club fitter to find a putter for me and then order a personalized one from TP Mills?  Just some general info on how that works would be appreciated.  Thanks