Review

 I have putted off and on with a mallet-style putter ever since I started playing golf 25 years ago. I feel more comfortable with a larger head and prefer a centershaft normally and this new Bettinardi "Studio Stock 3C" fits my eye perfectly. I quickly realized that "consistency" was the basis for this new design as I became very comfortable with the feel and balance of this new mallet from the second I put it in my hands.

Design and Look



The design of the Bettinardi "Studio Stock 3C" putter is as simple and elegant as they come. The NEW face-balanced design features the traditional "honeycomb" face milling that Bob Bettinardi is known for with his top performing putters. The NEW Studio Stock 3C has a classic mallet profile at address and incorporates arched pocket muscles on the heel and toe for enhanced perimeter weighting. The putter head has a "single" sightline , weighs 345grams and is finished in a luxurious triple black oxide finish.



The first thing I noticed about this putter was how heavy "feeling" it was compared to my other Bettinardi putters. It felt amost twice the weight as my normal putter weight preference, but very stable at the same time. I can say from the second I put this in my hand It just felt right. The grip was a nice surprise. It is a new "paddle grip" version from Lampkin, which really felt to be a good size. 



The Studio Stock headcover continues the tradition of Bettinardi quality. Made from the finest ballistic nylon material, these headcover sport the HEX B and "Milled in the USA" button logo. The cover also features Bettinardi's patented "Neoprene closure". The headcoverfits nice and snug on this model, so no worries on it falling off. The NEW "Stdio Stock" putters became available in 2010, and is comfortably priced some of the same "TOUR" models when it comes to price. It is currently available at http://www.Bettinardi.com for $365.00



Conclusion



When I first pulled the Studio Stock putter out of the box, I had to pause for a second as this putter really made me let out a "WOW". The putter which sports a "black-oxide" finish, really has a beautiful look to it. I was even more anxious to try it since it's finish wasn't a plating. In my opinion, putters that are finished with a plating have a feel of just that...a putter with a plating. This putter not only felt solid, but sounded solid as well. The crew at Bettinardi hit another home run in my opinion. I know a lot of people may be hesisant to spend $365 on a putter with a market the way it is right now, but if you want quality as well as quanity...than this is a "no brainer".

The Process:

I was browsing PTG when I saw a post by Lamont about a putter he was finishing for Tad Moore.  I immediately pm’d Lamont to see if this one was for sale.  He responded back with Tad’s email address and told me to inquire with him.  That night I emailed Tad directly and was surprised to get an answer back within less than an hour.  Tad was extremely responsive and very patient with all of my questions.

The Putter:

I am huge fan of 8802 style blades and have owned several versions ranging from the original 8802 to Cameron Circle T’s and Tour Bettinardi’s.  Only three have made it into the rotation for more than a year.  A Robert Mendella forged 8802, an Oil Can Napa, and a Tad Moore 1998 Pro Series. 

Needless to say, I was exited to have an opportunity to have one made and stamped to my specs by Tad Moore.

I ordered the putter with Tad’s version of Snow on the flange, my initials stamped on the toe, Lamont’s aged bronze finish, a white Iomic midsize grip, 34” and 69* lie angle. 

Appearance:

The putter looked great strait out of the box.  It came in at exactly 34”, the grip was perfectly straight, and the lie angle was dead on.  The stamping was also exactly as I requested.

The finish looks great, but did appear to have some spots and residue from the aging solution (I assume) that Lamont used to get the unique finish.  The stamping of the snow was a little inconsistent and the M on Tad Moore appeared to be a mishit as well.  This was all a non-issue for me, as I personally prefer to see the inconsistency of a true custom. 

Performance:

Tad’s version of the 8802 has just the amount of offset for my eye and a little extra weight in the toe.  I found it easy to align and distance control was outstanding.  Forgiveness was average as would be expected from a putter of this style. The feel was good but probably be better with a softer grip than the rigid Iomic.  I may top this one off with a gripmaster wrap to complete the package down the road. 

Summary:

I would do it again in a heartbeat and may pick up another this year from Tad.  I was amazed to see a true legend in the putter industry take the time to answer and respond to all of my questions.  The service and turn-time were remarkable, and the putter was exactly what I was looking for. 

Byron Morgan has been crafting metal with his hands since early in his childhood. After growing up in and around his fathers machine shop and spending years working with metal lathes and welders, Byron has now turned his craftsmanship into making some of the finest putter in the world. It was not until his early twenties that Byron stumbled upon the world of golf, but when he did, he brought his expert skills along with him.

In 1989, Byron continued to use his skills as General Manager of John Byron Golf Company. From that point on, Byron found his clubs being sold all over the world: from South Africa to Japan, the unique design of Byron’s handiwork was eagerly used by a global audience.

Now, at the helm of Byron Golf Design, Byron wants to put his very own talents to work to help golfers across the world to obtain the putter of their dreams. Now, you can select from one of Byron’s original putter designs, or together we can create a unique putter design of your own. Your desires, coupled with Byron’s expertise, will make your elusive goal of a perfect putter a reality.

A little about me: I’m 38 years old and live in Dallas Texas. I’ve been “in” and or around the golf business since I was 20 years old . I’m currently playing to a 1.2 index at my home course here in Dallas and average to 2 rounds a week.

Initial impressions: My first impression of the putter after removing it from the putter tube was that it was very “classy” looking. I’ve always thought that “less” is better and in this case, the putter was dead on. It was very clean looking and didn’t have all the unnecessary make up that some of today’s putters have. The putter was totally hand stamped and the stamping was flawless. (No mushrooming from the stamps) Although the putter came shipped in a really nice and first of its kind (that I have seen) custom tube, I felt the tube was a bit heavy and maybe an alternative material could be used next time. It did however serve it’s purpose as the putter was not in its normal {insert carrier’s name} delivery condition.

Look/Appearance: I have also been an Anser style fan since it was the first putter that found its way into my bag back in the late 80’s. I have never owned a Byron Morgan putter, (OK, not really a true statement. I owned one for about 48 hours and lost it in a bet on the golf course) or at least never “gammed” one for any length of time. In my honest opinion, this putter is crafted as good as any that I have seen and believe me, I’ve seen my share ten folds over. I noticed that the milling on this putter was very clean and every detail had be taken in to account during its production. This particular Byron DH89 came with a “Black Oxide” finish which complemented the paint fill colors that were chosen to finish it off. The putter was finished off with a BLACK leather hand stitched “Grip master” grip and custom RED “Captain Morgan” head cover.

 Setup: The "Classy" look of the DH89 really paid off for this category.  The “less is more” is what made it a hit for me.  I typically do not like to look down at “busy” looking putters, as I have enough going on in my head standing over my putts.  This particular putter had the look and weight that I typically like in my personal putters and made the effortless stokes much easier for me.

Milled from “SOLID” 11L17 Carbon Steel

Length:34”

Head Weight: 350 Grams

Swing Weight: D8

Lie Angle: 70*

Loft: 3*

Performance and Feel: The Byron DH89 was very solid…but, to be honest I may not be the best judge on this category because during both test days, the wind was blowing 20+ MPH (like it does every day in TX) I normally can tell the difference between “stainless” and “carbon” on normal days, but not in the strong winds. All in all, the DH89 seemed as solid as some of the more “expensive” putters I’ve had in my collection in the past and produced a very “solid” feeling at impact and starts the ball rolling end over end very quickly.

Conclusion: If your searching for a putter that is built to your custom specifications or even a total hand-crafted putter…then look no further. Byron Morgan can build it with the best of them. This putter has superb quality and extreme attention to detail and I would be proud to game such a nice piece of “ART”.

...Kevin Burns, that is.

Yes, you read that correctly.  After taking 4 years to develop a new fitting system and a completely re-vamped line of 100% CNC-milled putters - made in the good old USA, to boot - Kevin Burns will be coming back to the golf world on March 3, 2009.

And PrimeTimeGolf.net will be bringing you an exclusive interview complete with up close and personal photos of Kevin's new line of putters.

But you won't be able to see and read about them here on the home page.  All you have to do is sign up for a FREE PrimeTImeGolf membership and go to the "Flatsticks" section of the discussion forums to check out the whole kit and kaboodle (to be posted during the week of March 2).

This is just one example of the high level of content PrimeTimeGolf strives to continually provide its members.  Without a doubt, 2009 will be the year for PTG to shine!

Sunset Beach Golf Co. may have just busted into the scenes, but they have done it right.  For those who want a putter that is totally customized,  Sunset Beach Golf Company offers the most complete selection of custom putters available. From cast to 100% milled you will not find a larger selection or a more customizable selection of putters for a more “AFFORTABLE” price anywhere. From the head designs you have seen for years to their new designs sure to become classics they offer something many of our competitors do not, “”choice“”!!

I’m a betting man, and I’d like to bet that someone looking to find a total custom putter would not find a more enjoyable experience dealing with Chris Jordan and his “right-hand” man,  (no pun intended) Lamont Mann!  LaMont joined up with Chris right away as Sunset Beach Golf was born. LaMont has continued to impress customers with his attention to detail and his creative finish work. He is the driving force behind Sunset Beach Golf being able to offer the best finished product available.

Sunset Beach offers a widely vast selection in customization including:
• Custom Hand Stamping to your design on every putter
• Your choice of milled sight line in the flange or on the topline
• Standard IOMIC grips
• Standard AM&E Head cover
• Multiple finish options
• Cut to your length specification and lie/loft bent to your request
• Custom Paintfill

The custom putter I received as a “TOTAL” surprise from Chris and Lamont was a center shafted mallet they named the “Surfside“. The Surfside will remind players of many traditionally styled heads already on the market, but with its own beautiful improvements. Not as blocky as some other designs, the Surfside’s lines flow uninterrupted rather than a quick turn and stop. The additional thickness from front to back creates longer lines that with or without the addition of sightlines will aid the player in correct alignment. Weights ranging from 340 to 380 grams.

Looks

I was totally amazed by this putter because it was exactly what they say it is “CUSTOM“.  My Surfside was totally hand stamped and personalized for me.  Overall, the head shape was typical of most “center-shafted putters with the hosel located almost directly behind the center of the “D“ shaped head.. In my opinion, this putter sits as square as any center shaft putter that I have used.  The finish was done is a matte finish which I believe to the "Brushed Stainless" The putter came complete with the standard Sunset Beach Co. headcover and matching Iomic grip.

PERFORMANCE AND FEEL

This putter is as solid as any putter that is produced . The putter produces a very “solid” feeling at impact and starts the ball rolling end over end very quickly.  The putter has no subtle vibrations at impact during the stroke and I think the 355 gram putter head is a perfect match for the head shape on this one.

CONCLUSION

This one is easy and a “No- Brain-r”… Chris Jordan hit this one right on the head.  If your searching for a fully custom putter without cashing out your 401K, then I would highly recommend Sunset Beach Co.  You will not find as many options anywhere on a custom putter. Sunset Beach can have your putter stamped up exactly how you want it...and for less than you'll spend at the "Big-Box" stores on some of the big name putter makers, so feel free to start yours today!!

www.ssbeachgolf.com