Tad Moore Custom – Review

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.