what tour pros use scotty cameron putters

What Putters Do the Pros Use? Top 100 PGA Tour Player Guide (2023 update)

Written by Graeme Hay | Last Updated: 21/05/2024

Choosing a putter used to be a relatively easy task simply because there were not that many options available.

In today’s game however, as with everything in golf, the models of putter available are almost endless and it can make your head hurt sometimes trying to work out which one will work best for you.

But with close to 40% of any golfer’s shots, irrespective of their standard, being played on the putting green it makes sense that a lot of attention is paid to putters and especially on the PGA Tour.

So to see what the best pros in the business consider to be the best putters we analyzed in detail which model each of the top 100 golfers on the PGA Tour is using.

Odyssey putters are the most used by the top 100 PGA Tour pros with 33 choosing one including Jon Rahm and Sam Burns. Scotty Cameron putters are the next most popular with 32 using them. PING models are chosen by 15 with TaylorMade putters used by 9. Bettinardi and LAB Golf putters are played by 3 and 2 pros respectively.

While you would think the make and model of the putters used by some of the best players on the planet is where the putter story would end in the modern game things are never that straight forward.

And as we went deeper into our analysis the specialisation of putters grips as well as the putters themselves also became clearly apparent in addition to the frequency with which the top 100 will use custom made prototype putter models made specifically for them.

It was also interesting for us to see what has changed since we last carried out this detailed study a couple of years back!

Most Popular Putters Used by the Top 100 PGA Tour Pros

If the top golfers on the PGA Tour want a new putter they simply have to wander to the nearest tour performance truck of one of the main manufacturers and they will be able to pick up and test out whatever model they want.

It is therefore not surprising that our research found 75 different models of putter being used by the best players on the Tour.

TaylorMade’s Spider X putter is the most popular among the top 100 PGA Tour pros with 6 using it, including Rory McIlroy. Scotty Cameron’s Phantom X T5 is the next most common with 4 using it. Their Circle T009 and Newport 2 putters along with Odyssey’s White Hot OG #5 & O-Works #1W are the next most used with 3 users each.

That there are so many different putters being used is just one indication of the depth the pros will go to in ensuring the smallest club in their bag (assuming it’s not a broom handle putter!) is going to deliver the goods on the greens.

When it comes to the weight of the putter for example some players will not accept anything less than perfection.

Bettinardi for instance has a tolerance of plus or minus 1 gram on the putters coming off their production line.

And what that means is that if the head weight of a putter is 360g some customers would get a putter weighing 359g while others would receive one of 361g.

Former US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick however will not use his Bettinardi DASS BB1 Flow Tour Dept putter however unless it is exactly 346g which gives an indication of how exacting the top pros are when it comes to their putter design.

In addition we found the majority of the top 100 PGA Tour pros – over 55% based on the data available – using ‘prototype’ putters that have been set up specifically for that individual player.

What was also noticeable however was that the dominance of Odyssey and Scotty Cameron putters among the top 100 PGA Tour pros remained from the last time we did this in-depth study two years ago.

Both increased their market share among this elite group with 65% of the top 100 using one of these two brands compared to 60% a couple of years back.

PING and TaylorMade putters we found once again made up the best of the rest although TaylorMade’s share dropped back to 9% from 14% even in spite of their Spider X model once again topping the charts as the most used among the top 100.

Despite all the variety in the putters we found though it was also interesting to note that not all the golfers in the top 100 automatically used the latest models of putters produced by the main manufacturers and continue to use older putters on the greens.

That being said when it comes to their putters it seems there remains a consensus among this group that Odyssey and Scotty Cameron putters are better than the rest.

[Note – Just so you know, and we are upfront as an affiliate program participant, Golfing Focus, at no cost to you, earns from qualifying purchases made through links on this page.]

Do Pros Use Blade or Mallet Putters? It’s Still Majority Mallet!

When Golfing Focus first looked in detail at the putters being used by the top 100 PGA Tour pros a couple of years back one of the key elements we wanted to investigate was the split between mallet and blade putters.

Back then we discovered 65% of them favoured more forgiving mallet style putters over the traditional blade putters but would that trend still be the case now?

60% of the top 100 PGA Tour pros use mallet putters including Rory McIlroy & Max Homa. In this majority group some choose smaller ‘mid-mallet’ putters including Jon Rahm & Viktor Hovland while Adam Scott’s broom handle is also a mallet design. The other 40% which includes Scottie Scheffler & Jordan Speith use blade putters.

While some pros, including the great Tiger Woods, almost never change their putter – Woods used his famous Scotty Cameron Newport 2 GSS in 14-of-his-15 major championship victories – many other pros are constantly experimenting with different makes and even between mallets and blades.

Rory McIlroy for example switched out his normal TaylorMade Spider X putter prior to this year’s Masters reverting back to the blade Scotty Cameron Newport 2 he used to win his first two Majors.

He has since switched back to the mallet Spider X but it just serves to highlight how the top pros will not only change putter but also between blades and mallets as their confidence on the greens ebbs and flows.

Justin Thomas, who often tinkers with his putters, normally puts a mallet Scotty Cameron Phantom X T5 in play but also travels with the old-school Circle T 303 SSS blade he first used in middle school because “… it’s good for practice.”

Former Masters champions Adam Scott and Hideki Matsuyama are also well known for constantly testing different putters from week to week on tour.

Indeed Matsuyama is probably the most constant putter switcher of the current crop of top PGA Tour pros and can sometimes have 4, 5 and even 6 different putters in his bag during practice rounds.

In fact he tests so many putters that according to Scotty Cameron he has the ‘coolest’ putter collection on Tour!

What Putter Grips Do the Pros Use?

When I took up golf a few decades ago I would never have imagined that what grip you put on your putter was something for which you would have many options.

Putters came with the grip that they were made with and that was it.

And beyond wanting the classic ‘PING’ grip which seemed to be used by all the major champions at the time it just wasn’t something you paid attention to.

Fast forward to today and there are now 16 putter grip manufacturers each offering sometimes more than a dozen options in multiple different sizes.

So what putter grips are the top pros now using?

Superstroke putter grips are the most used by the top 100 pros on the PGA Tour with 40% choosing them. The Traxion Pistol GT 1.0 grip is their most popular grip model but the most used putter grip among this elite group is Scotty Cameron’s ‘Dancing Cameron’ grip. It is chosen by 10 of the top 100 including Justin Thomas.

While Superstroke putter grips clearly find favour amongst the top pros on Tour putter grips produced by PING and Odyssey are also picked by close to a quarter of the top 100.

Scotty Cameron putter grips meanwhile are chosen by 20 of them.

Indeed our detailed analysis of the putter grips used by the top 100 PGA Tour players found close to 50 different putter grip models and sizes being used.

Justin Thomas for example once again demonstrated his inclination to play around with his putter set up when he changed from the oversized SuperStroke Traxion Pistol GT Tour grip he has used for most of his career to a Dancing Cameron just prior to this year’s Masters.

Clearly the days of the putter grip not being something to even consider are long gone and the pros spend a great deal of time selecting the grip and not just the putter that will help them hole as much as possible on the greens!

[Editor’s note – To find out what grips the top 100 PGA Tour pros use on the rest of their clubs check out our in-depth look at them here .]

What Putter Length Do Pros Use? That’s Not Always the Full Story!

The final element of the putters the top pros on Tour use that we looked at was putter length.

Given the importance of the correct putter length in relation to helping ensure you are in the best position with your eyes straight over the ball at address we wanted to see whether there was any consensus on this among the best players in the world.

As a whole the most common putter length among the top 100 pros on the PGA Tour is 35 inches. Sam Burns, Max Homa, Jordan Speith and Billy Horschel are some of the players choosing this length of putter. Tyrell Hatton uses a much shorter 32 1/8″ putter while Aaron Wise uses a long 46-inch broom handle model.

The standard length of the average putter is between 33 and 35 inches but as you would expect we found a number of players outside that band.

Scottie Scheffler for example chooses a longer 36″ length for his Scotty Cameron Timeless TT putter while both Tony Finau and Jon Rahm opt for 37″ putters.

Given these three are all tall men measuring 1.9m and above this is to be expected but it is important to remember that ‘optimal’ putter length is not just solely based on height with arm length, personal preference and putting style also needing to be taken into consideration.

For example although Viktor Hovland is around 10cm shorter than Scottie Scheffler he also chooses a 36″ putter length.

However if you look closely when Hovland putts you will notice that he grips his Ping PLD DS72 putter down the grip around 1 to 2 inches so his personal preference means he is in effect ‘playing’ a shorter putter than the simple length measurement would indicate.

It is also interesting to note that the top pros can also adjust their putter length depending on their health .

The great Tiger Woods for example, having used a 35 ¼ inch putter length throughout his career, extended it to 35 ½ inches a couple of years ago in an attempt to ease the pain of his constant back problems.

So when you see what length of putter a pro is using that information alone may not tell the whole story!

Before you go …

Do you ever watch TV coverage of the pros on Tour and come away thinking that the top players hardly ever miss a putt?

Read our next article to take a closer look at how good they really are and to discover how amateurs by comparison are not that bad at putting themselves!

What Percentage of Putts Do Pros Make? TV Does Not Tell the Story

Other great articles related to this topic:

• What Clubs Do Pro Golfers Use? Top 100 PGA Tour Player Guide
• What Driver is Most Used On the PGA Tour? Top 100 Player Analysis
• The Fairway Woods Used by the Top 100 PGA Tour Pros
• What Hybrid Golf Clubs Do the Top 100 PGA Tour Pros Use?
• What Driving Irons Do the Pros Use on the PGA Tour?
• What Irons Do the Pros Use? Top 100 PGA Tour Player Guide
• What Wedges Do the Pros Use? Top 100 PGA Tour Player Analysis
• What Golf Balls Do the Pros Use? Top 100 PGA Tour Players Breakdown
• What Golf Grips Do the Pros Use? Top 100 PGA Tour Player Guide
• What Shafts Do Pros Use? Top 100 PGA Tour Player Breakdown
• Do Pros Use Regular or Stiff Shafts? They’re Stronger Than That!
• Do Pros Use Graphite or Steel Shafts? It Depends Which Club
• Do Golf Pros Wear Metal Spikes? But They are Banned!
• What Clubs do LPGA players use? Top 50 Player Breakdown
• In The Bag: Unpacking The Clubs Champions Tour Players Use
• Behind Every Stroke: The Most Popular Putter On Champions Tour

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Putters used by pga tour players ranked in the top 10 in strokes gained putting, share this article.

Over the past decade, driving and iron play have taken on greater emphasis at the elite levels of golf. If a player can hit the ball a mile off the tee or produce laser-guided iron shots, he can create a lot of birdie chances, avoid making big numbers and contend on the PGA Tour.

Golfers who are not especially long off the tee or not among the most-elite iron players must make up the difference in other aspects of the game, and typically that means being an excellent putter.

Improvements in manufacturing techniques, the ability to use multiple materials and advancements in the study of how balls react off a putter’s face as they travel toward the hole have helped equipment companies make clubs that perform better. Putter fitting techniques also have improved, helping ensure that golfers have a putter ideally suited to their swing style and not just pleasing to their eyes.

Below is a list of the golfers who rank the highest in strokes gained putting – which means they have the largest edge over the competition based on the quality of their play on the greens – along with the putters they are using.

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10. billy horschel, 0.697.

Billy Horschel’s Ping putter (David Dusek/Golfweek)

PUTTER: Ping Sigma 2 Tyne 4

9. Matt Kuchar, 0.742

Matt Kuchar (Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports)

PUTTER: Bettinardi SS28 Tour Department prototype

8. Tommy Fleetwood, 0.747

Tommy Fleetwood’s Odyssey putter (David Dusek/Golfweek)

PUTTER: Odyssey White Hot Pro 3

7. Beau Hossler, 0.765

Beau Hossler (Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports)

PUTTER: Odyssey 2-Ball Ten

T-5. Brendon Todd, 0.783

Brendon Todd (Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

PUTTER: SIK Pro C-Series

T-5. Kelly Kraft, 0.783

Kelly Kraft (Marianna Massey/Getty Images)

PUTTER: Odyssey Versa 2-Ball Red

4. Lucas Herbert, 0.820

Lucas Herbert (Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images)

PUTTER: TaylorMade Spider X

3. Cameron Smith, 0.922

Cameron Smith (Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports

PUTTER:  Scotty Cameron 009M Tour prototype

2. Brian Gay, 1.068

Brian Gay (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

PUTTER: Scotty Cameron Tour Rat 2 Tour prototype

1. Tyrrell Hatton, 1.123

Tyrrell Hatton’s Ping putter (Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports)

PUTTER: Ping Vault Oslo

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See more equipment: Best drivers for 2024 | Best irons for 2024 | Best putters for 2024 | Best golf balls for 2024

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What Putters do the Pros Use? Worth Copying?

Have you ever wondered what putters do pros use?

It’s a good question because golf is a rare sport where it’s possible to use the same equipment as your favorite player. Sometimes switching clubs might be just what you need – especially when it comes to putting – to playing your best.

However, in most cases we don’t recommend the everyday golfer switch to what other pros play like blade irons or extra-stiff, heavy steel shafts. But when it comes to putting, you might be able to use the same flat stick as your favorite pro and actually benefit.

Some pros use mallet putters, others use traditional  blade putters , and some use mallet style putters. Today we’ll cover what putters pro golfers use and how to find the best putter for your game.

What Putters Do The Pros Use? 

Most professional golfers have club contracts with big brands like Titleist, Callaway, TaylorMade, Ping, or PXG. These contracts typically require them to use a certain amount of their clubs – usually 10 to 11. This may or may not require them to use the same type of putter as well.

PGA Tour pros are very particular about choosing putters as it can play such a big role in their game and ultimately earning potential. In this Golf Digest  article  they revealed the putter that was used by the winner during the 2020-2021 PGA Tour season.

The results found that Scotty Cameron was the most used putter by the winners, followed by Odyssey, TaylorMade, Ping, and a few other brands toward the bottom. 

Key Takeaways

• Scotty Cameron putters are the most popular brand among PGA Tour golfers with Odyssey, TaylorMade, and Ping as the other big three. 
• PGA Tour pros use a variety of putters – from blades to mallets and even modern mallet (high MOI) putters.
• They also use a myriad of grips from traditional,  cross handed , claw, and arm lock putting . 

Keep reading to learn more about each of these putters and see if they might help your game. 

Types of Putters

Before getting into each of the main brand pros use, it’s important to understand the different types of putters. The three main types are a  blade style putter, mallet putter, and high MOI putter design .

If you’re like most golfers you know the first two but the high MOI is a newer putter design that is more forgiving. It is loved by PGA Tour pros and amateurs alike for it’s weighting, alignment features, and forgivness.

Blade putters used to dominate with PGA Tour players but more and more golfers are switching to mallet style putters. Why?

Because generally, a mallet or modern mallet is more forgiving with any type of putting stroke.

Aside from the design, payers also consider milled vs. insert , toe hang , face balanced putter, grip, length, lie angle, and more.

Scotty Cameron Putters

Scotty Cameron is a brand of Titleist and produces arguably the best putters in golf.

These milled putters are heavier than most and a lot of them have interchangeable weights too. Not only are they some of the most used on the PGA Tour, they’re also a staple among low handicap amateurs. 

My Golf Spy found that more than 37% of golfers between a +5 and 5 handicap use Scotty Cameron more than any other brand.

The second closest was Odyssey – which was also the second most used putter that won during the 2020-2021 PGA Tour season. 

Scotty Cameron has two primary types of the putters – the Super Select (blade putters) or the Phantom (mallet and modern mallet design). Of the Super Select most golfers are familiar with the Newport series as they’re used by tons of professional golfers.

Here’s how Scotty Cameron described this series.

“The Newport’s distinctive rounded features and a dual-milled face texture inspired by putters preferred by tour players. Precision milled in USA from 303 stainless steel, this putter has a solid face, misted stainless steel finish, adjustable performance sole weights milled from raw tungsten.”

While the Phantom line of putters are a much bigger design and great for players who don’t want much face rotation in the stroke.

Here’s what Scotty Cameron had to say about these putters.

“Developed with input from our game’s best players and hoisted to multiple victories on the worldwide professional golf tours, the Phantom X line presents a range of the most sought-after head shapes and neck/shaft configurations for golfers seeking today’s most advanced mallet designs.”

Odyssey Putters

Another top putter brand for both pros and amateurs alike is Odyssey – which is a Callaway Golf brand.

Like Scotty Cameron, Odyssey has tons of different styles to fit all types of players. One of the lesser used putters – a traditional mallet – has been used by Jon Rahm for the past few years. 

Whether you want a blade, mallet, 2-ball or high MOI design, they have it for you. The White Hot OG putters are some of the most popular and have been for several decades. 

The White Hot insert has a great feel and sound with a very traditional silver design on all types of putters. Here’s how Odyssey described them. 

“This incredible lineup combines the benefits of our two-part urethane insert technology with a rich silver PVD finish, and a fine milling on all key surfaces. It’s available in our premium step-less steel shaft, or our Tour proven, major-winning, multi-material Stroke Lab shaft to help improve the consistency of your stroke.”

Ping Putters

Ping is another popular brand for all types of clubs, especially putters as that was where they gained so much popularity. The first Ping putter was the Anser and revolutionized the game. 

Now, Ping has a huge lineup of putters including the PLD, G L33, Heppler, and other options. Ping is known for their blade putters more so than mallet but do offer a selection of both. 

Some of the most popular players to use these putters include Tony Finau, Viktor Hovland, Harris English, Billy Horschel, and more. Some of the most common include the Ping Vault Oslo, Ping Scottsdale TR Piper, Ping Scottsdale Hohum, and others.

TaylorMade Putters

Another top name in the putting world is TaylorMade who revolutionized the game with the Spider Tour series.

These putters were a huge change from traditional mallet putters but are now some of the most popular putters in golf. The latest is their Spider GTX which is a high MOI putter that is very forgiving with amazing alignment features.

Here’s how TaylorMade described it, “The Spider GTX boasts a sleek, modern design that pays homage to the classic high-MOI Spider shape. Its fluid lines and sharp angles come together to create a visually striking frame that perfectly cradles the golf ball at address.” 

The Pure roll insert helps improve topspin and produce a more consistent roll off the face. It’s interesting to note that these putters are very popular on the PGA Tour, despite being ultra-forgiving. Not to mention they’re significantly cheaper than a Scotty Cameron putter and might work great for your game. 

They also have blade putters in the TaylorMade TP Juno lineup alongside different TaylorMade Spider X designs.

Other Putter Brands 

The big four brands mentioned above are the most popular on the putting green for the PGA Tour and LIV. But there are a few other notable brands including:

• SIK Putters : Bryson DeChambeau – who is anything from traditional in terms of equipment – has used this brand of putters for several wins. Including his 2020 US Open victory. 
• Bettinardi Putters : Bettinardi is a newer brand that doesn’t have the market share of top brands mentioned above but makes some very high-quality putters. They’re known for making great blade style putters.

Putting Length and Grip 

The putter model is obviously very important but so is the length, shaft, and grip.

Putter Length is Extremely Important 

You can have the best putter for your stroke but if the length is wrong it can mess everything up.

As Scotty Cameron said,  “The proper length putter correctly sets eye position just inside the target line, and the correct amount of toe flow allows the putter to flow squarely to the proper arcing path throughout the stroke.” 

The putter length can impact your posture and eye position which can impact stroke. Most pros play between a 34 – 35 inch putter and might add/remove a quarter or half inch.

In fact during the 2023 FedEx Playoffs Rory wanted to switch putters and make sure they were the right length. So he sent his caddy to a local golf store to have it cut down. Once the fitter learned it was for Rory he said this about the adjustment to  Golfweek .

““Knowing it was Rory’s putter, knowing the stakes they’re playing for, you take a little extra time to make sure it’s perfect. Usually you measure twice and cut once. For this, I measured twice and cut twice, so I didn’t cut too much at first.”

Even though it was only ⅛ of an inch, it made an impact for Rory. Find the right putter length for your game  here . 

Most Popular Putter Grip 

Finally, let’s not forget about the grip either.

Superstroke is the number grip on the PGA Tour with nearly 40% of the field choosing them over competitors.

I’ve personally used them for several years now and don’t see myself switching either. They’re very well constructed and last a long time. 

What’s great about SuperStroke putting grips is that they have so many sizes and styles too. For example, they even have a grip that is made just for the claw putting style. 

The other most common putting grips are Odyssey, Scotty Cameron, and Ping. A lot of golfers use the same putting grip as the manufacturer and once they find a good one, they tend to stick with it. 

Don’t forget, changing putting grip sizes can make a big difference in your stroke and wrist action. It’s best to change grip sizes slowly to minimize the effect on your stroke.

For example, it’s better to go from a standard grip size (1.0) to a 2.0 instead of 1.0 to jumbo  fat grip . 

FAQs About Putting 

Do you have more questions about putting? If so, keep reading through the most commonly asked questions and answers now. 

What putter does Rory McIlroy use?

It’s easy to argue that Rory’s weakest part of his game is putting. His tee to green performance is nothing short of spectacular but his strokes gained putting could use some improvement. 

Rory has used two main brands of putters over the last few years – Scotty Cameron and TaylorMade. He’s a very “week to week” putter and likes to experiment with different putters on different types of greens. 

What is the number one putter used on the PGA Tour?

The most used putter on the PGA Tour seems to be Scotty Cameron.

They make a good range of putters from blades to mallets with their milled design. Not to mention some have adjustable weights and allow players to customize to their stroke perfectly. 

What putter does Jordan Spieth use?

Jordan Speith is a Titleist golfer who uses a Scotty Cameron putter.

In a previous “WITB” (what’s in the bag) it was reported that Jordan used a Scotty Cameron by Titleist 009 putter. He used it to win the Valero Texas Open and picked up an astonishing +5 strokes gained putting. 

What putter does Dustin Johnson use?

Dustin Johnson – who went to LIV Golf in 2022 – has used TaylorMade equipment for years.

The putter he used to win the 2020 Masters Championship was the TaylorMade Spider Tour IB. He’s used a variety of high MOI TaylorMade putters over the years for his consistent, free flowing stroke. 

What putter does Cameron Smith use?

Cameron Smith is a wizard with the flatstick and seems to make more mid-range putts than anyone else on the golf course. He plays a prototype Scotty Cameron 009.

What putter does Tiger Woods use?

Tiger Woods is arguably one of the most clutch putters of all time and he hasn’t changed his equipment much.

Tiger has used a Scotty Cameron Newport 2 GSS custom putter for the majority of his career. This putter has helped him win more major championships than any other golfer besides Jack Nicklaus so it’s safe to say it’s not going anywhere. 

His putter grip is nearly as iconic as the putter he uses too. The grip is a Ping PP58 (despite being a Scotty Cameron putter) and is one of the smallest grip diameters available. 

Apparently this grip works well because it’s so small that it allows Tiger to close the putter.

As Golf.com noted,  “Tiger has more face closure than most tour pros,” said Fully Equipped co-host Gene Parente. “He likes that closure, timing and feel to control it. 

But with a larger grip, you’re going to get less closure. Your hands do not rotate as much, so you’ll minimize more closure and be more pendulum-like.”

My Experience

If there are two clubs you should get fit for in your bag it’s definitely your driver and putter.

Your driver is used 10–14 times per round while your putter is typically used on every hole. Not to mention putting is usually one of the easiest ways to improve your scoring average. 

The easiest way to improve your putting is to make sure your equipment is right for you. That means liking the putter head, changing the weights (if possible), finding the right putter length, and grip to match how you hold the club.

I’ve tinkered a lot with different putters over the years but once I find something that works I stick with it. Remember, putting technology doesn’t change nearly as much as drivers or irons. If you find something that you like and gives you confidence over the ball, stick with it.

While I typically sell old golf clubs online – to eliminate clutter and earn some money – I never sell putters. In case I’m ever going through a putting slump it’s nice to have an old trusty putter just in case I need one. 

Once you find a style – blade, mallet or high MOI – stick with it. Changing putter styles might impact your stroke so find a style you like and stick with. 

Final Thoughts on Popular Putters Used by Pro Golfers

So, what type of putter should you buy?

Check out our guide to choosing between all the putters  here .

Ultimately, playing what your favorite PGA Tour pro uses may or may not help your game. It’s important to consider your putting style, height, and other factors to find the right putter.

Mallet putters (like an Odyssey putter) tend to be more forgiving than blade putters and better for a stroke with minimal face rotation. While a blade style putter works better for golfers with a more arc stroke – which is why so many in the Scotty Cameron circle love the Newport series.

Once you find the right putter model, don’t forget to factor in putter length, if a toe hang putter design is right, and the grip. Then read these articles below to help take your putting to the next level.

• Best Indoor Putting Greens
• How to Practice Putting (Best Drills)

FedEx St. Jude Championship

TPC Southwind

Scotty Cameron’s latest Phantom X putters: What you need to know

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: The revamped Phantom X line offers seven new additions with three more to come in June, and features several new head shapes along with updates to some popular models. Nearly every putter in the line (except the 12) uses a solid, precision-milled 303 stainless-steel face and wings along with a new Pistolero Plus textured grip. Two customizable heel-toe weights and a stepless steel shaft complete the package. Each are available in 33, 34 and 35 inches.

PRICE/AVAILABILITY: The new Scotty Cameron Phantom X 5, 5.5, 7, 7.5, 9, 9.5 and 12 putters will be available April 15. The Phantom X 5.5s 11 and 11.5 will be available June 17. Cost is $429.

THE DEEP DIVE: Scotty Cameron’s line of Phantom X putters for Titleist have enjoyed a nice run for several years. That success is part of the reason Cameron is now unveiling a new line of 10 mallets with several new head shapes and updates to some of the more popular models.

“We have seen mallet usage skyrocket on tour,” Cameron said. “Five years ago, it was a 70-30 split in favor of blades. We have now nearly flip-flopped that number. We’re 60-40 percent mallets now. That’s because no one was doing toe-hang mallets. Years ago, I brought out the first toe-hang mallet with the Red-X and got beat up with people saying it made no sense. But it made all the sense in the world. Even mallet users have an arc to their stroke. So now, you can have lines that are longer, a larger sole so it sets better on the ground and with the toe flow you have a mallet that matches your stroke. That’s one of the reasons mallet usage on tour and at retail is going up.”

RELATED: Titleist Velocity and TruFeel golf balls—What you need to know

That success has led to seven new additions available next month with three more to come in June. Nearly every putter in the line (except the 12) uses a solid, precision-milled 303 stainless-steel face and wings, two customizable heel-toe weights and a stepless steel shaft. Each are available in 33, 34 and 35 inches and come with a new Pistolero Plus textured grip.

“These grips will pop out at you in a putter corral,” Cameron said. “They’re less-tapered down at the bottom. I think a grip can enhance a design. Grips speak to you when trying putters. It needs to complement the overall design. You don’t want players saying, ‘Love the head, hate the grip.’ ”

Key to the designs is the 303 stainless-steel face, which Cameron said was the overwhelming choice from tour players as opposed to an insert, and the 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum sole and flange. Using the aluminum allowed Cameron to achieve several design goals.

“We were trying to go a little more compact, a little more pleasing to the eye while getting as much moment of inertia out of the design as we could for forgiveness,” he said. “We can make the head bigger and bigger and bigger, but most people are hitting the ball within a dime-shaped spot so why do we need it bigger? The bigger you make it, the more cumbersome it looks. So we milled the aluminum mid-section for perimeter weighting to allow for a higher MOI without getting too big.”

But why aluminum as opposed to other lighter materials such as carbon fiber or plastic? According to Cameron, aluminum can be anodized to a color and also costs less than carbon fiber. Plastics had drawbacks as well.

“I’m not a fan of using plastics,” Cameron said. “Going from extreme heat such as in Palm Springs to extreme cold such as in the underbelly of an airplane can alter a plastic to where it changes sound and changes feel and can possibly crack over time. We’ve found aluminum checks the boxes we need.”

Speaking of checking boxes, the line is so extensive that it would be difficult to imagine a player who can't find a model to fit their stroke.

The Phantom X 5 is a near-face-balanced mid-mallet with a single bend shaft that has a new sole plate design and graphics. The X 5.5 features a small slant/jet neck setup inspired by Justin Thomas’ prototype gamer, while the X 7 is an angular wingback mallet with a single bend shaft. The long “wings” reposition weight farther back, increasing stability. The X 7.5 is identical to the Phantom X 7 but with a small slant/jet neck to promote slight toe flow for strokes with a modest arc.

RELATED: Titleist Vokey SM9 wedges—What you need to know

The Phantom X 9 is near-face-balanced, compact high-MOI wingback mallet while the X 9.5 has a small slant/jet neck with enhanced alignment features and toe flow. The Phantom X 12 is a departure from the other models with an aluminum face and sole along with stainless-steel wings to boost forgiveness and stability while a slimmed-down flange section allows for longer-looking, easy-to-aim extended alignment feature.

Coming in June are the X 5s, a center-shafted version of the X 5, but Cameron produces this center-shaft mallet with a twist. “I don’t like true center-shaft putters,” he said. “I like the shaft back a quarter of a shaft but at the bottom of the face it is dead-center.”

Among the more popular designs on tour, the X 11 is a high MOI, face-balanced, compact wingback design with a mid-bend shaft. The X 11.5 is identical to the X 11 except it features a low-bend shaft to produce a slight toe flow.

If many of the shapes look familiar to previous Phantom X putters, that is strictly by design and with good reason.

“Mallets take me about two years to get into play with tour pros while blades take me about six months,” Cameron said. “If we have a two-year line, guys are getting into them at the end of the run. If we totally change the look, that becomes an issue, so I’m thrilled we didn’t do that. They’re new models but with a familiar look. For players such as Max Homa, Patrick Cantlay and Justin Thomas, it’s an easier transition for them to put the new model in play. It keeps our momentum going.”

Not that Cameron, who designed mallets for Ray Cook more than three decades ago, thought he would be designing mallets for Titleist.

“Twenty years ago, I was doing a lot of Newport and Newport 2 blades,” Cameron said. “Wally Uihlein [former Acushnet CEO] thought of me more of a blade designer. He said, ‘Look, Scotty, you can’t be great at everything.’ For years that drove me crazy because I wanted to be great at everything. Now I’m designing blades and mallets and couldn’t be happier.”

The new Scotty Cameron Phantom X 5, 5.5, 7, 7.5, 9, 9.5 and 12 putters will be available April 15. The Phantom X 5.5s 11, 11.5 will be available June 17. Cost is $429.

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Scotty Cameron’s Inner Circle T: A Guide to Tour Only Putters

• on October 14, 2015

Introduction

If you look through our site, you will find more than one Scotty Cameron review with a handful of common themes.  Those themes are that the guy clearly has a knack for making a good looking product, and that the Cameron brand is one of the most polarizing brands in golf with devout fans and mortal enemies alike.  With fans willing to spend tens of thousands of dollars (or more) on his products each year, Scotty Cameron clearly has done something right to make his business grow and the loyalists swoon over his creations.  Leading the pack of those coveted creations is anything with the infamous Circle T on it.  Though the Circle T is supposed to be a mark reserved for Tour Only products, it can be found on a wide variety of Scotty Cameron wares and has become a strong brand of its own.  This has made the Circle T significance somewhat blurry in recent years, so we decided to shed some light on it for those looking to gain a little more perspective of Scotty’s “Tour Only” branding.

A Little History of Scotty & the Circle T

Scotty Cameron (real name: Don T. Cameron) was born and raised in California, where he currently bases his operations, and has seen his putters win countless tournaments and more than a major or two.  After working with a couple of different brands in the late 1980’s and early 90’s, Cameron went on to launch his own brand of signature putters – the Scotty Cameron Classic line -in 1992.  In 1994, Titleist picked up Cameron and that’s where Scotty has been ever since.   Though Scotty already had a decent reputation on Tour, things really took off when Tiger Woods started having great success with a couple of Scottys in the late 90’s.

Though Scotty had been producing “Tour Only” putters for quite some time, he began branding his Tour Only putters with a new logo called the Circle T.  This logo was essentially a big C with a T inside of it representing “Cameron” and “Tour.”  Though originally only used on Tour putters and associated head covers, the Circle T began popping up on apparel sold to the public as well as Scotty’s high-end putters that were made available to consumers through the distributors.  It even got to the point where Cameron buyers were able to custom order various “Tour Only” putter models through one of Scotty’s four distributors and request special stamping, including the Circle T, at a premium price point .  While Scotty held final discretion on stamping and design, plenty of non-Tour putters began leaking into the secondary market that were never made for, or anywhere near, a Tour.  These putters could be branded as “Tour Spec.”  Basically, Scotty saw a huge demand for access to the Circle T, and he was smart enough to capitalize on it.

Scotty & Circle T Controversy

As I mentioned, the Circle T mark originally was intended to signify “Tour Only” on Scotty Cameron putters, but the market started seeing all sorts of putters and other Cameron objects with so-called “Tour Only” branding.  It really is a piece of marketing genius by Scotty and Co.  Though the apparel sells for a moderate price, the inclusion of a Circle T stamp or engraving on any putter drives the price through the roof .  For example, you will see a putter that is the exact same as the $350 retail version, except the Tour Only putter has a Circle T engraved on it so the price tag falls somewhere between $1500 and $2500.  Frankly, that’s brilliant on Scotty’s part.  Scotty has even gone so far as to open a store in California to make these Circle T products even more readily available.  It’s true, some of the putters on the wall at the store have actually been returned by the reps on Tour, but most of what you see has been made solely to sell at the store, not to go on Tour.  While I don’t begrudge Scotty making these products available to the public, it’s not fair to say the Circle T is anywhere close to Tour Only branding.

With great success always comes the faction of opposers that are quick to cast negative light and unearth any gory details of your past, and Scotty is no exception.  Scotty will often be criticized for copying other famous designs like the Ping Anser and Ping Anser 2, or even the Odyssey #7 mallet, but Scotty doesn’t try to tell anyone that he isn’t “inspired” by great designers before him.  Let’s also be honest, there are plenty of other putter makers copying classic designs, so we can’t say it’s wrong of Scotty to do the same, even with the premium price tags that are associated with his putters.

Is the Circle T Worth It?

The million dollar question – is it worth investing in a Scotty Cameron Cirle T/Tour putter?  There’s no easy answer to this.  For me, it is an easy answer, and the answer is no.  However, if you have the money and your heart is set on it, the world of premium Scotty Cameron may be exactly what you’re looking for.  Many people will agree with you, that if you take the dollar signs out of the equation, the Scotty Cameron “Tour” putters are cool high-end putters and typically high quality.  I’ll speak from a personal perspective and say that the “non-standard” Tour putters I have come across have been very nice putters and performed well .  That said, if you’re looking to make an economical choice and have the same level of performance (in some cases, significantly better), then there are other boutique putter makers out there making really great putters with better materials, better craftsmanship, and more customization to the player’s wants and needs.  I will put my Black Lab BL-2 Prototype up against any Tour Cameron any day of the week, and putter makers like Xenon are coming up with original designs with premium materials and superior performance that are worth considering.

So the short answer is, I can’t make the decision for you, but I can tell you that you are going to be paying a premium for a label and hype, whereas putters with superior quality and performance are readily available in the market and should certainly be considered .  Just because it says Scotty Cameron on it, doesn’t mean it’s the best.

Buyer beware: as with any high end, in demand product, Scotty Cameron Circle T products are often counterfeited.  Though a fraction of actual market prices, these knock-offs will often still be expensive but of extremely poor quality.  Should you make the choice to invest in the high-end Cameron market, do your research and make sure you are buying from a trusted seller and that the product is legitimate.  Remember, “if it’s too good to be true, it probably is.”

Circle T Alternatives

In the event that you were in the market for a high-end putter and thought a Cameron Tour putter was in your future, but now you aren’t sure, we can provide a great list of alternative brands that will be considerably more affordable and potentially much better quality.  Many of these brands will also work to give you exactly what you want and have a good portion of control in the creative process.  Of course, there are many more options out there, but I’ve highlighted a few of my current favorites below.

Xenon Golf Company: The most original designs and custom putters on the market right now.  Every putter that leaves “the shed” has Lump’s personal touch added to it, and many are even hand milled by the man himself in Nashville, Tennessee.  You can’t go wrong with a Xenon and there is literally no limit to the design process.  Compared to the market, the pricing is also very reasonable.

Black Lab Golf:   Classic and traditional, Chip Usher is not looking to reinvent the wheel or make a fortune as the new big putter game in town with his rebirth as Black Lab Golf.  Chip likes to make putters that are special to his customers and are ultimately of extremely high quality.  His prices are as good as you are going to get for a one-piece milled putter made and finished to your specs.  Chip’s Black Lab BL-2 Prototype putter is my current number one gamer.  Chip is a true pleasure to work with and will make sure you walk away happy.

BPutters: A fine boutique offering straight out of Italy, BPutters have extremely artistic designs with an elegant finish just like you would expect out of Italy.  With remarkable attention to detail and a strong focus on high-end quality, BPutters is certainly worth taking a look at in the current boutique putter game.  Read our review here .

Byron Morgan: An OG in the California putter making scene, Byron Morgan has established himself as one of the most respected boutique putter makers in the game.  Byron is basically a one man operation that does all of the work himself except for a few finish options that he has to outsource.  Byron is often credited with the best Anser tribute in his Dale Head 89 head, and is considered one of the best #1 shapes around.  If you’re in the market for an extremely custom 1 of 1 classic putter, Byron is your guy.  Byron is an old school laid back Huntington Beach surfer guy and the overall vibe is very unique.

Look, Scotty Cameron does make a good putter, and some of the coolest putters I have ever seen have come out of his shop.  At the same time, some of the absolute worst putters I have ever seen and most ridiculous price tags have also come out of his shop.  Scotty has largely capitalized on a collector’s community that is willing to pay a premium price, often times for impractical equipment that may not even be usable.  The biggest take away from this article should be that you need to be exactly sure of what you want to buy, what you’re willing to spend, and what the best option to fulfill those needs would be.   If that ends up being a $4000 Scotty Cameron 009 or Timeless putter, that’s awesome.  Just make sure you look around at some of the other great putter makers out there and keep an open mind.

Tiffany CT Headcover 6

Tiffany CT Headcover 5

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Tiffany CT Headcover 1

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Scotty CT Newport 2 6

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That is a great article. I would add to the list of premiun putter, if i may, Kari lajosi from australia. He is professional and will do anything on your putter to make it perfect for you!

Great and very informative article

Or…. just an Anser 2 followed with learning to read greens and practicing your stroke 🙂

I have a circle t and thanks for the article!!! trying to sell it but don’t know what to offer, anyone interested email me at [email protected] and I’ll send pics, help me out. Mark

Circle t logo is not a c and t. It’s a t and o for tour only.

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What Putters Do Pros Use?

We take a look at the putters put into play by the world's best male players.

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At every single level of golf, the putter is one of the most important clubs in the bag, if not the most important.

Obviously at the Tour level all the focus is on how far players hit the golf ball especially with the driver but top players know just how valuable a confidence-inspiring, top-performing flatstick can be.

At the end of the day, your driving and iron play can be the best on Tour but if you don't have something that can get the ball in the hole then you have no chance.

As such the top players spend a huge amount of time finding the best putters for them and look to become as comfortable and confident with them as possible.

So then what do the top male players in the world use? Let's take a look below.

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Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.

Also for more Tour player information check out our other Tour player posts too.

• What golf drivers do pros use?
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Used by - Jon Rahm

Odyssey White Hot OG Rossie S

Having moved from TaylorMade to Callaway in 2021, Rahm quickly put an Odyssey putter in the bag but he initially started with the Stroke Lab Ten. This changed recently as he put in the White Hot OG Rossie S and he quickly found success with it, winning his first Major title at the 2021 US Open, and working his way back to world number one.

The White Hot OG line sought to combine classic Odyssey designs with modern technology. As such Odyssey took the original insert formulation in terms of feel, sound and performance, and brought it into 2021 with a two-part urethane insert.

A premium silver PVD finish was then added.

TaylorMade Spider Tour Black

Used by - Dustin Johnson

We should admit that this slot will probably change regularly because Dustin Johnson changes his putter very often. He regularly changes from mallets, to mid-mallets, to blades but the one design that always seems to come back eventually is the Spider Tour Black.

It was the putter he used to win his Masters title in 2020 and there was also a special commemorative edition made just after that victory.

TaylorMade TP Juno

Used by - Collin Morikawa

A lot is said about Collin Morikawa 's putting not being the best part of his game but one model that he seems to have gelled with is the TP Juno pictured above. Since he has been competing on the PGA Tour and winning some of the biggest events in the world, the American was regularly using a mallet design which was surprising.

This is because according to TaylorMade Collin is “a tried and true blade guy.” As a result he put the blade Juno design in the bag and after tweaking it with 7.5-gram weights to add an extra 10 grams, he won his second Major title at the 149th Open Championship in 2021.

Odyssey O-Works #7 CH Red

Used by - Xander Schauffele

Xander Schauffele is another player who has chopped and changed his putter setup recently. For a long time he was using the model above, the O-Works #7 CH Red with a classic grip. But earlier this year he started using an armlock version of the putter despite being very vocal about that style of putter being banned.

“I am for banning the arm-lock putters,” Schauffele said in the wake of his first round at Jack Nicklaus’ redesigned Muirfield Village layout. “But if everyone else is going to use it and I feel like they have a bigger advantage, I may as well do the same.”

He used this design for a number of weeks but has now gone back to his normal design.

Scotty Cameron X 5.5

Used by - Justin Thomas

In 2021 Justin Thomas had been using a Phantom X 5 Tour prototype featuring what the company calls a “knuckle neck,” but he has recently switched back to his Scotty X 5.5 design after getting grilled by a 15-year-old.

In a press conference recently he said; "He was using the putter, pretty much my putter that Scotty Cameron, the line that we kind of came out with, and he was like, you know, when are you going to start using -- when are you going to use it again? Are you still using the long neck? I was like, yeah, I am, and I was kind of explaining it, and he's just like, well, when are you going to start using it again? And I found myself defending myself to this 15-year-old.

"I was like why am I not using this thing? I've had a lot of success. It's not like I'm making a lot of putts with what I have. If you're putting well, any of us can go out and putt with anything. I don't know, it kind of hit me. I'm like the kid's got a point. They designed a putter after it, maybe I should bring it out. When I brought it out, it looked good, it felt good. Again, a lot of familiar feelings with it."

SIK Pro C-Series Armlock

Used by - Bryson DeChambeau

Bryson has an equipment setup all his own and his putter is no exception. He uses the SIK Pro C-Series Armlock design and the American has had a relationship with the brand since 2017.

SIK Director of Communications Tyler Finley said to the PGA Tour; "We spent two days going through absolutely every possible configuration of head styles, sightlines, hosel options, shaft options, etc. We tested on the Quintic Ball Roll System inside and outside with each option. We probably spent 20 hours with Bryson for the first two days."

"We went through every conceivable option (even face-on putting) and the arm-lock proved to be the most consistent method we tried."

They eventually landed on the model above and given his success, chances are it will stay in there for a while.

Ping PLD Voss

Used by - Louis Oosthuizen

Statistically, Louis Oosthuizen is one of the best putters in the world and one reason for that is his long partnership with the Ping PLD Voss putter.

Speaking to Golf.com Oosthuizen acknowledged that it was stability that resulted in his putting improvements, chiefly the Voss design.

“I went through a stage where I changed a lot of putters. Every week we were trying something. I realized quickly that there’s no way to find any consistency in putting if you do that,” Oosthuizen said. “I found one that I really like the look of and I sort of worked on it…I’ve been with that putter for a long time now.”

Scotty Cameron Teryllium Tour Newport 2

Used by - Brooks Koepka

Brooks Koepka currently uses a Scotty Cameron Teryllium Tour Newport 2 putter which is stunning but next to impossible to get hold of (although you can get the classic Newport 2 design fairly easily).

The American has been a Scotty Cameron blade user for a few years now and this isn't likely to change given his four Major championship wins and many more top-5 finishes in big events.

Ping PLD Anser 2

Used by - Tony Finau

Finau had been using a Piretti prototype putter for a long time but a Ping PLD Anser 2 prototype has just gone in the bag in 2021. He clearly found something with it too as he finally got back into the winner's circle too at The Northern Trust, over five years on from his win in Puerto Rico.

It has a stealth black finish and the classic Anser 2 blade design.

Scotty Cameron Phantom X5

Used by - Patrick Cantlay

American Cantlay has recently joined the mallet putter brigade as he has put a Phantom X5 from Scotty Cameron in the bag.

Cantlay worked with Scotty Cameron tour rep Drew Page on the new design which helped him get more stability because of the wing design. It is a prototype design as you would expect and the main feature that shows this is the double-bend shaft and lack of alignment features.

Page told Golf Digest; “The Phantom X 5 gives Patrick the stability he was looking for and without any lines he feels freed up to be more athletic with the putting stroke.”

Ping Scottsdale Hohum

Used by - Harris English

Harris English has been using the Hohum design since his senior year of college at the University of Georgia. It was part of his setup for his second PGA Tour victory, the 2013 Mayakoba Golf Classic, and despite occasionally being benched, it regularly came back into the bag.

It was also in the bag when he finally got his 3rd PGA Tour victory nearly eight years later too, at the Sentry Tournament of Champions in Kapalua.

"My assistant coach took it off the putting green, and he was like, 'Man, I'm a terrible putter. If I can make putts with this putter, anybody can putt with it,'" English said. "It's been a staple that I'll always go back to. It's something with the face: It's pretty soft. It's very unique, easy to aim. There's a reason why I go back to it. It's kind of an old faithful putter, and I feel like I've had some of my best putting weeks with that putter."

Scotty Cameron 009

Used by - Jordan Spieth , Rory McIlroy

Both Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy use 009 putters at the moment. Spieth uses a Circle T Model and McIlroy has just started using a 009M design after having used TaylorMade mallets like the Spider X for a while.

Speaking about the change at the 2021 Olympics, Rory said; “I think I sort of want to get back to being as athletic and instinctive as possible and I feel like that style of putter, that blade, it sort of helps me do that,” he said. “It makes me become very target-oriented, at the hole and having my focus be out there, instead of in here (looking down).”

Odyssey Stroke Lab White Hot 5

Used by - Abraham Ancer

Abraham Ancer is another player to continue to use a slightly older putter design at the moment. After having briefly tested other Odyssey designs in the past, Ancer went back to the White Hot 5 model he first put in the bag at the 2019 US Open.

That being said he does have it fitted with the new Stroke Lab shaft technology which is said to improve the stroke through a change in weight distribution.

Ping Vault Oslo

Used by - Tyrrell Hatton

Englishman Hatton uses the Ping Vault Oslo putter and in a recent video with us he said of the design;

"So this has been in the bag since the Dunhill in 2016 so obviously that was a nice moment in my career, getting my first win. I've changed a couple of times but generally that's stayed in the bag for pretty much the last 5 years so it is a bit of a love-hate relationship. More love than hate though"

Ping PLD Prototype ‘Hovi’

Used by - Viktor Hovland

Norwegian Viktor Hovland has a 'Hovi' prototype from Ping in the bag at the moment but given he snapped his putter at the 2021 Northern Trust, it will be interesting to see what replacement comes in.

Scotty Cameron Newport 2 GSS

Used by - Hideki Matsuyama

Hideki's putting issues have been acknowledged for a long time now and at many golf tournaments he is spotted testing a number of different designs.

However one putter design that we regularly see in his hands is the Newport GSS whether that be in a centre-shafted design like the one pictured above, or the more classic Newport 2 GSS putter he used to win The Masters.

Like the Dustin Johnson slot above, we expect Hideki to change his putter regularly so we will attempt to update this section as often as possible.

Odyssey White Hot Pro 3

Used by - Patrick Reed

American Reed was using a Scotty Cameron Tour Rat Prototype for a rather long time but recently he has got an Odyssey White Hot Pro 3 model in the bag.

This has made the odd appearance over the years and he even won the 2015 Sentry Tournament of Champions with a USA inspired version.

TaylorMade Spider X

Used by - Daniel Berger

Daniel Berger uses a Chalk version of the TaylorMade Spider X putter. The design first came out in 2019 in blue and copper finishes before the chalk and Hydroblast finishes were added later on.

At the time the design featured a much lighter 15g carbon composite core (down from 70g on the Spider Tour) and a 30 per cent heavier outer frame to provide increased stability.

It also introduced a True Path Alignment system, a white strip that is half the width of a golf ball with a contrasting black sightline, which helps amplify where the putter is aiming.

TaylorMade Spider X Review

Scotty Cameron Circle T Newport

Used by - Scottie Scheffler

The final player we wanted to mention is Scottie Scheffler who uses a Circle T Newport putter from Scotty Cameron.

Scheffler does not have an equipment contract with anyone at the moment so his decision to use this putter is illuminating - clearly he gets on well with it.

For more gear content, check out the Golf Monthly website.

Sam is Golf Monthly's E-commerce Editor which mean's he oversees everything E-com related on the site.

This takes the form of creating and updating Buying Guides, reviews, and finding bargain prices for deals content. 

Working with golf gear and equipment over the last six years, Sam has quickly built outstanding knowledge and expertise on golf products ranging from drivers, to balls, to shoes. 

He combines this knowledge with a passion for helping golfers get the best gear for them, and as such Sam manages a team of writers that look to deliver the most accurate and informative reviews and buying advice. This is so the reader can find exactly what they are looking for, at a good price.

Additionally Sam oversees Golf Monthly voucher/coupon content which seeks to find you the best offers and promotions from well-known brands like Callaway, TaylorMade and many more.

Unfortunately, Sam is not a member of any club at the moment but regularly gets out on the golf course to keep up the facade of having a single-figure handicap. 

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Top 5 Best Scotty Cameron Putters Of All Time (Reviewed)

Love golf but dread putting? Struggling to find a club that perfectly fits your style of game? 

Never fear! This helpful guide has everything you need to know about the top 5 best Scotty Cameron putters of all time.

At A Glance: Our Top 5 Picks for Scotty Cameron Putters On The Market In 2024

• Best Scotty Cameron Putter: Scotty Cameron Special Select Newport 2 Putter

Best Scotty Cameron Blade: Scotty Cameron Special Select Del Mar Putter

Best traditional mallet putter: scotty cameron fastback putter.

• Best for Forgiveness: Scotty Cameron Phantom X 8.5 Putter
• Best for Arc Putting Stroke: Scotty Cameron Special Select Squareback 2 Putter

Best Scotty Cameron Putter: Scotty Cameron Special Select Newport 2

• Great feel coming off the clubface
• Classic design
• 303 Stainless steel clubhead
• Not as forgiving as the mallet-style putter

At the top of our list is the Scotty Cameron Special Select Newport 2 . The Newport 2 makes it to the top because of the classic look and feel of the club.

This is one of the best blade putters design that has been around for many years, but Scotty puts out a new one every few years. 

This putter is made with a solid 303 stainless steel and gives it very consistent performance , feel , and sound . It does not matter what your handicap is; this is a putter that will likely improve your feel and ability to make putts. 

The Scotty Cameron Newport 2 Standards also has a new Soft Tri-Sole Design . This is to help golfers have a great topline view and stability at impact as well.

The new raw stainless finish is glare resistant so that golfers are not squinting when they try and roll their putts. 

The Newport 2 is a tour-proven design that will allow you to square up the face and roll more putts into the hole. If you are a golfer that likes simplicity and function, the Newport 2 is the way to go.

Key Features and Technology

• Improved sound and feel from previous models
• New Soft Tri Sole Design 
• Easy to square up the putter face

What Customers Say about Scotty Cameron Special Select Newport 2

The Special Select Newport 2 also allows you to customize it to suit your specific style and preferences. With options to change the grip, shaft length, and head finish, you really can make this amazing club do anything.

Customers love this putter too, applauding the Special Select 2’s design and accuracy. The features that gained special attention include its perfect size, shape, and weight, as well as its straight putt.

• 303 Stainless material
• Soft Tri-Sole Design
• Tour-inspired shape
• Not as classic looking as the traditional blade

The Scotty Cameron Select Del Mar is part of the same Special Select group of putters.

This is a mallet-style design, and it is a perfect solution for the mid handicapper that needs some extra forgiveness in a putter design but still wants that Scotty Cameron feel. 

With the Del Mar, you will get the Performance Balanced Weighting that will direct more weight to the heel and the toe of the putter.

This helped Scotty Cameron to increase the size of the sweet spot. In general, mallet putters tend to be a little more forgiving and a better fit for the straight back, straight through shots. 

The putter heads on the Special Select series are tour inspired, giving golfers a sleeker look . The topline is flatter, and there is no question that these Del Mar Scotty Cameron putters have players look to them.

Key Features and Technologies

• Performance balanced weighting 
• More forgiving 
• Players type look

What Customers Say about Scotty Cameron Special Select Del Mar Putter

The Del Mar has multiple aesthetic upgrades too. New Super Select graphics, shaft band, and headcover are all present – not to mention the cherry red translucent and asphalt paint fill! 

Customers simply can’t get enough of the Special Select Del Mar Putter’s precision and milled face design. Its milled face feels like no other, and has the added perk of actually sitting square to the target line when soled!

• Soft face inlay
• Made with aircraft aluminum
• A mix between a blade/mallet can be hard for a golfer to decide which is best

The Scotty Cameron Fastback is not the newest release from Scotty, but it is certainly a choice worth considering.

The Fastback is made with a 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum and a face inlay . The face inlay is designed to give a higher MOI and a more balanced feel . 

Just like the other Scotty Camerons on the market, the Fastback is designed to sit perfectly square at address . This feature will help golfers with alignment and consistency .

The stainless steel bodies on the Scotty Cameron Fastback help to give it a very balanced and stable feel at impact. 

Not all golfers like a putter with a face inlay, but this Fastback has a solid feel at impact with little to no vibration. The shape of the Fastback is a bit like a blade mixed with a mallet.

If you are one of those players that can’t decide which is the best putter design for you, this could be a great choice.

• Sits perfectly square at address
• Face inlay with no vibration 
• Stainless steel body for longevity

What Customers Say about Scotty Cameron Fastback Putter

The Flashback Putter also features a new textured Pistolero Plus grip. This grip has a larger profile in the top-hand location near the base and is also relatively heavier than the Pistolini Plus grip.

Customers boast about the Flashback Putter’s accuracy and consistency and are particularly impressed by its amazing feel and sound. Many praise how it hits the ball straight, as well as helping you hit putts with consistent speed no matter your swing length.

Scotty Cameron Phantom X 8.5 Putter

Best for Forgiveness

• Better toe flow increased hang
• Easy alignment
• Unique looking clubhead design
• Club head sits low to the ground
• Very high pricing on these putters

Most of the time, golfers don’t think of the Scotty Cameron putters as being forgiving. However, the truth is, if you find the right match for your game, they can be very forgiving.

Generally speaking, the larger mallet style design putters have more forgiveness because their club head is so much larger, and the sweet spot is bigger. 

The Phantom X 8.5 putter is a very unique looking option. If you have ever played with the Scotty Cameron Futura, you can think of this as the update and replacement.

The 8.5 has a bit of a bend in the shaft to help players with alignment and a true roll at impact. 

If you have a slight arc in your putting stroke, the Phantom is the club to consider.

Generally speaking, the larger mallet putters are best for the straight back straight through putting strokes, but the Phantom X putter will work for the arc as well.

• Larger mallet style
• Large sweet spot 
• More forgiving than other Scotty Cameron putters
• Helps with straight back/straight through putting stroke

What Customers Say about Scotty Cameron Phantom X 8.5 Putter

For golfers with a heavier swing, the Phantom X 8.5 Putter also features adjustable weight ports in the sole near the face of the club. 10, 15, or 20-gram weights can all be added to the head depending on personal preference.

But don’t take it from me, plenty of customers also have a lot to say about the Phantom X 8.5 Putter’s balance and feel. Honorable mentions include how its weight and balance help with ball confidence and the amazing feel, making it one of the most popular choices for putters.

Titleist Scotty Cameron Special Select Squareback 2 Putter

Best for Arc Putting Stroke

• No face inlay
• Heel and toe balanced
• Easier to align than a traditional blade
• Some golfers will find switching to a mallet is a better fit

The way we like to describe the Squareback 2 putter is the big brother of a blade style putter .

When you look at the classic blades that Scotty Cameron has put out, you will see that this Squareback comes out quite a bit further in the back.

If you love a blade style putter, but you want something that is a bit easier to align , the Squareback is a great choice. 

This is another option in the Special Select series so that you will benefit from the Soft Tri-Sole design and the great looking top line.

This putter has a high performing face that is precision milled from one piece of 303 stainless. 

We love this putter for the lower handicapper that wants something a bit different than a blade but is not ready to go to a mallet style putter design.

• Similar to blade functionality 
• Made from 303 Stainless steel 
• High performing face for great consistency

What Customers Say about Titleist Scotty Cameron Special Select Squareback 2 Putter

This putter is also relatively heavier than others. This is because of the 6601 aluminum sole. Not to worry though, the Special Select Squareback 2 has adjustable features to help decrease the weight. 

Not yet convinced? Customers everywhere talk about the Special Select Squareback 2 Putter’s control and stability, and how it offers speed control and feel that’s unmatched among many putters.

Scotty Cameron Putters Buying Guide

Scotty Cameron putters are a unique purchase. Once you buy one, you will likely never buy another kind of putter again.

There are a few things that are important to know before you purchase your first Cameron putter. 

Why Are Scotty Cameron Putters The Best? 

The main thing that makes the Scotty Cameron putters stand out is the precision and the technology.

These putters have had thousands of hours of research and design poured into them, and they have been tested and proven on the PGA Tour. 

Most amateur golfers believe that if a tour player is using a club, it will help their game. Although this is not always the case, switching to the Scotty is very likely going to be a positive addition to your game.

Very few people are disappointed by the manufacturing, design, or feel of a Scotty Cameron. 

How Do I Choose A Scotty Cameron Putter? 

When it comes to finding the best putters for your game, you need to start with your stroke type. If you have a straight back and straight through putting stroke, then you will probably want a mallet type design. For the arc putting stroke, the blade style putter is a better fit. 

Once you have the type of putter narrowed down, you should consider if you want a face inlay or a precision milled face. Most of the time, the face inlays are going to offer a slightly softer feel. This will come down to more of a personal preference than a performance type of decision. 

When you have your putter head style, the face inlay, and your stroke figured out, there will probably only be a few current models to choose from.

Scotty Cameron always keeps certain classic putters available, but they will not put new putters out every few months. Sometimes buying a used Scotty Cameron makes sense if there is no availability in the most recent designs. 

Are Scotty Cameron Putters Worth It? 

The one downside to the Scotty Cameron Putter is the price. There is one question that these putters are priced at the top of the market.

They do not offer a value putter in any style. When you want a Scotty, you must commit to spending several hundred dollars. 

For golfers that struggle with spending a lot of money on a putter, they need to consider how many times during a round of golf the putter is used.

You will use your putter more than any other club in your bag, and therefore spending some extra money on a quality design may make a lot of sense. 

When you compare the price of a Scotty to a new driver from TaylorMade or Callaway, the price will look like a bargain.

Most players will use their driver only 12 or so times in a round of golf. Putters come out of the bag twenty five or more times in the course of a round of golf. 

Types of Putters 

There are two basic types of putters that golfers need to choose from. These are the blade and the mallet putter. Both the blade and the mallet have impressive technology and features; the key is to find a putter that works for your individual needs. Here are a few of the most important things to know about the blade vs. mallet putter.  

A mallet putter is a more forgiving option that works best for golfers with a straight back and straight through style putting stroke. With the mallet style, putter golfers can square the clubface up quite easily and get some better distance control.

Mallet putters are designed to work for a wide range of handicaps, and the new modern mallets are offering more technology than we have seen from a mallet putter in the past. With the larger club head size players get a lot more flexibility in what they can do with the club. 

Blade 

A blade style putter is designed to work best for those with an arc style putting stroke . Blade style putters are typically considered to be a good option for faster greens and better players. However, many beginner golf sets are sold with a blade putter. Essentially you must find the putter that looks the best and performs most consistently for your needs. 

What to look for when buying a putter?

Choosing a putter can be a bit tricky. There are some really great options on the market, even outside of the Scotty Cameron golf brand. If you think that you may want to purchase a new golf putter, here are the things that you should keep in mind. 

A putter grip is going to be different from the other grips in your golf bag. With a putting grip, you typically have a flatter front panel f or your hands to rest on. In addition, many grips are going to be a thicker design so that players can eliminate some of their hand and wrist motion in the putting stroke. 

The golf shaft is not as important in a putter as in some other clubs. However, in recent years, studies have been done to show that having a steel or a graphite/steel mix shaft can lead to some more consistency. 

Forgiveness

The more forgiving a putter is, the easier it is for a golfer to repeat their putting stroke. The most forgiving putters are typically mallet type putters with a larger sweet spot than standard. In addition, many forgiving putters have a long alignment line to help golfers line their shots up to the hole. 

The look and feel of a putter need to match the needs of a player. Most of the time the Scotty Cameron putters have some of the best feel on the market, so this should not be a major concern for the golfers that play Scotty Cameron clubs. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions we get about the best Scotty Cameron putters of all time. As Scotty Cameron continues to put out new models, this list will only continue to expand.

If you have been indecisive about whether or not to get one of the new Cameron putters, hopefully, our guide has helped narrow things down for you.

The Scotty Cameron Newport putter stands at the top of our list because of the balanced feel, the weighting, and the classic look.

This is a club that has many PGA Tour victories to its name, and it is something that can take your game to the next level.

The great thing about all of these putters in our review is they will earn a spot in your bag for many years to come; the Scotty Cameron putters do not expire!

Henry Foster

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Scotty Cameron Phantom X Putters: An Honest Review

The Scotty Cameron line of golf putters by Titleist have exploded in popularity over the last few years. In this guide, we review the new Scotty Cameron Phantom X putters.

We’ll do a deep dive and tell you everything you need to know, including:

• How to buy the Scotty Cameron Phantom X
• A breakdown of all the key features in the latest version of the putter
• Explanations on all 7 models of the putter you can buy today
• A summary of different weighting, grips, and shafts that you can buy for the putter

Is the Phantom X one of the top putters available this year? Read below to find out!

• How to Buy the Scotty Cameron Phantom X 2022 Putters

The 2022 Phantom X putters are not available on Amazon yet. However, they can be purchased from PGA Tour Superstore, a very reputable online store for golf enthusiasts. Check out each of the Phantom X models in more detail below.

Phantom X 5

Scotty cameron phantom x putter overview, what does phantom x mean, key features, solid steel face and body, precision milled shapes, shaft and neck configurations, scotty cameron phantom x models, phantom x 5.5, phantom x 7, phantom x 7.5, phantom x 9, phantom x 9.5, phantom x 12, weighting and shafts, what i like about the scotty cameron phantom x putters, what i don’t like about the scotty cameron phantom x putters, frequently asked questions.

The 2022 Scotty Cameron Phantom X is the newest and next evolution of the Phantom X mallet-head putter . This line of putters from Titleist has seen great success on the PGA Tour so far. There are ten new models released in 2022, with three of them coming mid-year. 

The new lineup of mallet putters features brand new head shapes as well as a few updates to the most popular Phantom X models out currently. There is black sight lines on each putter, allowing you to line up each shot correctly with your golf ball.

The 2021 Phantom X line was very popular amongst golfers and even saw 2021 PGA Player of the Year Patrick Cantlay use it during the season with great success. This putter gets praised for its smooth putting stroke and the new models were created with player input.

With many models and new options to choose from, there is sure to be a certain head shape and weight for everyone out there to try. Below we will go over each of the 7 models available to purchase.

The Phantom X is Scotty Cameron’s line of mallet-head putters. The Phantom X has been on the Tour for a few years now, but most recently has seen an increase in use and popularity. There has also been a massive increase in mallet-head usage on the PGA Tour. 

There used to be a 70/30 split in favor of blade style putters and now that number is opposite with 70% of players opting for a mallet style putter. Scotty Cameron is taking advantage of that success by releasing these 7 new models of the Phantom X. Scotty Cameron is commonly known as the king of modern mallets.

Here are the main putter features in the new Phantom X that we life.

The new Phantom X putters all have a 303 solid stainless-steel face. The stainless steel face carries from the putter head through to the body and wings of the putter. 

Titleist integrated an aluminum sole for ultimate feel when putting. The aluminum helps keep a consistent sound and soft feel off the face of the putter. The reasoning behind the aluminum is to allow for perimeter weighting on the putter, which allows for a higher moment of inertia (MOI). 

The Phantom X putter will definitely have forgiveness even on hits not off the center of the face.

The Phantom X head shapes were designed with quite a bit of feedback from touring golf professionals. Each model has been redesigned or updated based on tour player preferences such as:

• alignment lines
• stainless steel faces
• different style putter heads
• specific shafts
• specific neck options

PGA Tour Player of the Year Patrick Cantlay had the Phantom X 5 in his bag all year and was high on strokes-gained-putting.

The great thing about the new 2022 Phantom X models is that there are 7 different options to choose from, all with different shaft and neck configurations depending on what you are looking for and comfortable with. 

The Phantom X 5, 7, 9, 11 and 12 models all have a stepless steel shaft, which minimizes face rotation with a single mid-bend aimed right at the target line. The Phantom X 11.5 features a low-bend shaft installed over a milled topline spud. The Phantom X 7.5 and 9.5 have small slant/jet necks. 

The best way to find what you like is to head into a golf retailer and try out every model for yourself. Below, we break down all of the new Scotty Cameron Phantom X models in more detail.

The X 5 is a redesign of the popular 2021 model. The 2022 Phantom X 5 comes with a new sole plate design and updated graphics. 

It is a face-balanced putter with customizable sole weights in both the heel and the toe. This model has a single bend shaft with an updated aluminum sole plate in the face for maximum feel. The 5, like all of the Phantom X models, has a single sight line to help you line up your shots.

The X 5 is often compared to the X 5.5. The main difference from the 5.5 model is the single bend in the shaft as opposed to the slant/jet neck in the 5.5. It is one of the most comfortable mallet putters I’ve ever held.

The Phantom X 5 is available for $429 USD.

The X 5.5 is also an update on the 2021 model. It comes with a new sole plate design and also updated graphics on the putter head. The only different between this and the 5 model is the small slant neck in the shaft. 

The Phantom X 5.5 is what Justin Thomas uses on the PGA Tour. It also has the customizable weights in the heel and toe and the brand new aluminum sole plate for maximum feel. This model is also available left-handed.

The Phantom X 5.5 is available for $429 USD.

The Phantom X 7 was completed updated for 2022. The head is an angular wingback mallet head with a single bend shaft. It again has the brand new aluminum sole along with brand new dual purpose alignment features. 

The long wings on the head create a great alignment aid on the ball and also helps position the weight further back on the putter head which increase MOI. It also has the customizable weights in the heel and toe of the putter to provide maximum feel and distance control.

The Phantom X 7 starts at $429 USD.

Just like the X 5 and 5.5, the Phantom X 7.5 is identical to the X 7 but with a small slant neck. This small change helps promote slight toe flow on the putter head. The head is the all-new angular wingback mallet shape with customizable weights in the heel and toe. A brand new aluminum sole with the enhanced alignment options, this putter is great to look at from above.

The Phantom X 7.5 starts at $429 USD.

The all new Phantom X 9 putter shares very similar design attributes as the X 5 and 11 putter heads. Instead of having the slit where the wings are, it is a near-full faced putter head. The near-full face putter head provides a more balanced compact MOI mallet head, and also shares the same features as the other models. 

It has the customizable weights in the heel and tow and the face and wings are integrated with a rounded 6061 aluminum sole flange component. The “full” head at address may be more appealing to golfers wanting a full putter head look instead of the wing-back style. 

Like the X5 and X7, the Phantom X 9 has a straight shaft.

The Phantom X 9 is available for pre-order and starts at $429 USD.

Just like the Phantom X 9, the X 9.5 is considered a near-full faced mallet head. The difference from the X 9 is the small slant neck instead of the single bend shaft. It holds customizable weights in both the heel and toe and has a solid milled stainless steel face. 

The full mallet face provides a unique profile with enhanced alignment aids on the ball. The feel on this putter is next to none.

The Phantom X 9.5 starts at $429 USD.

Lastly, the Phantom X 12 is fully redesigned with an elongated single alignment line that also has a thinner mid-section and updated graphics on the bottom of the putter. The new Phantom X 12 has the highest MOI of the 7 new models being released and is a similar putter head to the Taylormade Spider X. 

It is a single mid-bend shaft with swept back wings design. It has perimeter weighting on the heel and toe and is definitely the most forgiving option of the 7. A left-handed version is also available in this one.

The Phantom X 12 is available for pre-order and starts at $429 USD.

Each new Phantom X model being release features perimeter weighting with customizable weights on the heel and toe of the putter. Each model released also comes with different shaft options, depending on what your preference is when putting.

The optimal weight distribution is immediately obvious when you get your hands on the Phantom X.

The main difference between the whole number and decimal number versions of this putter is the shaft bends. So if you prefer a single bend shaft or a small slanted neck, you can get your preference.

Our best advice is to head into any major golf retailer and try out all of the options to see what the best option for you is. The single bend shaft will probably feel most natural to new golfers.

All of the new Phantom X putters are equipped with a brand new updated Pistolero Plus grip that features a non-slip and decorative texture. The Pistolero grip has a pronounced angle toward the butt end. Your bottom hand sits nicely in the groove while you putt. Overall, I think it provides really great comfort and feedback while putting.

If you don’t like the grip that comes equipped, or you are more familiar with others, you can definitely equip whatever grip you’d like onto the club as well. Putting all comes down to feel.

There are a lot of great things to like about this putter. First off, it’s the most beautiful putter ever created, with a sleek profile, clean topline, and light grey design. The dark color schemed feels so premium in your hands. Put this putter side-by-side with any other one and this one gets chosen based on looks every time.

The weighting in the putter is top notch too, with optimal weight distribution throughout the club. The integration of steel into the head works well. Your putter stroke is so smooth with this thing in your hands and the golf ball has no bounce off the face.

The most obvious drawback to this putter is the almost $500 USD price tag. That’s up in driver territory for price! If you have the wallet to stomach this purchase, you’ll be happy. But for most people, that is simply too much to spend on a putter.

The other thing that is confusing are the ten different models that the Phantom putter comes in. Most amateur golfers do not hit enough strokes to care about a straight vs slant neck, the difference in sole vs heel weights, or the different head styles. Plus, the odds of your local golf shop having every model available to hit and practice with are low. If you are a left-handed golfer, the selection is limited to certain models as well.

It would be nice if Titleist pulled some analytics for this putter and sold the two most common models only and left the rest to custom order for professionals. 

Which professional golfers use the Scotty Cameron Phantom X?

Many professionals tour players have been using one of the new Phantom X putters. Justin Thomas has already committed to using the Phantom X on tour this year. Pantrick Cantley also uses the Phantom X and he was the PGA Tour Player of the Year last year.

Which Phantom X putter is the most popular?

The Scotty Cameron Phantom X 5 is the most popular putter in the lineup. It has a large mallet head that it easily forgivable and popular amongst both amateur and professional golfers. With the ability to pick the shaft configuration that you like the most, there is an option for everyone.

Why is the Phantom X putter so expensive?

Scotty Cameron is a premium golf brand and it has built a reputation for using quality components and the latest technology. The premium steel head and custom weighted inserts provide advanced customization for golfers and increase the price.

The brand new Scotty Cameron Phantom X putters are completely redesigned from the 2021 options with new technology that is sure to help improve your putting game. It also helps that Scotty Cameron is providing many different options for golfers, depending on what kind of shaft and putter head they prefer. 

The updated graphics on the putter head are sleek and great to look at. I think this is the best looking putter that has ever been released. There is brand new aluminum soles to provide maximum feel and sound on the ball. The perimeter weighting on the heel and toe provide great feel and distance control on every single putt.

The only thing that we really don’t like is the price of these putters. Scotty Cameron putters will always be the premium brand. But, with all of the new technology and the amount of golf professionals that use these putters, it sure does let you know that you get what you pay for in the end.

Ryan William

With over 25 years hands-on experience in the golfing world, Ryan is not just an avid golfer but a topical authority. His journey has had him delve deep into the nuances of the sport, from mastering the swing to understanding new golf technology. As an entrepreneur, Ryan is at the forefront of the latest golf trends, reviewing all new clubs, accessories, and training aids. His insights and expertise are backed by a prolific writing career, with over 1000 articles published across various platforms. Ryan's commitment is clear: to guide and inform the golf community with unparalleled knowledge and passion.

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• FedEx St. Jude Championship

Hideki Matsuyama strong putting gives him convincing lead at FedEx St. Jude Championship

Matsuyama dominated the putting greens in Round 3 of the FedEx St. Jude Championship to extend his lead with 18 holes left.

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Share All sharing options for: Hideki Matsuyama strong putting gives him convincing lead at FedEx St. Jude Championship

After three rounds of the PGA Tour’s first playoff event, the FedEx St. Jude Championship , Hideki Matsuyama holds a five-shot advantage.

He signed for a 6-under 64 with five birdies, an eagle and one lone bogey.

Since the start of this tournament, Matsuyama’s putter has been one of his best clubs in the bag. Saturday’s round saw him rank No. 10 in the field in strokes gained, putting at +1.804.

He leads the field through three rounds of play, picking up almost seven strokes (+6.893) on the putting green alone. He is also No. 1 in strokes gained total (+14.142).

“I did put a new putter in the bag, and it’s been behaving very well,” Matsuyama said after his round on Saturday. “I’ve had the putter for a while, and I thought it might be a good week to debut that putter. But I might change putters tonight even.”

It is a Scotty Cameron putter, but he did not know exactly what model.

Matsuyama started his round with a birdie on the first but coughed up his only shot of the day on No. 2.

The par-5 3rd was a huge momentum booster for the 2024 Bronze medalist. He landed his second shot 14 feet, 11 inches from the hole, and sank the putt.

“It was very important,” he said. “Got the momentum back and then carried on with the round. That was big.”

The gutsy approach pays off @HidekiOfficial_ leads by three @FedExChamp . pic.twitter.com/K2nyfpeyz6 — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) August 17, 2024

His putting is a huge factor, but his approach game has helped him just as much. He is No. 2 in strokes gained through 54 holes, picking up +6.849 shots.

The Japanese golfer is coming into Memphis after his bronze performance in Paris , and it seems he is peaking at the right moment this season.

However, it has a lot to do with finally feeling healthy.

“I don’t know if that has anything to do with the results,” Matsuyama said about being healthy. “Again, hopefully, we can carry on and do the same. We have good and bad days, but today I played well, and again. Hopefully, that will carry over to tomorrow.”

While the eagle at No. 3 massively boosted his confidence, saving par on 17 might have been the most important shot of the day.

Matsuyama made an incredible up-and-down to set up the par save.

Well played @HidekiOfficial_ avoids a late bogey with a brilliant up-and-down on 17. pic.twitter.com/mKQWhc5WlB — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) August 17, 2024

TPC Southwind is not playing easy. The wind gives players a lot to think about, but for Matsuyama, it does not bother him.

“The course does play more difficult, especially in the wind,” Matsuyama said. “It is drying out. I'm not sure what the condition is going to be tomorrow, but hopefully, I can prepare well for it and do the same.”

Matsuyama holds a five-shot lead over solo second place, and PGA Tour rookie Nick Dunlap sits at 12-under overall. He shot a 4-under 66 to move up four spots on the leaderboard.

They will tee off in the final group at 1:40 p.m. ET on Championship Sunday.

Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. For more golf coverage, follow us @_PlayingThrough on all major social platforms. You can also follow her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @golf_girl_sl.

Next Up In Golf

• FedEx St. Jude: Complete 4th round tee times see who advances playoffs
• PGA Tour: 3 Quick takeaways from Round 3 of the exciting FedEx St. Jude Championship
• Scottie Scheffler’s frustrating putting day has him well back of Hideki Matsuyama at FedEx St. Jude
• Tiger Woods’ Sun Day Red makes excellent choice, breaks into college football with Stanford QBs
• FedEx St. Jude Championship Round 3 Tee Times; Hideki Matsuyama, Denny McCarthy co-lead
• World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler continues to play flawless golf at FedEx St. Jude Championship

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Coolest thing for sale in the GolfWRX Classifieds (8/15/24): Scotty Cameron Circle T Timeless putter

At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals that all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.

It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.

Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, there is a listing for a Scotty Cameron Circle T Timeless putter.

From the seller: (@ebbowron): “Last week I was fortunate enough to be chosen to purchase this amazing Timeless + SSS putter with welded chromatic blue neck.  See photos – they speak for themselves.  Putter is brand new, comes with original box, HC, coveted blue stitchback grip, and certificate of authenticity.  This putter is currently listed on another popular auction site for $9,000.00.  I am asking $8,000.00 shipped CONUS.  Reasonable offers will be considered.  DM with any questions.”

To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link:  Scotty Cameron Circle T Timeless putter

This is the most impressive current listing from the GolfWRX BST, and if you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum you can check them out here:  GolfWRX BST Rules

Putter roundup: 2024 FedEx St. Jude Championship

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New and custom putters are on the practice green at tour events every week being tested by players. This week we take a look at 4 putters we spotted at the 2024 FedEx St. Jude Championship.

Odyssey Ai-One Milled Seven T Prototype

Cris Kirk was testing out this modified Odyssey Ai One Milled Seven T with a Versa paint scheme. The white Versa line that runs from toe to heel is used to help with alignment and making sure the putter is pointed towards the target. Chris had the Odyssey team add a flow neck to the putter for about a half shaft of offset and some added toe hang to the mallet. The edges look to be just a tad softer as do the toe and heel sections of the face. The traditional titanium Ai-One insert remains to control ball speed on mishits and be more forgiving.

Scotty Cameron Phantom T-9.5 Prototype

This unique Phantom mallet was being tested by putter connoisseur Hideki Matsuyama this week. Scotty’s Phantom 9 head seems to be getting a lot of looks from tour players recently so Hideki had to try one. A torched finish was applied to the 9.5 and you can see the coloring brighter around the smaller and sharp edges on the putter. It still has a matte finish to reduce glare from the sun to go along with the brown, purple ,and blue colors. A traditional L Neck has been welded on to add some toe hang that will make the putter feel more like a blade putter through the stroke. A simple site dot has been milled into the top of the putter for alignment and the face has a shallow milling for some additional sound and feel.

Scotty Cameron P3 Prototype

This might be the most interesting putter from the week and was one putter that Stephan Jaeger was trying it out this week. The head looks to be based off the GoLo 3 with its smaller size and more pear shape compared to the current GoLo 6. This P3 also has long, sloping shoulders like the GoLo 3 but the folks at Cameron welded a slightly longer L Neck on the putter down near the heel. The rear flange is stepped and contains a single black siteline and the face looks to be pretty thick as there is no real cavity in the back of the putter. A large sole plate contains small engine turning ornamentation and is held in place with 4 torx bolts. We can assume the putter weighs 345 grams as it is stamped down near the heel of the putter. Finally the face contains a medium depth milling with “Scotty” text and the classic crown stamped on the heel.

Scotty Cameron FB – 1.5 Prototype

The next putter that Jaeger was testing out at the FedEx St. Jude was a prototype Scotty Cameron FB – 1.5 in all black. This putter is based off of the Super Select Fastback 1.5 that you can purchase at your local shop. The biggest difference is the matte black finish and singe site dot on the top. The retail Fastback has a site line on the flange but Jaeger opted to keep that clean on his model. A short slant neck should give this putter a good amount of toe hang and he has twin 15 gram Circle T weights installed on the sole. Multiple cherry bombs have been milled into the back cavity, and face, then filled with white paint. Sotty’s SSS logo is on the face and tells us that the putter is milled from Surgical Stainless Steel that is not annealed a second time like GSS, so it could be slightly firmer in feel.

• Check out the rest of our photos from the 2024 FedEx St. Jude.

Whats in the Bag

Witb time machine: dustin johnson’s winning witb, 2017 fedex st. jude championship.

DJ rose to the occasion seven years ago, beating Jordan Spieth on the first playoff hole to capture the FedEx St. Jude Championship (then sponsored by Northern Trust).

Take a look at Johnson’s gear below.

Driver: TaylorMade M1 2017 (10.5 degrees @11)  Buy here. Shaft: Fujikura Speeder Evolution 2.0 Tour Spec 661 X Specs: 45.75 inches, tipped 1 inch

3-wood: TaylorMade M1 2017 (17 degrees)  Buy here. Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Black 6.5

5-wood: TaylorMade M1 2016 (19 degrees)  Buy here. Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Black 6.5

Irons: TaylorMade Tour Preferred MB ’14 (3-PW)  Buy here. Shafts: Project X HZRDUS Black 6.5 (105 grams), True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 (3-PW)

Wedges: TaylorMade Milled Grind (52-09, 60-10)  Buy here. Shaft: KBS Tour Wedge 130X Black Nickel

Putter: TaylorMade TP Collection Juno  Buy here. Length, Loft, Lie: 35.75 inches, 2.5 degrees, 69 degrees

Ball: TaylorMade TP5x  Buy here.

WITB Time Machine is presented by 2nd Swing Golf. 2nd Swing has more than 100,000 new and pre-swung golf clubs available in six store locations and online.  Check them out here.

GolfWRX Members Choice presented by 2nd Swing: Best mallet putter of 2024

We’re proud to once again partner with 2nd Swing Golf to bring you GolfWRX Members Choice 2024! 2nd Swing has more than 100,000 new and pre-swung golf clubs available in six store locations and online.  Check them out here . 

What is the best mallet putter in 2024? At GolfWRX, we take great pride in our online community and the cumulative knowledge and experience of our members. Needless to say, that extends to their views on the best mallet putter of 2024.

The bedrock of GolfWRX.com is the community of passionate and knowledgable golfers in our forums, and we put endless trust in the opinions of our GolfWRX members — the most knowledgeable community of golfers on the internet. No other group of golfers in the world tests golf clubs as frequently or as extensively, nor is armed with such in-depth information about the latest technology.

Below are the results of GolfWRX member voting for the 2024 best mallet putter (vote percentage in parenthesis).

Best blade putter of 2024: The top 5

1. l.a.b. df3  (22.90%).

L.A.B.’s pitch: “Ever since we launched our first putter, Directed Force, golfers have been asking if we could make it less weird. DF3 is that putter. We took a chisel to the original Lie Angle Balanced putter to make DF3 smaller and sleeker while honoring the shape of the putter that started it all for us.”

2. TaylorMade Spider Tour X  (12.21%)

TaylorMade’s pitch: “Made famous by Rory McIlroy, the sought-after Spider X shape combines the performance of a blade with the benefits of a mallet design.”

3. Scotty Cameron Phantom 5.5  (7.63%)

Scotty Cameron’s pitch: “Purposefully designed to offer compact mallet players stability and a blade-like feel with its refined I-beam jet neck, the familiar Phantom 5.5 emerges again as a tour-trusted design played by the game’s finest. With a new, dual-milled solid face and a one-piece body precision milled from 303 stainless steel and integrated with an updated, lightweight aluminum sole plate, Scotty’s new Phantom 5.5 demonstrates a commitment to craftsmanship at every turn.”

T4. Odyssey Ai-One Jailbird Cruiser  (5.34%)

Odyssey’s pitch: “The Jailbird CRUISER is a classic Odyssey shape that made a major splash on Tour last year. This version has a 380 gram head and is built at 38″ with a 17″ grip intended to be choked up on. This configuration makes this face balanced putter extremely stable.”

T4. Odyssey Ai-One Jailbird Mini  (5.34%)

Odyssey’s pitch: “The Jailbird Mini is a classic Odyssey shape is back, this smaller version of the Jailbird comes with Versa alignment and a double bend shaft making it face balanced and best suited for golfers with minimal face rotation and arc.”

Other putters receiving >2% of the vote

• TaylorMade Spider Tour
• L.A.B. Mezz.1
• L.A.B. Mezz.1 Max
• Scotty Cameron Phantom 7
• TaylorMade Spider Tour S

Note: The L.A.B. Link.1 was erroneously included in the list of mallet putters. It received 2.29% of the vote.

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Driver: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond Max (9 degrees) Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Black 6 X Mini driver: Callaway...

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Lewiston/Moscow Area Golf

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2024 FedEx St Jude - Discussion and Links to the Photos

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3M Open - Discussion and Links to Photos

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2024 Barracuda Championship - Discussion and Links to Photos

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Mark Hubbard isn’t who you think he is

Once a colorado rebel, now one of most consistent players in golf.

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It was probably a stupid idea to begin with. Lazy. Easy.

You had pegged Mark Hubbard as a backcountry skier who accidentally wound up on the PGA TOUR. A bearded, Colorado-bred countercultural outlier. The kind of guy you could see winning “Survivor” for his prowess with plant medicine and edible bugs.

You saw him as such, in part, because at the PGA Championship, when you asked him if he’d ever been in jail, he replied, “Not in the U.S.” (A misunderstanding on a class trip to Cancun.) And because he played a TOUR-record 39 times last season despite playing through pinkeye and multiple toenail removals. (A gonzo-golf benchmark that likely will never be matched.)

And because his high school coach, Beth Folsom, tells a story about Hubbard finding a pink ball in a lake and playing the rest of the round under par with it. And because Hubbard asked his wife Meghan to marry him on a video board at Pebble Beach. And because at the Rocket Mortgage Classic, he made an ace off a tee shot he hated, calling the whole thing embarrassing.

Oh, and the tiny putter and “Snail” putting grip – also funny.

Mark Hubbard's unusual putter grip

But wait, hang on, here comes the first crack in your Mark Hubbard is a Wildman story.

“I have a long torso and short arms,” Hubbard told PGATOUR.COM in a lengthy, recent phone interview. “I have to hunch over more than most players do. That putter was 33 inches, only a few under standard, and I don’t even use it anymore.”

OK, fine. So, we have a slight fissure in the snow. But look closer and one fissure becomes two, then three, and when it all breaks loose and the full avalanche comes tumbling down and wrecks your ridiculous supposition, you nod and think, Well, of course.

Mark Hubbard isn’t who you thought he was. No one ever is.

Mark Hubbard: Yoga rebel

Hubbard was doing an ad for True Linkswear, one of his sponsors, when he and his friend Joel Dahmen took off their shirts. This was at TPC Scottsdale, at the end of last year.

“Everyone was like, ‘Whoa, Mark! You’re ripped under there!’” said Derek Bohlen, Hubbard’s manager. “He was like, ‘I know, I know. I don’t tell many people.’ He’s gotten into a yoga and stretching routine as he’s gotten older.”

And eating well. Well into his career, Hubbard was rooming on the road with TOUR pro Jonathan Randolph, now a financial advisor, when Randolph came home one day to a surprise.

“I got back to the house and there were brussels sprouts in the oven,” Randolph said. “The way he cooked them, they were pretty good, too. In our 20s, he didn’t care about that stuff, but he got dedicated. I think Meghan might have had something to do with that.”

Hubbard and his wife have two girls. He is 35, a Taylor Swift fan (bracelets and all), and relentlessly dedicated to his craft (those 39 starts last season weren’t just for laughs).

Mindful of his day job, Hubbard has toned it down so much on the ski slopes that he is animated not by untracked powder but by the fact that Sadie, his and Meghan’s youngest, will be 2 and old enough to get on the boards next winter.

If these things don’t square with your off-piste oddball image of him, well, so be it. At No. 64 in the FedExCup going into this week’s FedEx St. Jude Championship, and still winless on TOUR despite rarely missing a cut, Hubbard is as under-the-radar as ever and fine with it.

Working in the shadows just means getting more done.

“I don’t know anybody like Mark,” said instructor Corey Lundberg, who teaches out of Trinity Forest in Dallas and has worked with Houston-based Hubbard for two seasons. “He’s not just one thing. He’s a lot of fun to be around, but his dedication, drive and fire are fierce.”

If anything, said Nathan Hubbard, a music industry executive and Mark’s older brother, Hubbard could benefit from being more of a slacker, not less of one.

“I think in some ways he can care too much about golf at times,” Nathan, the CEO and co-founder of Firebird, which manages musical artists, said via email. “His family is always first, no question. But he is extraordinarily hard on himself, and I think more than any swing thought or pressure moment on the course, that's what he grapples with.”

(Mark Hubbard responds: “I can get down in the dumps mentally. We’ve been doing a thing where I try to have one positive thought before every shot I hit.”)

Talent? Hubbard has plenty. One of six siblings raised in Denver, he was an all-state performer in basketball as well as golf for Colorado Academy, with offers to play hoops in college. He is most likely one of the top three skiers on TOUR, if not No. 1, and is so good at pool and other leisure pursuits that it has become something of a running joke.

“He might be the best Pop-A-Shot player I’ve ever seen in my life,” said Matt Picanso, a former pro and Hubbard’s caddie. “We stayed in a house at Wyndham last year and there was a Pop-A-Shot machine in the house, and the rest of us were trying to get to 80 and he put up like a 130.

“Anything obscure, badminton, weird sports that nobody would be good at, he’s good at them,” he added. “I’ve never seen somebody have such good awareness of their hands and their feel.”

(Mark Hubbard responds, via text: “I’m good at all bar/misc/useless games.”)

Then there’s golf, where Hubbard’s work with Lundberg has helped him turn his driver from a liability to an asset, and a recent putter switch has him hopeful for the future.

“His iron play has been his super-power,” said Lundberg, who also counts Harry Higgs and Kelly Kraft among his students. “He was one of the best on TOUR in Strokes Gained: Approach last year and didn’t put the driving and putting stats with it in that one week you need to get a win.

Mark Hubbard sticks tee shot to set up birdie at Wyndham

“This year the driver has been better,” Lundberg continued, “and the putter for the second half of the year, and he’s prioritized his mental performance more, but the irons haven’t been as good. Also, his Saturday performances have been a strange outlier for reasons we haven’t figured out.”

(Hubbard is fifth in Round 2 scoring average, 101st in Round 3 scoring average.)

His brother points out that Hubbard tends to play up to the level of his competition.

“He's been paired with a lot of the best players,” Nathan Hubbard said, “and he's routinely stepped up his play; he outplayed Rory in Canada two years ago, he outplayed Phil Mickelson in Palm Springs, he hung around with Scottie at the PGA (Championship), and more.”

At that PGA at Valhalla in May, Hubbard (T26) was asked what it was like to play the third round with Scheffler, who was fresh out of jail, without his usual caddie, and 4 over through four holes. Hubbard said he told the world No. 1 in player scoring, “That’s how real golf is played.” Scheffler’s response? Hubbard chuckled. “He said, ‘I know; I don’t like it.’”

That’s another Hubbard surprise: He is funny and disarmingly smart. His father, Bruce, went to Harvard Law School, and his brother Nathan went to Princeton. Hubbard had Ivy League grades but chose San Jose State, where he was twice Academic All-American, to play Division I golf.

Oh, and his mom, Melissa, won “Wheel of Fortune.”

Mark Hubbard: ‘Boringly efficient’

“I used to tell people I was a better skier than I was a golfer, until around 2019,” Hubbard said. “I started to turn the corner. My floor has obviously gotten a lot higher, with better consistency, some more length off the tee and improved overall driving and mid-range putting.”

(Hubbard made his first 19 cuts this season.)

“Making the cut is nice,” he added of his run, which included a T4 at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and a solo third, with partner Ryan Brehm, at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. “The goal now is to get that ceiling higher. It’s hard as s--- to win a golf tournament.”

When he nearly broke through in New Orleans in April, his partner Brehm was a ball-striking machine, but Hubbard admits he faltered on the greens.

“My partner played as good as he ever has,” he said. “If I had had my C-plus or B-minus putting game we would have won by three.” It was the death knell for his old toe-hang putter, with which he had used his comedic “Snail” grip when things weren’t going well. He would trade for a TaylorMade Spider a la Scheffler and McIlroy; Picanso says he should’ve done so sooner.

Ryan Brehm and Mark Hubbard miss playoff after 72nd hole par at Zurich Classic

Hubbard also rues his Sunday 74 and T5 at the Sanderson Farms Championship in the fall of 2022.

“I wouldn’t say I gave it away,” he said. “I’d say I didn’t know where I was. I thought the lead would be a lot higher.” (Hubbard finished four shots out of a playoff.)

Whether or not he’s a casualty of over-trying, Hubbard is well outside the top 50 who will advance to the BMW Championship at Castle Pines in his beloved Colorado, but there’s still time. There also may be time to mature into the player many believe he could still become.

“He has the potential to be a top-25 player in the world,” manager Bohlen said.

Said Arron Oberholser, another San Jose State golf product who played the TOUR before turning to broadcasting, “He reminds me of me: boringly efficient. He’s not going to wow you, but he finishes a round, and it’s like, ‘How the hell did he shoot 67?’”

Picanso is optimistic: “His short game is consistently amazing. He’s sneakily been gaining speed over the last eight months and it’s starting to show. He’s gaining strokes off the tee which I don’t think he’s ever done in his career, so that’ll be big going forward.”

Added Hubbard, “It’s very evident that I belong out here.”

Well, yes. Making so many cuts, and those 39 starts last season, would suggest he’s at home on TOUR. He and his brother have put this down to their parents’ divorce when Hubbard was not yet 5, shuttling between houses and developing an outsized adaptability.

“He can put his head down and push through just about anything,” Nathan Hubbard said. “And my wish for him is that he can pick his head up from time to time and appreciate just how much he's accomplished because of that grit, and to feel the joy in it.”

Not to worry, it might just be in his DNA. Nathan tells a story about the brothers and their families renting a house for New Year’s Eve in Palm Springs when they got obsessed with trying to hit a flop shot off the couch and onto a catwalk some 25 feet in the air. Mark was the only one who could do it – not that that dampened anyone else’s enthusiasm.

“The rest of us whittled away our security deposit by drilling the walls,” Nathan said.

Mark Hubbard – dad, Swiftie, Pop-A-Shot legend – keeps plugging away at it.

Cameron Morfit is a Staff Writer for the PGA TOUR. He has covered rodeo, arm-wrestling, and snowmobile hill climb in addition to a lot of golf. Follow Cameron Morfit on Twitter .

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Ask questions. get answers about russia..

Which airport should I use to fly into Moscow?

This post will address the international terminals, because domestic air travel in Russia is hit or miss – usually terrifying.

Not even Vnukovo-3, the private air terminal, is safe from crowds during the Russian holidays, which occur several times a year. Nor is it safe for urgent matters. Last year, I saw ground staff at the private terminal deny an ambulance permission to approach the tarmac to meet a patient in critical condition.

As far as first impressions go, if your first landing in Moscow is at Domodedovo (DME), you might very well think that you are in the third world or in the 3rd-5th circles of hell. Cheap construction, constantly under ramshackle construction, a narrow, dark international arrivals corridor, extremely aggressive and questionably licensed taxi drivers trying to pick you up, quacking “tak-see, tak-see, tak-see,” in your face. This is at all hours of the night. The other night, the border patrol guy fell asleep holding my passport at 1:30 in the morning as I blinked awkwardly. Lastly, DME is the furthest from the city center.

Sheremetyevo, SVO, known for it’s gross mis-spellings on signage, —  is this the line for diplomates? — has undergone serious renovations in recent years. However, the shiny new handrails and faux-wood paneling only taped over the Soviet specter of which it still reeks. Areas of SVO still smell of cigarette smoke that used to curl through the departure terminals.  The business lounges are atrocious. Often, passengers are bussed out to their planes. However, it is only 35 minutes by train to the city center,  perhaps one of its only redeeming qualities. Don’t even think of driving to or from SVO – it’s past a chronically traffic-clogged stretch of highway.

Vnukovo, VKO, (the commercial side this time) is the least busy of all three, also 35 minutes by train. Driving there is usually not bad, either. I especially enjoy their welcoming Soviet plane perched at the entrance.  Inside, the terminal is spacious and while duty free options, libations, and refreshments could be wider, the interior feels airy. Complaints- very limited electric sockets, there is only one moving walkway towards the gates. Since the worst thing about travel is other people, VKO wins for me in terms of relatively low traffic.

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