Over the last 10 years, the high end putter market was dominated by putters that featured superior craftsmanship. The brand I most associate with this category, is Scotty Cameron. In fact, for my 18th birthday, 10 years ago, I purchased a Scotty Cameron Studio Select Newport 2. When I told my girlfriend, now wife, that I spent $400 on a single golf club, she about fell over. However, in today’s putter market, the majority of companies are selling putters with a price of $250 or greater.
When I first started in the game, Odyssey was the best bang for your buck putter brand out there. Odyssey always had great putters with a little bit of technology for anywhere between $100 and $150.
Raise your hand if you own a couple of Odyssey White Hot or Versa putters?
These days, Odysseys new releases are all going to costs at least $250. For example, Odysseys latest putter release, Triple Track, retails for $249.99.
The question is, is that price justified?
Are Putters becoming to Expensive?
I would argue that the price appreciation in the putter market is justified, and here’s why.
Scotty Cameron Putters
When I bought my first Scotty Cameron back in 2010, it was because it was the best looking putter on the shelf. I mean hell, Golf Galaxy used to keep the putters locked in a case, and you had a ask permission to test one.
Scotty Cameron, was the Mercedes Benz of the putter market. You bought a Cameron because it looked good.
Now, having said all of that, I have found that Scotty Cameron has some of the best performing putters out there. The Cameron brand focuses on using high end metals in all of their putter offerings, and it translates to some of the best feeling non-insert putters on the market. So, when you spent $400 in those days, you were getting a sweet looking putter that had a nice buttery feel.
Technology Era
Today, the high end putter market is driven by technology. And technology is expensive.
For instance, the latest Odyssey putter offerings, are packed with technology. The Odyssey Triple Track line that I referenced earlier, has the following technological features:
- Triple Track Alignment – “Triple Track uses Vernier Hyper Acuity for better and more consistent alignment, a key fundamental to good putting. Vernier Hyper Acuity is a proven scientific method analyzing how the human eye sees straight lines. It’s a design that’s incredibly intuitive and easy to use.”
- Stroke Lab Weighting – “Innovative multi-material shaft saves 40 grams of weight, which is redistributed to the head and grip end of the putter. This completely rebalances the putter for improved tempo and consistency in the stroke, and this major-winning technology continues to dominate on Tours around the world.”
- Microhinge Star Insert – “Provides a firmer feel and enhanced sound at impact compared while maintaining the same roll benefits of our popular White Hot Microhinge Insert. It’s already the choice for some of the best players in the world.”
In summary, the Odyssey Triple Track putter line has technology that is going to help you with three elements of your putting.
- Better alignment to your intended target (Triple Track Alignment)
- Make a more consistent stroke (Stroke Lab Weighting)
- Roll the ball on your intended line (Microhinge Star Insert)
What are you getting for your money?
In 2010, when you spent $400 on a putter, you were just getting a putter that looked good, and felt good. Now when you spend that kind of money, you are getting a putter that is going to help you put better
That is why I think the rise in price in the putter market is completely justified.
Today’s putter offerings are packed with technology that are going to make the game easier for you. And, the good news is, sex appeal hasn’t been sacrificed in favor of technology. The majority of the putters on today’s market still look fantastic.
New Putter Day!
The reason I decided to post this blog, is because I am in the market for a new putter myself. I have tried a ton of putters in my day and I haven’t purchased a new one in a long time. However, I have been intrigued by a particular putter line for awhile and I have decided to a make a move.
This week I will be ordering a Taylormade Spider X Cooper Single Bend putter.
It is time for me to leave my old Cameron behind and enter into the technology era. Spider X is packed with technology, that improves alignment, stability, and roll. If you want to read more about the technology included in the Taylormade Spider X follow this link –> Taylormade Spider X. I have never gamed a Taylormade putter, so I am excited to see what this bad boy has to offer.
Until next time,
Enjoy the chase!
If you want to see my more from the blog, follow this link –> Chasing Birdies Blog.