This season has been one of frustration on the greens. Not putting terribly, but not great either. I live in the Chicago suburbs and decided to go to Bettinardi's Studio B for a fitting and see what they had. After trying out a dozen or so putters I found one that I liked. It fit my eye visually and was giving good results. On to the fitting...

What I learned during the fitting process was the most surprising. It was more like a lesson. My misses were generally pushes and we found the reasons why:

1. Incorrect lenght
2. Incorrect lie -- putter was way too far toe up
3. Both of these were causing me to stand too far off the ball
4. Too strong of a right hand grip

They cut the putter to length (34") and adjusted the lie so the putter soled flat. Now my eyes were over the ball and it felt like I was on top of it. A little weaker in the right hand so the putter would "release". The results were great. I was making putt after putt from 20 feet. No right miss. Yes! The new setup does feel different and it will take some time to get comfortable but I feel like at least now it's going in the right direction.

Studio B sells only tour putters. They also have the Japan tour line (and oddly enough) I picked a Japan-only MC-3 Tour. I love (and play) a lot of JDM clubs so I must gravitate to this stuff. This particular MC-3 is not the typical black finish, though. It has a satin finish with the Bettinardi honeycomb face. It also has a black rubber insert which gives it a terrific soft feel and puts a great roll on the ball. I've searched all the Bettinardi sites and have not seen one like this. I really don't know a lot about Bettinardi's and chose this one based on results and feel. I didn't really care what it was as long as it works. It's going to be a gamer and hopefully a good one.

One last comment -- the price. The fitting is $100 but is taken off the price of the putter. The putter itself was $550 and I got to pick the grip (black Iomic) and headcover. Not cheap, but in my ballpark. This should save me from buying more putters (hopefully) and moreover, if it cuts strokes off my game it will be worth every penny.

Here are some pics of the putter:

what kind of insert is this?

I am so interested in making one. Sadly i am so far away from Chicago. Hopefully after next year's chicago houseware show i will be there making my own putter. Enjoy your new score slashing putter! (IMG:style_emoticons/TSG_Smileys/tsg_smiley_conehead.gif)

Btw, how long you need to make an appointment before you get to go for a fitting?

thanks

This post has been edited by gbs: Jul 22 2008, 04:32 PM

very cool!

I'm not sure exactly what the insert is made of. It looks like rubber but I'm sure it's more than that. It feels very soft and is nice for the fast greens I play. I would compare it in feel to the Taylor Made RSI insert or possibly the Odyssey White Hot inserts.

I made the appointment for the seesion only a week out. They are open Mon-Fri from 9-5 for fittings. You should book early to make sure you can get in if there's a specific day/time you want. Definately worth a trip.

Sweet looking putter.

Thanks for sharing. Just another example of why its so important having clubs fit to oneself and especially the putter. I can concur that after having flattened my lie angle 2 degrees and decreasing length from 34" to 33" earlier this year, my putting has been very solid as well.

Wish you continued success on the greens!

Thanks for the tip. Will certainly make a trip there hopefully soon!