Few names in golf equipment carry more weight than Scotty Cameron. When he announces he is launched two new ranges of putters, the golf industry takes note. At the 2014 PGA Show, Cameron was unveiling his latest Scotty Cameron Select and GoLo models.
His "Select" range began in 2008 and has been upgraded each season since then. For 2014, Cameron has upgraded the looks and colour of the Select putters, and added a couple of new models.
Scotty Cameron spoke of the thinking behind the new look and design:
My team and I are focused on one simple goal, designing and producing the finest putters in the world. The new Select and GoLo families, in addition to our high-MOI Futura X models, take us to the next level of performance and pure putting confidence. Every day, we strive to learn more about how the ball, the putter and the golfer work together, and how we can improve that connection. We’re continually experimenting with new designs, new materials and technologies.
After using one of our putters, golfers sometimes tell me, ‘I don’t know why I like it, I just like it.’ That’s where the attention to detail comes in, making sure there is complete harmony between how it looks, how it sounds and how it feels.
The 2014 range sees a return of the classic silver mist finish and racing-car red detailing in addition to some new models.
The Scotty Cameron Select range features three traditional, blade models: Newport (not pictured), Newport 2 and Newport 2.5, in addition to two new mid mallet designs: the Fastback and Squareback. Each putter is precision milled and shaped to give the look, feel, sound and balance that Cameron believes the world's best players are looking for.
The Newport is roly-poly, with softer corners, while the Newport 2 is boxier and more square. Same performance, it just depends on which visual you like better. We’ve added a Newport 2.5, which is the same head as a Newport 2 but with a smaller, flare neck and a hair less offset. Visually, when we shorten that neck, the blade looks longer. By shortening the neck, the shaft axis also comes more toward the heel, which creates more toe flow for more of a swinging gate versus the more mechanical look of a plumbing neck.
The new Fastback and Squareback designs have shorter blade lengths and a single bend shaft that suits a player with less arc in their stroke. Both also feature Cameron's new crisscross alignment aid, rather than the single black line on the Newport models.
The red, crisscross sight lines are a continuation of the sole that pops up through the head. We’ve found through years of research at the Studio that the best players in the world putt with the ball slightly up in their stance, under their left eye. This places the crisscross sight lines, which are located on the back flange, directly under their nose and between their eyes.
Whether you prefer a horizontal or vertical sight line, the crisscross makes it easier to square the face, putting your eyes in the right position to execute a proper arcing stroke. If you set the putter too far forward, the crisscross will make the face appear closed. If you put it too far back, it will look open. Alignment is more and more becoming the talk of the tour, and the feedback out there has been fantastic.
Beyond the looks and shaping, Cameron has paid particular attention to the weighting of each putter.
The Fastback and Squareback models feature a red, aluminium soleplate that allowed Cameron and his team to relocate weight where they want it. They have pulled back the heel and toe portions and give these models a thicker topline.
Furthermore, the entire Select range features circular weights in the toe and heel portions of the sole. They can be adjusted through custom fitting or Cameron's Custom Shop and are positioned to increase the stability and forgiveness of the putters.
