[Slingblade61]

This is an original article by Bames....



“Do you want some juice to drink” I asked making my way to the refrigerator.
“Dad, you’re supposed to have milk after chocolate.”
“How do you know that?” I asked my know-it-all four year old.
“Because. That’s just what we do. It just feels good.”

Rarely has a more profound phrase ever been uttered by a four year old boy.

Recently I have been burdened with the task of choosing a new putter. This was going to be a challenge. Three great putters stood in my way. The Old Friend – Odyssey Rossie (I’ve been a long time user of Odyssey putters). The New Technology – Yes! Marilyn. The Classic – Scotty Cameron Red X5.

The classic shape and dull grey color of the Odyssey Rossie is tough to beat. A single white alignment line seems to be the perfect compliment to its already traditional look. Rossie and I played for 36 holes and I wanted to love her dearly, but much like Manny Ramirez and the NY Yankees, it just was never meant to be. Her light feel made judging distance a growing challenge as the holes rolled by.

The Yes! Marilyn C-Groove putter is a two-toned sportster. Its beautifully shined black back and bottom are a thing to behold. A single white alignment stripe on the top is complimented by two more extended across the back. Like walking into your first pro stadium I was taken aback by the clean lines and inspiring beauty of the Marilyn. A well struck putt on the center of the C-Grooves is an inexplicable sensation. I’m not much for hype, but I will vouch for the technology behind the C-Grooves. The ball rolled as if it wanted to. I was so pleased…at first. I soon noticed, however, that like any hot rod, unless all the conditions fall into perfect order, Marilyn just did not want to go. Mis-struck putts didn’t have near the feel or that previously described “want” to roll to the cup.

Scotty, Scotty, Scotty. For years I have flirted with the idea of indulging. I played about 18 holes with the Red X5. And I enjoyed every single one of them. The Red X5 is similar to installing a brand new 6.7L Cummins diesel into an ‘85 K-5 Blazer. Traditionally classic with enough science behind it to wow a Popular Mechanics chief editor. The Red X5 is blessed with the combination of a face balanced putter and a touch of toe hang. Its milled body sends instant messages on each stroke. The added weight felt like it was designed perfectly for lag putts and knee knocking 4 footers alike; it inspires confidence. After 8 holes of play I knew something was right as my thoughts morphed from “I hope I get this close” to “What? How did that not drop?!”

I brought my aforementioned four year old to a three hole par-3 and let him swing away while I went to work at one last ditch effort to compare the putters. After some grueling time on the putting greens I called over my son. I handed him both putters and posed a simple question.
“Which one do you like the best”?
He left me for a few moments and I watched filled with pride as he earnestly did his best to test two putters that nearly matched his height. He walked back to me and with the simplicity that only four year olds can apply held out the Scotty Cameron and said “I like this one.”
“You do – tell me why.”
“It just feels good.”
“Thanks son, I couldn’t agree more.”