The putter: a golfer’s trusted companion on the greens, where precision is paramount and even the smallest details matter. Over the years, numerous putters have come and gone, leaving their mark in the memories of players and on the surfaces of greens worldwide. Some of these putters have been discontinued because they no longer complied with the USGA’s equipment rules. Let’s pay homage to these discontinued models that once defined putting prowess.
| Model | Manufacturer | Years Active | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scotty Cameron Pro Platinum | Titleist | 1997-2002 | Milled stainless steel, classic design |
| Ping Anser | Ping | Original 1966-2000s | Iconic design, various iterations |
| Odyssey Dual Force Rossie II | Odyssey | 1996-1999 | Stronomic insert, mallet head design |
| Yes! C-Groove Putter | Yes! Golf | 1995-2012 | C-Groove technology, enhanced roll |
| TaylorMade TPA XVIII | TaylorMade | 1980s-1990s | Bronze finish, classic blade style |
| Wilson 8802 | Wilson | Original 1960s-1980s | Smooth blade putter, used by legends |
| Nike Method 001 | Nike | 2010-2016 | Polymetal groove technology, tour-level precision |
| Rife Two Bar Hybrid Mallet | Rife | 2005-2012 | RollGroove face, adjustable weighting |
| Seemore FGP | Seemore | Original late 1990s-2007 | RifleScope alignment technology |
| Bobby Grace AMG | Bobby Grace | 1990s-2000s | Large mallet head, radial face |
The Evolution of Putters:
- Scotty Cameron Pro Platinum: Coveted for its feel and timeless design, this putter was a true work of art that offered both performance and aesthetics.
- Ping Anser: The Anser’s variations have been a mainstay in bags for decades, but the original casts have since been discontinued, making them collectors’ items.
- Odyssey Dual Force Rossie II: This putter introduced many players to the advantages of using a mallet-style putter with a soft insert for better feel on the greens.
- Yes! C-Groove Putter: The distinctive grooves on the Yes! putters promoted a more consistent roll, changing how players approached their putts.
- TaylorMade TPA XVIII: A classic among purists, this putter’s bronze finish and precision were hallmarks of its era.
- Wilson 8802: With a design favored by some of the game’s greats, this putter is a symbol of the classic era of golf.
- Nike Method 001: Embraced by tour professionals, the Method 001 was known for its innovative groove technology and precision.
- Rife Two Bar Hybrid Mallet: Its distinctive two-bar design allowed for personal customization of the putter’s weight, catering to individual stroke preferences.
- Seemore FGP: The Seemore FGP became famous for its alignment aid, offering golfers a new way to ensure their putts were on target.
- Bobby Grace AMG: The advanced mallet design of the Bobby Grace AMG putters provided a different feel and stability on the greens.
Conclusion: These discontinued putters, once the pinnacle of technology and design, set the stage for the future of putting. While they may no longer be produced, the innovations they brought to the green continue to influence the putters of today. They are not just tools of the game, but pieces of its history, each with its own story and its own series of successful putts that will forever be a part of golf’s rich tapestry.
