Pinoy Golfer Blog

As a golfer, putters and drivers have fascinated me the most; drivers for the adrenalin rush of nailing a long drive and putters for their beauty and longevity. There are few that have piqued my interest like Bettinardi putters. They were the talk of the internet when I first came across them; about how only limited quantities of each putter were produced and about how much they cost. What makes all Bettinardi putters truly unique is the fact that each piece is individually milled from one piece steel.

Though conventionally designed, it is the jewel-like milling on the putter face and the precision of their manufacture that capture my imagination. Of course acquiring one was a mere pipe dream until an independent golf store in Cebu picked up distribution rights to this legendary brand. Red Golf is owned by a three good friends who are as passionate about their golf clubs as they are about the game. One thing led to another and now this small outfit distributes some of the most coveted putters in the world.

Once almost unobtainable, Bettinardi putters are now readily available in the Philippines. The introduction of a production line (the BB Series) mean that they are now available at a price point that competes very well on the market without compromising the quality that has made the brand famous. The BB series is milled in one piece from Bettinardi’s proprietary blend of carbon steel and finished in what Bettinardi calls its Metallic Fog finish. The finish is designed to protect the carbon steel from corrosion and will not tarnish or fade.

Those in search of something more of a premium (and are willing to shell out the cash for it) can opt for the Studio Stock Series which is also milled from Bettinardi’s proprietary soft carbon still with special ingredients added to insure a unique feel upon impact. The Studio Stock Series also features Bettinardi’s proprietary Borealis Black finish; a pearlescent black that glitters with a myriad of colors when hit at the correct angle by light and possessed of a mirror-like luster. Like the Metallic Fog finish, it too is a durable finish that will not tarnish, discolor or corrode. The Studio Stock Series also features Bettinardi’s unique Feel Impact Technology (FIT) face; where part of the face is milled out to allow as little material as possible to make contact with the golf ball at the point of impact. This further softens feel which is what most golfers demand.

Bettinardi Golf also offers their Country Club Series putter. The CC Series model is a classic heel-shafted mallet which is finished in luxurious Satin Nickel. This program allows your Club to customize the sole of the putter. Your logo will be skillfully crafted and recreated. The Country Club Series putter models will change from year to year to ensure a unique and rare collectible putter.

Finally, there is the Signature Series inspired by Bettinardi’s work on the professional tours and milled from Bettinardi’s heralded Double Aged Stainless Steel (DASS). These are limited in number and should be the most coveted putters in the line.

Jovi Neri (jick) of Red Golf sent me a Studio Stock #7 and a BB8F to photograph and review. My first impressions are of how perfectly balanced both putters are. Sight unseen, I would normally request heavier head weights, but both are prefect out of the box. The BB8F is simplicity itself to set up. Aiming with it is intuitive. It’s the less forgiving of the two but feel is superior, if a bit clicky. Mishits result is fairly large dispersion.

The Studio Stock was a surprise. Normally, I have issues with double bend shafts, but I’ve found a hand position that looks natural to me. Not something I was expecting. The beauty of the finish is sublime. The pictures do not do it justice. This is one putter you have to see to truly appreciate. The Fit Face milling makes impact feel much softer than the standard honeycomb face. It is more stable than the BB8F but not in the league of a 2-Ball of other high-MOI mallet. As a result, feel is better.

Both putters roll the ball very well indeed. It’s going to be a pleasure getting to know them more intimately. Having them both also means an agonizing choice; which one to bring first?