My First Scotty

Marc J
Marc J post: 14 Apr 2012 5:52 AM

I ordered my Monterey (34" :  69* Lie : Stand Loft) today and find myself somewhat anxious to receive/play with it.  I wonder how long it will take to arrive, as I have noticed a slight shipping delay.  Although I have some reservation about impacting the resell value, I may actually send it to the Custom Shop at the end of this season for some added personal touches.

As this will be my first Ancer (traditional-style) putter, I do wonder if there will be a significant adaptation curve, as I have used an malet-styled putter since I started playing three years ago -- and will unfortunately continue using it until I receive my very first Scotty.

That said, I have two question for the TT community:

  1. With the shift in the appearance, material, and feel, should I expect having the need to make adjustments in my putting stroke (e.g tempo)?
  2. Do you feel personalizing your Scotty via the Custom Shop worth the additional investment as well as the hit on it's resell value?  (the latter is not to suggest that I foresee selling the putter - given the investment amount and it being my very first Scotty, I think I would bronze and frame it rather than sell it).

As a side note, I got fitted for my putter just prior to ordering it.  I am very glad I took this extra step, as I learned several key things:

  • Despite being more drawn to the Del Mar, it is not suitable for my stroke given I have a "slight arch" stroke
  • For me to be in the best position with my eyes over the ball, my lie-angle should be at 69* and my shaft should be 34" despite being 6'1

Therefore, I must say to everyone...

... GET FITTED, IF YOU HAVEN"T ALREADY BEEN.  YOU'LL BE GLAD YOU DID - IT MIGHT SAVE YOU A COUPLE BUCKS and A FEW STROKES

Ryan Crysler
Titleist Staff Member
Ryan Crysler post: 15 Apr 2012 3:06 PM
You should trust that your fitter found a great new putter for you! There will certainly be a period of adjustment when it comes to feel, but I'm sure that a correctly fitted putter will benefit you. Sending your putter to the Cameron shop is a must! If you can stand to part with it for 2-4 weeks, the custom options you choose will make it a one of a kind putter. We have sent about 15 putters through the Custom shop this year with many different customizations. The process takes an average of three weeks but it's well worth it. A small hand picked team works in the custom shop. You never know, Scotty may work on your putter! RC

Ryan Crysler, TPI GP3
Senior Instructor
Butch Harmon Floridian
http://Butchharmonfloridian.com

Chris92009
Chris92009 post: 16 Apr 2012 1:49 PM

Great questions, here are my two cents....

 

First, the material of the putter and shape I think Ryan did a good job of going over...I will defer my opinion to the second question.

Second, in regards to resell value I have a lot of experience in this area.  Since you are purchasing what is called an "OTR" or a.k.a. off the rack, the resale value will be limited depending on "condition" from $100-$300 going forward generally speaking.  If you have the Custom Shop make some person adjustments such as your name or initials they may depreciate the value further (afterall, who wants a used putter with the name or initials of someone else...of course unless your name is Rory or Tom Watson etc...! LOL).   If you go more generic such  as engraving like a clover or the custom shop logo it may slightly appreciate the putter by a few dollars but nothing significant.  Eitherway, I would recommend doing whatever you like...and make it very personal...over the years Scotty has various engravings come and go such as Jackpot Johnny which is one of my favorites...the fact that JJ is no longer available and is a cool design means a lot to me.  I have not done my initials too often except for a few cases on putters I know that I will never sell.  There are some things you can DO (I would only do these via the Scotty Cameron Custom Shop though) which will help your putter be even more playable such as "bead blasting" the finish so it is slightly darker (costs about $80-$100 extra) and will not shine in the sunshine but be more dull finish.  You can also make the putter weigh more or less depending on what swingweight you like as well as you do some generic cosmetic changes such as a new shaft band, engraving on the sole weights if applicable, add extra sight lines to the flange or top line, etc...etc...  

Have fun with it!  

Chris