I’ve seen putters that seem inspired by a Klingon Bird of Prey, some with white circles that supposedly help alignment, and still others that look like a part wrenched from a mass spectrometer and spot-welded onto a shaft. A couple of basic blade and mallet designs have withstood the test of time, and last October Cleveland Golf introduced two new variations of these to what it calls its Classic Collection putter line. All of the models feature heel-toe weighting and are made of hand-polished stainless steel. With a milled face that imparts a responsive and yet soft feel, each version sends the ball rolling straight and true.
As Cleveland has done with its wedges, what most characterizes these additions is the finish: six models come in a sweet platinum finish, and four in gorgeous black platinum, which totally takes out any possibility of glare. And in November, the company added a platinum finish putter to its women’s line. These all join Cleveland’s Classic BRZ putters, which have a bronze color tone.
Although the differences between the various blades and mallet models are in the shafts, not a single club in the group appears gimmicky. They’ll retail at a suggested $79.99, which means the price is also downright classic. In an era when many products and people shriek to gain attention, well-done tradition can hold sublime appeal.
