Equipment Review: Heavy Putter, by Jeffrey Reed

The first time I tested the Heavy Putter from Boccieri Golf, I did so out of curiosity. Despite the fact this behemoth flat stick weighs up to 90 per cent heavier than most putters on the market, I was instantly hooked on its technology and its benefits. However, I was surprised to learn that not only could high-handicappers score lower with this putter, but also Tour players are posting low numbers with the Heavy Putter in their bags. So, I gave the Heavy Putter another test run, and came away an even bigger fan of this big club.

Since its launch at the 2005 PGA Merchandise Show, the Heavy Putter has been one of the most talked about clubs in golf. Obviously, its hook is its non-traditional weight. But once you start making putts with the Heavy Putter, and then read about its science, you even further appreciate its revolutionary technology.

Boccieri is the surname of Heavy Putter inventor, founder and president/CEO Stephen Boccieri. Unlike traditional and even modern-designed putters, the Heavy Putter improves on more than just the putter head. Patented weighting technology helps improve the consistency of the putting stroke by helping your body instinctively activate large, stable muscles – putting with a consistent, pendulum stroke rather than with your hands.

The Heavy Putter uses a 250 g weight in the grip, which raises the balance point 75 per cent higher than conventional putters, preventing wrist breakdown and creating stability in the stroke. The larger, heaver grip didn’t feel awkward at all; rather, it felt very comfortable in my hands. The Heavy Putter folks say, the design of the added weight in the handle actually makes the putter feel lighter during the stroke – and they’re correct.

There are adjustable tip weights, too, so you can fine tune your balance point. Heck, if you’re going to use a Heavy Putter, you might as well go all out, right? But after testing all three tip weights, and combining the three, I found my stroke benefitted best from using two of the heaviest weights. After a few short hits, I was making almost every putt from within 10 feet. On the course, I didn’t three-putt during my 18-hole round.

After switching to a Heavy Putter in 2004, Troy Matteson rose from 110th to 8th in putting on the Nationwide Tour, and finished the 2005 season as its No. 1 player, breaking the single-season earnings record and earning his 2006 PGA Tour card.

There are two Heavy Putter series: the Original series; and the new Matte series. I tested the Matte A3 blade-style putter with heel-mounted, double-bend shaft. The Matte series also includes a mallet-style head. There are three blade and three mallet putters in the Original series. I like the diamond-cut patterned face, too; it helps roll the rock soft off the face, and rolls it along a true line.

The only drawback to putting the Heavy Putter in your bag, obviously, is its weight. Caddies might not like toting around a tour bag if there’s a Heavy Putter inside, but if their boss putts for dough, then you can bet your bottom dollar they start lifting weights. Then again, carrying around the Heavy Putter, you may not have to pump iron.

Listen, whether your putter is as light as light as Fred Funk dancing on the fairway in Annika’s skirt, or as heavy as John Daly after a post-round barbecue, as long as you drop your putts, you’re happy, right? Then try the Heavy Putter. If a low-handicapper like me saw instant results, you will, too.

For more information on the Heavy Putter, visit www.heavyputter.com.