Equipment Review: Lopaka Putter, by Jeffrey Reed

OK, let’s get the obvious out of the way: the Lopaka putter, designed by Robert (Lopaka) Scott, does resemble a hot dog on a stick. However, after putting this revolutionary new product to the test, it’s obvious this putter is more of a red-hot club than a club that will burn you on the greens. In fact, my putting was on fire when I used this club.

Enough of the corn dog analogies, already. Seriously, this cylinder-shaped putter bucks tradition no more than a two-ball or Star Wars-like modern flat stick. In short, the Lopaka putter is a solid, special-coated aluminum-head club with a diameter matching a golf ball’s diameter. The result: the ball is struck on its equator for instant smooth roll. Scott, a Seattle-area designer, conceived this product in 1994 "after years of struggling with a blade putter." The result: the Lopaka putter and its USGA-conforming design.

Available with either a straight, or offset shaft (face balanced or partially toe weighted), the Lopaka putter comes in stock lengths of 34 to 35 inches, and can be ordered from 30 to 37 inches. It’s available at select retailers, or online for $125 US at www.lopakagolf.com.