Happy Gilmore and Al Czervik (Rodney Dangerfield in “Caddyshack”) are characters cut from the same cloth. Their attitudes and unabashed bastardization of the game is what made them legends. While these two became famous for their slobbery and pitiful displays of sportsmanship, the opposite can be said for the late Ben Hogan and legendary putter designer Bob Bettinardi. Both men embody the same philosophies and high standards to both the game and the way they manufacture clubs. While it’s doubtful we’ll ever see Happy and Al join forces - but, damn, would that be a good flick - we are now fortunate enough to have Hogan and Bettinardi team up in a new line of premium Hogan putters. According to the company “it’s a fitting match” – and, not surprisingly, one that has yielded impressive results.
The new line, which includes an impressive roster of 16 different choices in four different series, is capped off by the “crown jewel” – the precision-milled CC Series model that features a 24kt gold-plated copper insert. In terms of beauty, this putter is definitely a Bo Derek – that is, a perfect 10.
I took one out to the putting green at my club and enjoyed one of the softest-feeling putters I’ve ever tried. Not that my stroke is anywhere near deserving gold, but this putter seemed to relax my nerves and helped me put a smooth stroke on the ball. Albeit, it may have been largely due to the fact that I didn’t want to scuff the thing and fork over the three bills to buy it. But, rest assured, when it comes to choosing a putter, the name Bob Bettinardi is a name you can trust – he’s hands down one of the best in the business. His craftsmanship is impeccable and he’s a legend for good reason – just like his partner. My advice, Bob? Make one just as good with an insert crafted from tomato soup cans, charge a quarter the price, and I’ll buy a couple.
Andrew Penner is a 12-year member of the Canadian PGA. He has won five professional golf tournaments in Canada and narrowly, I mean narrowly, missed qualifying for the US Open last year. Well, OK, it was a few shots. Andrew writes for a number of golf magazines in Canada, the US, and Europe. His new book, titled "One Flew Over The Caddyshack," can be ordered at www.falconpress.ca. He can be reached at andpenner@shaw.ca.
