My Experience: Gideon Putters

Golf is a funny sport.  I appreciate the minimalist approach – those that use clubs for 10+ years, one pair of golf shoes, and a torn glove.  I’ve played with minimalist guys that are sticks, and some that just want to drink beer.  On the other end of the spectrum are the committed psychopaths.  These folks have a garage full of gear, more pairs of golf shoes than non-golf shoes, every device and widget known to man, and three Sunday bags.  The mailman hates these people, as there is something new to deliver every single day.  I’ve played with psychos who are sticks, and some that just want to drink beer.

Personally, I fall somewhere in the middle, but lean towards the psycho side.  I have a pretty good stock of golf clubs, gear, and shoes, and am always looking to shave off a couple strokes.

Over the last year I’ve done a top to bottom re-do of my bag.  I’ve gotten fitted for every club, wedge, and wood, and really like my set up.  I currently own three Scotty Cameron putters, and love all of them, but I’m not settled on a go-to.

Instead of getting the latest and greatest (insert putter company name here) putter, I wanted to try to have one made.  I found Gideon Milled Putters online, and immediately vibed with what I saw.  Simple.  Classic.  Made in the USA.  I struck up a conversation with Brendon Gideon and talked about my putting, and what I wanted to do.  I told him that I like insert putters (specifically the old Cameraon Tei3 copper insert), and that I preferred a sight line.  And I didn’t want any sort of space ship/refridgerator putter.  We decided on a plan:

He emailed me a couple weeks ago:

It’s on the way. Carbon steel, treat it like your grandpa’s 20GA.  Don’t put it away wet, wipe it down with WD or Rem oil from time to time.  The headcover has some oil sprayed in it. I like to keep a little in mine, maybe 1 or 2X a year with a quick spray.  If you get spots you want to change, light steel wool and re-blue if desired.   Enjoy the patina, it tells a story.  Hope you like it.

It showed up, and I was blown away:

Out of the box, I love the weight.  It feels substantial, but very balanced.  It swings easily, and has a VERY soft feel when striking the ball.  Not the ‘clunk’ you feel from some of the old Pings.  I am extremely happy.  WELL worth the investment.  I highly recommend.

I also appreciate the extra headcover:

Check ’em out here.