New SC Newport in the bag - Wow!

mjguzik · August 31, 2014

Had some substantial club house credit and pulled the trigger for a new SC Newport. I received this a week ago and all I can say is "Wow!" My old putter was a Odyssey XG 1. The biggest difference between the two was the top line alignment mark and insert on the Odyssey compared to the Newport. So it wasn't a substantial leap in differences here. Yet I can tell you that there is a difference.

First the Newport without any alignment marks on the top line or flange just fits my eye. With the stainless silhouette on the green, it seems so much easier to set up and then square the putter to the desired alignment. At first I was nervous that this would not be the outcome having set the putter down using the top line mark for years. Yet after two rounds, it works. The ball is just tracking on the desired alignment and following my imagined line. Maybe it is the lack of distraction and just having the putter framing the shot.

Second the feedback is just better. Feel is difficult to quantify, yet it is a much better and different. I putted with the XG 1 and had what I thought was decent distance control. The SC is a little heavier and just seems to transmit better back through your hands at contact. All I can say is that this will be an expected long lasting relationship. I can't say I have figured the nuances out, but it does feel good.

Lastly, price point. It is saltly, don't kid yourself. I don't think I would have ever been able to rationalize this as a retail purchase price. I can't image a conversation were I simply state: "Honey, I'm going to spend over $300 on a new putter" Yet, when all is said and done, I was only out $37.50 with nearly half in sales tax. So in this case, it was a one and only opportunity. By far this is the single most expensive item I have ever put in the bag. Even my driver was previously owned.

So in the end, I can testify that there is a difference. Both items will get you there, much like comparing different cars models. But in the end, I am very happy with the recent acquisition and see a long future on the horizon.

doctorjedi · August 31, 2014

Mj, I have the same putter in my bag. Although its probably doubtful that it makes you a better putter I do love mine as well. It definitely makes me a better looking dude.

super20dan · August 31, 2014

congrats on your first scotty! pretty awesume arnt they?

mjguzik · September 1, 2014

I have to say they are pretty nice. I wasn't expecting such a large difference as the models are so similar. That said, it is nice to play and the nicest club in the bag. Again, another great putting round for the last two mornings. Some of it is in my head the other has to be putter.

Hateto3Putt · September 1, 2014

Enjoy the honeymoon!

hunter42 · September 1, 2014

I have 3 Newports. Congrats!

mooseman76 · September 1, 2014

It's all about finding what fits your eye, and putting stroke. I'm even convinced you need to find a putter that feels/sounds good with your preferred ball. That said, I've been gaming my Newport for 3 or 4 years now. It's the only club I got that isn't in any danger of being replaced.

mannyfest92 · September 4, 2014

"The putter is the only club that you're guaranteed to use every hole" This is the sentiment that helps me justify my Scotty collection. Some guys spend upwards of $3k on a Scotty, Which is insane. That being said, nothing beats a Scotty.

mjguzik · September 28, 2014

Well almost a month has passed and want to believe that the honeymoon period is now over. I still am very much enjoying the putter and the absence of any sight line or dot has only improved alignment. I do use a sharpie sightline for alignment. So when I see the ball roll end over end, a miss is attributed to a poor green read. I can accept this currently. Putting numbers have improved with at least 3-4 less compared to before. The milled face compared to the previous plastic insert is nice for "feel" when the ball comes off the putting head. Season is coming to a close - maybe 4-6 weeks left - so I will need to figure out a winter plan.

Again, thank you for all the congrats and well wishes. It is definitely one of my better additions in the bag.

j.a. · September 28, 2014

It's great you are enjoying it!

In the last few days I tried a Newport at my home club, it's just amazing. The lack of alignment aids helps to have the face better aligned at address meaning that your putts will go wherever you intend. I understand your feeling and results perfectly.

Sadly I don't have enough credit to,pull the trigger. I need to work harder to reduce the gap and get it. I know that it would be a great addition to my bag.