Taylor Montgomery is currently leading the PGA Tour for putting, overall putting, putts/round, and one-putt rate. He also ranks third in Strokes Gained – Putting.
He’s a top-3 putting player in the world, but he is probably not even two or three.
What custom, high-end prototype, one-of-1 does he use exactly? He actually uses a TaylorMade Ghost Spider S from 2013… which he has repainted himself!
GolfWRX shared a post on Twitter (@golfwrx).
According to a quick third-party search, similar products are listed at under $80.
Montgomery is not to be blamed, but I don’t think the “fair condition” putters listed on the market are in much better shape. I’m sure that the uneven paint globules and dents would hurt the resale price (although Montgomery’s putter will sell for more because the best golfer in the world owns it).
Montgomery, who has used the putter ever since he was a student at UNLV, uses blue painters tape on the face of the putter and white spray paint to “refurbish”.
Montgomery was at the PGA Championship in 2023 on Tuesday to see the putter. He said he didn’t mind the uneven paint on the body, but he wanted the toplines perpendicular for better visual alignment.
The paint job aside, the low-lofted head (between 1-1.5°), the way the mallet sits on the sole, and the overall forgiving nature of the mallet made it hard to find a suitable replacement. Even though he has a newer version of the putter that looks similar, it doesn’t feel the same.
The cosmetics of this putter does not matter to him.
He actually painted the putter just last week.
He has also replaced the Pure Roll inserts on the face over the years. However, he left this more complex task to the professionals.
I have written a lot more about Montgomery’s putter over at PGATOUR.com but I would like to elaborate a little more on GolfWRX, from a fitting perspective.
Amateurs are prone to think, after reading a story such as this, “Why waste money on an expensive new putter, when the world’s best putter uses THIS? !”
It’s not a bad idea, I think, and I do agree that buying used golf equipment is a good investment when done correctly.
But it’s important to remember that Montgomery is comfortable with his putter for real reasons, and not simply because he has had it for years. The design, CG, feel of the putter face, loft, sole, length, grip, weight, and alignment lines are all in line with what Montgomery needs and wants for his stroke type and body type.
It is unlikely that you will buy a used stock putter at random and begin to use it for putting out the lights.
I think it is most important to understand what putter specifications are best for you before purchasing a new one, new or used.
I suggest that you always consult with a local fitter to determine what hosel, head, grip, and alignment line types are best for your eye sight, stroke type, height, hand, arm, posture and other factors.
You can’t do it all by yourself, especially when you’re dealing with putters. There are a lot of options.
You can also try out different putters in a golf shop or local pro-shop if you are unable to meet with a professional fitter. Try out both putters that have a soft insert and those with a one-piece, firmer face. You can try different types of putters: blades, mallets, double bends, plumbers necks, short and long putters, big and small grips, long and short putters.
This past year, I putted the best that I have ever putted in my life after I switched to a Ping PLD custom-fitted putter. I had it fitted for me by Ping’s PLD Lab.
This putter costs about $1200. I don’t use it because it is expensive or cool looking (it does look cool and I love it, but it isn’t why I am able to improve my putting). This is not a Ping advertisement. I am putting better, because a longer putter allows me to stand more comfortably and swing my arms more freely. I also align myself better with my target, without the alignment lines on top of the putter. With a line I often align too far to the left, but with a dot I am more likely to miss the middle of the face.
If I was value shopping, I would use this information to try and find a 35.5-inch blade putter that is less expensive with a plumbers’ neck and blank toplines. I would also consider the weight and grip that I prefer.
Only because I have gone through the fitting process do I know this information.
Everybody is different, yet I believe that there is a putter set-up for everyone. Once you’ve found the perfect putter, don’t change it. Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth used the same putter over many years.
It is important to experiment with different putters, ideally under an expert’s supervision. Once you have found “the one”, stick to it for a minimum of a few weeks, even if things don’t seem to go well. You should have confidence in the putter you choose and allow your hands, eyes, and mind to become comfortable.
You may find the right putter by chopping up a used one or ordering a high-end custom option. Before you make a purchase, learn which style of putter is best for you. Then, shop for one that suits your needs within your budget.
It’s important to remember that a putter for only $70 may be just right for you, provided it meets your basic specs. Maybe it’s an exclusive $5,000 putter that is hand-made just for you. You can use all the resources you have to find for your putter.
Okay, I think that’s enough.
Click here to view all our photos from 2023 PGA Championship
