Golf enthusiasts are always on the lookout for the perfect putter style that can improve their putting game. One such putter style that has gained a lot of popularity over the years is the 8802 putter style. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about the 8802 putter style, including its history, design, and benefits.
History of the 8802 putter style
The 8802 putter style is named after the iconic Wilson 8802 putter, which was introduced in the 1960s. The Wilson 8802 putter was designed by Arnold Palmer and was used by him to win numerous PGA Tour events. The putter’s design was simple yet elegant, with a blade-style head, a thin top line, and a flange that extended from the heel to the toe.
Design of the 8802
The 8802 putter style is characterized by its blade-style head, which is relatively small compared to other putter styles. The head is also relatively flat, with a thin top line and a flange that extends from the heel to the toe. The putter’s hosel is typically a plumber neck, which gives it a classic look.
Benefits of the style
One of the main benefits of the 8802 putter style is its simplicity. Unlike other putter styles that incorporate advanced technology, the 8802 putter style relies on a golfer’s skill and touch to make putts. The small head and thin top line allow golfers to better visualize their putts, which can help improve their accuracy. The putter’s design also promotes a more natural putting stroke, which can result in better consistency and feel.
Tips for using
To get the most out of the 8802 putter style, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Use a light grip: Because the 8802 putter style relies on touch and feel, it’s important to use a light grip. This will allow you to better feel the weight of the putter head and make subtle adjustments to your stroke.
- Focus on your line: The small head and thin top line of the 8802 putter style make it easier to visualize your line. Focus on aligning the putter face with your intended line and trust your stroke.
- Practice your distance control: The 8802 putter style requires good distance control since the head is relatively small. Practice hitting putts from various distances to get a feel for how far the ball will roll with different strokes.
- Experiment with different ball positions: Because the 8802 putter style has a plumber neck hosel, you can adjust the ball position to change the angle of the putter face at impact. Experiment with different ball positions to find the one that works best for you.
Different variations
Over the years, various golf manufacturers have created their own variations of the 8802 putter style. These variations often incorporate modern technology, while still maintaining the classic look and feel of the 8802 putter. Some popular variations include:
- Scotty Cameron Newport 2: The Newport 2 putter by Scotty Cameron is a modern take on the 8802 putter style. It features a milled stainless steel head with a soft, responsive feel and a classic look.
- Ping Anser 2: The Anser 2 putter by Ping is another popular variation of the 8802 putter style. It features a stainless steel head with a classic blade-style design and a heel-toe weighting system for improved stability.
- Bettinardi BB1: The BB1 putter by Bettinardi is a high-end variation of the 8802 putter style. It features a milled carbon steel head with a honeycomb face for improved feel and consistency.
Matching the 8802 putter style with your putting stroke
One important consideration when choosing a putter style is how well it matches your putting stroke. The 8802 putter style is best suited for golfers with a slight arc in their putting stroke. This means that the putter face opens slightly on the backswing and then closes slightly on the follow-through.
If you have a more pronounced arc in your putting stroke, you may find that a putter with more toe hang (i.e., where the toe of the putter hangs down towards the ground) is a better match for your stroke. Conversely, if you have a straight back-and-forth putting stroke, a face-balanced putter may be a better fit.
Finding the right putter length for the 8802 putter style
Another important consideration when using the 8802 putter style is the length of the putter. Because the head of the 8802 putter style is relatively small, it’s important to use a putter that is the right length for your height and putting style.
To find the right putter length, stand in your putting posture with your arms hanging down naturally. Measure the distance from the ground to your wrist and subtract one inch. This will give you a good starting point for the length of your putter. From there, you can experiment with different lengths to find the one that works best for you.
8802 Putter Style by Brand
| Brand | Model | Head Material | Neck Style | Loft (degrees) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scotty Cameron | 8802 | Carbon Steel | Plumbers Neck | 3.5 |
| Ping | Vault 2.0 8802 | 303 Stainless Steel | Plumber Neck | 3.0 |
| Bettinardi | BB1 8802 | Mild Carbon Steel | Short Slant Neck | 3.0 |
| Odyssey | Toulon Design 8802 | 303 Stainless Steel | Flow Neck | 3.0 |
| TaylorMade | TP Patina Del Monte | 304 Stainless Steel | Short Slant Neck | 7.5 |
8802 Putter Style by Head Material
| Brand | Model | Head Material | Neck Style | Loft (degrees) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scotty Cameron | 8802 | Carbon Steel | Plumbers Neck | 3.5 |
| Ping | Vault 2.0 8802 | 303 Stainless Steel | Plumber Neck | 3.0 |
| Odyssey | Toulon Design 8802 | 303 Stainless Steel | Flow Neck | 3.0 |
| TaylorMade | TP Patina Del Monte | 304 Stainless Steel | Short Slant Neck | 7.5 |
| Bettinardi | BB1 8802 | Mild Carbon Steel | Short Slant Neck | 3.0 |
8802 Putter Style by Neck Style
| Brand | Model | Head Material | Neck Style | Loft (degrees) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scotty Cameron | 8802 | Carbon Steel | Plumbers Neck | 3.5 |
| Ping | Vault 2.0 8802 | 303 Stainless Steel | Plumber Neck | 3.0 |
| Bettinardi | BB1 8802 | Mild Carbon Steel | Short Slant Neck | 3.0 |
| Odyssey | Toulon Design 8802 | 303 Stainless Steel | Flow Neck | 3.0 |
| TaylorMade | TP Patina Del Monte | 304 Stainless Steel | Short Slant Neck | 7.5 |
8802 Putter Style by Loft
| Brand | Model | Head Material | Neck Style | Loft (degrees) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scotty Cameron | 8802 | Carbon Steel | Plumbers Neck | 3.5 |
| Ping | Vault 2.0 8802 | 303 Stainless Steel | Plumber Neck | 3.0 |
| Odyssey | Toulon Design 8802 | 303 Stainless Steel | Flow Neck | 3.0 |
| Bettinardi | BB1 8802 | Mild Carbon Steel | Short Slant Neck | 3.0 |
| TaylorMade | TP Patina Del Monte | 304 Stainless Steel | Short Slant Neck | 7.5 |
8802 Putter Style by Price
| Brand | Model | Head Material | Neck Style | Loft (degrees) | Price ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scotty Cameron | 8802 | Carbon Steel | Plumbers Neck | 3.5 | 450 |
| Ping | Vault 2.0 8802 | 303 Stainless Steel | Plumber Neck | 3.0 | 250 |
| Odyssey | Toulon Design 8802 | 303 Stainless Steel | Flow Neck | 3.0 | 400 |
| Bettinardi | BB1 8802 | Mild Carbon Steel | Short Slant Neck | 3.0 | 350 |
| TaylorMade | TP Patina Del Monte | 304 Stainless Steel | Short Slant Neck | 7.5 | 225 |
Conclusion
The 8802 putter style is a classic putter design that has stood the test of time. Its simple yet elegant design has made it a favorite among golfers who value tradition and skill over technology. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, the 8802 putter style is definitely worth considering if you’re looking for a putter that can improve your putting game.
