Bettinardi for 10 bucks

[Jondagcl]

Picked this putter up today for 10 bucks at the antique flea market.

I took it out and rolled a few putts with it and it was pretty soft. Definitely too long for me, but it had a nice feel. So I polished it up.

I looked it up and while it's worth more than the 10 I paid for it, it's definitely not a rare putter, or a highly desirable one from what I've researched. So my idea is to cut it down so my son can use it in the future. Would I be better off having the original shaft pulled and have a shorter one put in? Or just cut away so a little one can use it? The shaft band is toasted and the grip photographs nice enough but is split on the back. Just wanted to make sure I'm not performing some sort of sacrilege on the putter before I cut it down.

[Salmon]

That looks fantastic once you have shined it up. Hope your son enjoys it, but I would'nt have a clue about the shaft sorry

[ZenGolfer]

Nice.  I love the M-B logo on the bottom.  You can just cut the shaft down that is already one it.  Ive bought many putters on Ebay that were 35" and had them cut down to 33".  It does change the swing weight but IMO its not a big deal.  You can always add lead tape under the grip to add some swing weight if need be.

[Jondagcl]

Thanks guys, yes, it definitely shined up pretty nice. Supposedly the MB logo signifies that it was a giveaway of some sort to finalists in an MB event. (According to my google searches)

 

First putter I do a really high polish to, and I think I got a little aggressive on the milling detail on the back of the putter. It's not as pronounced anymore as when I got it. The little swirls all around the logo got pretty light after the polish. Live and learn.

 

I should have probably been a little more specific though about just how much I need to cut it - probably around 10 inches or so. (It would be for a really little kid). Just wanted to confirm there's nothing about this putter I don't know yet. I like the idea of him eventually using something like this that has a cool story behind it until he's ready to pick his own stuff out.

[fozcycle]

Wow! Nice Find.......who woulda thought it would clean up that great.

[Jondagcl]

Wow! Nice Find.......who woulda thought it would clean up that great.

Thanks! Not me. I assumed the finish had been compromised and I'd be able to clean it up a bit.

[jpcgolf]

Wow, you transformed that putter.  That was a great deal you found.

[BK in TEXAS]

I should have probably been a little more specific though about just how much I need to cut it - probably around 10 inches or so. (It would be for a really little kid). Just wanted to confirm there's nothing about this putter I don't know yet. I like the idea of him eventually using something like this that has a cool story behind it until he's ready to pick his own stuff out.

I have no idea about the putters "backstory" but man that would be a pretty putter for a kid!  After you cut it down you will find the shaft too skinny for a regular putter grip.  You'll either need a juniors grip or add a bunch of tape to make a regular grip fit.

[Jondagcl]

I have no idea about the putters "backstory" but man that would be a pretty putter for a kid!  After you cut it down you will find the shaft too skinny for a regular putter grip.  You'll either need a juniors grip or add a bunch of tape to make a regular grip fit.

The backstory is that dad got it for 10 bucks lol! I had not considered how thin the shaft would get cutting it that low. Good to know. I have some putter grips lying around, so a ton to tape buildup will be the route.

[Jmikecpa]

Nice find.  The other issue that you need to look at is the size of the grip after it is cut down.  My son is 8 and the putter that I had done for him has a standard grip which is like a midsize grip in his hands.  He says he likes it but what kid would not say that about a Byron done just for him?

[Jondagcl]

Thanks! That is yet another thing I had not considered - what a normal grip would feel like in small hands. I appreciate that feedback as well!

 

You had a Byron done just for him! That's awesome, I'm sure he was fired up about that. Any special stamping or colors or anything. Toss a picture in here if you want.

[Jondagcl]

Wow, you transformed that putter. That was a great deal you found.

Thanks! For 10 bucks and 20 minutes of polishing I'm feeling pretty good about this putter.

[Jmikecpa]

Thanks! That is yet another thing I had not considered - what a normal grip would feel like in small hands. I appreciate that feedback as well!

 

You had a Byron done just for him! That's awesome, I'm sure he was fired up about that. Any special stamping or colors or anything. Toss a picture in here if you want.

I had one done for my son and another for my middle daughter that they got for Christmas about 4 or 5 years ago.  I had two Byron Dalehead minis done for them with some stamping.  My son has his in his bag and loves it, but my daughter has not used hers all that much since it turns out she is left handed and the putter is right handed.  I can post a few pictures when I get home.

[The Dansome]

Epic find and transformation. Thanks for sharing

[RookieBlue7]

I had one if those I got for free as a throw in in a trade. Ended up selling it for like $125-135 if memory serves

[Jondagcl]

Thanks MBP! I appreciate that.

 

125-135! Man Rookie that's good news. I'm feeling better and better about this find as the day goes on. That's awesome! I was just thrilled that at 10 bucks I was able to bring the shine back out and have a useable putter.

[BIG STU]

Great find! On the grip route you can also use a ladies putter grip and they also make junior putter grips

[ZenGolfer]

Now you just need to find a set of Miura Lexus irons and you could have a, "luxury car" bag.

[Jmikecpa]

Some pics of the Byrons I had done for me son and my middle daughter.