RUNNER Golf Putters! 2024 Forum Review

[RTH1]

Looking good guys, maybe as a blade guy it takes longer.

[Northern Monkey]

The weather forecast for today was strong winds but thankfully weren’t as bad as forecast so I was able to get out for a late round this afternoon. This was the first round for the Runner but I did have 30 minutes on the putting green before to try and get used to the putt weight. 
So how did it go I hear you ask?
Well . . . .

F@#*ing awesome!!!!!

Not sure if it was a one off and I just had a really good day but I did find the Runner very easy to align and the stroke felt really good. It just seemed to be very easy to play a straight through strike of the ball and was very confidence inspiring. 
Considering that my putting figures for the year so far with my Odyssey were as shown below I’m really excited to see if the performance continues

 

[RTH1]

As the only blade style player and reviewing the latest MSG best blades for 2024, the runner putter has a lot of competition.

My present gamer TM tp del monte7, When I miss its left, more a stroke issue than putter issue, but with the adjustable weight system of the runner design, I am hoping to adjust to minimize the damage of human error.

My personal benchmark for short game shots is 36 or less strokes. I say short game to include chipping, bunker shots when I miss the green in regulation.  Obviously sloppy putting does not fit into the equation.

I don't change putters often, did have a brief dalliance (2 months) with a spider a year or so ago, just really couldn't get comfortable with distance control on longer putts. So, if the runner blade is to find a spot in my bag, it will have to earn it with performance.

p.s. who is missing all those 5-foot putts in the MSG testing? 

[GolfSpy_APH]

3 minutes ago, RTH1 said:

As the only blade style player and reviewing the latest MSG best blades for 2024, the runner putter has a lot of competition.

My present gamer TM tp del monte7, When I miss its left, more a stroke issue than putter issue, but with the adjustable weight system of the runner design, I am hoping to adjust to minimize the damage of human error.

My personal benchmark for short game shots is 36 or less strokes. I say short game to include chipping, bunker shots when I miss the green in regulation.  Obviously sloppy putting does not fit into the equation.

I don't change putters often, did have a brief dalliance (2 months) with a spider a year or so ago, just really couldn't get comfortable with distance control on longer putts. So, if the runner blade is to find a spot in my bag, it will have to earn it with performance.

p.s. who is missing all those 5-foot putts in the MSG testing? 

I am very curious what you think and I think after seeing some in person there will be a little surprise. I know there was something that certainly surprised me when I first saw them. 

[RTH1]

 Looks like awesome results for a first time on course.

[RTH1]

18 minutes ago, Northern Monkey said:

The weather forecast for today was strong winds but thankfully weren’t as bad as forecast so I was able to get out for a late round this afternoon. This was the first round for the Runner but I did have 30 minutes on the putting green before to try and get used to the putt weight. 
So how did it go I hear you ask?
Well . . . .

F@#*ing awesome!!!!!

Not sure if it was a one off and I just had a really good day but I did find the Runner very easy to align and the stroke felt really good. It just seemed to be very easy to play a straight through strike of the ball and was very confidence inspiring. 
Considering that my putting figures for the year so far with my Odyssey were as shown below I’m really excited to see if the performance continues

 

Awesome results for the first time on course.

[Northern Monkey]

Thanks Rick, it just seemed to play so nicely for me. Very confidence inspiring and I’m really hoping it wasn’t just a one off. 
Let’s hope yours arrives soon as I’m interested to see how the blade performs

[Bobbers]

Had a chance to get the Runner out for an initial run (pun intended...).

I mentioned in my unboxing/initial impressions post that the head was large and, for me at least, confidence inspiring.  I put it next to an L.A.B. Directed Force 2.1 for comparison purposes.

The L.A.B. is about 3/8 inch wider than the Runner.

I alternated between a sleeve of Bridgestone R XS balls and a sleeve of Wilson Duo Soft balls figuring that would give me a chance to compare a low compression, soft ball with something more traditional in terms of compression.

Other than the sound, obviously attributable to the ball, performance was similar.  The Bridgestone ball came off the face with a "click" and the Wilson was a much more muted "tock". 

Hit several series off the toe and several series off the heel just to see the impact of seriously off center strikes.  Distance was affected but, in my opinion, the mass of the putter head kept the putts on line very nicely.

I could definitely feel the difference between center strikes, they felt very "pure", the way a perfect shot off a forged iron feels.

Short putts, four feet or less, felt pretty automatic. 

Below are two photos of a series of three putts from a distance of 30 feet.

 

Keeping in mind I'm a 20 handicapper I'll take those second putts any day of the week from the starting distance.

Feel free to ask any questions that occur to you, I'll do my best to answer.

[RTH1]

2 minutes ago, Bobbers said:

Had a chance to get the Runner out for an initial run (pun intended...).

I mentioned in my unboxing/initial impressions post that the head was large and, for me at least, confidence inspiring.  I put it next to an L.A.B. Directed Force 2.1 for comparison purposes.

The L.A.B. is about 3/8 inch wider than the Runner.

I alternated between a sleeve of Bridgestone R XS balls and a sleeve of Wilson Duo Soft balls figuring that would give me a chance to compare a low compression, soft ball with something more traditional in terms of compression.

Other than the sound, obviously attributable to the ball, performance was similar.  The Bridgestone ball came off the face with a "click" and the Wilson was a much more muted "tock". 

Hit several series off the toe and several series off the heel just to see the impact of seriously off center strikes.  Distance was affected but, in my opinion, the mass of the putter head kept the putts on line very nicely.

I could definitely feel the difference between center strikes, they felt very "pure", the way a perfect shot off a forged iron feels.

Short putts, four feet or less, felt pretty automatic. 

Below are two photos of a series of three putts from a distance of 30 feet.

 

Keeping in mind I'm a 20 handicapper I'll take those second putts any day of the week from the starting distance.

Feel free to ask any questions that occur to you, I'll do my best to answer.

From 30 feet, excellent, if it exterminates all those pesky 3 putts, could be a keeper.

[Rob Person]

Aa you get through your initial impressions,  I am curious about what you find troublesome about the putter. Anything weird, or flaws you may find with either the putter itself, or your performance. 

 

@Northern Monkey  that's impressive!

@RTH1 nice dispersion!

[Northern Monkey]

14 minutes ago, Bobbers said:

Had a chance to get the Runner out for an initial run (pun intended...).

I mentioned in my unboxing/initial impressions post that the head was large and, for me at least, confidence inspiring.  I put it next to an L.A.B. Directed Force 2.1 for comparison purposes.

The L.A.B. is about 3/8 inch wider than the Runner.

I alternated between a sleeve of Bridgestone R XS balls and a sleeve of Wilson Duo Soft balls figuring that would give me a chance to compare a low compression, soft ball with something more traditional in terms of compression.

Other than the sound, obviously attributable to the ball, performance was similar.  The Bridgestone ball came off the face with a "click" and the Wilson was a much more muted "tock". 

Hit several series off the toe and several series off the heel just to see the impact of seriously off center strikes.  Distance was affected but, in my opinion, the mass of the putter head kept the putts on line very nicely.

I could definitely feel the difference between center strikes, they felt very "pure", the way a perfect shot off a forged iron feels.

Short putts, four feet or less, felt pretty automatic. 

Below are two photos of a series of three putts from a distance of 30 feet.

 

Keeping in mind I'm a 20 handicapper I'll take those second putts any day of the week from the starting distance.

Feel free to ask any questions that occur to you, I'll do my best to answer.

That’s impressive Bob

2 minutes ago, Rob Person said:

Aa you get through your initial impressions,  I am curious about what you find troublesome about the putter. Anything weird, or flaws you may find with either the putter itself, or your performance. 

 

@Northern Monkey  that's impressive!

@RTH1 nice dispersion!

Will let you know if I come across anything Rob. So far the only thing that seems slightly weird to me is the sound from the face but I’m attributing that to this being the first milled putter I’ve used. I wouldn’t say there’s anything wrong with the sound it’s just not what I’m used to

[Bobbers]

3 minutes ago, Rob Person said:

Aa you get through your initial impressions,  I am curious about what you find troublesome about the putter. Anything weird, or flaws you may find with either the putter itself, or your performance. 

 

@Northern Monkey  that's impressive!

@RTH1 nice dispersion!

I'll be happy to do that.  My goal is a realistic review with all the pluses and minuses I can wring from the experience.  That's what the four reviewers committed to from the beginning.  We were told, very clearly, to be  honest and not feel obligated to do what you'd call a "puff piece".

[cnosil]

1 hour ago, RTH1 said:

When I miss its left, more a stroke issue than putter issue

p.s. who is missing all those 5-foot putts in the MSG testing? 

Sounds like you don't think the putter has much influence on the stroke or results.  if so, why do you think a configurable putter like the runner will improve your putting?

 

How many do you think are being missed during MGS Most Wanted testing?

 

 

[Bobbers]

Here's what I guess you'd call an unexpected benefit of the Runner putter based on its construction. 

Let me start with a photo:

If you look at the photo you'll see three distinct "sections" of the putter.  The front, the face; the black midsection where the hosel resides, and the rear.

The three pieces are mechanically joined with bolts.  More importantly they can all be removed with the supplied tool.  The lie angle, in this case 71*, is "built in" to the middle section of the putter.

If one were to completely disassemble the putter and reverse the front (face) with the rear, let's call it the "body", presto!  What had been a right handed putter is now a left handed putter!

I found that particularly ingenious.

(Told you I was gonna look at this in as many ways as possible...heh heh.)

[Northern Monkey]

3 minutes ago, Bobbers said:

Here's what I guess you'd call an unexpected benefit of the Runner putter based on its construction. 

Let me start with a photo:

If you look at the photo you'll see three distinct "sections" of the putter.  The front, the face; the black midsection where the hosel resides, and the rear.

The three pieces are mechanically joined with bolts.  More importantly they can all be removed with the supplied tool.  The lie angle, in this case 71*, is "built in" to the middle section of the putter.

If one were to completely disassemble the putter and reverse the front (face) with the rear, let's call it the "body", presto!  What had been a right handed putter is now a left handed putter!

I found that particularly ingenious.

(Told you I was gonna look at this in as many ways as possible...heh heh.)

This was one of the big selling points that Runner used in that the whole putter is customisable. Not only can you do as @Bobbers described but also change it from mallet to blade, adjust face lie, change shaft position etc as well as change the colour if you so wish. All done just by swapping out the relevant part of the putter

[Bobbers]

3 minutes ago, Northern Monkey said:

This was one of the big selling points that Runner used in that the whole putter is customisable. Not only can you do as @Bobbers described but also change it from mallet to blade, adjust face lie, change shaft position etc as well as change the colour if you so wish. All done just by swapping out the relevant part of the putter

Something of a "Swiss army knife" of the putter world.

[Rob Person]

1 hour ago, Bobbers said:

Here's what I guess you'd call an unexpected benefit of the Runner putter based on its construction. 

Let me start with a photo:

If you look at the photo you'll see three distinct "sections" of the putter.  The front, the face; the black midsection where the hosel resides, and the rear.

The three pieces are mechanically joined with bolts.  More importantly they can all be removed with the supplied tool.  The lie angle, in this case 71*, is "built in" to the middle section of the putter.

If one were to completely disassemble the putter and reverse the front (face) with the rear, let's call it the "body", presto!  What had been a right handed putter is now a left handed putter!

I found that particularly ingenious.

(Told you I was gonna look at this in as many ways as possible...heh heh.)

Oh wow!  So after your tests ( or even during) will anyone be swapping configurations in any way? Ie, mallet to blade?

[Bobbers]

1 minute ago, Rob Person said:

Oh wow!  So after your tests ( or even during) will anyone be swapping configurations in any way? Ie, mallet to blade?

I suspect it's early days for all of us, some haven't even received their putters yet.  That said it's nice to have the option.

[RTH1]

12 hours ago, cnosil said:

Sounds like you don't think the putter has much influence on the stroke or results.  if so, why do you think a configurable putter like the runner will improve your putting?

 

How many do you think are being missed during MGS Most Wanted testing?

 

 

That is what the testing is for. We will see.

[Northern Monkey]

12 hours ago, cnosil said:

Sounds like you don't think the putter has much influence on the stroke or results.  if so, why do you think a configurable putter like the runner will improve your putting?

 

How many do you think are being missed during MGS Most Wanted testing?

 

 

You’re absolutely right that the putter has a big influence on the stroke and results and my thought is that this is why Runner use the moveable weights. The idea being that different weight positions will affect your results. This is one thing that I intend to experiment with during the testing

[Headhammer]

On 3/26/2024 at 1:44 AM, Bobbers said:

 

Introduction

Hello. My name is Bob and I'm a golfer. (Audience replies, “Hi, Bob!”)

Player Profile

I've been golfing for about 60 years which should tell you something about my age. Lifelong resident of Wisconsin and have lived in the southeastern part of the state for the majority of my life with the exception of stints in Stevens Point, Eau Claire, and Green Bay.

 

Grew up playing municipal courses long before irrigation was a thing which makes me a “picker”. Trying to take a divot, particularly in the summer months, was literally a question of whether you were trying to sprain a wrist or break it. Golf balls were covered with balata until the glorious day that Surlyn was introduced. Finally, a chance to play a round without having to worry about how many “smiles” our bladed irons were going to inflict on the ball due to a less than perfect strike. We'd put our golf bags on our backs, bicycle an hour to the course, play 18, and head home. A round of golf, a Coke, and an Acushnet “Club Special” cost all of $2.00.

I'm left handed...except for golf. Only clubs I had access to were my mother's discarded set from long, long ago. Blades of course, a persimmon driver, a blade putter which was hard to differentiate from a 2 iron other than by the length of the club. Yeah, spent my first six years with a short set of “Miss America” hammer forged blades. Steel shafts, before chrome became a “thing” covered in an acetate sleeve to prevent surface rust from showing. Immediately below is a photo of my first putter. I recall vividly that my score for my first round was 150. Yet I persist to this day.

 

 

 

 

 

I play a mixture of courses here in the southeastern Wisconsin area. Our season is unpredictable but averages sometime in April until November/December depending on the year. I shoot anywhere between 85-98 depending on how the day goes. I'm a “driving range rat” and honestly enjoy hitting a bucket of balls as much as playing around. I'm the guy who flips to the “you generally hit the ball straight but a lack of distance puts pressure on your game” advice columns in a golf magazine. My short game is pretty good as, for the most part, is my putting.

 

For the past ten years or so I've used a mallet style putter of one sort or another, I find them more forgiving. I also tend to favor a somewhat heavier head. I have a pretty straight back and through stroke and favor face balanced putters versus those wth a lot of toe hang. I tend to point my left elbow toward the hole, something of a “chicken wing” position, to help keep my stroke straight.

 

I entered to test the Runner putter because I liked the futuristic look, my assumption was that the company having been recognized with a “Most Innovative Product” award at the PGA show reflected respect from the industry, and perhaps foremost the adjustable weights at the rear of the putter offering the ability to potentially “dial it in”. I'm hoping the Runner will become a “dependable, reliable friend”and can enjoy an extended stay in my golf bag.

 

My weekend round is generally early morning so I'll be testing my Runner mallet at various times when the dew is still on the green. My weekday rounds tend to be mid-morning to early afternoon so I'll also be testing during the heat of midday when things have firmed up.

 

I'll be comparing the Runner to my Cobra Nova. I've enjoyed the confidence the Sik face offers. I feel that variable face loft helps compensate any variations in the amount of forward press present in any particular putt.

 

I'll also be comparing the Runner to a LAB Golf Directed Force 2.1.

 

I enjoy a good one putt, as we all do. I can live with two putts. I absolutely abhor three putting. We can debate whether those three putt greens are caused by a poor first, second, or third putt. But for me it's missing that 3-6 foot second putt that lights my fuse.

 

I'm sure I'll be testing from close to distant from the hole. Predictable distance control is important to me. More subjectively the “feel” of the ball coming off the face is a big factor in how I relate to a putter. I have a preference for what I guess you'd call a softer face be that via the material, an insert, or milling magic.

 

Right or wrong I'm a golfer who uses a softer ball in the early and late stages of our season and a more typical compression ball during the height of the season. I intend to run tests using different balls (all of which will be yellow) to determine if I experience any noticeable difference.

 

 

Unboxing/First Impressions

It's here!

I received a notification from Simon at Runner on Monday of this week that my putter would be shipping.  I have to admit I stopped for a second and asked myself if "April Fool's Day" was a thing in France...

The email from Fedex on Tuesday morning confirmed the package was on its way.  Expected arrival was to be next Monday, April 8th.  Lo and behold the doorbell rang at 4 p.m. CDT this afternoon and there it was.

I was amazed at how pristine the shipping box was given it traveled 4,000 miles in three days.  I've had packages of golf equipment travel from Minneapolis to the Milwaukee area end  up looking like they'd been around the world twice before arrival...

Upon opening the box the putter had the head wrapped in plastic and inserted into the head cover.  The shaft was wrapped in plastic and the entire club was in a plastic bag which was then covered with nicely taped bubble wrap.  The head was further encased in a semi-rigid "foam".  In short the putter was very well packaged and arrived in pristine condition.

I had a video conference call with Simon, the CEO of Runner SAS, as part of the fitting.  He'd asked if it was possible to see a video from an overhead view of my putting stroke.  My wife climbed a ladder and we managed to send him what he'd asked for.

During my call with Simon he stated he was going to build my putter at 34 inches in length.  I normally use a 33 inch putter, we discussed it and agreed mutually that he'd do the build at 33 1/2".  Which is exactly the length that arrived.

The initial impression, keeping in mind I'm a 20 handicap golfer, is confidence building.  The head is futuristic looking (which doesn't bother me at all) and has a very "clean" design look.

The rear of the putter has to moveable weights.

As a tip of the cap to MGS the putter head was laser engraved with our logo.  Is that sweet or what??!

The shaft is a black KBS 120 stepless steel shaft which, with the black grip, gives what I consider a nice "stealthy" look to the putter.

The headcover is lined with a velvet feeling material, the closures are strong magnets (which I prefer to velcro) and if the cover is not made of leather I'd be surprised.

The grip we agreed to during my fitting conversation was a Winn 1.18.  I normally use a round Edel grip, the Winn was close and the fit feels fine.  More importantly to me the flat edge of the grip is perpendicular to the face of the putter.  Nothing drives me crazy like a flat faced putter grip that's installed in a non-perpendicular manner.

The adjusting tool for the rear weights has a carabiner which allows it to be hooked to the golf bag and be easily available.  I considered that a very clever embellishment.

The size of the face is significantly larger than my Cobra as you can see below.

Runner putter face:

Cobra putter face:

I mentioned the playing length was exactly what I asked for.

Gross weight of the putter is 530 grams.  And the swing weight, which I list simply as a matter of technical detail, is E 8.

Now if the rain and snow will stop and the wind will blow at something less than 20 miles per hour I can get some balls rolling. 

If I've left something out just give a holler and I'll update this post.

If you've any questions please feel free.

 

Nice. Love that they added the MGS logo to the putters. 1st Class!!!

[Headhammer]

13 hours ago, Bobbers said:

Had a chance to get the Runner out for an initial run (pun intended...).

I mentioned in my unboxing/initial impressions post that the head was large and, for me at least, confidence inspiring.  I put it next to an L.A.B. Directed Force 2.1 for comparison purposes.

The L.A.B. is about 3/8 inch wider than the Runner.

I alternated between a sleeve of Bridgestone R XS balls and a sleeve of Wilson Duo Soft balls figuring that would give me a chance to compare a low compression, soft ball with something more traditional in terms of compression.

Other than the sound, obviously attributable to the ball, performance was similar.  The Bridgestone ball came off the face with a "click" and the Wilson was a much more muted "tock". 

Hit several series off the toe and several series off the heel just to see the impact of seriously off center strikes.  Distance was affected but, in my opinion, the mass of the putter head kept the putts on line very nicely.

I could definitely feel the difference between center strikes, they felt very "pure", the way a perfect shot off a forged iron feels.

Short putts, four feet or less, felt pretty automatic. 

Below are two photos of a series of three putts from a distance of 30 feet.

 

Keeping in mind I'm a 20 handicapper I'll take those second putts any day of the week from the starting distance.

Feel free to ask any questions that occur to you, I'll do my best to answer.

To be honest when I first saw the Runner I thought it was kinda ugly, but next to the LAB it looks like a damn Victoria's Secret Model!! The one thing MGS has taught me is that sometimes the ugliest putters turn out to be the best putters!

[Northern Monkey]

6 minutes ago, Headhammer said:

To be honest when I first saw the Runner I thought it was kinda ugly, but next to the LAB it looks like a damn Victoria's Secret Model!! The one thing MGS has taught me is that sometimes the ugliest putters turn out to be the best putters!

I have to say that it looks a hell of a lot better in the flesh than it does on the generated pics. The pics that have been posted from testers give a more realistic perspective of the looks and it is very eyecatching

Edited April 7 by Northern Monkey

[RTH1]

If the rain stays away, playing today, wish the runner was here, live look to my testing facilities. Plays on a loop.

 

[Northern Monkey]

I’ll be heading out for my second round with the Runner in about an hour

[bama no 1]

16 hours ago, Rob Person said:

Aa you get through your initial impressions,  I am curious about what you find troublesome about the putter. Anything weird, or flaws you may find with either the putter itself, or your performance. 

 

@Northern Monkey  that's impressive!

 

 

I am really curious about how reflective the silver is on bright sunny days.

@RTH1 nice dispersion!

 

[cnosil]

4 hours ago, RTH1 said:

That is what the testing is for. We will see.

I was asking for your personal opinion on whether you think the putter influences the stroke.  I want to understand your perspective prior to testing and not what you learn from the testing.  Do you think the putter has an influence on your stroke?  Based on what  I originally quoted you seemed to imply that it is you and not the putter.  Either is fine, I can point to people in the putting world that support both approaches.     Are you more of a:

• the configuration of the putter influences the players performance?
• the putter doesn't matter and it all comes down to the skill of the player and body mechanics?

[Northern Monkey]

Managed to get my 2nd round in with the Runner today. It wasn’t as good as yesterday’s round but I put that down to 2 things. Firstly, me, I just couldn’t seem to get my aim right today. The Runner was sending the ball over the spot I was aiming for so can only put it down to my aim. 
The distance was good, with some really nice lag putts from distance. 

The second reason, as can be seen from the second set of pics, was @Yellow Ball  Once all my little yellow companions had decided they would much prefer to be off on a jungle adventure or practicing some free diving and I switched to a white ball my play miraculously began to improve

Even though I wasn’t getting the results today I was still impressed with the Runner. As I said the ball was going where I aimed so I just need to dial in my aim in future

Edited April 7 by Northern Monkey

[sirchunksalot]

56 minutes ago, Northern Monkey said:

Managed to get my 2nd round in with the Runner today. It wasn’t as good as yesterday’s round but I put that down to 2 things. Firstly, me, I just couldn’t seem to get my aim right today. The Runner was sending the ball over the spot I was aiming for so can only put it down to my aim. 
The distance was good, with some really nice lag putts from distance. 

The second reason, as can be seen from the second set of pics, was @Yellow Ball  Once all my little yellow companions had decided they would much prefer to be off on a jungle adventure or practicing some free diving and I switched to a white ball my play miraculously began to improve

Even though I wasn’t getting the results today I was still impressed with the Runner. As I said the ball was going where I aimed so I just need to dial in my aim in future

Getting those lag putts close is impressive! It seems like you have some pretty good distance control with the Runner. 

Did you happen to notice if you had a bias on which direction you were off?

[Northern Monkey]

34 minutes ago, sirchunksalot said:

Getting those lag putts close is impressive! It seems like you have some pretty good distance control with the Runner. 

Did you happen to notice if you had a bias on which direction you were off?

Thanks. I’m still getting used to it but the distance control on it does seem good. 
There was no discernible bias. As you can see from the pics I was missing both sides. With my Odyssey I noticed I was predominantly missing left and this was part of the reason the weights were set up in the Runner the way they were. 
Today just seemed to be down to my aiming/reading mistakes but I do intend to keep an eye on if a miss bias should occur during the testing