Your Brand Opinion: Scotty Cameron Putters – Legendary or Overrated?

[GolfSpy_APH]

Scotty Cameron putters have become synonymous with high-end craftsmanship, classic design, and a strong reputation on both Tour and retail shelves. But what makes these putters so polarizing? Are they the gold standard in putting performance, or do they ride more on reputation and prestige?

From the unmistakable feel and feedback to the iconic designs, Scotty Cameron putters are revered by many. But with a premium price tag and a slew of competitor options boasting high-tech materials and innovative features, not everyone is convinced that they’re worth the hype.

So let’s dig into the details! ‍

Key Questions to Get the Conversation Rolling:

• What do you think sets Scotty Cameron putters apart from the competition?
• For those who have gamed one, did it live up to the expectations?
• Are the classic designs a testament to quality or an area where Scotty Cameron should innovate?
• If you’ve chosen another brand, what made you look past Scotty?

Whether you’re a devoted Scotty Cameron fan or a skeptic, we want to hear from you! Share your experience, your gripes, or what makes these putters worth the investment (or not). Let’s find out what the MGS community really thinks!

[Josh Parker]

You know my take already, but for those that don't. Love the look and lines he has produced but not enough lefty options and as someone who prefers a center shafted putter hasn't ever seen a lefty in one. 

[Shankster]

Legendary.  

[Dropping2]

Both. 

They are legendary. Beautiful. Iconic. Quality. Excellent putters and I understand why so many people seek them out. 

At the same time, they aren't the only game in town. There's many quality putters that look, feel, and perform just as well. Many are just as expensive but you don't need to spend that much to get a quality product. 

I understand why people want a Scotty. It's at the top of my thrift store search. If that's your brand preference, then you do you. You can pay the same price for a Scotty as you can a Bettinardi, Toulon, PING PLD, and a slew of other excellent products. 

[KC Golf]

I’m a definitely fan of the classic Scotty Cameron putters.  I think they live up to the hype.  They are pretty pricey now but they are worth every penny in my mind.

Yes, you can buy other putters with more technology, but I really like the classic lines and the feel of a Scotty.

I have 3 Scotty’s that I have used over the years and still love each of them.  My current gamer is a great Scotty.  Hard to see that leaving the bag any time soon.  

I have tried other putters over the years, but I keep coming back to a Scotty.  Putters still in the garage include: Callaway, TM mallet, Ping, etc.  I think Scotty is excellent on long putts for me.  I do think some newer putter designs from other brands are sometimes better for shorter putts, but overall I think Scotty is pretty good.  It’s predictable.

If I were to consider other putters, Evnroll and LAB are two I would probably try and game for a few weeks.

For those thinking about getting a new putter, go get fitted.  It’s totally worth it.

I think the fact that Scotty’s hold their value is a good example of why they are so desired by many golfers.

 

[RyanGi]

No reason they can’t be both. They’re incredible with a magnificent pedigree, but there are other putters that work as well or better, especially golfer to golfer. Legendary things often become over-rated in time, surpassed by technology, but people hold onto their historic status because…golf. 

[Tom the Golf Nut]

I think they are a well crafted high  performing putter. That being said I have actually never tried or held one. Yup the golf nut never has. I always felt they were over priced and didn’t want to take the chance of falling for one. I was always a decent putter with whatever I had in the bag.
However with all the zero torque, low torque, center balanced, low balance point putters out there they will need to keep up with the market trends. I think the holy grail days are in jeopardy. Especially seeing all the Lab Putters appearing on tour these days. 
Will the price come down? No. 

Will the demand decrease? Probably.

But they will always have a loyal following.

[poprocksncoke]

They are beautiful putters.  Have gamed a few over the years and while they are great putters I think there are better ones out there these days.

[TJ Hall]

I wanted one for years because it was the thing…then I hit one in the store and realized it was not for me.  I know many that swear by them.

They have a big reputation for quality, but feel other brands have caught them.

[cnosil]

• What do you think sets Scotty Cameron putters apart from the competition?

nothing.  At this point the big appeal for Cameron’s is that they are played on tour.  From a quality perspective they are no better than many of the other putters on the market.  

• For those who have gamed one, did it live up to the expectations?

no.  I used to be a Cameron junkie, but the more I learned about putting skills the less impressed I was with the actual putters.  As said above, no better or worse than other putters.  

• Are the classic designs a testament to quality or an area where Scotty Cameron should innovate?

Building same design year after year doesn’t mean it is a quality product.   The products sell which is the key aspect of building the same product with some tweaks year offer year   

• If you’ve chosen another brand, what made you look past Scotty?

have had lots of Cameron’s over the years.  I typically like to try new innovations and don’t generally see that from Cameron’s.  

[GolfSpy_KFT]

I love my Super Select Newport 2, and my putting improved as soon as I put it in the bag last year over my long running Taylormade Spider Tour. So for me, Legendary. Great feel off the face, clean lines, balanced weight. Checks all the boxes.

[slash25rc]

I've always been a fan. Anyone who grew up watching Tiger wanted a Newport 2. I have had 3 of them and a Futura 5W over the last 8 years and was always impressed at the craftsmanship. I purchased this one below a couple months ago, but couldn't justify gaming an $800 putter... but silly me is looking for a DF3 now so that premise shot out the window like a cannon. I currently do not have one, but will probably own one again at some point. I just think there are other offerings of the same quality that fit my game better now. I went to a Mizuno due to the compact head shape, but was still fully milled like a Scotty. I think they have done a good job and introducing modern putter designs such as the Phantom, and I am sure they will eventually make it into the zero torque front which I am excited to see what they come up with, but their traditional putter styles will always be a staple in the golfing world!

 

 

[Shrek74]

My opinion is quite simple. Scottie's are overrated, over hyped, and over priced. They bring nothing special to the table outside of their tour play. They have no real special technology that can't be found in dozens (maybe hundreds) of other putters. They don't really innovate, as they pretty much produce the same putters year after year. Take the name off, and it's just another putter like all the others (outside of the zero torque stuff).

[rkj427]

I would say "both."

Going way back in time, I had a teI3 long neck Newport and absolutely loved it.

It was stolen many years ago, and I then found a Newport Notchback from 2012 that took it's place. Still have that one, but some eye surgeries this year made a difference where my dominant eye and the best "alignment mark" position, on the Newport did not coincide. I need the alignment mark to be very forward on the putter head due for best results.

Using a Phantom 5 this year, an older version, and although it is 34 inches in length, "standard" headweight of 360 grams, it swingweights at E-0 and although soft off the face, feels a little heavy for my putting stroke. My usual miss is short more than left or right or long.

Played around with an Odyssey Mini Jailbird, same length as the Phantom, and it also has the same soft feel of the face, lighter overall weight, even though headweight is the same, and when using it I found that I am not leaving many putts short like the Cameron. 

Seems that in more recent times, except for a few "logo" or name changes, maybe a different grip color, he hasn't changed much on his models, except for the ever-increasing prices.

 

 

[jbern]

Outside of their tour reputation (or reputation from TW), I don't really know much about Scotty Cameron putters. I have only had the opportunity to play with two different types for one round each and both rounds were during my LAB DF3 testing period. One was as part of a rental set (Scotty Futura 5CB) and the other was a putter swap with a golf buddy (Scotty Super Select Del Mar). Both are so drastically different from the DF3 that I don't think it's fair to comment on them. 

I will say that the rental set Scotty's shaft felt like hitting a putt with a pool noodle when compared to the DF3 and TPT shaft. 

[Indy_Oz]

6 hours ago, GolfSpy_APH said:

Scotty Cameron putters have become synonymous with high-end craftsmanship, classic design, and a strong reputation on both Tour and retail shelves. But what makes these putters so polarizing? Are they the gold standard in putting performance, or do they ride more on reputation and prestige?

From the unmistakable feel and feedback to the iconic designs, Scotty Cameron putters are revered by many. But with a premium price tag and a slew of competitor options boasting high-tech materials and innovative features, not everyone is convinced that they’re worth the hype.

So let’s dig into the details! ‍

Key Questions to Get the Conversation Rolling:

• What do you think sets Scotty Cameron putters apart from the competition?
• For those who have gamed one, did it live up to the expectations?
• Are the classic designs a testament to quality or an area where Scotty Cameron should innovate?
• If you’ve chosen another brand, what made you look past Scotty?

Whether you’re a devoted Scotty Cameron fan or a skeptic, we want to hear from you! Share your experience, your gripes, or what makes these putters worth the investment (or not). Let’s find out what the MGS community really thinks!

What sets SC's apart?

Right now, really not much aside from the caché associated with the name. There are others with similar milled finish, equally well manufactured and finished (if not better), great feel and classy appearance. The designs of their mainstays are not 'unique', but they are damn nice.

Do they live up to expectations?

I picked up my first Scotty this year at a price and condition (still had plastic wrap) I couldn't resist. I had been recently gaming a Odyssey toulon mallet putter that I liked the feel of but wasn't sold on it overall (I needed to adjust lie and probably extend the shaft an inch). I had tried a couple of Odyssey #7 fang putters in the past and really got on well with the alignment and weight/ balance. So going for the Scotty Phantom X7 for less than I was considering spending on an Odyssey was an easy decision. I had tried an X7 and X5 at local Golf Galaxy a while back and really liked the feel off the milled face, but didn't like the price tag! So far, the Scotty has been fantastic. My putting has greatly improved- particularly distance control on fast greens. Still room for improvement, but I'm definitely heading in the right direction and the Scotty is working out very well. Would the Odyssey #7 or other similar fang style mallet have done the same job- quite possibly.

Would I have paid full price? Almost certainly not unless it had been the clear winner through an extensive putter fitting process. If I'd really clicked with the Toulon I probably wouldn't have considered a Scotty any time soon.

 

Edited November 12 by Indy_Oz

[funkyjudge]

Since @Shrek74 said just about everything I was going to say, I will summarize my thoughts regarding Scotty Cameron putters with these words:

   overpriced

   overrated

   mostly derivative 

   nice-looking (but so are many other putters)

Basically, I view Scotty Cameron putters as being a golfing status symbol (not that there is anything inherently wrong with that).

[Cmra1]

I’ve never used one but know some people that will spend that kind of money and says it’s the best and took 10 strokes off their score. I’ll probably never own one unless I stumble onto a deal so I will stick with other brands

[Cagolfer]

I have owned and gamed several Scotty Cameron putters over the years.  SS, Tei3, Kombi etc.  They are good looking putters.  The area of the market that they cover well is customization from a look perspective.  Different necks, grips, shaft bands, head covers etc.  At this point, I consider them to be more jewelry than tool.  As a putter, they are fine, but really nothing different than the Cleveland or Wilson putter that is half of the price of a Scotty.  I can not say that I putt any better with the Scotty than with my other putters, or even current gamer.  We are starting to see technology in putters like DLT, Evnroll, Lab.  It just does not seem to be Scotty's corner of the market.  It would be cool if Scotty had and experimental line that is more of an innovation shop instead of multiple variations of the Anser.  

As you can imagine from my response, I do not currently game a Scotty and am gaming a Cobra mallet with the DLT face.  I like tech and tech stories so that often drives my golf purchases.  However, when it comes to putting, confidence in the flat stick is so important that people should play what makes them happy.  

[SWINGWEIGHT]

You can love a Scotty putter, as you can love a nice looking Swiss watch. However, there is absolutely no magic in those putters nor in any other. And the design of a putter can simply make it  a bit more or less forgiving on non centered shots. Then you can prefer the touch and sound of a specific putter and find you can align it more easyly than another one. However, the only thing that can improve your putting is a well dynamically fitted putter, whatever its brand, by a professional clubfitter/clubmaker   to you, your morphology and your swing.

 

Edited November 13 by SWINGWEIGHT

[GolfingSooner9060]

For feel, look and playabilty Cameron putters are still the leader in the market. They are not cheap but hold their value and in many situations appreciate over time

[Rob Person]

I've never swung or played a scotty. Based on everything I've seen, heard, watched, etc since starting golf 3 years ago I got the impression the putters were merely a modus for a status symbol of a golfer. 

However, there was a mallet style I saw once in person that is quite the eye catcher. I never got the model. It was all black and silver and looked heavy.

[William23]

Scotty’s have a mixed reaction for me personally. They have a reputation which is not entirely undeserved but they are now at the point where they are beginning to lag behind technology and are really old fashioned. I game a Scotty but had to modify everything short of the head shape to get it comfortable. The standard shaft is a wet chrome noodle and the standard grip is uncomfortable for slightly bigger hands. Scotty’s are starting to become a golfing fashion item as opposed to the cutting edge or go to putter especially with the likes of lab and evnroll pushing the envelope 

[style79000]

I own one of them and bought it for fun!
A “Scotty Cameron Phantom 5S”.
Unfortunately I can't do any fitting with it, not even the bare minimum, so I end up with a “normal” putter, certainly well below the real thing.
At this price, I think it's a shame! It's like buying a roller that runs on 3 cylinders!

[BADFanBoi Scotty]

What do you think sets Scotty Cameron putters apart from the competition?

The brand hype from tour - which is well deserved given the customisation that is able to be provided on Tour from the Garage.

For those who have gamed one, did it live up to the expectations?

All the times I've looked to buy a new putter, I've always put the SCs as amongst the worst feeling. Actually can't believe the stock options are worth that much. Heavy, clunky, dead...

Are the classic designs a testament to quality or an area where Scotty Cameron should innovate?

Still happy that SC is still focussing on the four inches between the ears, probably the most important part.

If you’ve chosen another brand, what made you look past Scotty?

Feel, and performance. Face technology.

[injectedcutty]

I'm in the same boat as @TJ Hall as I really like the looks, but they're overpriced and overhyped. I've been gaming my old Ping Kushin and it usually does the job well. Would I really benefit from a $300-400 putter that's not a LAB? Likely not. I've tried Scotty's various times over the years. Yeah, they feel nice, but I couldn't justify one over the Ping.

However, with the hype of the LAB DF3 I went and tried one....those are definitely worth the hype!

Scotty Cameron has the pedigree of fine Milled putters, but I've got a buddy who games a Phantom now and it hasn't made him a better putter at all lol.

[oldschoolcasto]

Legendary 

I absolutely love my Newport 2! It just feels better than any other putter I've gamed and looks wise I think it's a beautiful putter. I'd definitely be open to trying a different one in the future but I feel like in my own opinion that no other putter will ever compare looks wise!

[GolfSpy_BEN]

Overpriced? Sure, but so are the vast majority of golf clubs. Overrated? Most likely, but this is subjective, as those that use them probably feel that they are properly rated. Over the years I have owned and gamed 5 Scottys. One stayed in the bag for over a decade, and the current gamer is a Newport 2+, because I enjoy the way it rolls a ball and it fits my eye. Are they the end all, be all of putters? No, but I don't need them to be. Does everybody have to like them? Again no. It's okay if you don't, it's okay if you do. I like them, so that's enough for me.

[Mac attack]

To age myself a bit, they were the “cats meow” back in the day, but that day has passed. They have always had great craftsmanship, but there are several putters out there that perform better. To prove my point, there is a Company that, well all they do is test golf equipment so consumers can make better choices. The name of the Company is Mygolfspy, perhaps you have heard of them?

[D-M-G]

Legendary

But

Overpriced

Because

The MBA Product Managers follow the "Value Pricing" marketing strategy

Conclusion

Only buy if discounted

Value ≠ price