Yes! Sophia Putter Golf Club

The Yes! Sophia is a traditional blade style and looks very much like one used (and designed by) Ben Crenshaw and Phil Mickelson. Both men are considered to be among the best putters in the game - especially Crenshaw. Phil uses two different Odyssey models designed especially for him - both are shaped very similar to the Sophia (left handed, of course). Last I looked, Odyssey was not offering either model for sale - oh, yeah, you can try to win a replica (Good luck!). Also, Scotty Cameron produced a model very similar to the Sophia called the American Classics VII (only 2005 were produced according to his website). If you can find one of the Cameron's for sale, expect to pay a lot for it due to its scarcity. Ping produces a traditional blade in its G5 series, but it has an insert so the feel is totally different.

I tried the Sophia several times before purchasing. I also read the Yes! webwite and the technology behind the C-grooves. The Sophia has some offset which I liked, and the 340 gram weighting felt great. Also, the soft 304 stainless steel produces a feel very much like when you use a forged wedge to chip from around the green. When struck on-center, you get a soft "click" and the ball goes exactly where you aim it. The "gun barrel blue" titanium finish is pleasing to the eye, and there is a single alignment dot for sighting. Distance control is supurb once you get the hang of it.

This is not a putter that forgives sloppiness, however. You MUST stoke it so that the c-grooves strike the ball, (i.e., don't "top" the ball with the bottom of the putter) or the feel is dead and you get immediate feedback that your putt will likely be short. The putter rewards its user when you keep your head down and focus on solid contact. I repeat, the ball goes exactly where you aim it. This putter has actually helped my technique because I learned quickly to keep my head down and still, and my eyes on the ball through the stroke.

If you want a putter that is a classic design, is extremely accurate, provides a ton of feedback, rolls true with absolutely NO hop off the clubface, and gives a soft feel when struck properly, then this is a putter worth a try.

You could pay hundreds more for a Cameron without attaining better results (is status worth the extra $$?) or you could wait for Odyssey to get its act together. I found it difficult to find one on Ebay for less than retail ($140) so I bit the bullet and paid retail for it. I'm glad I did.