Play of the Week 30
April 30, 2012
This week’s POTW goes to none other than Jason Dufner.
Now, I know what you’re saying. Dufner just looks…bleugh. And until this week, I probably would’ve said that there isn’t much to be excited about with this guy. But watching him play yesterday, I found myself rooting his way, and, for what reason, I don’t know. To look at the guy, you wouldn’t think he was an athlete of any kind. To watch him play, he certainly doesn’t inspire confidence in American golfers.
But what Dufner loses with a shy, internalizing personality he makes up for with amazing ballstriking, short game, and a remarkably good overall game. Dufner played his college ball at Auburn, mastering the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. He finished runner-up to Trevor Immelman in the 1998 US Amateur Public Links. And, more recently, he finished second at the PGA Championship to Keegan Bradley, who practically knifed him right there on the golf course. Few people could come back from that.
Even though Dufner hadn’t come through the ranks for a win, his game is clearly tremendous. A guy who can shoot -19 in a tournament while posting a final round 70…that’s pretty amazing. While he might not have that striking and shining personality that we love to see from guys like Phil and Tiger, he also isn’t faking it. This guy is who he is, and who is he is…well, that’s one heck of a golfer.
To you, Jason Dunfer, many congratulations.
Also, a mini-POTW shout out to Ernie Els. Although Big Easy didn’t break through at the Zurich Classic and ended up falling in the playoff to Dufner, this is the first time we’ve seen him in contention in a long, long time. It’s good to see one of the classic swings of the game back in contention. Maybe we’ll harken back to the good ole Tiger/Phil/Vijay/Ernie days, back when golf was really, really exciting.
Here’s to you, Big E.
Happy National Golf Day!
April 18, 2012
If the weather near you is anything like the weather is near me, you should be outside enjoying National Golf day!
Cheers!
Plays of the last few weeks (We’re playing catch-up, folks)
April 15, 2012
Where to begin, where to begin? First, we sincerely apologize for falling off the map. JK and I are both junior attorneys at law firms, and JK has an army of little munchkins to corral. it is easy for us to fall off the wagon. But, we are back! Let’s do this awards show style (the Power Fadeys):
Best Original Screenplay: Tiger Woods
It wouldn’t be the Power Fade without a shout out to our boy, TW. While Bay Hill always provides an amazing venue and great host, the tournament becomes electric when Tiger is in contention. He absolutely owns the place. With an air tight tee to green performance and outstanding putting. Tiger showed a true return to what we remembered. 79.2% of GIRs and a 1.8 putting average will win a LOT of golf tournaments. More importantly, he only made 5 bogeys on the week. Grueling conditions appear to be the norm for Mr. Woods. The moment that I thought he was “back” was when I realized he was the only player under par in the last four groupings. Ring a bell? (2000 U.S. Open at Pebble, anyone?). Here’s to you, Mr. Woods.
Best Crybaby: Sergio Garcia
JK and I have gone back and forth on Sergio. JK doesn’t like him. I used to. Sure his mental game needs work, but he hits the ball so pure. Surely it was only a matter of time before he made the breakthrough?! Well, now, if you talk to Sergio, even he will say it’s not going to happen:
“I’m not good enough, and today I know it,” he said. “I’ve been trying for 13 years, and I don’t feel capable of winning. I don’t know what happened to me. Maybe it’s something psychological. … I’m not good enough for the majors.”
For that, Mr. Garcia, you win the Fadey for “best crybaby”.
Worst Timing: Dustin Johnson
Quick shout out to DJ. How are you going to go and miss the masters? fail.
At least he has a sense of humor about the whole Whistling Straits thing…
Best Supporting Actor: Louis Oosthuizen
Oostie put on one hell of a show. The sweet-swinging South African put on a clinic for knocking in pressure putt after pressure putt on the back nine on Sunday. He really did look like he had “ice water in his veins.” Cool as a cucumber, as JK might say. There isn’t much for me to say that his swing didn’t say on Sunday. For some reason, we forget that he won the Open Championship at the home of golf by an outstanding 7 strokes. Oostie, you are a brilliant golfer. After you performance on Sunday, I consider it only a matter of time before the past champions are looking down at their plates the year after you win saying “what the hell is this?”
By the way, nice double eagle, guy.
Best Picture/Best Actor: Bubba Watson
This is an obvious choice, but we here at the PF love the Masters. We love everything about it. It’s our favorite week of the year. You wrote the perfect story. The second playoff hole is the reason we play golf. Crush the ball dead right into the trees…no shot…dead. Unless you’re Bubba. 150-odd yards to the green, but you have to make the ball take a screeching right turn off of some pine straw. That sounds like Bubba golf to me. There’s really nothing I can say that Bubba can’t say for himself:
“I get down there, saw it was a perfect draw,” Watson said. “Even though the tower was in my way, I didn’t want to ask if I could get relief or anything, because it just set up for a perfect draw – well, hook. That’s what we did. We just kept talking about you never know what’s going to happen out here. Anything can happen.”
Way to make it happen, Bubba. You deserve it.
Predictions: Masters 2012
April 10, 2012
This being one of our favorite posts to go through each year, we had to come out of hibernation to get our Masters predictions on board. I’m excited that the year is starting over again. Tiger has already won once at a real PGA event, and the excitement is back in the game.
On the wake of a pretty poor showing last year (see https://thepowerfade.wordpress.com/2011/04/11/conversation-masters-predictions/), LG and I look to fall far short of our mark set last year.
So, without further ado, here’s our predictions:
original predictions posted 4/3. updated answers in bold posted 4/10.
JK:
Winner: Tiger Woods —-> uh. no. bubba
Winning Score: -10 —-> YES! I GOT ONE!
Runner Up: Phil Mickelson —-> oosthuizen in the playoff. Phil T-3, though. Not bad
Low Amateur: I wish I could say Randall Lewis, but it will probably be Patrick Cantlay —-> YES! I GOT ANOTHER! WOO HOO!
“Unknown” in the Top 10: Chez Reavie —-> m/c. The only real “unknown” in the top 10 was Peter Hansen
Most difficult hole vs. par: 11 —-> i think this was it, but can’t confirm
Easiest hole vs. par: 13 —-> same as above
Last Year’s Winner (Charl Schwartzel) Will … (Win, Top10, Make the Cut, or Miss the Cut): make the cut, but be outside of the Top 10. —-> correct – T50
Sandy Lyle Will…(Win, Top10, Make the Cut, or Miss the Cut): miss the cut, yet again —-> CORRECT!
How many prior winners will be in the Top 10: 3 —-> just 1 – PHIL
How many times will Hank Haney’s book be referenced on Sunday? twice —-> 0. sad
When will Sergio Garcia implode? Front 9 on Sunday —-> shot 40 on the front 9 on saturday, but started out with a double and two bogeys on sunday. I’m going to say this is correct, even though he finished T12
Dustin Johnson will… hit some golf balls really, really far, but he can’t chip well enough to compete. I’ll put him in the Top 10 at best, more likely 15th or so. —->uhg.
US Open Champion (Rory McIlroy) will … play better than he did on the back 9 last year. Made cut but outside of top 10. —->T40 shooting 77-76 on the weekend. CORRECT!
British Open Champion (Darren Clarke) will … show up drunk. MC. —-> also CORRECT. lift your pint Darren
PGA Champion (Keegan Bradley) will … MC. Belly putters don’t work at Augusta. —-> nope – T27. not bad for keegan. of course, now his winning percentage has been cut in half for majors, but whatever.
World #1 (Luke Donald) will … Top 10. Still no major for the world #1. Sad. —-> T32. why are we talking about luke donald?
What will be the major storyline of the tournament? Tiger playing just like he did in 1997. —-> Oosthuizen’s double-eagle, bubba winning dramatically, a bunch of guys in contention…great tourney this year. can’t wait for ‘013.
LG:
Winner: TW! —-> wrong
Winning Score: -14 —-> wrong. see JK answer above for the CORRECT answer
Runner Up: Rory —-> wrong.
Low Amateur: Screw it. Lewis. Too good a story not to pick him. —-> wish it was right, but it’s still WRONG. however, see JK answer above for the CORRECT answer
“Unknown” in the Top 10: Jason Dufner. (I’m going to call him an unknown b/c he has no wins). —-> WRONG. although dufner was in it, 75-75 wont get it done on the weekend.
Most difficult hole vs. par: 10 —-> can’t confirm, but i’m pretty sure you’re wrong, just by the answers above
Easiest hole vs. par: 13 —->when you copy JK, you get the right answer. Imagine that.
Last Year’s Winner (Charl Schwartzel) Will … (Win, Top10, Make the Cut, or Miss the Cut): fizzle out. Make the cut, but then shoot even for the weekend. —-> pretty much yah. lots of fizzle.
Sandy Lyle Will…(Win, Top10, Make the Cut, or Miss the Cut): Who? MC. —-> wrong. the correct answer was “solo last place.” nice try though.
How many prior winners will be in the Top 10: 4 —-> just one. phil the thrill.
How many times will Hank Haney’s book be referenced on Sunday? 0. Tiger’s “Thanksgiving Fiasco,” on the other hand…. 18. —-> thank god, no.
When will Sergio Garcia implode? Saturday. on 12. —-> he birdied 12 on saturday, so you’re completely WRONG
Dustin Johnson will… be eating ice cream on the couch. Keep up with the news, JK. http://espn.go.com/golf/masters12/story/_/id/7770093/2012-masters-dustin-johnson-withdraws-unspecified-injury —->ice cream? didn’t you mean coke?
US Open Champion (Rory McIlroy) will … Lead the charge into the weekend and then watch Tiger walk right by him on the back 9. —-> uhh…i’m pretty sure he bested Tiger here. WRONG
British Open Champion (Darren Clarke) will … enjoy the first two days in the ropes and the last two outside the ropes. MC. —-> yah. we all saw this coming. at least he enjoyed the beer.
PGA Champion (Keegan Bradley) will … Top 10. —->wrong again
World #1 (Luke Donald) will … not hit the ball far enough to matter – make the cut. —-> well…yah. pretty much
What will be the major storyline of the tournament? Phil Michelson chokes on pimento and cheese sandwich…Or Tiger wins 5th green jacket. Yeah. That one. —-> Phil finishes T-3. that was a much bigger story.
as for your “bold prediction”….a little too bold buddy.
congrats to bubba–and to the guy who caught Oosthuizen’s ball in the stands…that lucky SOB.
Course Review: CordeValle
March 20, 2012
Even though we claim to try to review courses that the average joe can go play, I will not try to defend reviewing CordeValle. Spoiler: This is a favorable review. I will preface the review with an apology: I was so wrapped up in the experience that I forgot to take pictures. Below are the few that I remembered to take.
This gem of a course used to be a hidden treasure of the south bay until it became home to the Frys.com Open. One reason I was so excited to play this course was because of my own experience watching Tiger and other professionals play this course during that tournament last fall. Full review here: Frys.com Review.
Though the details of why I was able to play this course must remain a secret, I can assure you they would make any man jealous. For those not so fortunate, members of the public are invited to play 5 times a year during fundraising tournaments. Details available here: http://www.cordevallegolf.com/golf/foundation/2012-tournament-dates. For $150, you get two meals, logo-ed Tee prize, cart, greens fee, and forecaddie. I don’t really think there’s a better deal in CA golf-wise. Do it.
On to the review.
What can I say? CordeValle is amazing. Since watching a Golf Destinations special on the Golf Channel (aka TV) including CordeValle and the Frys.com, I had to get out there. The front nine opens with an easy par 4 and par 3 to get things started.
One of the things that really stood out to me about this course was the collection of par 5s. I love them. I think they might be the best par 5s i’ve ever played. The par-5 third hole is one of the most challenging par 5s I think I have ever played. The hole requires a long tee shot into a narrow landing area. Too long though, and you might run into the hazard that cuts across the middle of the hole and runs up the left side. The left side of the fairway is best to have the best angle for the layup to the right, but if you are right, you get a tempting look at the green protected on the left by a large tree.
The par-5 sixth, on the other hand, is a very reachable uphill par-5. It provides a wide-open tee shot into a generous landing area and requires a laser-sharp approach if you hope to be putting for eagle.
Aside: After the 6th are three of my favorite holes in California. I did my best to capture the downhill par-3 seventh and short par-4 eighth in one picture. Rocco Mediate made a hole in one on this par 3 and holed out for eagle on this par 4 en route to his victory at this tournament in 2010. These were only 2 of his four hole outs for the week! (see our Play of the Week updates at https://thepowerfade.wordpress.com/2010/10/16/play-of-the-week-2/ and https://thepowerfade.wordpress.com/2010/10/18/play-of-the-week-2-5/
The par-4 ninth provides a hazard-split fairway and difficult approach to a small and well bunkered green. This hole is just fun. Take aim and hit it long. This image is borrowed from the CordeValle website:
The other par 5s (15 and 18) are similarly challenging and fair. 15, depending on the wind, can be a reachable (straight) uphill par-5 while only the bravest of souls will take on the (long) forced carry over water in two on 18.
While the greens felt slightly smaller than other courses in the area, they along with the wind provide the defense for this track. Missing the green or even the correct section of the green on this course will really put a damper on your scoring. My advice: Make sure your wedges are singing when you take on CordeValle.
The back nine was much windier than when I played the front, but still provided the same scenic beauty and certainly the challenge of the front. The back nine is less accessible during the Frys.com, and therefore this was my first look at it. The entire course provides elevation change, difficult greens, lush fairways, stellar views, and an unforgettable golf experience.
My personal story of the round comes from the par-3 twelfth. This medium length par-3 was playing straight downwind. To give some frame of reference, we played from the 190 yard tee and our caddie said to play our “160 clubs”. My playing partner who was about 2 clubs shorter than me, but decided to hit his 6 iron. He put his ball about 40 feet over the green. I had an 7 iron in hand and hit what I considered to be a chip shot of the tee and ended up nearly rolling off the back of the green. Left with a 50 footer straight into the wind, I hit the putt with enough force to send it back to the tee. My spider rolled it ever so gently to the hole and I watched it disappear into the hole like a little mouse. Easily one of my best birdies.
Though I failed to take pictures of most of the day, below is one of my favorite views on the course. Though we usually end reviews with an overall impression, I will let CordeValle speak for itself. If you get the opportunity to play, go.
For one of the best course websites, in addition to golf courses, See: http://www.cordevallegolf.com/golf/course/hole-by-hole-course-tour.
Almost that time of year again
March 6, 2012
It’s getting to be that time of year.
get excited.
Who is this?
February 13, 2012
Yesterday, Phil Mickelson won the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, coming back from a 6 shot deficit at -9 to start the day Phil posted a 64 on the final day, while Tiger Woods posted a 75. We had been told all week how Tiger was getting back, getting better, getting closer, “feeling it.” Instead, he laid an egg AGAIN on a final day–a day when his arch rival played his best.
But that’s just it–for the Tiger I know, there’s no way Phil Mickelson COULD HAVE shot a 64 on a final day. The aura of Tiger would have engulfed him long before he could get rolling.
Now, I’m a happy camper to see something as exciting as yesterday’s finish on a cold Sunday in February. Golf can only hope for such a great thing to happen more often. But it showed us how far we’ve come since TigerGate. And, it shows me definitively:
this is not Tiger anymore.
There was a time when the mere sound of a Tiger crowd roar caused other players to miss putts, to flub bunker shots, to hit errant drives, to push themselves too far. Yesterday, I watched in awe as Tiger holed out from a bunker for birdie, only to see Phil make a 30-foot putt to save par. Years ago, Phil would’ve 3-putted under the circumstances.
You have to give credit to the guy who won–Phil played excellent golf. But I can’t help but wonder who it was that lost. This isn’t Tiger. This is something else altogether.
In yet another joint post, LG and I review a place near and dear to both our hearts, the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail–specifically, the course at Oxmoor Valley. Nearly two years ago now (Summer 2010), LG and I visited the RTJ Golf Trail for a 3-day trip through Alabama to play three sites of one of the most fun golf experiences in the Southeast, the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail (see www.rtjgolf.com) (Note: given that this was our second trip, the photos below will show the course at two different times). Although there are a number of trips in the Southeast that I am looking forward to taking some day (Pinehurst and Sawgrass to name a few), the RTJ golf trail is both reasonably priced and easily accessible (relatively) for both LG (who has relatives in Mississippi) and me (Atlanta)–in particular, the courses in Birmingham, AL.
Oxmoor Valley is one of two RTJ sites in Birmingham, the other being the Ross Bridge course. However, we have not played the Ross Bridge course because it is easily 3x the cost of playing the Oxmoor Valley, and, although we’re fanatical about golf, unnecessary cost doesn’t equate to greater value.
As previously mentioned, LG and I have visited multiple RTJ sites. For the price, there is little that is comparable to RTJ courses. For those that don’t know, Robert Trent Jones designed golf courses are typically long, undulating, and punshing while maintaining an understated elegance and natural beauty. 430+ yard par 4s and 3-teired greens are just some of the common elements of an RTJ course. But when he gets a hold of an excellent piece of real estate–as he’s done throughout Alabama–RTJ manages to produce excellent golf. And the courses are well-maintained, even in the winter and the dog days of summer.
What’s more, most RTJ sites include multiple golf courses in one site. Oxmoor Valley includes 36 holes of full-length golf and a par-3 “short course” that provides an excellent challenge. When LG and I visited the RTJ course several years ago, we opted to play the Ridge course and the Valley course in the same day. Halfway through the Valley course, we left and went back to the Ridge.
I have played about 130 holes of RTJ Trail golf (27 at Silver Lakes, 45 at Capitol Hill, 27 at Oxmoor, and 30-ish at Grand National, not counting short courses), and the Ridge course at Oxmoor Valley may be my favorite of all.
First, the clubhouses at all RTJ Courses are large and inviting lodge-type atmospheres, complete with full restaurants that serve very good meals to hungry patrons. The structures are adorned with memoirs of the great times one has playing golf and reminders of the history of the game.
A view from the first green back toward the tee at the Ridge course gives a great idea of what lies ahead. Rolling hills, meandering tree lines, green fairways, and precise layouts make shotmaking in critical demand for a good score. The visual obstructions often make tee shots intimidating experiences, seeing how many places one can miss the fairway. Still, little matches the natural beauty of a well-planned golf course, and RTJ has plenty of that.
Yet another indicator of the beauty of this course is seen at the par 5 3rd hole. A brave driver can place his ball in the fairway between the water.
Even if you manage to hit a career drive, RTJ leaves very little payoff. The uphill second shot to a pedestal green is an unlikely reach, even for the longest and most precise hitter.
What might be the signature hole of this course, the par 3 8th, is downhill and all carry over water. A nicely hit 7 or 8 iron (depending on pin location) will put you in a good spot for a birdie. A quick story from LG here: We have had two chances to play this hole in our time. During our first trip, the pin was located in the back right section of this green, and during our second, it was located in the front left location. During both trips, JK somehow managed to stick his ball in a position to have the longest putt imaginable on this green. I think he would have had about 5 feet of putts total left had the pins been swapped. I, on the other hand, have played this hole in even par for my career thanks to two nicely placed shots that left me a grand total of about 25 feet of putts on this green in two rounds. The closeup of the green below allows you to see this for yourself. Now back to JK.
As my memory serves, I don’t recall thinking this course was very long. Yet, at over 7,000 yards from the tips, no one can call it a short course. I suppose I was too focused on other features of the course to worry about the length.
Although I haven’t seemed to play well, I can’t blame the course at all for that.
Quick aside from LG: JK might not be able to blame the course, but I’ll definitely throw in a complaint. RTJ designs a hard golf course. I love them and would love to have one be my home course some day, but man, they can kick your tail. A quick example is the dastardly par-4 6th below.
The dogleg left hole measures 447 yards from the tips and requires a massive carry over a ravine. The more that I think about this behemoth, the less terrible I feel about making a quadruple bogey 8 on it during our last outing. The carry must be long and precise. The fairway slopes left toward the ravine and it is impossible to tell from the tee where the fairway comes out to save an errant ball. Moreover, the ravine cuts across the hole and makes any approach from the right rough a tall order. Oh, and even if you hit that monster drive, heaven help you if you have anything longer than a 7 iron in because this three tiered green demands a high, soft shot to get within range. Missing the green on any side, long, or short will provide a daunting up and down. My advice: play this hole as a par 5, or hope that your karma is better than mine. In two rounds, I am collectively 7 over on this hole alone. Now back to JK.
The drawbacks–it’s hard to say. The courses are not really walkable not only because of undulation but also because there is a lot of distance between greens and tees. They are typically out in the middle of nowhere, but Birmingham wasn’t bad at all. Not to mention, when you’re golfing, you typically don’t want to be in an urban center. The service is great. The cost is reasonable ($52/18 holes with cart).
One thing, you may want to check and ensure that maintenance is not being done during your trip. LG and I had planned to play one RTJ course during our 3-day visit that we skipped because it was being aerated during our visit. Thankfully, we checked when we called ahead–not sure they would’ve told us if we hadn’t asked.
All in all, though, it’s a great place to play golf.
Value: 8/10
Condition/Maintenance: 8/10
Price: 8/10
Layout: 9/10
Challenge: 8/10
Overall: 8/10
PS, LG and I also STRONGLY recommend a trip to Saw’s BBQ after the round. Unbelievably good, if you like good BBQ: 1008 Oxmoor Rd, Birmingham, AL | (205) 879-1937 | sawsbbq.com
This post follows up on the Caswell Stainless Blackener post found at https://thepowerfade.wordpress.com/2012/01/03/restoration-and-review-caswell-stainless-blackener/ and on the Club Repair post found at https://thepowerfade.wordpress.com/2011/12/12/club-repair-restoring-a-putter-part-1/.
I decided that, although the Caswell was helpful, it was not perfect. Thus, I went ahead and smoothed out the dings. I used a flat file to take out the big dings (if you decide to do this, you must be very careful wit the flat file–it can do a lot of damage). Then, progressive sanding with 60 grit, 180 grit, and then 400 grit sandpaper smoothed out most of the dings. In some cases, I did have to go back with the 60 grit because the scratches with the flat file were very evident. Even then, I still haven’t totally gotten all of the marks off of it.
The reason I did not go beyond 400 grit in this case is twofold: first, I didn’t have the time to get everything perfect and make a mirror shine. The several dings that are there would be much more evident if the rest of the putter were mirror finished; second, I wanted to keep the mill marks on the face, which meant no sanding of the face of the putter. I reasoned that, if I didn’t go beyond 400 grit, the face wouldn’t look too far off from the rest of the putter (since I don’t have a bead blasting cabinet). The process and results are below.
Here is the head before significant sanding. You can see that the blackener worked well before. Part of the sanding will help me take off that blackened finish.
When the sole is partially sanded and partially blackened, it’s easy to see where the dings are. Ouch!
I’m staying away from the face as much as possible. The dings on the top line are hard to deal with when doing this because you can’t easily smooth them out without affecting the mill marks. I’ll do my best.
See how much smoother the heel is now that it’s been filed and 60-gritted?
The top line looks 1000x better now.
And now, after complete sanding with progressive grits, you can see there is a little shine to the head, but not like the mirror finish in other posts (see https://thepowerfade.wordpress.com/2011/12/12/club-repair-restoring-a-putter-part-1/)
I’ve cleaned up the face just a bit with 400 grit paper to help the blackener stay smooth.
Here’s the final top line. Looks a lot better
Blackening was virtually the same process. This time, I used much less blackening paste and it worked out about the same, so conserve that stuff. It aint cheap.
I worked the blackener around with a GLOVED HAND (wear a glove, or your hands will really stink) to smooth it out. When the blackening was about even and had been on for a minute or so, I quenched it in a bucket of cold water and rubbed all of the paste off. Then I smoothed out the blackener by rubbing any uneven spots with steel wool. The result looks pretty good. (The wet looking photos have the sealer applied).
Altogether, not too bad. Here’s the final product:
Adding a little paint fill (there’s still more to go)
The color is kind of hard to see in the photos. Here’s a comparison to my stock Newport Beach.
Restoration and Review: Caswell Stainless Blackener
January 3, 2012
This post is a restoration of a Scotty Cameron Newport Beach that has seen better days. The purpose of this is to review Caswell’s Stainless Blackener product.
The putter is seen in the photos below before restoration.
As you can see, it’s had a rough time. I’m hoping to show that it’s possible to make a putter look better simply by blackening the finish. I’m not sure what I’ll get here.
The first step is to remove all of the paint fill. Don’t mess around with acetone, as it can take awhile. Instead, as LG noted in his post on removing paint fill from irons (see https://thepowerfade.wordpress.com/2010/12/17/quick-tip-new-life-for-old-irons/), automotive paint stripper works very well and very quickly with little work.
The process of putting the blackening on can be done several different ways. This blackener is gel. Once the blackener is applied, a sealant is used. Both are included with the kit:
First, you must clean the steel with water. Soap would probably help. The instructions say “clean until it passes a water break test.” Essentially, clean it until water flows over it evenly, without breaking.
The blackener is applied by simply placing on the putter and allowing it to work. I found that it worked best for me if I used a gloved hand (VERY IMPORTANT OR YOUR HANDS WILL STINK LIKE CRAZY) and continuously rubbed it around. This process helped get a little more even coating.
When finished, rinse with water and apply the sealant.
Once the sealant is applied, the putter is virtually done. Clean it up with water and take photos
This process was remarkably easy. Although it didn’t turn out as well as some of the professionally blackened putters, it nonetheless has real potential to turn out that way if continuously applied. A few more applications and I’m certain it would be nice and dark.
I got this kit second hand for $25. I believe they’re around $40 new, but there is enough to do a number of putters if you chose to.
As for results, well, it doesn’t look perfect. And, as I often find with putter finishing, the better-prepped the surface, the better the finish looks. For example, on this putter, the sole turned out the best with a nice dark, even color. However, it does look better than it used to, and it did give me a chance to play around with this stuff. I’ll do some restoration work, take the dings out, and then re-blacken it in the future.
Cost: 6
Value: 7
Ease of Use: 8
Finish: 8
Overall: 8
We’ll see how it turns out once the full restoration and ding removal happens. I’m sure it would probably give me a much more favorable opinion on this product.
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