Nike Method Putter

Nike Method Putter

If you told anyone 15 years ago that Nike would someday be one of the premier Golf Equipment manufacturers, they’d have laughed you off the course. Fast-forward to present day, and they have a fantastic product line that runs the gambit from balls to shoes…and a serious stable of pros in their camp too. The one thing missing from most Nike staffers’ bag has been the putter. That is, until now.

In 2009, Nike won 2 majors with prototypes of their new Method putter. I’d hazard a guess that British Open winner Stewart Cink, and US Open winner Lucas Glover are going to have a Method in the bag for some time. These also solidified the Method’s place in the 2010 Golf Digest Hotlist.

Nike Method Polymetal Groove Technology

Nike Method Polymetal Groove Technology

The first thing you’ll notice about the Method was how quickly it gets the ball rolling. Our test putter measured at 3.5° of loft so it wasn’t the old ’1° trick’ that some companies use. The secret is the “Polymetal Groove Technology” that acts like a hybrid between an insert, a sound-slot, and a deep-groove milling pattern. The ball comes off the face with almost no skip whatsoever. A simple ‘click‘ and it’s is on its way to the hole. This putter isn’t nearly as brisk as the Unitized series that Nike released in 2006. As they learned, even a juggernaut like Nike has a hard time cracking the ‘Premium Putter’ market. Luckily, the only thing these putters share is the Swoosh on the heel.

The Method headcover was is a dream around the green. Opening the magnetic back wouldn’t disturb a newborn from a nap. It provides ample protection for your putter, and doesn’t scream “Steal Me!” in your bag either.

Nike Method 001 Milling

Nike Method 001 Milling

Having a milled putter in the lineup is almost required for modern golf companies. The 303 stainless-steel material helps those in more humid parts of the world keep a nice looking putter for years to come. The bead-blasted finish cuts glare significantly, even on bright summer days. A single sight-dot helps you line things up right on the sweet-spot while you take aim for the hole.

The method comes in 5 different heads. The 001, 002, 003, 004, and 005. Each has a slightly different toe-hang and head size/shape. The most common being the 001, a classic Anser-2 style putter that was no doubt built to be as close to Tiger’s putter as possible. It’s expected by some, that he’ll switch from his Scotty Cameron putter eventually. Others maintain that he’ll retire with that putter in his bag. Only time will tell.

All technology, commercials, majors, and hype aside, at the end of the day this is a serious putter for serious golfers. The best part might be the price. At $249.99 it isn’t even at the high-end of the premium putter market.