Bob Bettinardi spends time with Golfwrx!

[Swooshdaddy]

Thats one of the coolest things I've ever seen!

Me likey!!!! Me wanty!!!

[tksputters]

Here is the complete information on the Ryder Cup putters directly from Robert J. Bettinardi:

 

The 2006 Ryder Cup Commemorative Limited Edition Putter "FREEDOM". This exquisite putter, milled at the Bettinardi Golf facility in TinleyPark, IL, was produced to commemorate the 36th playing of the Ryder Cup at The K Club, Straffan, Ireland. The first 13 putters in this series, from a limited run of only 63 pieces, were presented to each member of the US Ryder Cup team at the PGA Championship in the summer of 2006. The finest materials and practices were used throughout the entire manufacturing process of this project in order to create one of the finest examples of a milled putter ever produced. The 2006 Ryder Cup putter, 100 percent milled from a solid block of Double Aged Stainless Steel, is a true American made work of art. Each putter is meticulously inspected on over 60 critical dimensions by state of the art non-contact measuring devices. Bettinardi Golf has developed a never before seen technology for this particular putter as well, called Nano-engraving. This proprietary technology was employed to mill a replica of the American Flag on the face of each putter. This Nano-engraved face, which is perfectly smooth to the touch, elegantly depicts our Stars and Stripes in all its’ glory. Robert J. Bettinardi has always been extremely proud of the fact that his putters are 100% American made. Finally a project comes along that is perfectly suited to not only display this pride, but to showcase the finest of American craftsmanship and manufacturing. Initially designed to show Mr. Bettinardi’s support for Captain Tom Lehman and the U.S. Team’s quest for the cup, this one of a kind putter has evolved into something much more. The finished product has become a beautiful testament to the virtues and ingenuity of America itself. The 2006 Ryder Cup Commemorative Limited Edition Putter. American Made. American Pride.

[Geo]

Unbelievable! It amazes me how much Mr. Bettinardi can do with a putter. Other manufacturers leave millmarks on to "prove" to the masses that their putters are milled, Bettinardi putters have taken the milling process to an incredible level of performance and art. At the risk of repetition, UNBELIEVABLE! :help:

 

I'm hoping that Bob B. considered that Ryder Cup member Phil Mickelson is a lefty, as is approximately 10% of the United States. With 6 of these putters floating around, the odds increase that I'll have a snowball's shot at landing on. :) Plus, the flag would look so much more natural with a hosel on the star-side of the flag. JAT. :wave:

 

beruo

[TourPro21]

retail price? anyone?

[Gxgolfer]

Retail??? At a total of 53 putters made, you are looking probably at thousands.

[sergizmo]

Those "non-contact measuring devics" are either CMM (co-ordinate measuring machines) with a laser probe (expensive), or optical comparators. I use an optical comparator at work and it is a very powerful and versitile tool. Can do a lot of things that a vernier and micrometer can't do.

 

I've seen a ton of putters, and purely from a technical/manufacturing standpoint, that putter impresses me the most. The cycle time for the face must be very long. Considering the intial expense of the machinery plus machine time, these putters will be very expensive for good reason.

[stage1350]

A truly unique an innovative putter. The face is outstanding.

 

Get a lefty version in BB16 or BB2 for Phil!

[Xt1ncT]

OK I'm confused.

 

How did Bob know who's going to be in your team? Isn't it fnalised after the PGA??

 

Maybe Tom's told him already :P

[Gxgolfer]

He gave them out to top 6-7 guys. The rest will get them after its finalized. I was told 5 Leftys were made as well.

[tksputters]

He gave them out to top 6-7 guys. The rest will get them after its finalized. I was told 5 Leftys were made as well.

 

That is correct. Bobby gave them out to the guys that were secured and the rest will be given out after they determine the remaining team. Lefties are in the process of being made.

[Soft_Spike]

Thanks for those pics! That face was amazing.

[tksputters]

OK I'm confused.

 

How did Bob know who's going to be in your team? Isn't it fnalised after the PGA??

 

Maybe Tom's told him already :P

 

Here is a link of the final 2006 Ryder Cup Team for USA:

 

http://www.rydercup.com/2006/usa/teaminfo/usa_team.html

[chrisstanfield]

Looks like you can own your own for around six grand.