Cleveland Help requested with this BeCu??? Cleveland Designed by Ben Crenshaw Putter please.

[The Black Rabbit]

Morning all.

I'm hoping you can be of some help in the States at least, to explain just what I've got on my hands here in the UK.

I'm a bit of an American nut when it comes to golf clubs, specifically Cleveland stuff, although I love the EV Snake Eyes stuff too.

I bought what I thought was a BeCu Cleveland Designed by Ben Crenshaw Putter off UK Ebay  a few years ago.

I love it and use it often.

But I'm still not 100% convinced it's legit.

• It LOOKS like a bona fide BeCu napa putter from Cleveland, although the patina isn't quite right. (It doesn't seem to get darker over time - I should point out that I've not cleaned it at all with anything like Coca Cola).
• Also I've seen quite a few bona fide Cleveland Designed by ("CLASSIC") BeCu putters over the years (_ but not once a BeCu Cleveland designed by "BEN CRENSHAW" putter. Not one, although I've seen plenty of NON-BeCu Designed by Ben Crenshaw Putters.
• The grip looks legit. The shaft looks legit.
• But is this a fake. Or copper plated??? Or a real BeCu putter?
• And from what year? 1987? Much later?

 

Any ideas please, thanks in advance. Doug in Scotland.

[5hort5tuff]

I'll start by admitting I know nothing about these putters, however you have to ask yourself, why would anyone remake these and sell them? I can't imagine China would take the time to fake a Ben Crenshaw putter as they werent really high end even at the time.  We're they even creating fakes in the 80s? 

 

Secondly, I'm no expert in BeCu finishes, although i have seen many in my time. The wear of that topline looks like it may be copper plated rather than full BeCu. 

 

Regardless...its a nice little putter with a proper leather grip. 

Edited November 6, 2021 by 5hort5tuff

[BIG STU]

I have never seen one in BECU myself--- May I suggest you post over in the Classic Golf and Golfers forum here on WRX--- We have some very knowledgable folks on there

[JungleJimbo]

11 hours ago, The Black Rabbit said:

Morning all.

I'm hoping you can be of some help in the States at least, to explain just what I've got on my hands here in the UK.

I'm a bit of an American nut when it comes to golf clubs, specifically Cleveland stuff, although I love the EV Snake Eyes stuff too.

I bought what I thought was a BeCu Cleveland Designed by Ben Crenshaw Putter off UK Ebay  a few years ago.

I love it and use it often.

But I'm still not 100% convinced it's legit.

• It LOOKS like a bona fide BeCu napa putter from Cleveland, although the patina isn't quite right. (It doesn't seem to get darker over time - I should point out that I've not cleaned it at all with anything like Coca Cola).
• Also I've seen quite a few bona fide Cleveland Designed by ("CLASSIC") BeCu putters over the years (_ but not once a BeCu Cleveland designed by "BEN CRENSHAW" putter. Not one, although I've seen plenty of NON-BeCu Designed by Ben Crenshaw Putters.
• The grip looks legit. The shaft looks legit.
• But is this a fake. Or copper plated??? Or a real BeCu putter?
• And from what year? 1987? Much later?

 

Any ideas please, thanks in advance. Doug in Scotland.

@The Black Rabbit

 

i think it’s legit (based on a similar putter photo uploaded by @RobotDoctor in an 8802 thread, Linked below)

 

but @BIG STU’s suggestion to double check in the classic golf Forum= also helpful (as always!). 

 

happy golfing & enjoy the putter 🏒

 

 

Edited November 6, 2021 by JungleJimbo

[RobotDoctor]

16 hours ago, The Black Rabbit said:

Morning all.

I'm hoping you can be of some help in the States at least, to explain just what I've got on my hands here in the UK.

I'm a bit of an American nut when it comes to golf clubs, specifically Cleveland stuff, although I love the EV Snake Eyes stuff too.

I bought what I thought was a BeCu Cleveland Designed by Ben Crenshaw Putter off UK Ebay  a few years ago.

I love it and use it often.

But I'm still not 100% convinced it's legit.

• It LOOKS like a bona fide BeCu napa putter from Cleveland, although the patina isn't quite right. (It doesn't seem to get darker over time - I should point out that I've not cleaned it at all with anything like Coca Cola).
• Also I've seen quite a few bona fide Cleveland Designed by ("CLASSIC") BeCu putters over the years (_ but not once a BeCu Cleveland designed by "BEN CRENSHAW" putter. Not one, although I've seen plenty of NON-BeCu Designed by Ben Crenshaw Putters.
• The grip looks legit. The shaft looks legit.
• But is this a fake. Or copper plated??? Or a real BeCu putter?
• And from what year? 1987? Much later?

 

Any ideas please, thanks in advance. Doug in Scotland.

 

4 hours ago, JungleJimbo said:

@The Black Rabbit

 

i think it’s legit (based on a similar putter photo uploaded by @RobotDoctor in an 8802 thread, Linked below)

 

but @BIG STU’s suggestion to double check in the classic golf Forum= also helpful (as always!). 

 

happy golfing & enjoy the putter 🏒

 

 

The putter I posted was the BeCu Designed by Cleveland Classic.  As far as I know the Designed by Ben Crenshaw was never offered in copper or copper plating.  My gut tells me this is an aftermarket copper plating.  Terrific putter, nonetheless!

Edited November 7, 2021 by RobotDoctor

[The Black Rabbit]

13 hours ago, 5hort5tuff said:

....however you have to ask yourself, why would anyone remake these and sell them? I can't imagine China would take the time to fake a Ben Crenshaw putter as they werent really high end even at the time.  We're they even creating fakes in the 80s? 

 

Sorry I wasn't being clear enough. I was speculating that this was effectively a fake BeCu putter as the BeCu putters are somewhat sought after.... not that it was  fake Chinese putter purporting to be a bona fide cleveland putter - I'm pretty darned confident it is a bona fide Cleveland putter - only probably copper plated and NOT BeCu. The reason for my confusion is the copper plating (if it IS copper plating) is of superb standard PLUS I've never seen a copper plated Designed by putter before, anywhere, ever. Thanks Doug

[The Black Rabbit]

9 hours ago, RobotDoctor said:

 

The putter I posted was the BeCu Designed by Cleveland Classic.  As far as I know the Designed by Ben Crenshaw was never offered in copper or copper plating.  My gut tells me this is an aftermarket copper plating.  Terrific putter, nonetheless!

 

Aye. My thoughts exactly RobotDoctor. Copper plated rather than BeCu.

Its VERY well done though. I didn't notice the metal underneath showing through until I took a macro photo of it (included in this thread) - and I've never seen a copper plated Designed by ben Crenshaw putter.

I wonder if I should keep it (as I like it) or sell it (as it may be worth something). I assume it will be worth less than a bona fide BeCu putter though? Waddya think?

Thanks again. Doug

[aswile]

I found some information referencing the Cleveland BeCu putters here...

 

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/cleveland-classic-putter-beryllium-43496196

[The Black Rabbit]

5 hours ago, aswile said:

I found some information referencing the Cleveland BeCu putters here...

 

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/cleveland-classic-putter-beryllium-43496196

Many thanks 

[RobotDoctor]

I have heard that 500 of the BeCu Designed by putters were produced as well.  Mine is a second generation Designed by Cleveland Classics (small letters).  

[oneaugusta]

I have seen the BECU Clevelands on Ebay before.  I think there were way more than 500 of them made.  I just saw one a few days ago for $299.  Yours is not fake for sure, most all of the fake putters are Camerons and that all started in around 2007 or so.

[The Black Rabbit]

10 hours ago, oneaugusta said:

I have seen the BECU Clevelands on Ebay before.  I think there were way more than 500 of them made.  I just saw one a few days ago for $299.  Yours is not fake for sure, most all of the fake putters are Camerons and that all started in around 2007 or so.

Yes. Thank you. I explained what I meant by "fake" in my 2nd post. I assume you missed that.

I think we all agree that this is NOT a bona fide BeCu putter, but a copper plated steel putter. Not fake as such, but a BeCu-looking putter. A fake BeCu if you like.

I love it though and have never come across a copper plated designed by putter, so I'll keep it rather than sell it.

[RobotDoctor]

13 minutes ago, The Black Rabbit said:

Yes. Thank you. I explained what I meant by "fake" in my 2nd post. I assume you missed that.

I think we all agree that this is NOT a bona fide BeCu putter, but a copper plated steel putter. Not fake as such, but a BeCu-looking putter. A fake BeCu if you like.

I love it though and have never come across a copper plated designed by putter, so I'll keep it rather than sell it.

Great choice in keeping the putter.  These are terrific blades and, regardless, it is copper plated so this one has the sexy copper look.  Outstanding!!!

[Nard_S]

Try putting a magnet to it? Looks plated, the way it scratches suggests that. BeCu tends to be darker.

[RobotDoctor]

On 11/6/2021 at 5:01 AM, The Black Rabbit said:

Morning all.

I'm hoping you can be of some help in the States at least, to explain just what I've got on my hands here in the UK.

I'm a bit of an American nut when it comes to golf clubs, specifically Cleveland stuff, although I love the EV Snake Eyes stuff too.

I bought what I thought was a BeCu Cleveland Designed by Ben Crenshaw Putter off UK Ebay  a few years ago.

I love it and use it often.

But I'm still not 100% convinced it's legit.

• It LOOKS like a bona fide BeCu napa putter from Cleveland, although the patina isn't quite right. (It doesn't seem to get darker over time - I should point out that I've not cleaned it at all with anything like Coca Cola).
• Also I've seen quite a few bona fide Cleveland Designed by ("CLASSIC") BeCu putters over the years (_ but not once a BeCu Cleveland designed by "BEN CRENSHAW" putter. Not one, although I've seen plenty of NON-BeCu Designed by Ben Crenshaw Putters.
• The grip looks legit. The shaft looks legit.
• But is this a fake. Or copper plated??? Or a real BeCu putter?
• And from what year? 1987? Much later?

 

Any ideas please, thanks in advance. Doug in Scotland.

This is what my BeCu Designed by Cleveland Classic putter looks like without the shaft. What was on it was cut down to 33" which is too short for me.  I have an old Head Speed shaft from the early 60s that will be installed on this putter some time this week.  I'll use a Neumann Calf Skin leather wrap and a Lamkin putter underlisting and have a finished length around 34", maybe 34 1/4".  I need to weigh the head but my suspicions are it will be around 310g-315g. 
 

Note the copper at the top of the neck.  I also put a magnet on the putter and it is not magnetic (as it shouldn't be for copper).  
 

[The Black Rabbit]

On 11/9/2021 at 7:04 PM, RobotDoctor said:

This is what my BeCu Designed by Cleveland Classic putter looks like without the shaft. What was on it was cut down to 33" which is too short for me.  I have an old Head Speed shaft from the early 60s that will be installed on this putter some time this week.  I'll use a Neumann Calf Skin leather wrap and a Lamkin putter underlisting and have a finished length around 34", maybe 34 1/4".  I need to weigh the head but my suspicions are it will be around 310g-315g. 
 

Note the copper at the top of the neck.  I also put a magnet on the putter and it is not magnetic (as it shouldn't be for copper).  
 

Yes this looks a little different to my more "coppery" designed by Ben Crenshaw. Thanks.

[RobotDoctor]

3 hours ago, The Black Rabbit said:

Yes this looks a little different to my more "coppery" designed by Ben Crenshaw. Thanks.

 

Your Crenshaw putter looks terrific.  This is my Byron Morgan Epic Day putter.  This is carbon steel plated in copper.  Take note that the patina of my putter looks very similar to yours.  I love the feel of my Epic Day and love the maintenance free finish.

 

[skraly]

Designed by’s were definitely made in BeCu and BeNi as well.  I don’t have any info as to the numbers in their production runs but I have seen both a different times.

[shart6]

On 11/7/2021 at 1:23 AM, The Black Rabbit said:

 

Sorry I wasn't being clear enough. I was speculating that this was effectively a fake BeCu putter as the BeCu putters are somewhat sought after.... not that it was  fake Chinese putter purporting to be a bona fide cleveland putter - I'm pretty darned confident it is a bona fide Cleveland putter - only probably copper plated and NOT BeCu. The reason for my confusion is the copper plating (if it IS copper plating) is of superb standard PLUS I've never seen a copper plated Designed by putter before, anywhere, ever. Thanks Doug

 

It sure looks copper plated to me. One of the few putters I've ever sold was a BECU Desgined by Cleveland. Embrace Putters in Scottsdale did a great job on my Newport.

[Binson]

A very unique putter indeed. I haven't seen a Copper (plated or not) "Designed by Ben Crenshaw", only "Designed By".

[RobotDoctor]

I just picked up this Cleveland Ben Crenshaw putter.  This one is raw and I did the satin finish today.  The first two pictures are how the putter head was like when I received it earlier today.  I used 150 grit sandpaper to lightly create a satin finish.  I plan on having this putter get a little patina (rust) as time goes on.  I also shafted it with a early 60s Head Speed shaft.  Will regrip it with an old GripmasterUSA grip the late Harry Sewill once gave me. 

[hammergolf]

On 11/6/2021 at 6:01 AM, The Black Rabbit said:

Morning all.

I'm hoping you can be of some help in the States at least, to explain just what I've got on my hands here in the UK.

I'm a bit of an American nut when it comes to golf clubs, specifically Cleveland stuff, although I love the EV Snake Eyes stuff too.

I bought what I thought was a BeCu Cleveland Designed by Ben Crenshaw Putter off UK Ebay  a few years ago.

I love it and use it often.

But I'm still not 100% convinced it's legit.

• It LOOKS like a bona fide BeCu napa putter from Cleveland, although the patina isn't quite right. (It doesn't seem to get darker over time - I should point out that I've not cleaned it at all with anything like Coca Cola).
• Also I've seen quite a few bona fide Cleveland Designed by ("CLASSIC") BeCu putters over the years (_ but not once a BeCu Cleveland designed by "BEN CRENSHAW" putter. Not one, although I've seen plenty of NON-BeCu Designed by Ben Crenshaw Putters.
• The grip looks legit. The shaft looks legit.
• But is this a fake. Or copper plated??? Or a real BeCu putter?
• And from what year? 1987? Much later?

 

Any ideas please, thanks in advance. Doug in Scotland.

It’s completely legit. I had one just like it, also had the black melonite model as well as the satin chrome one. 

[weakputt]

On 11/12/2021 at 8:43 PM, RobotDoctor said:

I just picked up this Cleveland Ben Crenshaw putter.  This one is raw and I did the satin finish today.  The first two pictures are how the putter head was like when I received it earlier today.  I used 150 grit sandpaper to lightly create a satin finish.  I plan on having this putter get a little patina (rust) as time goes on.  I also shafted it with a early 60s Head Speed shaft.  Will regrip it with an old GripmasterUSA grip the late Harry Sewill once gave me. 

 

On 11/12/2021 at 8:43 PM, RobotDoctor said:

I just picked up this Cleveland Ben Crenshaw putter.  This one is raw and I did the satin finish today.  The first two pictures are how the putter head was like when I received it earlier today.  I used 150 grit sandpaper to lightly create a satin finish.  I plan on having this putter get a little patina (rust) as time goes on.  I also shafted it with a early 60s Head Speed shaft.  Will regrip it with an old GripmasterUSA grip the late Harry Sewill once gave me. 

RobotDoctor, I need your opinion on a Head Speed shaft.

I have a 1964 The Wilson 8802 with a Head Speed shaft, but a new (nice) maroon faux leather replacement grip. It plays 35.5", and the triangular Head Speed shaft label is 40% buggered up and it is upside down.

I read in the Kaplan Wilson Catalog that the 1964 Julius Boros putter used the same stepped (none fluted) shaft and black leather with silver piping reminder grip with two flag end cap. So I picked up a same length Borros putter, shaft picture below.

I have a Cleveland Designed By Classics that was cut down to about 33". I'm thinking of re-shafting the 8802 with the Boros shaft and then using that shaft to re-shafting a Designed By Classics with the current Head Speed shaft.

 

Does the Head Speed shaft place over the Cleveland head without adjustments?

[RobotDoctor]

1 hour ago, weakputt said:

 

RobotDoctor, I need your opinion on a Head Speed shaft.

I have a 1964 The Wilson 8802 with a Head Speed shaft, but a new (nice) maroon faux leather replacement grip. It plays 35.5", and the triangular Head Speed shaft label is 40% buggered up and it is upside down.

I read in the Kaplan Wilson Catalog that the 1964 Julius Boros putter used the same stepped (none fluted) shaft and black leather with silver piping reminder grip with two flag end cap. So I picked up a same length Borros putter, shaft picture below.

I have a Cleveland Designed By Classics that was cut down to about 33". I'm thinking of re-shafting the 8802 with the Boros shaft and then using that shaft to re-shafting a Designed By Classics with the current Head Speed shaft.

 

Does the Head Speed shaft place over the Cleveland head without adjustments?

No, I had to remove a small amount of material from the hosel due to smaller inner bore of the head speed shaft.  It wasn't much but the outer diameter is a spot on match.