Scotty Cameron 009 vs. Byron Morgan DH89: A side-by-side comparison

[zakkozuchowski]

By Tai Hornbeck (Pure745)

GolfWRX Contributor

One of the most frequent comparisons made in the “putter world” has been the Scotty Cameron 009 vs. the Byron Morgan DH89. These are two of the most popular renditions of one of the most popular putter head shapes ever made, the Ping Anser.

There is no doubt that Byron Morgan and Scotty Cameron make some of the finest putters on the market. The 009 and DH89 are simply gorgeous. They are very similar, but have slight differences when closely examined. One of the main differences between the two is the price. The DH89 starts around $500 while the 009 costs upwards of $2,000.

I have owned and used many different variations of both the 009 and DH89 and really enjoy the tribute of both Scotty and Byron to the Anser. The two variations shown are priced above $2,000 and are some of the finest renditions of the 009 and DH89 that I have seen. They are great pieces to showcase the talents of both putter makers.

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Model: Byron Morgan DH89

Material/Finish: Damascus/Acid Blue Oil

Weight: 350g

Notes: This putter is a custom ordered and hand shaped model, also has a rolled top line.

Model: Scotty Cameron 009

Material/Finish: Studio Stainless Steel (SSS)/Raw Finish-Misted

Weight: 350g

Notes: This putter is a rare 009 in SSS, released from the M&G in Japan. Has a flat topline.

 

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Overall shape of both putters (click to see full-size images or look through the gallery)

Bumpers and shaping, there are very slight differences between the two if you look closely.

Toe shaping differences – there are slight variations on the shoulder depth and shape, as well as other subtle differences in shape when closely examined.

Heel and neck variations – again, you can see some differences in the shoulder depth and transition from the neck of the putters. Also, the bumper shaping is different.

Face shaping – very similar, but look at the angles on the toe lines, the 009 has a more squared off toe where the DH89 has more of an angle to it.

From address – this is where all of the subtle differences can add to the overall different appearance of these two putters. You be the judge.

Overall, as similar as these two putters are, they are not the same. The process and final product are both different. Some people like to buy what they see, in this case, Scotty Cameron does not disappoint. The 009 is available through authorized Scotty Cameron dealers upon limited release. Part of the “fun” part of rare and tour issue Scotty Cameron putters is that the “perfect” putter sometimes is hard to find, which makes finding one you really like that much more gratifying. Getting exactly what you want on an 009 from Scotty Cameron can take a long time and cost a lot of money.

To get the DH89, you can literally walk into Byron Morgan’s shop in Huntington Beach and watch him make your putter. Since Byron is a custom putter maker, you have more control over what you are getting and can specify exactly what you want. If you are not local, you can place your order through Byron’s team of putter representatives and trust them to get your order placed correctly.

In terms of looks, beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder. The subtle differences in each putter definitely add up to give the 009 and DH89 their own character and appeal. In terms of feel and performance, neither putter will disappoint. Feel is very subjective, but that being said, Byron and Scotty both offer milling and material options that should suit the tastes of most golfers.

[Scotty1140]

Fantastic comparison. Great pics! Soooo similar, yet quite a few subtle subtle differences.

[One_Putt_Blunder]

Great stuff Tai, Pics look fine on the desktop pc at work as well as mobile phone.

A note to WRX I really wish we could see the pics with the watermarks in better locations though

[asualum]

Great piece, Tai. Never rolled a 009 but absolutely love my three DH89s!

[Brando5105]

Great Post!!! Thanks Tai

[Pure745]

[quote name='Scotty1140' timestamp='1350941466' post='5829457']
Fantastic comparison. Great pics! Soooo similar, yet quite a few subtle subtle differences.
[/quote]
Thanks! When I started taking pictures and writing this article, I noticed more subtle differences than I thought going into it.

[quote name='One_Putt_Blunder' timestamp='1350944634' post='5829693']
Great stuff Tai, Pics look fine on the desktop pc at work as well as mobile phone.

A note to WRX I really wish we could see the pics with the watermarks in better locations though
[/quote]
Yeah, I took some really high-res pictures to showcase the intricacies but Zak said there is a trade off when uploading the pictures on his end.

[golow]

Just personal preference but the putter is intended to have soft lines. The 009's straight edged topline turns me off. Simple radius on the Byron sells it for me. I'm aware that those subtleties can be changed in the order specs.

golow(TM)

[PutterHo]

This thread popped up on my twitter feed and I said .... I know those putters. Must go read .....

[linkerpan]

I just don't understand how Ping let any company can create a better Anser than them.

[preacher]

Well done Tai! Both beautiful putters in their own right. I love the camera work so people can see the subtle difference.

--jason

[hebron1427]

Thanks Tai. Well done

[willsnope]

This guy!!!!

Congrats just one of many crazy cool putters in your stable

[newportbeach]

Very well done thank you.

[stage1350]

Tai,

Just curious. Do you prefer the sightline or the dot? Both are outstanding putters. I'm just curious to your personal preference.

[Pure745]

[quote name='stage1350' timestamp='1350971189' post='5831705']
Tai,

Just curious. Do you prefer the sightline or the dot? Both are outstanding putters. I'm just curious to your personal preference.
[/quote]

I typically prefer a line. The 009 was one of the first putters with a dot that I have got in years and also at 34" vs. my normal 33". I have had some of my best putting rounds with the 009 lately, not sure if it is because my stroke was really on that day, or that a few simple changes helped me line up putts better - or both.

[bosoxfan]

Great thread, I was a Scotty Guy, but couldn't justify the price of a 009, so now I've got two 89s, one oil can, one brushed stainless steel and I love em both. I have the sight line on the topline and I love that look and how easy it is to line it up.
KH

[Skaffa77]

Great thread! Fun to see all those pics and comparisons!

[Sakman]

Good stuff Tai! Comparison pics turned out great.

[geesecougar2]

I really like the rolled topline of the 89. I think it works well with the overall more rounded shape of the Dalehead, as opposed to a more boxy Anser 2 type which probably looks better with a normal topline.

Hard to tell by the pics since the 89 is darker, but which has the thinner topline? I am partial to a thin topline on my putters (indifferent with irons), which is why I haven't found a Zing style putter that can replace my Laguna Pro Platinum.

[Sakman]

[quote name='Sakman' timestamp='1351001911' post='5832883']
Good stuff Tai! Comparison pics turned out great.
[/quote]

Seemed to spark some interest in the WTB forum as well! LOL

[Pure745]

[quote name='Sakman' timestamp='1351001911' post='5832883']
Good stuff Tai! Comparison pics turned out great.
[/quote]

Thanks Ryan!

[fore_life]

Nice right up Tai. I love that 009, and I think I read an article somewhere talking about a dot or zero sight line can actually aid in alignment more so than a line.

[WVP]

Nice pics and an interesting read. Thanks for posting, Tai.

Biggest difference is the price, no doubt!

[nitram]

Either would be great to have. Great job Tai

[BuckeyeGolfer]

I have owned both. While I would love to have a 009 I have found that owning dh89's allows me to have multiple putters with different finishes and stampings. I find the subtle differences to be generally negligible in person. Both aree beautiful for sure.

Thanks for posting your story Tai.

[BuckeyeGolfer]

Some of my DH89's

 

 

 

 

[Dscvrr St Louis]

I have rolled the Byrons and compared them to my Scotty and the Byrons, to me feel better. My Deschamps is even softer! LOL!

But I like the look of the Byrons, I love the rounded bumpers and rolled top line much more...soft lines are what my eyes like to see.

A friend has a few Byrons, will get one of his eventually...maybe even the old Rockpile of your's Tai, with the welded flow neck....he knows I want that one!!

Great write up and comparison...really shows the differences.

[ihatecats18]

+1 for the Byron in this comparison.

[hebron1427]

[quote name='ihatecats18' timestamp='1351272873' post='5850235']
+1 for the Byron in this comparison.
[/quote]

tai's damascus byron is not a typical piece, and probably cost him almost as much as the 009....but you can get one very similar to that 009 for a lot less.

[Hifade]

Love the look of the 89. Might have to order one up to mirror my 2001 Scotty Tour Newport Beach. I'd have the sound slot cut into the 89, along with the sightline on the flange, and it would be money; especially in a 3x black or chocolate finish.