After all, AmateurGolf.com has a member of our Player Staff living and running a bed-and-breakfast in Moose Pass, Alaska and he told us before the trip that he was looking for a new putter to try. Before I tell you about the Mantis suffice to say it has found a permanent home in my new second-favorite state.

Over the years, there have been a number of products designed to help with the visual side of putting. Most of them have "taken aim" (if you'll excuse the pun) at helping golfers with their alignment while putting. The Mantis, too, features nice white alignment aids, but it's most distinguishing characteristic is its green color. The theory is that by looking down at the ball and not focusing as much on the putter, you will be able to get into the "zone" of moving the ball into its intended destination. The green is never going to match every shade of putting surface, but it is a nice matte finish that does in fact blend in pretty well.

A soft white insert provides a "just right" feel, and a matching grip rounds out the package.

Jeff Hetrick, our Player Staff member, has a putting green outside his lovely Inn at Tern Lake (located in Moose Pass, not far from the seaport town of Seward, Alaska). I'm not sure how he does it, but he maintains a single-digit handicap with the nearest golf course being almost an hour away. Jeff hits the ball very well, and has an excellent short game. Here's what he had to say about the Mantis.

"I had the opportunity to play and practice with the Mantis 33” B model putter. The first thing I noticed (other than the green color of the head, of course) was the soft, slightly oversized grip. I like the way it's shaped. I use my index finger when putting and it rides perfectly down the side of the grip."

Hetrick also mentioned the insert, and gave me the indication that I wouldn't be seeing the Mantis back in California any time soon. That's ok, we know where to get more.

"It took me a while to realize the insert was made of polyurethane which has a different feel and sound. I’ve since kept the Mantis in my bag and I'm getting more and more confidence with it each round."

As Mantis says, "Nobody ever tells you to keep your eye on the putter." The Mantis putter comes in the original mallet style and the B blade (reviewed here). Check them out at www.mantisgolfco.com.