AmateurGolf.com first experimented with the Mantis
putter in "The Last Frontier" of Alaska.
What better place to try out a nature-inspired
product (it's green after all) then out among the
beautiful scenery we were treated to on our summer
vacation (err, golf business trip)?
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.