Archive for June, 2007
I’m a big fan of junkyards. I’ll go and poke around for hours looking for stuff. Chunks of metal. Rusted grates. Pipes. Anything that inspires me. Something about old metal lying around gets the creative juices flowing. And you know what they say about one man’s junk…
Well, a few weeks ago I was on such a mission, just driving around looking for scrap to make something cool, and I came across some stainless steel pipes at a favorite junkyard. The idea bulb went on, so I loaded them into the back of my truck, paid the man, and brought them back to the Putter Studio.
I had an idea to make some interesting trophies for events like the Butler’s convention in Ohio, the Museum & Gallery golf tournament at Hamamatsu Seaside Golf Club this week, and a few other events coming up. These pipes were the raw materials I needed to make my dream trophies.
Have you ever noticed how most golf trophies have a little plastic statuette of a golfer finishing his swing? The club eventually gets broken or horribly bent, ruining the look of the trophy. Or, they are these gigantic crystal vases that you’re afraid to hold for fear of breaking them. At least that’s what I usually see when golf trophies are awarded, so I thought there must be a better way.
Something about the pipes I bought inspired me to slice off rings and weld the pieces to make abstract, artistic trophies that were substantial, had some weight to them, and would last through time. And, of course, they had to look good. I high-buffed them and hand-stamped the plaques, and will continue experimenting when I get back from Japan. I’m pretty excited about these metal trophies, and I plan to make more. Hope you like them. Thanks for checking in on the Blog.
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June 27th, 2007
We put together a video of last week’s event and have posted it to the website. Just go to www.scottycameron.com and click on the video player subfeature at the bottom of the page to launch the video. Enjoy your weekend, everyone!
June 22nd, 2007
After a few days working with players at the U.S. Open at Oakmont, I drove over to a very special event in Centerburg, Ohio–the Scotty Cameron International Collectors Convention. My long-time friends and Scotty Cameron authorized putter dealers, Jim and Kathy Butler (and their son, Jeff, and daughter, Kelly) , organized a gathering of folks I like to call with fondness “Cameron Crazies”. People traveled from as far away as Australia, the UK, and even one intrepid traveler, Kris, came by herself from Germany.
This group is serious about its putter collecting. You’ll find some with hundreds, yes hundreds, of rare putters. Others with just a few highly prized items. Everything from Tour to handmades to Garage & Graffitis to Limited Release OTRs. It doesn’t matter the size of the collection, the type, or value; it’s all about the passion. These guys and gals get what I’m trying to do with the Art of Putting and putter making, and I truly appreciate each and every one of them for making the event. And what an event it was.
We started with a meet-and-greet on Thursday afternoon that went into the evening hours. I had a chance to catch up with over 150 genuinely great people, swap stories, take pictures and, of course, check out putters. Lots of familiar faces, people who’ve been supporting my craft for years, as well as new people who just caught the collecting bug.
On Friday, Jim, Kathy, Jeff and Kelly hosted a golf tournament at their course, Table Rock Golf Club. Festivities continued into the evening with dinner and a charity putter auction for Fresh Start Surgical Gifts (www.freshstart.org). All in all it was a wonderful time spent with old and new friends brought together by our one, true passion: putters. I hope you enjoy the slideshow.
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June 19th, 2007
Mike Purkey wrote a great article on Scotty which appeared on NBCSports.com this past Tuesday. Click here to read the article.
June 13th, 2007
Summer and I play golf all the time. She’s developed quite a swing, and her game in general is coming around nicely. She recently composed a poem and an illustration about one of our recent rounds that her Mom and I thought we should share with you. Welcome to our virtual refrigerator door. We hope you enjoy.
June 12th, 2007
I’ve been really busy in the Putter Studio the past few days getting ready not only to head out to the U.S. Open next week, but also for the Scotty Cameron International Collectors Convention at Table Rock Golf Club in Ohio. This is a gathering of great guys who really have the passion for putters. I’m bringing a few garage putters, JATs, as well as some surprises.
As you can see in the slideshow, I’m working on a Cameron & Co. twisty, a Scoty Dale 029-009, and a Scoty Dale Carlsbad, CA 92009 fully stamped. Having fun as always. Just wanted to check in and let you know I’m still at it. Thanks for stopping by, and for all of your comments on the Blog. All the best!
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June 6th, 2007
I was at the event early last week working with players when I caught up with a nice young man named Chris Chmelko. He was extremely knowledgeable about all things Cameron and had that enthusiasm for the game and putters that I love to see. He knew all about our various models, stamps, etc. so I thought it would be cool to show him the inside of the Titleist Tour van to give him an idea of how things work out on Tour.
Chris brought his putter to the event (Studio Stainless Newport 2) with a well-used 2007 Hula Girl headcover, so I had to set him up with a new one. We went with Custom Shop-Lime. While he was there, I thought it might be a good idea to stamp his initials, add purple paintfill, re-grip his Newport 2, apply a little lead tape to the sole to balance out his cut-down putter, and put a new shaftband on it. (Hey, when I see a chance to make something better, I just have to go for it. Chris was all for pimping his putter.)
SignBoy was also on the scene, so we snapped a couple shots. To top it off, Davis Love III dropped into the trailer while Chris was on his way out and they got a few pictures for his scrapbook. Thanks to Chris’ mom for making the trip from Plano, TX, and capturing the fun. All in all, a great visit with a fine young man. It’s people like this who make my job all the more worthwhile.
June 1st, 2007
