From the Ashes…Rebirth
October 29th, 2007
One of my rules in life is to always stay positive. No matter the circumstance, good can come. Keeping in mind the recent fires that have been devastating to many in San Diego, I wanted to share a story that makes me smile even though part of it deals with tragedy.
A VIP stopped by the Putter Studio a few weeks ago. He was looking around and trying out some of the putters we had, when he saw the brand-new Newport Squareback Xperimental Prototype. I’ve sent some of these out to Tour and the response to both the NP Squareback and the NP Fastback has been amazing. In fact, we just had a win on the Nationwide Tour with the NP Fastback. But, I digress…
So, he sees the NP Squareback and just has to have one. I oblige and send him on his way back out to his home in the desert. About two days go by and we receive a call. On his way to the golf course to play this putter for the first time, his 1967 Camaro SS 396 convertible started smoking and went up in flames in a matter of minutes. Thankfully, he was able to get out unscathed, but his golf bag–with his new NP Squareback–was locked in the trunk. It all happened so fast, he said. He just had enough time to pull over, jump out, and watch the horrible scene unfold.
Now for the silver lining. After the firefighters put out the blaze, there in the smoldering ruins of his classic Chevy were the remnants of his golf clubs. Shafts had melted off, golf balls were cooked, but a few heads remained. It seems that even in the intense heat of the fire, the NP Squareback head survived. So, he mailed it back to have me restore it. As a memory of the fire, he wants me to clean it up, but keep the charred look for character. I’ll post some pics when I’m finished. I’m looking forward to giving this Newport Squareback a new life…and a new look. Thanks for stopping by the Blog. Click on the photo to see a slideshow of the putter, and the fire scene.
Entry Filed under: The Putter Studio
Wow!!! What an unfortunate event!!! I’m glad your friend survived unscathed. I actually like the charred look of the putter…it gives the putter a real unique look/character. I’ve always been a fan of the “tumbled finish” like you did on GSS because it gives the metal an “industrial” look.
Would the feel off the face be different now that it’s been exposed to such high tempatures in the fire?
Hello Scotty-san,
Thank you for update of the blog.
It is a very good thing that he was safe.
The picture which burnt is shocking.
I am interested.
The putter bore a high temperature.
A color changed visually, but an intense change happens when the metal increases heat.
Did the hit feeling change?
What kind of repair do you from now on?
Regards,
TOMOHIRO
Hello Tomohiro San,
I haven’t refinished the putter yet, but I’m thinking that the heat probably didn’t change the feel all that much. It will remain to be seen after I refinish it. I’m going to get to work on this very soon and will post pictures of the process. Thanks for your questions and comments.
All the best,
Scotty
I would guess Big Poppa will forever keep this as a gamer.
The skull stamp, the char, the 350, just too nice.
Hope the ’67 is restorable.
Stay safe.
SJD
Scotty, good to hear you’re friend is ok…cars, clubs and (some) putters can be replaced. Congrats on the recent success of the Nationwide Tour winner, the NP squareback is awesome, there will be many more wins to follow! Looking forward to seeing the pictures of your friends putter put back together!
Take good care,
Gerald Gross
Miami, Fl.
How sad such an event had to happen. How ironic that something so unfortunate happened as close to the San Diego fires as this. We are all glad to hear that no one was hurt and that in the face of adversity that Scotty and company still can lend a helping hand.
All the best!!
Scotty,
Reminds me a little bit of the bag tag you recieved back from your good friend at the TRGC Convention this year because of the character it recieved from being on his bag for so long. I know you don’t get to keep this one, but I will say its sad to hear about some muscle going up in flames.
PJF
Cameron san
Thank you very much for sharing impresive story.
I feel it is the symbol of strength and luck.
I am looking forward to see a new look of Newport Squareback.
Probably it will be in a one of a kind finish.
What will the finish be named?
Very interesting….
@@Mac
Wow, what a stroy… glad your friend is safe! I bet the new finish will look very interesting, I can’t wait to see what the putter looks like after the “Spa” treatment.
Kris
P.S.: The new Halloween headcover is fantastic!
Wow, what a story.
Im glad he is safe,
And what is that other putter that was in his bag? and what headcovers were on the putters?
Great Halloween Cover too.
Thanks
- Andrew R
You must call this putter the phoenix and make the appropriate cover to match
Scotty,
Thanks for sharing that story. Glad to hear that your friend is ok. That can be a very traumatic event. The putter looks very cool. What will that finish be called…Marbled Fire Chare? LOL
Can’t wait to see the final product.
Pat – Toledo, OH
Wow what a story. I happen to be very fond of Cameron putters and Camaros. I currently use a Scotty Cameron Studio 2 from 2002 collection year and still love it. I also have a 2000 Santa Fe that was my first Scotty Cameron Putter that I keep in storage. Now about the cars. It grieves me to hear about the Camaro, I own a 68 SS Convertable I drive weekly and I am restoring an orginal 68 RS Z/28 for show. Just like the Putter being restored for this gentleman, the car can as well. I look forward to hearing that the car comes back to life and sees the putter in the trunk again…..keep us in the loop.
Thanks.
D.
hi scotty
I’ve just received my new port mil spec from the custom shop and i really appreciate what you did to the putter,a big thanks to you and keep up with the good work,looking forward to sending more of my putters in,thanks again.
Shawn,
Myrtle Beach SC
Are the Squarebacks face balanced or slight toe heavy like the red X’s?
Thank you Scotty.
SJD
Jimmy,
They have about 1/4 toe hang. I’m working on a face-balanced model right now. Stay tuned, and thanks for visiting the Blog.
Scotty
Any time we have an idea for a putter feature, you’re already 5 (maybe seven) steps ahead.
Can’t wait to game a Squareback.
Thanks for your time.
SJD
What a story. Thanks for sharing this and good luck with getting this putter back on the course.
Will these be released as OTR putters soon? They look great.
Not yet, but maybe in the future.
Scotty