Best Nike Putter: Legacy Models That Still Perform

Nike may have exited the golf equipment business in 2016, but its influence in the putter market remains strong. During its relatively short stint in the golf hardware space, Nike produced some of the most technologically advanced and visually striking putters.

Many of these models are still highly sought after by players and collectors alike. In this in-depth guide, we explore the best Nike putters ever made, when each was introduced, their technological innovations, and which models gained the most popularity among amateur and professional golfers.

Why Did Nike Stop Making Golf Clubs?

Before diving into the putters themselves, it’s worth understanding the backdrop. Nike entered the golf equipment market in 2002 and built a strong following thanks to endorsement deals with players like Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Paul Casey. But despite its high-profile marketing, Nike struggled to gain widespread adoption of its clubs. In 2016, Nike announced it would stop producing clubs and balls to focus solely on golf apparel and footwear.

Still, the legacy lives on—especially through the Method series of putters, which stood out for their roll technology, premium materials, and sleek designs.

Nike Method Series: The Flagship Line

The Nike Method putter line debuted in 2009, with a strong emphasis on improving roll consistency and feedback. These putters featured Nike’s patented Polymetal Groove Technology, which helped reduce backspin and promote a forward roll for better distance control.

Here are the top Nike Method putters and what made each special.

1. Nike Method 001 Putter (Released 2009)

The Method 001 was one of the first in the original Method lineup. It was a classic blade-style putter designed for players with an arc stroke. With a clean, heel-toe weighted design and the introduction of Polymetal Groove Technology, it provided a soft yet responsive feel at impact.

Who it’s for: Traditionalists who prefer a compact blade and enjoy feeling every detail of their stroke.

Popularity: This model became one of the most popular Nike putters and was used by pros like Paul Casey and Francesco Molinari during its peak.

2. Nike Method 003 Putter (Released 2009)

The Method 003 was a mid-mallet putter that still maintained the groove insert for improved roll. Its increased head size provided extra forgiveness while maintaining the precision of a blade.

Who it’s for: Golfers who want a slightly more forgiving putter with a stable feel.

Expert insight: The 003 offered the best of both worlds—malleable control with a semi-mallet’s forgiveness.

3. Nike Method Core Weighted MC01W (Released 2011)

The Core Weighted line, launched in 2011, was a more affordable series that maintained the essential groove technology but adjusted the weighting for stability and forgiveness.

The MC01W was a blade with weighted wings on the heel and toe to increase MOI (moment of inertia), offering better stability during off-center hits.

Who it’s for: Players wanting a forgiving blade-style putter with a soft insert feel.

4. Nike Method Core Weighted MC03W (Released 2011)

This model was the mid-mallet version in the Core Weighted series. It featured the same insert technology but with a more rounded shape and higher MOI.

Who it’s for: Golfers who want enhanced alignment and forgiveness without sacrificing feel.

Expert insight: The MC03W was widely used by mid-handicap players looking for something between a blade and a mallet.

5. Nike Method Origin Putter (Released 2015)

One of the last Nike putters ever released before the company shut down its golf division, the Method Origin introduced a new RZN Groove Insert inspired by Nike’s RZN golf ball technology. It featured an extremely soft and responsive feel, ideal for fast greens.

Who it’s for: Low-handicap players or professionals who demand feel and feedback.

Popularity: Although released just a year before Nike’s exit, the Origin models gained quick traction among gear heads and remain valuable on the used market today.

Nike Modern Classics (MOD) Series

In 2014, Nike launched the Method MOD line, or Modern Classics. These were milled putters inspired by iconic designs but updated with Nike’s latest groove technology and alignment features.

6. Nike Method MOD 00 Putter (Released 2014)

The MOD 00 was a face-balanced design ideal for players with a straight-back-straight-through stroke. It featured clean lines, a single alignment aid, and a minimalist finish.

Who it’s for: Golfers who prioritize clean looks and a soft feel.

Expert insight: This was Nike’s answer to the Scotty Cameron Newport 2—only with a more futuristic take on the classic design.

7. Nike Method MOD 30 and MOD 90 Putters (Released 2014)

These models catered to different stroke types, with the MOD 30 suited for slight arcs and the MOD 90 for strong arcs. Both used 304 stainless steel construction and milled faces with Polymetal grooves.

Who they’re for: Skilled players who know their stroke type and want a matching putter head to support it.

Nike Converge Series (Released 2015)

The Converge line introduced new head shapes and alignment aids, along with a variation of the RZN groove insert for better distance control. These were designed more with average golfers in mind.

8. Nike Method Converge B1-01 (Released 2015)

The B1-01 featured a traditional blade shape with enhanced alignment technology. With a thick alignment stripe and perimeter weighting, it aimed to offer confidence at address.

Who it’s for: Golfers who prefer blade shapes but struggle with alignment and consistency.

Expert insight: This model quietly became a favorite for those who needed visual reinforcement without switching to a mallet.

Nike Milled Putters: Premium and Rare

Nike also released a few milled models that were crafted from soft stainless steel for a premium feel. These were targeted at purists who wanted the ultimate in feedback and craftsmanship.

9. Nike Method Milled 005 Putter (Released 2012)

This mallet putter was milled from 303 stainless steel and offered a very soft, consistent feel. It was face-balanced and perfect for golfers with minimal arc in their putting stroke.

Who it’s for: Players looking for a top-tier mallet with subtle alignment help and premium materials.

Collectibility: These are rare and fetch high prices in used markets.

10. Nike Method Midnight Series (Released 2013)

This limited-edition release featured black finishes, updated aesthetics, and the same groove technology. They were largely similar to the Method Core series but offered a sleeker visual profile.

Who it’s for: Golfers who want a limited-edition Nike putter with a premium look.

Which Nike Putter Was Most Popular?

The Nike Method 001 was arguably the most iconic and widely used. It combined traditional blade design with cutting-edge groove technology, making it a favorite of both professionals and advanced amateurs.

Among tour professionals, the Method Origin quickly became a favorite after its release in 2015. It was seen in the bags of players like Rory McIlroy and Tony Finau before Nike exited the equipment business.

For average players, the Method Core Weighted MC03W offered great performance at a reasonable price, making it one of Nike’s best-selling putters in the public market.

Where to Buy Nike Putters Today

Since Nike no longer manufactures clubs, you’ll need to turn to secondary markets to find these putters. Here are a few reliable sources:

• eBay

• Golf Avenue

• GolfClubs4Cash

• 2nd Swing

• Facebook Marketplace (exercise caution with fakes)

Tip: Always look for photos of the actual putter, confirm authenticity through serial numbers, and ask about grip and headcover condition.

Expert Tips: Choosing a Nike Putter Today

If you’re buying a used Nike putter in 2025, here’s what to consider:

• Know your stroke type: Choose face-balanced (e.g., MOD 00 or Method Milled 005) for straight strokes, and toe-hang (e.g., Method 001) for arc strokes.

• Feel vs forgiveness: Method Origin and MOD models offer enhanced feel. Core Weighted and Converge models offer better forgiveness.

• Grip condition: Many older Nike putters may need a grip replacement, which is an easy and inexpensive fix.

• Weighting matters: Blade putters like the Method 001 may feel light by today’s standards. Consider lead tape or weight kits if needed. — some players remedy that by applying lead tape to their putters. Learn more in our detailed guide on where to put lead tape on a putter.

Final Thoughts

Nike’s contribution to putter design was more than just branding—it was filled with innovation, quality construction, and stylish execution. While their run ended in 2016, the best Nike putters still stand up to modern standards. Whether you’re hunting for the Method 001, a rare MOD model, or a forgiving Converge, these putters offer real performance value in 2025.

If you’re looking for a putter that’s both collectible and functional, Nike’s legacy lineup delivers both.