The Famed Putters of the Tiger Woods Era

Tiger Woods’ Putters: A Journey of Excellence

Tiger Woods currently uses a Scotty Cameron Newport 2 GSS putter, the same model he’s used for over two decades, customized with a Ping PP58 grip and tungsten sole weights. Here’s the story behind that legendary flat stick. Tiger Woods, widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers of all time, has used several putters throughout his career. While his skills and work ethic are legendary, the putters he has chosen have played a significant role in his remarkable putting performances. 

Here’s a detailed look at Tiger’s putters over the years, their impact, and notable putting results with each.

The Scotty Cameron Newport 2 GSS (1999 – Present)

The Iconic Putter

• Specs: Custom Scotty Cameron Newport 2 GSS (German Stainless Steel) blade putter with a Ping PP58 grip.
• Details: This putter has been in Tiger’s bag for most of his career and is arguably the most famous putter in golf history. It features a classic blade design with a milled face for a soft feel and unmatched precision.
• Achievements:
  • Tiger won 14 of his 15 majors with this putter.
  • During the 2000 season, Tiger dominated with this putter, including his “Tiger Slam” (winning four consecutive majors from 2000-2001).
  • In the 1999 PGA Championship, Tiger sank clutch putts to edge out Sergio García, solidifying his reputation as a master of the greens.
  • At the 2008 U.S. Open, Tiger’s iconic 12-foot birdie putt on the 72nd hole forced a playoff, which he won despite playing on a fractured leg.

Why It Worked:
Tiger has credited the Newport 2 GSS for its consistency, feel, and the confidence it gives him under pressure. The putter’s design allowed Tiger to rely on his incredible ability to read greens and control pace.

Nike Method 001 (2010-2011)

The Experiment

• Specs: A milled face with Nike’s polymetal groove technology designed to increase forward spin for smoother, more accurate rolls.
• Details: Tiger switched to this putter during his endorsement deal with Nike. The Method 001 had a similar blade shape but offered a slightly different feel and feedback.
• Achievements:
  • Tiger used the Nike Method to win the 2011 Chevron World Challenge.
  • Though he had solid performances, this putter did not see the same success as the Newport 2.

Why It Didn’t Last:
While the Method 001 had technical advantages, it never matched the feel and consistency Tiger had with his Scotty Cameron. He returned to the Newport 2 after a short stint.

Taylormade TP Juno Prototype (2018)

The Taylormade Era

• Specs: Custom-built blade putter with a milled face and slightly heavier head.
• Details: After signing with Taylormade, Tiger tested and used their prototype putters. The TP Juno resembled his trusted Newport 2 but was tailored to his evolving preferences.
• Achievements:
  • Tiger used the Juno during his comeback years, including his remarkable performance at the 2018 Open Championship, where he briefly held the lead in the final round.

Why He Switched Back:
While the TP Juno performed well, it didn’t have the same historic reliability and confidence factor as his Scotty Cameron.

Scotty Cameron Newport 2 – Revival (2019)

Return of the King

• Tiger returned to his trusted Scotty Cameron Newport 2 GSS for the 2019 Masters, where he completed one of the greatest comebacks in sports history, winning his 15th major after an 11-year drought.
• His putting during the final round, particularly clutch par saves and birdies, was instrumental in his victory.

Key Stat: Tiger ranked second in Strokes Gained: Putting during the tournament, showcasing his mastery of Augusta’s notoriously tricky greens.