History
In 1994, Stephen Boccieri, president and founder of the company, began research that led to his invention of the Heavy Putter. In 2003 he began working on the production prototype, testing weight combinations, styles, shaft configurations and head designs. In late 2004, Boccieri finished the development of the first Heavy Putters for tour use. He made them by hand at home and personally delivered them to tour players. Heavy Putters went on the market in 2005, and shortly thereafter the company moved into a facility in Ridgefield, Connecticut.
How It Works
A consistent putting stroke employs the large muscles of the shoulders in a pendulum motion, rather than the wrists. Releasing the wrists during a putt leads to inconsistent direction and contact. Adding weight to the putter head alone increases the wrist release, so Boccieri added a counter-weight to the grip end of the shaft. By doing so, he raised the balance point 75 percent higher than conventional putters. The weight, therefore, is closer to the golfer's core center of gravity, promoting more stability during the stroke.
Technical Specifications
The A1 model has a milled stainless steel face in a diamond-cut pattern, providing a soft feel at impact. The total putter weight is 900 grams (compared to 425 to 510 grams for a standard putter), with a head weight of 475 grams. The lie angle is 72 degrees and the loft is 3.5 degrees. The putter is available in stock lengths of 32 to 36 inches, although custom lengths start at 30 inches and go up to 38 inches. The A1 is face-balanced (rather than toe- or heel-balanced) with a center-shaft hosel and no offset.
Weight Kit
The A1 model features removable head weights. The golfer can remove the two circular weights with a hex key, or Allen wrench, and replace them with lighter or heavier weights. The tip weight kit included with the putter includes two aluminum weights of 10 grams each, and two copper tungsten weights of 35 grams each. The golfer can increase or decrease the head weight--up to 500 grams or down to 450 grams.
On Tour
Heavy Putter does not offer big endorsement contracts to tour professionals, but has PGA Tour players using its products, most notably John Daly and Troy Matteson. Matteson uses the A1 model. In 2005 he ranked first on the Nationwide Tour money list, earning his PGA Tour card for 2006, and went on to win the Frys.com Open in Las Vegas.
About The Author
Kim Kleinle is a PGA/LPGA professional and a member of a select group certified in instruction by the Professional Golfers' Association. She began writing in 1980 after earning her degree. Her work has appeared online, in "Northeast Golfer" and in newspapers, including the "Scranton Times." Kleinle holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Point Park University, Pittsburgh.
