Putting Magic Delivers This Week From Nike Golf

A little more than a year after Nike Golf introduced its first golf clubs, it completes the bag with the debut of the Blue Chip (BC) Putter series at golf shops and golf specialty stores nationwide this week - and like every Nike Golf club that came before them, the BC Putters will offer the same superior performance, innovative style and design magic from master club maker Tom Stites.

The three Blue Chip Putters - BC101 (SRP: $129), BC002 (SRP: $129) and Oz (SRP: $149) - are designed for optimal balance and feel and to diminish skidding at impact. The center of gravity in each club is positioned deeper in the club head to diminish the initial skidding at impact that can force balls off line. Instead, the dual-density weighting of each Blue Chip sends the ball rolling quickly off the face and on a truer line.

The common element between the three is the Blue Chip insert on the hitting surface, and for which the line gets its name. This 6061-aluminum insert is 65 percent lighter and 73 percent softer than steel, offering excellent feel and forgiveness while redistributing weight in the heel and toe. In the case of the BC101 and the BC002, the insert moves 16 grams of weight deeper and evenly between the heel and toe.

The unique design of the Oz, featuring lightweight aluminum in front and 66 percent of the club head weight in a stainless steel, rearward ring, magnifies the reduction in skidding and ensures a smooth, true roll. Words will not serve it properly; the Oz is a must-see.

"The Oz is a beautiful putter and one of the rare opportunities when a design creates the perfect blend of style and performance," added Stites.

The Nike Blue Chip Putters all feature a paddle-style grip with a smooth front and a textured back to provide a blend of feel and traction with minimal grip pressure and double bend stepless steel shafts, available in lengths of 34 and 35 inches.

April 7, 2003