Can the Innovative Axis1 Putter Help Lower Your Golf Score?

The new Axis1 putter has received its share of accolades, from "Most Innovative Putter" to "Best New Golf Product". The creator of the "Eagle" putter (Luis Pedraza) adopted a scientific approach to this "alien-looking" flat stick (?) giving it a shape that it not only looks unique but for many performs when the heat is on.

The Axis1 Eagle putter was designed to be perfectly balanced so that it resists being "pulled open" when twisted in your hands allowing you to lighten your grip without the clubface opening. The weight is pushed forward "with a patented heel counter weight that places the center of gravity right on the center of the striking face perfectly aligned with the axis of the shaft."

The result is that the golfer should have fewer off-line putts, resulting in lower scores.

But, isn't a putter a very personal golf club? You have to like it, from the feel within your grip to the style of it. The putter should instill confidence each time you pull it out of your golf bag and every time you make a stroke on the putting surface.

Although there have been numerous testimonials confirming the "physics" and design of the Axis1 putter from Pro Golfer Patrick Sheehan (who uses it on Tour) to equipment reviewers and golf club manufacturers, how well did the Axis1 Eagle Putter perform in the hands of a mid-handicap (12-15) golfer?

Since the time of this article the Axis1 has only been created for right-handed golfers (sadly, the majority of players.) I had to hand over this unconventional putter which I was to test to my husband Barry, asking him to swap out his trusty Odyssey Two-Ball for review.

Unique Look of the Axis 1 Eagle Putter

Here are his thoughts.

It isn't easy to replace your trusted putter for a new one. New golf clubs take time to get used to, no matter what club you change out of your bag. That being said, Barry liked the Wynn grip which he said "has a great feel to it." It's also a "good-looking putter which can lead to a confident putting stroke."

The balance of the Axis1 putter was also commended for not having a single pushed putt. The shaft is perfectly balanced with the face and the weighting allows the putter to glide without the golfer having to add force. Technically speaking, "the center of gravity is right on the center of the striking face and perfectly aligned with the axis of the shaft."

Barry did have one "visual" complaint when he stood over the Axis1 putter:

"The reason my eyes have trouble getting used to the putter is because when I look down the shaft, I see the shaft in the middle of the ball which makes me think I may hit the ball with the shaft instead of the putterhead." Although he still has some difficulty with it, another golfer who tried the Axis1 putter had a similar reaction.

This putter is a conversation-starter. When Barry pulled the new Axis1 putter out of his golf bag, he was greeted by curious stares from fellow golfers who asked to try it out on the green.

Wonder at the design caused initial interest and upon first try, each of the golfer's reactions were similar. The Axis1 does not produce immediate results right out of the bag: it takes time and practice to get accustomed to the change in stroke caused by the balance of the putter. Many golfers' strokes are personal as putting goes hand-in-hand with "feel" and not necessarily with science.

The Axis1 Eagle putter can help reduce the number of pulled and pushed putts and help straighten off-line strokes.  Combined with the correct speed and distance caused by a confident stroke,  this putter can be a solid addition to both novice and low handicap golfer.

Read more about the Axis1 Putter.

Arthritic Phil Mickelson turns vegetarian

I wonder if Phil Mickelson ever thought about the consequences of turning forty and the possible unwelcome side-effects?

Five days before the U.S. Open (and right before his big birthday), Mickelson awakened with "intense pain" and couldn't move. Lefty's doctor visit found him to be suffering from psoriatic arthritis but a weekly treatment of shots seems to have put the symptoms under control.

A friend of mine once mentioned that turning forty was no picnic; to be wary of the bevy of doctors visits, new meds that you will be taking, etc... and now I'm getting worried!

From doctor's visits to a 'one-eighty' turnaround in diet, Phil Mickelson is a changed man. A veggie burger doesn't really taste like the real thing, no matter how much you tell yourself it does but, after a few bites, it's not so bad.

Mickelson said of his new-and-improved diet, "As long as I believe that there’s a possibility that it will help me overall, yeah, I’ll continue to do that. If it will somehow keep this in remission or stop it from coming back, yeah, I’ll be able to do it. But I haven’t been put it to the real test. The real test is driving by a Five Guys and not stopping.” Five Guys is the Burger Joint in which Phil bit bought into.

A few parting words from Mickelson? "I’m probably not as sharp as I would like to be."

Posted via email from stacysolomon's posterous

Golf in the Coastal Provinces of Atlantic Canada

I must admit, when I first accepted the assignment to spread the word about the once-in-a-lifetime Golf Coastal Canada Adventure contest, I didn't know much about Atlantic Canada, its provinces or heritage. A bit of internet research and a passion for golf and travel led me to reasons why I want to visit 'The True North Strong and Free'.

For those golfers who have never ventured into Atlantic Canada, there are four distinct provinces with flavors all their own: Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.

The Atlantic provinces are not only meant for vacationers seeking to play golf at some amazing courses, but they are also filled with endless dining and cultural opportunities, making this a "must-see" region for those searching for a multifaceted Canadian adventure.

Prince Edward Island (PEI or 'the Island' for short) is the smallest and greenest province where it is said 'the air and water are fresh and clean'. PEI is known for fresh lobster and Malpeque oysters harvested straight from the bay! With over fifty lighthouses and ninety island beaches, the home of "Big Break XI" will tempt you with it's natural wonders and challenging golf courses!

River Mill Golf Club is the site of Big Break XI, but I understand that two of the courses featured in the contest, Green Gables and Crowbush, are equally considered "must-plays" on Prince Edward Island.

Green Gables, recently updated by Thomas McBroom and on the North Shore is "a scenic, ocean-side course with rolling greens guarded by deep bunkers, six water holes, an ever changing breeze".

Crowbush Aerial View

Crowbush Golf and Beach Resort has a five-star, four diamond rating. The Links at Crowbush Cove on the eastern side of PEI have received numerous accolades from Golfers Choice awards to Best Scenery and Best Condition. Although beautiful, she is also known to be challenging, laden with pot bunkers and water hazards.


When visiting New Brunswick, you won't know whether to spend your time walking the sandy beaches, discovering the reversing falls or enjoying spectacular golf courses. Why not do it all?

Fairmont Algonquin

From the Algonquin, redesigned and one of the oldest and most challenging golf courses in Canada to Kingswood Golf Course (seven water hazards in the first six holes), the choice of which golf club to pull from your bag will depend on the topography and direction of the wind.


Nova Scotia (Canada's Ocean Playground) and Newfoundland (called 'The Rock'), round out the four provinces in Atlantic Canada.

Nova Scotia, the most populous province and also the second smallest in area next to PEI, is surrounded by the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Bay of Fundy and the Atlantic Ocean (and their salmon is deliciously famous!) The two golf courses selected as part of the contest winner's prize are the classic layout of Highland Links which received numerous accolades including a 4 1/2 star rating from Golf Digest in 2008 and The Lakes Golf Club.

The Lakes Golf Club

Overlooking Bras d'Or Lakes in the Cape Breton Region, the brand new Lakes Golf Club sits 150-feet above sea level. Designer Graham Cooke said of his new golf course, “Each golf hole at Ben Eoin will have an intriguing appearance and the course will have a balanced challenge so that all golfers will be able to have an unforgettable and entertaining experience,”

Newfoundland (and Labrador), the fourth of the Atlantic Canadian provinces, is nature at it's most grand, where I understand that there are whale and rare bird sightings!

The tranquil Humber Valley River and meandering lakes and streams set the pace at Humber Valley Resort's River Course.  Voted “Canada’s Best New Course 2007” by SCOREGolf Magazine, the River Course is an 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course measuring 7,199 yards. Gros Morne Resort (the second course featured in the contest) is centered in the middle of a National Park, a UNESCO Heritage Site and one of only 911 in the world considered as having "outstanding universal value."

Humber Valley Resort's River Course

As you can see, a visit to Coastal Canada's Atlantic Region is more than just a few rounds of golf, it's an adventure and should be part of any golfers "bucket list."

The Great Coastal Canada Golf Adventure is a nine-day vacation for four people covering all four Atlantic Canadian provinces!

Here is what the winner will receive if you win the contest:

•  9 day adventure
•  8 courses
•  4 diverse provinces
•  4 people total
•  3 helicopter tours
•  Endless dining and cultural opportunities
•  1 all-expense paid trip

Read more about the Contest and Enter today! 


No purchase necessary. See complete rules for details. Open to New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania residents only.