Bettinardi has always built putters from solid blocks of steel. The company started in a machine shop with a simple rule: no inserts allowed. Yet at the Bank of Utah Championship, the brand broke its own long-standing tradition. Bettinardi showed up to Black Desert Resort with three new face options for pros to test, according to GolfWRX. This shift marks a major change for a maker that prided itself on one-piece milling.
The first new option is a Mokume insert. This piece combines Brass, Copper, and Sterling Silver to create a soft feel at impact. The name comes from a traditional Japanese metalworking technique. Natural wood grain patterns emerge from fused layers of contrasting colored metals. This specific blend provides an incredibly soft touch that solid steel cannot match.
A Full Damascus Front Piece
The second test item takes a different approach. Bettinardi created a full Damascus front piece for the Antidote SB2 model. While Damascus inserts have appeared before, this design goes a step further. It features a milled section alongside the Damascus metal. The Damascus delivers a soft but responsive feel. It also creates a muted click sound on impact, which many players prefer over a sharp ping.
The third option brings back a classic metal. Although Copper is a relatively soft metal, its insert adds weight to the face. Superior acoustic feedback results from the soft feel when compared with other metals. These inserts also look great, offering a distinct visual style for the player.
Why The Shift Matters
Soft metals change how the ball leaves the face. Solid steel offers a firm, pure strike. Inserts like Copper or Mokume add a layer of cushioning. This can help players who struggle with a harsh feel on off-center hits. The Bank of Utah Championship field includes 120 players competing for a $6 million purse. With pros on site, the testing ground is serious.
Images of these new items were captured at the event. The photos show the inserts in action during the FedEx Cup Fall. Players are testing them against the backdrop of the Black Desert Resort course. If these new faces perform well, Bettinardi could release them to the public soon.
The company started with a focus on one-piece construction. That philosophy defined the brand for decades. Now, the R&D teams are working on unique items back at base. The return to normal play after the Presidents Cup allowed manufacturers to show off these new tools. The U.S. team won the Presidents Cup, but the real story might be on the putting greens in Utah.
Players are already seeing interesting setups in their bags. The Bettinardi news stands out. The $6 million purse and 500 FedExCup points are at stake this week. If a new insert helps a player save a stroke, it could change the outcome of the tournament. The soft feel of Copper or Mokume might be the edge some players need.
