Cameron tinkers with California series

• By Global Golf Post
• Jan 24, 2012 3:37 PM ET

Scotty Cameron is a tinkerer at heart, and he is always looking for ways to improve the look and performance of his putters. Which is why he recently revamped the popular California series he introduced more than two years ago.

The current California line features five models – Monterey, Monterey 1.5, Sonoma, Del Mar and Fastback – and Cameron says he has made more than 30 “shape and blend improvements” to them. The heads are still composed of precision-milled 303 stainless steel, and they continue to utilize interchangeable sole weights so that players may better match head weights to their preferred lengths. But the newer versions boast a silvery, “sea mist” finish as opposed to the gold, honey-dipped hue Cameron had given the original Californias.

And these new flat sticks feature deeper milling in the face for a softer sound at impact and an overall better feel. In addition, Cameron has tarted up the recessed red dots in the putter back, so they are more visible, calling to mind, in his words, “the tail lights of vintage American automobiles.” Finally, he employed a stepless shaft for a cleaner appearance and added a Pistolero grip for improved grip and feel.

“My main objective with the new California designs was to take the visual flow to a new level,” Cameron says. “When you look down at a great putter, it is easy to imagine the head flowing naturally right into the ground. The refinements we made to these meet and exceed that ideal. You get the sense that water won’t splash off them. It looks like water will just roll off the contours and shed gently off the edges.”

All five models in the new California line are available in right-handed versions and lengths of 33, 34 and 35 inches, while lefties must choose between Del Mar and Monterey.