Converting a Putter Cover from Velcro to Magnetic Closure

An Experiment

Velcro (generically known as a “hook and loop” closure) is a strong, lightweight, and inexpensive closure system used in a variety of products ranging from sandal straps and life jackets, to medical braces and, of course, putter covers. Sure, it sounds perfect. But is it really? An exhaustive inquisition by the THP External Probe Division (“EPD”) has uncovered startling facts suggesting that Velcro possesses several annoying drawbacks when used in a golf context:

First, Velcro is loud. Not “drunk spectator at the U.S. Open at Bethpage Black screaming ‘Get in the Hole’ on a par 5 tee shot” loud (or “John Daly’s pants” loud), but ask your golfing buddy how he likes it when you rip the cover off of your brand new $300 milled putter in the middle of his first birdie putt opportunity all day. (Do it twice and you may find your golf bag unexpectedly falling onto the concrete cart path after the bag strap on the cart “mysteriously” comes undone.)

Second, Velcro wears out with heavy use. Anyone who has owned a nylon sports wallet can attest to the fact that, after a couple of years, the “loop” side (the fuzzy part) of the closure eventually pulls out and the flap won’t stay closed anymore. (I hate it when that happens.) And besides being the most used club in your bag when you are on the course, who doesn’t rip that headcover off at least 20 times a day just to gaze at the majesty that is your perfect blade or mallet? (C’mon, you know you do it.)

Finally, some players worry that Velcro possesses an abrasive nature that can potentially scratch the finish on their prized flatsticks. I ask you – would you rub Velcro across the forehead of your child or pet? Of course not. So why subject your putter to that sort of horrific trauma?

While some putter cover manufacturers have dabbled with alternative methods, Velcro is, by far, the most common closure system. So, what is a conscientious golfer to do about those pesky noise, wear and tear, and microscopic scratching issues?!?!

Well friends, once again, THP is here to save the day. That’s right, after extensive research and dangerous testing (paper cuts are no joking matter!), the scientists in the Research and Development Department at THP headquarters (“R&DD@THPHQ”) have developed a highly experimental method for modifying your putter cover that works nearly as well as the sorta loud, mildly fragile, and allegedly scratchy Velcro. So, are we going to patent this revolutionary method and use it for our own personal financial gain? Heck no! (Mostly because we don’t know how.)

Instead, for a limited time only (in the sense that “until the end of the world” is a limited time), we are offering information about this amazing 20th century technology for the unbelievable introductory price of free! That’s right, for only three easy payments of nothing, you too can learn the secret of magnetic conversion. But you must act now! (In the sense that “act” means “keep reading” and “now” means “ya’ know, whenever you feel like it.”)

The Criteria

• Simple: No sewing or other permanent modifications; easily reversible.

• Cheap: Inexpensive and readily available components.

• Unobtrusive: Blends in with the original design as much as possible.

The Supplies

? 1 – Pack of 8 round ¾” ceramic magnets (Lowe’s – $2.29)
? 1 – Pack of 4” x 2” (2 sets) self-adhesive Velcro strips (Lowe’s – $2.49)
? 1 – 9” x 12” piece of felt matching the color of the inside of the putter cover (JoAnn Fabric and Crafts – $0.79)
? Scissors
? Utility Knife
? Sharpie

The Procedure

WARNING: The following should be attempted only by highly skilled individuals possessing advanced knowledge of engineering and assembly techniques. (In the sense that “highly skilled” means “you can operate scissors without cutting a finger off and a Sharpie without poking an eye out” and “advanced knowledge” means “your brain can process spacial concepts at a kindergarten level.”)

Step 1: Trim Velcro to match size of corresponding Velcro on headcover.


The Velcro serves a dual purpose – it cradles the magnets and, more importantly, it covers the Velcro sewn into the headcover so that it can’t attach to the corresponding Velcro on the other side of the headcover, thus neutralizing the adverse Velcrovian effects.

Step 2: Cut felt to match Velcro strip.

The felt traps the magnets in place and provides camouflage for the new closure system.

Step 3: Trace around magnets and cut holes for magnets.

The holes can be cut with a household utility knife, X-acto knife, or small sewing scissors. The holes do not need to be exactly the diameter of the magnets, but the magnets should remain snug, and the holes should be in the same location as the holes on the opposing Velcro piece so that the magnets face each other when the putter cover is closed.

Step 4: Peel back off of Velcro and apply felt.

Step 5: Insert magnets into holes.

When inserting magnets, make sure that the poles of the magnets are positioned so that the two sides of the headcover will attract and not repel.

Step 6: Apply Velcro/felt/magnet piece to headcover.

Viola! Magnetic closure for your putter cover

Conclusion

The entire process takes about 15 – 20 minutes to complete. The magnets and felt add weight to the headcover and the standard Lowe’s ceramic magnets have a little trouble attracting/connecting through the felt. (A problem which should theoretically be easily resolved with stronger magnets.) But the system does work for those who want: (1) an inexpensive workaround for the stock Velcro closure system, that also (2) does not permanently alter the headcover.

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