When we first previewed Tour Edge’s new Template Series in September, we were happy to see a relatively low-cost option in the milled-face putter category. While golf equipment seems to be increasingly more expensive, Tour Edge continues to produce quality gear at very accessible prices. In many ways, it brings back thoughts of Cleveland’s Classic Series, which were known as quality putters that almost anybody could afford. Still, all the marketing speak in the world doesn’t tell us exactly how products stand up to real-world use. Recently, we were able to take a look at the Template Valley putter and put it to work on the golf course.
Template Series
While the article linked above contains the line’s backstory and all the details you should need, there are some things worth restating here. First of all, the Template Series features seven head shapes, each with two finish options – Black PVD and Silver PVD. With such a comprehensive collection of putter shapes, it should be easy to find an option for almost every preference and stroke. Each putter in the Template Series is constructed of 304 Stainless Steel and has CNC milled Micro-Grooves, which are 20% wider and deeper than previous models. While Tour Edge notes that the grooves promote a better roll, they also contribute to feel. Contrast Alignment Technology, the black and white aiming lines that are most noticeable on the Silver PVD finish, is designed to make alignment as easy as possible.
“The new Template putter series has taken leaps and bounds in the look and feel department,” said Tour Edge President and Master Club Designer David Glod. “This putter line is bringing together today’s technology with classic putter designs and perfectly blending the two, just like what Template golf holes are designed to do in course architecture.”
The Template Valley Putter
The Template Valley putter is a mid-mallet design with a forgiving plumber’s neck hosel. It’s well-suited for players with an arced or straight putting stroke, helping square the putter face, especially for those who struggle with keeping the face open at impact.
Tour Edge’s description really says it all. This versatile shape ticks many boxes. The plumber’s neck hosel gives it a familiar look at address for anybody that’s played an Anser-style blade in the past. However, the additional material from the mid-mallet shape adds stability and forgiveness, not to mention (for some) increased confidence. The Black PVD finish seems nice enough. While it’s not the most premium thing we’ve seen, it’s clean, eliminates glare, and appears to be quite durable. Probably the only thing we didn’t love about the head design was the rumble strip section running down the center of the flange. We do understand the desire to add an eye-catching design feature here, but we felt it doesn’t do much to add to the overall attractiveness of the head.
On the Black PVD finish, the Contrast Alignment Technology (CTA) really boils down to a thick white line just behind the center of the face. It somehow manages to stand out well, accomplishing the goal of the technology, while not being garish or intrusive to the eyes. With the bumpers providing a frame for the CTA, we found it extremely easy to make sure the face was square at address. As someone that likes both the offset hosel and mid-mallet heads, it was a breeze to get putts rolling on line. While it’s difficult to quantify just how much the Micro Groove technology assisted in producing consistent roll, we can anecdotally say that the Valley rolled very true off the face.
It’s a given that many prospective buyers are going to wonder about feel when it comes to putters in this price range. As we noted in the preview article, 304 SS is known both for “softness” and providing ample feedback. Still, there are many things that go into creating a crave-worthy feel in putter design. All told, we found the Valley sufficiently soft to be borderline impressive on dead-center contact. However, we did find a relatively quick degradation in feel as the ball strayed from the center of the face. It seemed that contact even a few millimeters off-center produced a less rewarding sensation, which does align with the idea that the 304 SS provides “ample feedback”. It was enough of a difference that we found ourselves putting a little more effort into creating pure strikes.
Though interchangeable, the finishing touches to every off-the-rack putter, headcovers and grips for example, always manage to add or subtract perceived value. The Genesis material on the Lamkin Deep Etched grip felt fantastic in hand. Grip choice is always very personal, but this is an excellent stock option that most people will be very happy with. Unfortunately, we found the stock headcover lacking. The look and material just didn’t add anything to the total package and the magnetic closure was quite weak, leaving us concerned we’d eventually lose it altogether.
At $129.99 the Template Series fully qualifies as a steal. These are well constructed and nicely finished putters that feature just enough technology to assist golfers, all without being too “in your face”. While nothing is ever perfect, and there are some small details that could be improved on, this is great option for anybody looking to pick up a putter that performs without breaking the bank.
Details
- Available November 1st at authorized Tour Edge retailers and www.touredge.com
- MSRP $129.99
- 34” and 35” lengths
- RH and limited LH options available
