TaylorMade Itsy Bitsy Monza Spider review
- Monday, 20 October 2008
- 2 Comments
TaylorMade Rossa Itsy Bitsy
I’m going to cut straight to the chase, even though it’s a bit of a mouthful: the TaylorMade Rossa Itsy Bitsy Monza Spider has saved my putting life. It’s true! After scratching around turning birdie opportunities into bogeys, this mid-sized mallet - released as a smaller version of the TaylorMade Rossa Monza Spider – has actually made the painful process of five-footers more of a challenge than a chore.
Getting things in perspective, there are two things I avoid doing at all costs: one is shaving, the other is making an unwanted visit to the putting green prior to a round. Aside from the fact I’m usually late (which in part explains the lack of facial grooming), the thought of lining up a series of tiddlers in the hope that it will make my scorecard more appealing comes a distant second to drilling the driver down the range.
But while I have never been one for putting (no pun) in the hard work, there has never really been a weapon of choice to urge me to try harder. In fact, with expletive-filled tantrums and the odd bit of club throwing still part of my mental make-up, the countless putters I have fallen out of love with have felt the full force of the Narey wrath.
But a change of heart began some months ago during Golf Monthly’s annual Advertisers’ Day at the Grove. Playing in a four-ball with TaylorMade’s European Public Relations Manager, Nick Robbie, my attention turned to the oversized Monza Spider mallet sitting in his bag. This interest increased with every ten-footer Nick rolled in, each one struck with nonchalant ease. Not a bad way to market your product.
On the downside, I wasn’t blown away by the oversize looks. But with news filtering through that a smaller version was on its way later in the summer, I felt somewhat obliged to put one to test following its arrival in the GM office.
Talking specifications here, the Itsy Bitsy’s head is 20% smaller than its oversized cousin. At first glance everything else looks the same. But its wings have been pulled inward and the alignment aid is an abbreviated version. However, just like the oversize, the Itsy Bitsy offers fantastic stability. I also found it particularly solid on shorter putts.
If you are looking to invest in a new putter this winter, then you could do a lot worse than fork out the £139 at retail for this little gem. It has inspired confidence to the extent that I may even take myself off to the putting green before my next round. As for shaving, well, one thing at time…
Reader comments
Add your commentsFebruary 23 19:38
A Sullivan
I have had this putter for a few weeks now and can't sing its praises enough. The weighting seems to keep the putter low and the feel off the face is superb, all adding to a smooth roll. The lines on the top are an excellent aid. In the past I've had the Odyssey2-ball putter, both normal size and belly, (both good putters), but the itsy bitsy is something else. I'm not saying I hole every putt but this putter gives me so much more confidence and that can't be a bad thing! Best money I have spent on golf equipment for a long time.
March 31 15:08
scottyray
There is somethig about this putter that builds loyalty. I can trade in almost anything in my bag after about a week or a month when I'm bored, but for some reason I cannot bare the thought of handing this jewel over to someone else. I got a great deal at $110.00 and just love it. I mean I love it. I look forward to long putts because the ball just keeps rolling to the hole. When I start to walk after a long putt I am surprised that I have to keep following it to the hole. I am so used to my other dozen putters stoping 6-8 feet short and this one just keeps going. I have not three-putted in five rounds now and that was the goal. No more three-putts. The itzy bittty builds cofidence and loyalty. You will never trade this putter if you buy one. I gurantee it. I am going out to my car now just to look at it.