It seems that way because it was that way. Nike golf clubs hit the market just a little more than a year ago.
But as of April, 2003, Nike Golf's line of clubs will be complete with the introduction of the Blue Chip Putter line.
Blue Chip Putters will come in three varieties. The BC101 is a heel-toe putter; the BC002 is a face-balanced mid-mallet putter; and the Oz is a face-balanced oversized mallet.
The BC101 and BC002 carry an MSRP of $129; the Oz checks in at $159.
All three were designed by golf club whiz Tom Stites. Each features a center of gravity positioned deeper in the clubhead to diminish the initial skidding that can force a ball offline.
The name "Blue Chip" comes from the bright blue face insert, an aluminum that is 65 percent lighter and 73 percent softer than steel.
"I’m proud of what we’ve created with the Blue Chip Putters in performance, style and point of difference," said Stites. "It may sound simple but our team set out to knock down scores and reduce putting by increasing feel and forgiveness. Golfers won’t want to take these out of their hands but I’m confident that they won’t need them as much as whatever they use today."
Nike Golf provided About Golf with a preview of the Oz, a mallet that is striking in appearance - and superb in feel and performance.
"The Oz is a beautiful putter and one of the rare opportunities when a design creates the perfect blend of style and performance," said Stites.
Two-thirds of the clubhead weight of the Oz is in the stainless steel ring that wraps around the back of the clubhead, giving it a half-moon appearance. The double-bend stepless steel shaft provides an offset that should keep the golfer's hands ahead of the ball at impact.
All three putters will be available in 34- and 35-inch models.
The Oz performed very well in testing by About Golf, with everyone who tried it commenting on its great feel. The weighting seemed just about perfect to all who used it. Each time the Oz was used, it produced a true roll with excellent distance control.
"Blue Chip" appears to be a very appropriate name for Nike Golf's newest products.
