A Putting Journey To Toulon Golf

[Eagle3254]

I have made it a focal point along with a strong commitment to putting better overall in 2024.  First areas which I focused on were mechanics, putting drills, better green reading, 4ft to 8ft putts, 10ft to 16ft with various breaks/sloping putts.  

Next area was putter styles, type of milling, hosel for putting style, weighting, grips, length, lie and loft which all have some type of impact.

 

I felt compelled to share my experience and what key pieces helped me along the my journey with others as it could possibly help someone else possibly going through something similar.   

  

Current Player Profile 

HCP +2.0

All rounds played from tips: 6979 73/136

Driver Swing Speed 117-121mph

Last 8 rounds 71,72,70,68,69,70,71,75

 

Gamer Since 2017

2 Scotty Cameron Circle T Tour M1 

Single Bend 35inch with 20gram weights
Matador Grip

Pistolini Grip

Avg putts per round 31

 

 

Putters Tested 

Toulon Alcatraz Blackout H1

Scotty Cameron Fastback 

Scotty Cameron Del Mar 

Scotty Cameron Newport 

Scotty Cameron Newport 2

Scotty Cameron Phantom 9.0

Scotty Cameron Phantom 9.5

 

Odyssey Ai Milled 7 CH

Odyssey Ai Milled 7 DB

Odyssey Ai Milled One 

Odyssey Mini Jailbird

 

Ping PLD Anser 

Ping PLD Olso 3

Ping PLD DS72

 

Shafts Tested 

Diamana 105

LA Golf P105 P135

KBS GPS 120

Stroke Labs SL90

OEM Steel 

OEM Graphite

Lengths Tested 

36 down to 33.5

 

Head Weight Tested 

350 grams to 390 grams 

 

Loft and Lie Tested 

2 degrees to 3.5 degrees 

71 degrees to 68 degrees

 

Grips Tested 

OEM STD Grips 

Golf Pride Pro Only Green Red Blue

Super Stroke Flatso Tour Pistol and 1.0-2.0PT

Scotty Cameron Baby T

Ping PP58 

Ping PP58 Cord 

 

I have tested and owned 13 putters since January 2024 with many different types of combinations with length, weight, grip and putter type.   Please feel free ask any specific details or have questions around this if something you may be in the process of or curious of as it would be a very hard post to every combination.  I have experimented with other putters not listed here for one reason or other never purchased it to test but could have enjoyed testing along the way as well.  

Putting Results 

First my last 20 rounds

 

Next my last 5 rounds 

 

The Winning Putter 

Toulon Alcatraz Blackout 

H1 Hosel 

Mitsubishi Diamana P105 flex 1.0

Length 34.5 

Head Weight 360 grams 

Loft 2.5 degrees 

Lie 69 degrees 

Blackout Toulon Grip

 

 

 

Winning Drill 

Double gate drill with various lengths, breaks and slope 

 

 

Review of The Toulon Alcatraz Blackout

After 7 months of testing various combinations, working diligently on putting outside on bent grass greens only to simulate real playing conditions.  Toulon Alcatraz Blackout has been tested extensively with over 20 rounds and countless hours on the putting green.  This is and has been a stand out putter and without question has been the best combination for me which just feels incredible. I am making more putts inside 10ft, improved distance control, misses are in a tight circle and feel/feedback is spot on.  Now it’s in the bag as the replacement of the Scotty Cameron Circle T M1.  

As I have been playing exclusively the Toulon  Alcatraz Blackout and accustomed to the set up here are my final thoughts.  

Looks 
The putter is absolutely beautiful and incredible visually.  I am asked constantly what putter are you using or can I see your putter. 

Balance 
Weight and balance is spot on, zero issues with taking the putter back with any walking etc

Grip
The feel of the grip is perfect in my opinion, not too soft, zero movement and returns to square at impact.  I may try a SS flatso 1.0 in the future.

Shaft and Speed
This is possibly my favorite shaft I have tried in a putter, I have tested almost every shaft combo in the market.  Distance control in long or short putts is incredible, misses is are all in a tight circle with nothing way off.  Speed is consistent putt after putt unless something is off with my putting stroke.  Feel of the shaft is not soft but not near firm as other brands but happy middle which I do enjoy with the milled face.  Looks of the shaft in the sun is stunning with the tour satin black head.  

Feel and Feedback
At first, the putter had a click at impact and a touch more firm than other milled putters I have tested.   This was only because my setup was a touch off.  I did not have a touch of shaft lean which lifts the rear of putter off the ground.  Once corrected and adjusted the lie and loft, the sound and click was a muted tone and putts felt solid on good square putts.  They did not have to be perfect.  If had a poor putting stroke you will know immediately it was not a great putt which forces you to look at why and dial it in.  This does not mean you missed a putt either on off center as the face is very stable and speed where very impressive on off center putts. 

 

Milling 
The real win here is the milling which is so amazing and certainly milled to the tightest tolerance.  The mid depth double fly cut face is incredible visually but also provides accurate feedback and very consistent speed of the face.  One of my favorite milling on a putter in years.   

Quality
The build is perfect and flawless.  The fit and finish of the Alcatraz is what you would except on a tour issue putter.  

Customer Experience 
The experience which had has been one of the best and incredible experiences I have had from beginning.  This where Toulon Golf shines above the rest and not just in golf but across other retail brands worldwide.  I have shared my experience during internal meetings, business lectures and guest speaking forums how a golf company is driving the customer experience and engagement.  I strongly believe other OEMS may have their work cut for them.  

Overall
I couldn’t be any more happier with the putter with the quality, the build and this has brought back making putting fun again and enjoyable.  I do plan on adding another Toulon Design blade style putter next and extremely excited to have that in play as well. 

I am happy to answer any questions, or provide any details on my putting journey as it’s hard to add every detail.  

Last….. 

Thank you Sean, Preston, Tony and Toru.  

I am so impressed and appreciate all you do daily to help us all play and enjoy golf!  

Edited August 21, 2024 by Eagle3254

[BHI 99]

That putter looks friggin amazing!

[BlueDragonKorea]

What a write up (and an impressive putting journey)!

[BHI 99]

Did Toulon do the blackout or someone else? I don’t want to know, but I do. 🫣

[third-times-a-charm]

49 minutes ago, BHI 99 said:

Did Toulon do the blackout or someone else? I don’t want to know, but I do. 🫣

Comes like that:

 

https://toulongolf.com/collections/blackout-limited-edition/products/alcatraz-h1-blackout

[10undrbogey]

Impressive write up, testing & putting.

 

I’m nowhere near the cap or putting prowess that you have, but as I have posted in other putter threads, just acquired a First Run Las Vegas.

 

For all the reasons you listed, (fit & finish, feel, milling & the incredible personal customer care) I really love this putter. 
 

Love the look standing over it, the feel of the ball off the face, & even though I know it’s mass produced (more or less) I have some pride of ownership, enjoyed the phone call from Sean when I had some questions after ordering, the immediate response from Sean & Preston when I realized I should have ordered the oversized grip.

 

I kind of see Toulon & Scotty Cameron as parallels to Omega & Rolex in the watch world. I’ve been an Omega guy for a long time & will be a Toulon customer for a long time👍

[Eagle3254]

On 8/22/2024 at 11:15 AM, WasatchBogey said:

Impressive write up, testing & putting.

 

I’m nowhere near the cap or putting prowess that you have, but as I have posted in other putter threads, just acquired a First Run Las Vegas.

 

For all the reasons you listed, (fit & finish, feel, milling & the incredible personal customer care) I really love this putter. 
 

Love the look standing over it, the feel of the ball off the face, & even though I know it’s mass produced (more or less) I have some pride of ownership, enjoyed the phone call from Sean when I had some questions after ordering, the immediate response from Sean & Preston when I realized I should have ordered the oversized grip.

 

I kind of see Toulon & Scotty Cameron as parallels to Omega & Rolex in the watch world. I’ve been an Omega guy for a long time & will be a Toulon customer for a long time👍

Thank you for sharing and could not agree more with you on Toulon Golf…. 
 

We would love to see some pictures of the putter!!! 

[LeicaRedDot]

Nothing to add other than thanks for taking the time to write this up and share. Awesome 

[bladez]

Thanks for the writeup. Would like to hear your thoughts the Toulon Alcatraz vs the Odyssey Jailbird. I currently game the Odyssey AI One Jailbird Mini CH but I'm looking at the Alcatraz. Having trialed both, how would you compare the two?

[Tampajoe3]

I prefer the firmer feel of the Alcatraz face over the jailbird.   

[Eagle3254]

I strongly believe both are really amazing and great putters but after testing the two putters side by side for hours upon hours, I certainly prefer the Toulon Alcatraz.

 

It really comes down to a few differences and preference.  First starting off with the feel of the milled face on Toulon Alcatraz is a touch more responsive, crisper, firmer and certainly provides very accurate feedback due to the milled face. Additional differences between the Odyssey Jailbird mini and Toulon Alcatraz.  

The hosel is a touch longer, the milled face is wider, and shorter front to back.  The Jailbird Mini which I tested wanted to close when placed down at address and Toulon Alcatraz did not.  It felt more balanced.  Odyssey Jailbird Mini did have more toe hang as well.  
 

Last I really love the overall look of the Alcatraz more and certainly more rare on the course.  
 

See pictures below between the two side by side. 

 

Edited August 26, 2024 by Eagle3254

[dmeeksDC]

25 minutes ago, Eagle3254 said:

I strongly believe both are really amazing and great putters.  It really comes to feel of the face which I prefer the milled face.  Toulon Alcatraz is a touch more responsive, crisper, firmer and certainly provides very accurate feedback due to the milled face.   Also there are a few more differences between the putters.  

After testing the two side by side for hours upon hours I certainly prefer the Toulon Alcatraz.  The hosel is a touch longer, the milled face is wider, and shorter front to back.  The Jailbird Mini which I tested wanted to close when placed down at address and Toulon Alcatraz did not.  It felt more balanced.  Odyssey Jailbird Mini did have more toe hang as well.  
 

Last I really love the overall look of the Alcatraz more and certainly more rare on the course.  
 

See pictures below between the two side by side. 

 

I agree. The Alcatraz’s more compact front to back dimension looks great. 

[MCCA]

I have to say i've been on this forum since 2005, this is one of the most Impressive write up's i've seen. I agree what Toulon and his team have built is amazing.

 

thank you.

[rooski]

Great thread. I'm a little surprised to see that the new Toulon's went with a very traditional shallow milling instead of the deep diamond they had previously had.

 

I know there was a cult following around the deep diamond (me included). Probably the right call to go to something more mass marketable though

[bladez]

Very helpful, thank you for the detailed response. The side by side pictures are great. I’ve always preferred the firmer feel of a milled putter but went with the Jailbird for the MOI, but I have to imagine the difference in forgiveness between the two putters is negligible. 

[TheMoneyShot]

Great write up and beautiful putter👍

[Eagle3254]

5 hours ago, bladez said:

Very helpful, thank you for the detailed response. The side by side pictures are great. I’ve always preferred the firmer feel of a milled putter but went with the Jailbird for the MOI, but I have to imagine the difference in forgiveness between the two putters is negligible. 

You are welcome, hope it helps to see the difference between two putters.   
 

As for the MOI between the two, I agree it will be very similar without question.   The Toulon Alcatraz is very forgiving on off center putts and stays very close to your line on 4ft to 8ft putts.   It’s very impressive…. 

[Eagle3254]

4 hours ago, TheMoneyShot said:

Great write up and beautiful putter👍

Thank you and really appreciate it!  

[Phebus]

Thanks, now I need one, lol

 

The LAB DF3 and I weren’t getting along, so I divorced it. Need to replace it, so I think this will be my next putter. I really like the look of it. 

[10undrbogey]

On 8/24/2024 at 9:34 PM, Eagle3254 said:

Thank you for sharing and could not agree more with you on Toulon Golf…. 
 

We would love to see some pictures of the putter!!! 

Chocolate finish is beautiful in the sunshine, love the look standing over this one

 

[Eagle3254]

On 8/27/2024 at 9:16 PM, WasatchBogey said:

Chocolate finish is beautiful in the sunshine, love the look standing over this one

 

Appreciate you posting the pictures of the putter!!!  
 

The Chocolate PVD looks incredible in sun!!!  
 

How’s the feel?  Feel balanced back and through impact? 
 

 

[Eagle3254]

On 8/27/2024 at 8:40 PM, Phebus said:

Thanks, now I need one, lol

 

The LAB DF3 and I weren’t getting along, so I divorced it. Need to replace it, so I think this will be my next putter. I really like the look of it. 

LAB does make really incredible putters that fit certain players well but it’s not for everyone.  Golf is a game that is without a question so individual and needs change from player to player. 

 

Toulon Golf is certainly a great choice if there is a style which you like.  I am confident it could easily find a home in your bag.  

[10undrbogey]

On 8/29/2024 at 4:54 PM, Eagle3254 said:

Appreciate you posting the pictures of the putter!!!  
 

The Chocolate PVD looks incredible in sun!!!  
 

How’s the feel?  Feel balanced back and through impact? 
 

 

The Las Vegas has a tiny bit of toe hang, probably 10 deg or less, as opposed to my previous Odyessey 11, which is fully face balanced.

 

I’m finding a better feel in my putting stroke is to have a tiny bit of arc, where before I was really trying to keep a straight back/straight through stroke.

 

The LV feels very smooth, compact & balanced👍

[TiScape]

Toulon putters never fail to impress. Gorgeous piece. 

[Eagle3254]

On 8/31/2024 at 2:09 PM, TiScape said:

Toulon putters never fail to impress. Gorgeous piece. 

Thank you, I could not agree how great Toulon Golf is.  
 

I could not be more impressed with the putter but what’s really more incredible is the support and care you receive from Sean, Preston and Tony to help you make more putts!  

[Eagle3254]

On 8/31/2024 at 1:09 PM, WasatchBogey said:

The Las Vegas has a tiny bit of toe hang, probably 10 deg or less, as opposed to my previous Odyessey 11, which is fully face balanced.

 

I’m finding a better feel in my putting stroke is to have a tiny bit of arc, where before I was really trying to keep a straight back/straight through stroke.

 

The LV feels very smooth, compact & balanced👍

Well said, the Las Vegas is such great design, forgiving, the finish is so special in the sun.  
 

A friend recently purchased the Las Vegas H1 with the Diamana shaft and wow was it amazing with 7-12ft as where I spent time putting with it.  
 

Has your putting stats improved? What drills are you working on which you like?  

Edited September 6, 2024 by Eagle3254

[Eagle3254]

Hint Hint what’s in process as we speak!!!   More details to come…

[StoutKing]

When Toulon gets enough volume I'd love to see them offer some different grips.  For example they could offer their version of a baby T (Toulon) and a thin cord like the grey PP58 cord.  Love the different colors that they're offering on the stock grip but I don't like the feel of that particular style.  

[Carson33]

Are there locations/shops that carry his putters in stock so you could roll a few to see which one you prefer? I would love to try a few of these to then purchase one, but I am not going to purchase all three.

[third-times-a-charm]

8 hours ago, StoutKing said:

When Toulon gets enough volume I'd love to see them offer some different grips.  For example they could offer their version of a baby T (Toulon) and a thin cord like the grey PP58 cord.  Love the different colors that they're offering on the stock grip but I don't like the feel of that particular style.  

 

They used to do a lamkin deep etch when they were with odyssey. Can still find them on ebay.

 

56 minutes ago, Carson33 said:

Are there locations/shops that carry his putters in stock so you could roll a few to see which one you prefer? I would love to try a few of these to then purchase one, but I am not going to purchase all three.

 

Nope