A Putting Journey To Toulon Golf

[Eagle3254]

10 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.  

Toulon Deep Etch and SC Baby T comparison.  I am sure in time additional grip options would be available.   

Edited September 6, 2024 by Eagle3254

[StoutKing]

1 hour ago, Eagle3254 said:

Toulon Deep Etch and SC Baby T comparison.  I am sure in time additional grip options would be available.   

Thanks.  That's the one I ordered on my LV but while I like deep etched, it's a little bulky/unrefined compared to the baby T.

[StoutKing]

3 hours ago, third-times-a-charm said:

 

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

 

 

Nope

Yes I ordered the deep etch on mine but the baby T is lighter and feels better in the hand to me.

[jkim131]

On 8/26/2024 at 11:22 AM, Eagle3254 said:

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. 

 

Blackout Alcatraz looks amazing! i think this looks much better than the new Toulon line of the chocolate finishes.

Edited September 6, 2024 by jkim131

[jkim131]

Duplicate post.

Edited September 6, 2024 by jkim131

[jkim131]

Duplicate post.

Edited September 6, 2024 by jkim131

[MackDaddy480]

Putts per round is not an accurate measurement of the quality of your putting. You need to measure strokes gained.

[Eagle3254]

9 hours ago, MackDaddy480 said:

Putts per round is not an accurate measurement of the quality of your putting. You need to measure strokes gained.

I appreciate you bringing up Stroke Gains analytics and specifically Stroke Gains Putting as an accurate data point. This is really crucial for Tour players to analyze the analytical data points to help improve their specific areas of their game relative to their field playing on PGA courses.  As we know the data comes from PGA Shotlink which is used for Tour players.  We as low or high handicap players pull data from the source we use.  
 

I currently use Golfshot and below is my specific Stroke Gains across all metrics.   I closely track this data for my specific game and how it’s leveraged.
 

 

I originally thought through this and was going to include some analytics from Stroke Gains Putting but decided to specifically show how my putting is trending as a direct result from working through mechanics and the incredible journey with Toulon Golf and not relative to a field.   I could dive deeper in Strokes Gains and create a separate thread which could happen in the future or if someone has any questions feel free to ask here.  
 

I felt this could possibly help golfers from high handicap to lower handicap to help enjoy golf even more with how important putting is apart of our game to score well. 

Additionally this extra analysis could have made the original topic much longer and possibly taken focus away how I have gone through this putting journey. 
 

 

 

Edited September 7, 2024 by Eagle3254

[CredFuples]

On 8/21/2024 at 11:11 AM, Eagle3254 said:

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!  

 

This is such an awesome post, thank you for sharing. I definitely want to try that double gate drill, my handicap is no where close to yours LOL, but putting is also something I'm really focused on this year. Were there 1 or 2 other drills that you'd recommend besides that one?

[Eagle3254]

On 9/10/2024 at 9:53 PM, CredFuples said:

 

This is such an awesome post, thank you for sharing. I definitely want to try that double gate drill, my handicap is no where close to yours LOL, but putting is also something I'm really focused on this year. Were there 1 or 2 other drills that you'd recommend besides that one?

I appreciate the kind words and I have been happy sharing in hopes it could possibly help others or become a little more curious. 
 

The double gate drill is my favorite which helped my putting the most, I would set them on straight, side hole and breaking putts.   I would also set up 3-4 of them to hole at different lengths to able replicate as close as possible what I would experience while I’m in play.  
 

As for other drills which I do like and are easy to work on which support with feel and distance control etc are the ladder drill, trail arm drill from 3,6,8 feet only.  Last I use a chalk line 6-10 ft for straight putts to help develop better stroke mechanics.  
 

I truly believe to try to keep things as simple, understand why something happened during a putt and don’t repeat something that’s clearly does not work over and over then expect a different result.   

 

Hope this helps!   
 

[Eagle3254]

Teaser number 2 with new Putter…. 
 

Right to left putting from 18ft. 
 

[CredFuples]

15 minutes ago, Eagle3254 said:

I appreciate the kind words and I have been happy sharing in hopes it could possibly help others or become a little more curious. 
 

The double gate drill is my favorite which helped my putting the most, I would set them on straight, side hole and breaking putts.   I would also set up 3-4 of them to hole at different lengths to able replicate as close as possible what I would experience while I’m in play.  
 

As for other drills which I do like and are easy to work on which support with feel and distance control etc are the ladder drill, trail arm drill from 3,6,8 feet only.  Last I use a chalk line 6-10 ft for straight putts to help develop better stroke mechanics.  
 

I truly believe to try to keep things as simple, understand why something happened during a putt and don’t repeat something that’s clearly does not work over and over then expect a different result.   

 

Hope this helps!   
 

 

Awesome, thank you for the drills! Definitely helpful, heading to the green now to give them a shot! Btw, that Toulon is 😍 let me know if you ever get tired of looking at... 😂

[10undrbogey]

On 9/5/2024 at 7:13 PM, Eagle3254 said:

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?  

After playing several rounds, I do think my putting has improved, but I don’t really track stats.

 

What I’m working on the most now is distance control on longer lag putts. The course I play a lot has very undulating greens that can be very fast, so the biggest challenge for me has been uphill lag putts.

 

When you’re above the hole a gentle tap can be enough to roll all the way off the green, so making myself hit it firmly enough to get close on longer uphill putts is challenging .

 

Love the feel & alignment on the Las Vegas, so now when I stand over a 10’ straight putt, I have confidence that I’m going to make it most of the time👍

Edited September 18, 2024 by WasatchBogey

[Eagle3254]

On 9/18/2024 at 12:43 PM, WasatchBogey said:

After playing several rounds, I do think my putting has improved, but I don’t really track stats.

 

What I’m working on the most now is distance control on longer lag putts. The course I play a lot has very undulating greens that can be very fast, so the biggest challenge for me has been uphill lag putts.

 

When you’re above the hole a gentle tap can be enough to roll all the way off the green, so making myself hit it firmly enough to get close on longer uphill putts is challenging .

 

Love the feel & alignment on the Las Vegas, so now when I stand over a 10’ straight putt, I have confidence that I’m going to make it most of the time👍

Thank you for sharing!!!  Feel is so important in putting and results almost follow after.   
 

What drills or how do you spend your time on the practice green to help with all the undulations on the coarse?    
 

As more time with the Las Vegas the better your overall game will be with out a question.  
 

Since now your putting is improving, has your short game improved?  

Edited September 20, 2024 by Eagle3254

[Eagle3254]

Look what has made its way into my bag today…. Absolutely shocked in a great way.  More to follow…. 
 

 

Edited September 26, 2024 by Eagle3254

[rorykoepka]

On 9/20/2024 at 1:38 PM, Eagle3254 said:

Look what has made its way into my bag today…. Absolutely shocked in a great way.  More to follow…. 
 

Is this the Santa Monica? Looks awesome from setup

[hwwong]

Holy hell - amazing effort on both the journey and the write up!  Thank you for sharing.

[Ivanmig26]

On 8/26/2024 at 1:09 AM, bladez said:

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?

 

Edited October 3, 2024 by Ivanmig26

[Eagle3254]

On 9/25/2024 at 7:10 PM, hwwong said:

Holy hell - amazing effort on both the journey and the write up!  Thank you for sharing.

Thank you and it was important to share what I have learned along the way as it could help someone else.   It’s been a long journey with a commitment to improvement and focus on area which needed to be solid in 2024 as I am gearing up for special and fun events in 2025.   
  

[Eagle3254]

I have made a small addition to the Alcatraz!!!  
 

The feel off this putter is beyond special…. The balance and setup is perfect for my game, just pick your line, set up and trust in your stroke.  Misses are so consistent with drop off from heel or toe strikes are so close if it was center strike.  
 

Feedback is so easy to understand where on the face it was struck with sound and feel.  
 

Looks are classic, simple and understated beauty but the attention the Santa Monica on the course which it’s gets is unreal.

 

Last the inspiration to design the Santa Monica SB due to history makes it soo special and thoughtful!  
 

Now I am Speechless 😆 

Edited October 23, 2024 by Eagle3254

[ayc25]

On 8/21/2024 at 2:11 PM, Eagle3254 said:

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.

 

Do you prefer the putter being flat at setup, or with a bit of the rear lift? I generally have a touch of shaft lean when putting, so wondering if I should adjust lie to have the rear sit flush with the ground.