In our forums, GolfWRX members are discussing Justin Rose’s move back into an Axis1 putter, with the conversation centering on the equipment change, the early putting numbers and the familiar WRX debate over whether a premium putter can be worth the price.

Member @Barracuda started the thread after seeing that Rose had moved into the new Axis1 model. The discussion did include some sticker-shock talk, but the more useful part of the thread was the positive equipment conversation around face stability, fit and whether a putter that works should ever leave the bag.

A few GolfWRXers weighed in:

• @pga43 (our tour photographer) posted the first-round putting numbers, noting +2.372 strokes gained putting and 118 feet of putts made.
• @hammergolf said he honestly did not know why Rose ever took the Axis1 out of the bag and later made the point that players will spend heavily on a driver but hesitate to spend on a putter and fitting that could have a bigger scoring impact.
• @dmeeksDC said Axis1 putters can offer unreal face stability for players who push or pull putts and liked the look of the newer, more compact model.
• @Barracuda called Axis1 putters the real deal, while still noting that the price is high.

Entire thread: Rose back to Axis1 putter

A putter is often the quickest and easiest club to change in a golfer’s bag. As the most frequently used club during a round, it needs to be the perfect fit for each player. Every golfer has a particular look or feel they gravitate toward—sometimes favoring a specific shape, other times drawn to a distinct theme. These preferences are ingrained in a player’s golf DNA, shaping what appeals to their eye.

This week at the John Deere Classic, Rickie Fowler was spotted testing a new hand-crafted Scotty Cameron prototype putter. According to Scotty Cameron Tour Representative Brad Cloke, this putter was designed to help Rickie transition toward a blade-style putter, specifically inspired by the iconic Bullseye shape. The design gives a modern twist to the classic Bullseye, and while it’s primarily intended as a practice club, there’s potential for Rickie to put it in play in the future.

The center-shafted prototype got me reflecting on Rickie’s putter history. Over the years—from his use of the Jailbird and Newport models back to 2014—Rickie has predominantly favored center-shafted putters. Going even further back, he used the Scotty Cameron Circa 62 No. 3 during the 2007 Walker Cup. Here’s a look back at some of Rickie’s putters over the years.

2014 Ryder Cup: Scotty Cameron Newport 2

2023 U.S. Open: Odyssey Versa Jailbird, SuperStroke Tour 3.0 17-inch grip

2024 Sanderson Farms Championship: L.A.B. Golf DF3, TPT shaft

2025 3M Open: L.A.B. Golf DF2.1, Gears shaft

2026 The American Express: Scotty Cameron GoLo

2026 John Deere Classic: Scotty Cameron Hand-Crafted Prototype

Driver: Ping G440 LST (9 degrees)
Loft: 7.6
Hosel: Flat Standard
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Black 6x
2024 Model
VeloCore+
Low launch and spin
Ultra stiff handle and tip, stiff mid
69g, 2.9* torque
Tipped 1″
Length: 45.75″
SW:D5+

3-wood: TaylorMade Qi4D (15 degrees)
Bonded hosel
High launch
Forgiving
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 7 X
2024 model
VeloCore+
Low launch and spin
Ultra stiff handle and tip, stiff mid
75.5g, 3* torque

Hybrid: Ping G440 (3)
20 degrees
Shaft: Graphite Design Tour AD DI Hybrid 85 X
Firm handle, medium mid, stiff tip
Mid launch, low/mid spin
88g, 2.4* Torque
Length: 40.25″
SW: D2

Irons: Ping i210 (4-9)
2018 Release
Highly regarded iron set
Smaller size, more compact
Players distance but had control and consistency
Very forgiving
Shafts: KBS Tour-V 120 X (4-PW)
Lighter weight, but stable shaft
Larger diameter
Stable tip section tighter dispersion
Lower spin and launch
120g

Wedges: Ping s259
50-12S
56-12S @55
Friction face
Updated look from 159

Ping Glide 2.0 60-TS
2017 Release
Tighter groove pattern
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400
Mid/low launch and spin
132g
Softer for more feel on partial shots
SW: D3+, D4 (56), D4+ (60)

Putter: Ping PLD DS 72 Prototype
Milled 1018 Carbon steel
360g
Horizontal grooves
Loft: 2*
Lie: 73*
Length: 36″
Grip: Winn 17″ AVS Red
128g

Grips: Golf Pride MCC
Firmer rubber + cord in upper hand
Softer rubber for feel in lower
1 Wrap

Ball: Titleist Pro V1
Lower long game spin
Softer feel
Great green side control