Scotty Cameron Special Select putters combine new and old

Scotty Cameron is one of the biggest names in golf equipment, particularly when it comes to putters. His new releases each year grasp the attention of the golfing world, as everyone wonders how he can top what he did last time.

The 2020 Special Select line from Cameron replaces the 2018 Select line of blades and mid-mallets. While so much of putter manufacturing now is coming up with new, never-seen-before innovations, Cameron has actually gone back in time by reverting to a completely milled, insert-free putter face.

The past few releases of blades and mid-mallets had included either a 303 stainless steel or 6061 aluminum insert to soften the feel. Now, the fully milled design presumably produces a firmer feel and bit louder impact noise than the past models with an insert.

Cameron also used feedback from tour professionals to update the shaping of each model in the series. Each model is a little bit sleeker than before with thinner, flatter toplines to appeal to the game’s best putters.

In total, there are eight models in the 2020 Special Select line: Newport, Newport 2, Newport 2.5, Squareback 2, Del Mar, Fastback 1.5, Flowback 5, and Flowback 5.5.

The Newport, Newport 2, Newport 2.5 and Squareback 2 are the blade models of the series, while the Del Mar, Fastback 1.5, Flowback 5, and Flowback 5.5 represent the mid-mallets.

I recently had the chance to spend some time testing the models at the newly-renovated 2nd Swing Minnetonka store. 

In general, I prefer the look of a larger mallet clubhead at address rather than a blade or a mid-mallet. With that said, it’s easy to see why so many golfers gravitate toward the simplistic design of a smaller blade or mid-mallet -- especially one designed by Cameron.

The expert craftsmanship and attention to detail are easy to see with each model. I began with the blade models, particularly the Newport, Newport 2, and Newport 2.5. I also made sure to hit some putts with some 2018 Select models as well to get a comparison for feel and performance.

The differences in shape are minimal, but you can notice that the 2020 Special Select models are a bit sleeker. I also enjoy that each Special Select clubhead contains a vivid black line that is surrounded by flanges running parallel to the line that enhances alignment. But the biggest difference to take away from the testing, for me, was the feel.

It’s not a surprise that the Special Select putters felt firmer than the 2018 Select models. The 100 percent milled clubhead should be firmer and a little louder than a putter with any type of insert in most cases. What opened my eyes was the consistency of feel on mis-hits.

The Special Select line produced a more consistent feel throughout my test, while the feel of the 2018 Select line varied. The range of vibrations seemed to shrink quite a bit with the new line. I’m far from a world-class putter and I definitely miss the center of the face often, but it seemed as if the feel was less harsh when I missed the center of the face. 

As I worked my way from the blade models to the mid-mallets, I did notice the feel become ever so slightly softer. The larger clubhead seemed to mute some of the sound and vibrations that I would experience with smaller clubheads.

The Flowback clubhead appealed to me a bit more than I expected it would. The flanges behind the clubhead are prominent and really do help with alignment, especially if you get the right lighting. I also enjoy how the toe side of the clubhead appears to contain slightly more mass behind the face to account for golfers like myself who miss on the toe side. 

The 2020 Special Select series from Scotty Cameron delivers in every way we’ve come to expect from Cameron putters. The appearance and craftsmanship are both second-to-none, and the updated shape provides a sleeker look that should be more pleasing to many golfers. Meanwhile, the return to the fully milled face adds more firmness and perhaps more consistency to the feel. 

However, as we all know, putting is an emotional thing, and it would behoove you to visit a 2nd Swing location to test them out for yourself.