Paul Lawrie knows all about the value of a new putter in this week of the golfing year.
Back in 2001 the former Open champion managed to get his hands on an early version of the still-popular two-ball club designed by Odyssey.
That putter soon became ubiquitous with pros and amateurs alike, but 14 years ago it was fresh on scene and Lawrie had to show an impressive turn of pace to make sure it was his for the Dunhill.
The Aberdonian’s instincts to run off the Kingsbarns practice putting green with it before anybody else could lay claim proved right, as he went on to win the tournament.
He hasn’t had to resort to similar methods this year.
But there’s a new putter in the Lawrie bag once again, and he hopes it’s a good omen.
He explained: “In 2001 I arrived for the week and I had been playing lovely the whole year and putting poorly.
“And then the rep from Odyssey had the first two-ball putter that they had ever made. There was only one and he had it with him.
“I was on the putting green at Kingsbarns and he had it. I putted with it for about 10 minutes and I refused to give him it back. I ended up running off with it. I was quicker than him that day. He might have caught me now but he didn’t catch me then!
“I holed everything that week, especially on the Saturday. I was 10-under through 12 holes at the Old Course on the Saturday that week. I just putted magnificently.
“I’m not putting at that level at the moment but I’m certainly putting as well as I’ve putted for months.
“I got a new putter from Caledonia putters, who I have a deal with. It’s got different grooves on it. I’m getting the ball to the hole much easier and it’s been great.
“When you start holing putts, it goes through your whole game. Confidence just builds and builds. You can see Jordan Spieth last week, when you hole putts like that, it’s almost impossible not to win.”
Fellow Scot Marc Warren has the World’s top 50 in his sights, which would be a significant career milestone given the opportunities that would open up in a Ryder Cup qualifying season.
The world number 56 said: “I’m looking forward to this week. We play three courses that are as good as any anywhere in the world and the forecast is good. The format also lends itself to being slightly more relaxed than something like the Open.
“This time of year is not about getting physically in shape, it’s more about staying mentally fresh.
“I’m pleased with my season. There has been some progress again. Doing well at The Open and the experience of being out with Paul in the second last group was great. I learned from that and now I need to move on and hopefully have a better weekend from that position in future.
“The schedule I’ve played this year I’ve loved. I have been able to pick and choose, barring the Masters, but the top 50 at the end of the year gets you into the Masters and a few WGC events so there’s a lot to play for.
“The top 50 in the world is a massive goal and to achieve that would be pretty cool.”