In the early 1960's T.P. Mills began designing shaping and
building true handmade putters that would lead a whole industry. For over 40
years the T.P. Mills Company has set the standard by which all carbon-steel
putters are measured. T.P. realized little thought had been given to the
function of most putters from a scientific standpoint. The center of gravity
or the "sweet spot" was not marked on most putters or if marked was not
placed in the proper spot. Also, the putter shafts used were basically the
same shafts used in wood and iron clubs, just cut to shorter lengths.
He started correcting these problems by designing his own
grips, special shafts and putter models by paying particular attention to
the above mentioned as well as weight, loft, lie, hosel design and the size
and shape of the flange. The correct balance of the putter is very important
to the Mills Co., something that is often over looked in many of today’s
putters. If you already own Mills handmade you have a virtual "master model"
because no two have ever been created exactly the same. "Every putter I make
is different in that it is suited to the individual," Mills has always said.
The perfect balance and fit of a Mills handmade putter is born out in their
use to win many of golf’s major championships, and virtually all of the PGA
Tour events and many of the top amateur tournaments around the world.
Many of the top putter designers of the last 20 years are
collectors of T.P.'s work. Yet, T. P. and David will be the first to say
that there is no magic wand. "Its still the puttee’ more than the putter,"
"But if you get the putter where you like the feel of it, the weight,
balance and loft are right for you, the "sweet spot" is where it should be
and the shaft flex is correct, that’s as far as you can go."
Today the T.P. Mills Co. runs under the leadership of T.P.’s
son David and his talent and craftsmanship are well recognized among the top
PGA tour players. Mills family continues to design and develop new models
with each one being a putter of precision craftsmanship that many believe
cannot be matched.
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T.P.
helped design the “famous flanged bulls eye putter” for the Acushnet
Company.
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The first
to sweep the weight towards the toe of the putter to counter balance the
hosel and help keep the sweet spot closer to the center of the face for
better balance.
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The first
to design the modern "slant heel" located behind the hosel.
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Many of
these characteristics have since become standard in the golf industry.
