About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the putter, which I purchased with my own money in July of 2021.

My take

The Scotty Cameron Special Select Del Mar Putter is a fantastic putter that is weighted extremely well and designed for players with an arched putting swing with a lot of “toe flow” in their stroke. In addition, the putter is unique, as its head shape is considered a “mid-mallet” design, which falls between a traditional mallet head design and a bladed head design. It's perfect for me because I prefer a putter that's slightly bigger than a blade but significantly smaller than a traditional mallet.

About the club I own

• Model: 2022 Scotty Cameron Special Select Del Mar Putter
• Shape: Mid-Mallet
• Hosel Neck: Heel Shafted Flow Neck
• Balance Point: Customizable
• Shaft Length: 34”
• Grip Type: Scotty Cameron Midsize Matador Grey/Black
• Finish: 303 stainless steel

About me

• Average Score: 75
• Handicap: 1.9
• Experience: 15 years of golf
• Right/Left-Handed: Right-Handed
• Stroke Type: Arched with some toe flow
• Golf Ball Used: Titleist Pro V1 X
• Height: 5’8”

Test conditions

• When I bought the putter: July 2021
• Days tested: 365+
• Where I’ve used it: Fishers Island Club
• Weather and Wind Conditions: Sunny
• Green Speed: 12
• Grass Type: Bentgrass Greens

How it performs

What I was looking for

I was looking for a putter that flowed very well throughout my putting stroke. In addition, I have always struggled with feeling “stable” in my putting stroke, so finding the right head shape was very important.

Why I chose this club

The second I picked up the putter and tried it out, I felt confident in my putting stroke. I felt secure and stable throughout the entire stroke. The putter felt amazing at address, and I saw an instant change in my putting stroke. I had considered getting a Scotty Cameron Newport 2.5 Putter; however, I was instantly in love once I picked up the Del Mar. I knew immediately that the Del Mar was the right putter for me.

What I love about it

• Face Feel: The putter feels extremely solid off the face. I can feel the ball coming off it, yet it still feels very soft. I can't even feel contact with some putters because they are so soft. That is not the case here, as I’ll feel it, but it'll feel amazing.
• Forgiveness: This putter is more forgiving than the average blade due to the weighting on the heel and toe of the club. If I hit the ball off the toe or heel, there's a great chance it'll still go in the direction I want.
• Weight: The nice thing about the Del Mar is that it’s based on the length ordered, it'll have custom weights (10g, 15g, 20g) based on the length to ensure it's perfectly weighted and stable.
• Alignment: When lining this putter up, it tends to sit square on the ground at the address, keeping it from falling open or shut when I set it down. This helps ensure that the putter stays lined up as closely as possible while I address the ball.
• Length: My putter is 34” in length, which helps me set up the ball properly and consistently with my eyes over the ball comfortably.
• Aesthetic Appeal: The putter doesn’t feel bulky, and the color combinations are minor. This putter is a great option if one doesn't want a “busy” putter.
• Grip Feel: The Scotty Cameron Midsize Matador Grip makes this putter feel extremely stable. However, the stock Scotty Cameron putter grip that comes with this putter is a very great option that will be more appropriate for golfers with smaller hands.
• Customization: There are multiple ways I can customize this putter. In terms of lie angle and loft, one can change them by a couple of degrees in either direction. If the stock weights are too heavy or too light, one can request custom weights at the bottom of the putter. The putter has stock lengths of 33”, 34”, and 35”. One can request longer putters if needed. Right-handed putters can be adjusted in half-inch increments, while left-handed putters are a little more difficult to customize in terms of length.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Other: Due to the 303 stainless steel design, this putter can occasionally develop small rust spots. The same metal is in all Scotty Cameron putters produced today, so it's not necessarily this design. Though I never had a problem with rust spots until I went to work at Fishers Island Club. I believe my extremely close proximity to the ocean and not cleaning my clubs after the rounds were the leading factors to these small rust spots. However, I notice that I can easily remove and prevent these spots by applying a small layer of WD-40 every month or so.

Best Putt or Round with this Putter

I was playing at Fishers Island Club during the summer of 2022, and right away, I knew my putter was on fire. I made a 50+ foot putt on the first hole that fell in perfectly. On the second hole, I drained a 30-foot birdie putt. I proceeded to make every single putt outside of 10 feet for the entire day. That's right, every putt OUTSIDE of 10 feet. I've never felt more confident with any other putter.

Value for the money vs. other options

The Scotty Cameron Special Select Del Mar is a very expensive putter compared to many other putters. However, it’s an extremely high-quality product, as it's durable and the materials are top-notch. This putter does not have any inserts and has high-quality paint. It's unlikely that one will see any paint wear off this putter. I play in many different and sometimes harsh environments, and this putter is still like new. No dents. No real scratches. All of the paint looks brand new. If I were to soak this putter in some dish soap and wipe it down with a microfiber towel, it would be brand new again. The other nice thing is that since this is a mid-mallet putter, its still just narrow enough for blade putter covers. So if someone is currently using a limited edition Scotty Cameron blade headcover, it'll still fit.

I don’t believe higher-priced putters can compare with the Del Mar or Scotty Cameron Models. In terms of less expensive putters, it's a “you get what you pay for” situation. However, if one wants an alternative to a Scotty Cameron Putter of any kind, the Bettinardi putters are a great option. They are priced similarly; however, the feel off the face with these putters is significantly different. The Bettinardi produces a much softer feeling off the face of the putter at impact and provides a little more forgiveness overall. However, these putters are not as durable and don’t have the reputation of Scotty Cameron Putters.

Final verdict

The Scotty Cameron Special Select Del Mar is a great putter for those looking for a putter that will unlock their hidden putting skills, combined with extreme stability and control around the greens. I witnessed an immediate change in my game with this putter, and I get better every single time I use it. Fast or slow greens, this putter is a game changer and worth every penny.