Putters

TaylorMade’s Spider Tour X Proto putter | First Look

By: Jonathan Wall November 7, 2023

The putter's weight distribution places the center of gravity forward for a blade-like face rotation.

Jonathan Wall/GOLF

taylormade spider tour x proto putter — The putter's weight distribution places the center of gravity forward for a blade-like face rotation.

Jonathan Wall/GOLF

The latest Spider Tour putter line saw TaylorMade roll out four distinct shapes and weight setups for different swing types. One version that didn’t make the cut was the Spider Tour X prototype Scottie Scheffler briefly used during the FedEx Cup playoff.

Many golfers assumed the putter was a way for TaylorMade to tease the retail version, but the screws on the face screamed “Tour-only” product.

Precision-engineered TSS weights optimize stability and wing weighting for enhanced consistency. Jonathan Wall/GOLF

Surely, the equipment manufacturer wasn’t considering the idea of bringing it to retail, right?

While that’s technically true — it’s not an in-line product — TaylorMade threw gearheads a curveball with the unveiling of a Spider Tour X Proto that looks eerily similar to Scheffler’s creation.

Originally a Tour exclusive, the Spider Tour X Proto will be made available in limited quantities through taylormadegolf.com for $500. Prior to using a Spider in Memphis at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, Scheffler’s putter of choice was an Anser-style blade that all but eliminated mallets from testing conversations, due to the rearward weighting.

TaylorMade’s True Path Alignment system helps golfers visualize the ideal line to the hole. Jonathan Wall/GOLF

Spider Tour X Proto helped TaylorMade flip the script and enter the discussion.

While the putter looks like a traditional Spider Tour, the center of gravity (CG) is positioned “as far forward as possible” to increase face rotation for a blade-like feel. The catalyst behind the CG shift is a milled face and neck that are fastened to the body via four screws in the heel and toe.

The milled face and neck are fastened to the body with screws. Jonathan Wall/GOLF

TaylorMade’s TSS (TaylorMade Swingweight System) weights located in the sole are designed to dial in the swing weight for each head. On top, a True Path Alignment system allows golfers to visualize the perfect line to the hole while matching face to path.