Equipment Review: Yes! Golf C-Groove Sophia
by Jeffrey Reed

The biggest reason I have significantly lowered my single-digit handicap is improved putting. When I recorded a course-record 62 at Caradoc Sands Golf Course in Strathroy last summer, I relied on my Yes! Golf C-Groove putter – the Callie, a slightly toe-heavy model made of 17-4 stainless steel, with 3-degree lie, offset hosel and titanium carbon finish.

However, as we know, golf is a cruel game at times, and thus we sometimes abandon our loved ones – putters, that is – for greener pastures. I’ve tinkered a lot with my putting this season – hey, even Tiger tweaks his swings – and the latest addition to my bag is the Yes! Golf Sophia traditional blade flat stick with patented C-Groove technology.

An old-school putter improved with modern technology from Yes! Golf, the Sophia is a traditional heel-shafted blade-style putter made of 304 stainless steel. The 32-in. shaft is a big change from the 34-in. shaft in my Callie, and it requires a much more pure pendulum stroke, but this putter is near perfect. It boasts a 340 g head, 2.5 degrees of loft, standard lie and slight offset. Like all Yes! Golf putters, the Sophia includes a black, yellow and white tri-colour Winn grip for exceptional feel. And just like the Callie, the Sophia feels like an extension of my hands – exactly what you need for top putting form.

Teacher Harold Swash invented the Yes! C-Groove putters, which feature a semi-circular grooved face for true roll without skidding or hopping. It’s a technology gaining much admiration amongst touring professionals, especially those competing on the LPGA Tour. I plan to watch for Yes! Golf putters during this year’s CN Canadian Women’s Open.

During my last round at London Hunt and Country Club, I putted well on its slick greens with my Yes! Golf Callie. So, why the change to the Sophia? If I had that answer, my friend, I would break 70 every time. Until then, I’ll continue to tinker with my putting – and my putters.

Closing in on 20 models, Yes! Golf has recently added the Callie-f forged model. The Sophia retails for $199. Stay tuned ... more on the Sophia putter from Yes! Golf later this season. For more on Yes! Golf, visit www.yesgolf.ca.