Despite seemingly every manufacturer having released a zero-torque putter option over the past couple of years and Scotty Cameron teasing us with Tour Only low-torque options, it’s only now that the brand introduces us to what they are calling OC low-torque putters. To see if these new models deserve a place among some of the best zero-torque putters on the market, I put the Phantom 11R OC putter to the test to analyze its performance.
At address, the Phantom 11R OC is a sleek, high-MOI mallet that boasts an exceptionally clean aesthetic. The single, short sight line offers clean alignment, and I felt it helped match the putter face up square to my target, particularly when using a line on the ball as well.
The minimal one-degree of shaft lean is something that I love with this putter, as I found other zero torque putters, such as the L.A.B. Golf OZ.1i and the PXG Allan putter, have far more shaft lean, putting your hands in an unorthodox position.
The Phantom 11R OC promotes a natural hand position and a clear, unimpeded view of the topline. The ‘R’ in its name signifies softer, more rounded edges than the standard Phantom 11, which is far more linear and sharper, creating a flowing and confidence-inspiring profile.
For many golfers seeking to quiet their hands and minimize face rotation, low-torque putters are where they have turned, but listening to feedback from golfers and experiencing it myself, these putters have often resulted in sacrificing feel. The OC (Onset Center) name refers to the fact that the shaft is set back from the leading edge and enters the head directly through the head's center of gravity, delivering maximum stability for a square-to-the-path stroke.
What really helps this putter stand out against others in the same category is the weight of the head and, therefore, the feel you receive back from it. This feedback is also a product of the club's entire body construction due to the head weighing 15 grams heavier than standard models, all while balanced by a custom black shaft and a tapered Scotty Cameron Matador Mid grip, ensuring the putter feels connected in your hands.
The grip for me fitted in my hands perfectly and gave me immediate feedback when rolling the rock. It was clear Scotty Cameron's R&D team made responsiveness a clear priority and the addition of a full chain-link milling pattern - the same one we saw in the newest Studio Line, providing a soft-yet-solid feel at impact, and really helped me with my distance control.
The Phantom 11R OC delivers a satisfying, muted ‘click’ without feeling too dull, the perfect amount to provide good feedback on strike and distance control, without being overly intrusive.
The performance is something to admire for anyone who fights an overactive putter face and wants a premium-looking putter that provides the same feel and feedback as some of the best putters on the market. The Onset Center technology is immediately noticeable with the putter head simply not wanting to twist, although it does take a little time to get used to if moving from a conventional putting style.
The Scotty Cameron Phantom 11R OC putter promotes a straight-back-and-through motion with almost no effort, calming the hands and letting the bigger muscles control the stroke by simply rocking your shoulders. This stability is already tour-proven with the likes of Australian Elvis Smylie, winning his first two events immediately after switching to the 11R OC, citing its setup for improving his consistency.
At £499, the Scotty Cameron Phantom 11R OC putter is at the higher end of the scale when it comes to price, but I truly think it’s justified due to the blend of premium aesthetics and top-quality performance and feel.
