Club tested: Thomas Golf AT92 Putter
Club specs as tested: Hand – Right; Loft – 3°; Lie – 73°; Length – 34”; Grip – Standard
Putter style: Center-shafted blade
Price as tested: $115 (regularly $230)
About Thomas Golf products: All equipment made by Thomas Golf features the company’s patented Shot Accuracy Technology, an alignment indicator on the top of the club which helps assure precise aim. The company offers free custom fitting of all clubs on its website and sells its products exclusively online.
Club notes: The third member of trio that includes Thomas Golf’s AT90 and AT91 putter models, the AT92 shares several traits with its siblings (center shaft, square eight bars, red insert and black finish) in a more compact package.
Heel-toe weighted and face-balanced, the AT92 weighs in at 386 grams – slightly heavier than the AT91 (366) and above the 300-350g standard. Combine these features and the AT92 design works best with an arms-and-shoulders, straight-back-and-through stroke (think Steve Stricker).
At address: The square weight bars at either end of the blade, unique to Thomas Golf, serve two purposes: Increasing MOI (moment of inertia, or resistance to twisting) and bolstering the alignment guide in the center of the putter. The back of the blade is shorter than in the AT90 or AT91 models; some golfers will find this more appealing, while others may appreciate the elongated look.
In any case, the AT92 provides that trademark, perfectly square look Thomas Golf Products are known for. That’s always a good thing.
The stroke: If you’re not accustomed to using a center-shafted putter, it may take a little getting used to. Same for the extra weight. We found it easy to adjust in a half-dozen strokes or so, and soon we were loving the AT92’s smooth, pendulum-like action. The square setup and added heft make this one rock solid putter on anything inside five feet.
At impact: The machine-milled striking plate produces a gently metallic “plink” when putter meets ball. Golfers who prefer a softer sensation may notice a difference, but everyone else should appreciate the sound and feel.
Roll of the ball: While the greens weren’t particularly smooth on testing day, we felt the AT92 was up to the challenge. In fact, the heavier head really shows its worth when conditions are less than ideal, delivering a solid “thump” and ground-hugging roll. We found it easier to get putts to the hole on the slow greens compared with lighter models.
Playability & forgiveness: It’s all about MOI – the more, the better. The AT92 has plenty, thanks, which keeps it stable on off-center strokes and minimizes distance loss. The putter offers nice pop from greenside rough as well as attempts from tightly-mown chipping areas. Again, chalk it up to those additional grams.
Bottom line: If you’re got a wristy or wobbly stroke, or you struggle to line up correctly, Thomas Golf’s AT92 putter could very well cure what ails you. It’s positively deadly from close range and a weapon when a putter is your best option from off the green. It complements the AT90 and AT91 perfectly.
