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2024 Scotty Cameron Phantom Putter Line
Scotty Cameron is releasing new Phantom mallets in 2024. The official number is 10. However, that total comes from four new Phantom head shapes and their various neck options.
Changing the neck on a putter does essentially change it into a different-looking and -playing putter. As such, I agree with Mr. Cameron’s model count. I only bring this up because I didn’t want any Cameron fans to end up disappointed when they didn’t see 10 unique head shapes.
The new Phantom models are a combination of old and new. On one end of the spectrum, the Phantom 5 and Phantom 7 models feature new angles in the metal but are quite similar to previous versions. In contrast, the new Phantom 9 and Phantom 11 models are complete departures from previous models. Side by side, you’d likely not guess those two would have the same names as previous versions.
Overall, there is quite a bit to unpack here. To get us started, let’s see what Scotty has to say about the new Phantom line.
2024 Scotty Cameron Phantom Putter Technology: Multi-Material Construction
Like their Phantom putter predecessors, the 2024 Scotty Cameron Phantom putters are multi-material in construction. All of the faces are 303 stainless steel. All models also feature 6061 aircraft aluminum sole plates and flanges of various sizes.
Using steel for the face allows Scotty to mill the faces to spec but also makes possible the addition of the jet necks to the X.5 models. The incorporation of aluminum enables the overall size of the mallets to be larger than possible with just steel. All steel would be too heavy.
The placement of aluminum also allows Scotty Cameron to make regions of the head lighter or heavier. This weight distribution influences both center of gravity position and moment of inertia (MOI). Both of these characteristics influence how the putter feels and rolls the ball.
2024 Scotty Cameron Phantom Putter Technology: Double-Milled Faces
All of the 2024 Scotty Cameron Phantom faces are double milled. The first milling pass cuts deep, removing material from the face. This softens the feel at impact as less metal will be in contact with the ball.
The second milling smooths the face, making it flatter and more consistent. After the two passes, the face now has the desired feel at impact and should be clear of any inconsistencies that could negatively influence putts.
2024 Scotty Cameron Phantom Putter Technology: New Alignment Schemes
Alignment is definitely one of the talking points for the 2024 Scotty Cameron Phantom putters. Scotty refers to the putters as “alignment-infused designs.” What does he mean by that?
Basically, the shapes of the putters assist in the alignment to target. I’m not talking about the added dots, lines or arrows, but rather the lines at the edges of the putter itself. Every aspect is intended to help you aim the putter.
You can really see the alignment theme when you look at the changes made to the Phantom 5 and Phantom 7. Both feature geometric shifts made to improve alignment at address.
The 2024 Scotty Cameron Phantom Putter Models
As I mentioned, some of the Phantoms are reinterpretations of previous models but others are more like reincarnations. The Phantom 5 and Phantom 7 retain their basal structures while the Phantom 9 and Phantom 11 are new explorations of form.
Though I am not totally sure what he means, Scotty describes the designs as “fast-looking head shapes.” That made me chuckle as I have yet to have someone tell me that my putter looks “fast.”
Scotty Cameron Phantom 5 / 5.5 / 5s
The Scotty Cameron Phantom 5 didn’t change a whole bunch from the previous version but it did change. The changes are most noticeable at address. Looking at the previous Phantom 5, the side flanges intersected the front of the putter at a right angle. In the 2024 version, that intersection is now more of a 45-degree angle with the flange sloping toward the center.
This is a prime example of what Scotty was referring to in terms of the shape of the putter assisting in alignment. These new sloping lines draw your eye toward the center of the putter, which is a good thing since that is where you should probably hit the ball.
There are three versions of the Phantom 5 in the line. The Phantom 5 has a spud hosel and is nearly face balanced. The Phantom 5.5 has a jet neck (short flow neck), providing some toe hang and toe flow. Center-shafters are not getting shafted this time since the Phantom 5S has the shaft in the middle. Every one of you who ever complained about the lack of center-shafted putters had better buy a Phantom 5S or I will be very disappointed.
Scotty Cameron Phantom 7 / 7.5
The story for the new Phantom 7 is similar to the one for the Phantom 5. The edge geometries have changed and now slope toward the center of the putter. This new version of the Phantom 7 has milled dots on the topline for alignment rather than a line. It’s an aesthetically pleasing improvement.
Also like the Phantom 5.5, the Phantom 7.5 features a jet neck. This short slant neck adds toe hang as well. Though not new for this release, I like seeing the jet necks rather than having toe hang determined by shaft bend position as Cameron used to do. The jet neck looks better and it overtly lets consumers know the head is different..
Scotty Cameron Phantom 9 / 9.5
The new Phantom 9 is a departure from the previous model. They may be related, but they likely only found each other through genetic testing. I’m not saying one design is better or worse than the other. I’m saying the only way I’d know this was a Phantom 9 was by looking at the name on the bottom.
The new Phantom 9 is an interesting design. Once again, the story centers on alignment. The central portion of the putter not only supports the two long sight lines but also forms a large T shape to assist in targeting. You should have no trouble pointing this one at the hole.
From there, we see a Spider-esque ring of perimeter metal and some open internal spaces. This scheme boosts the MOI of the design as the weight now lives primarily at the perimeter.
As with the previous models, the jet neck gives the Phantom 9.5 some toe hang.
Scotty Cameron Phantom 11 / 11.5 / 11 Long Design
The Phantom 11 has also received a significant reworking but not quite to the level of the Phantom 9. I own the previous Phantom 11.5 version and, if I squint my eyes a bit, I can see how the perimeter shape of the new version matches that of the old.
Inside that perimeter, though, the Phantom 11 is a new creature. The metals are in new places and there are a couple of huge alignment arrows on the top of the putter.
I think that, while well intentioned, these arrows will prove polarizing. Some will love them and others will hate them. I like that they connect to the parallel lines that run the length of the putter but I’m just not feeling them in the photos. Maybe they will look better in person.
Just to mix things up, the Phantom 11.5 does not have a jet neck, gaining a bit of hang from an altered shaft bend position. I’m not sure why this one didn’t get the jet neck but perhaps it had something to do with the head weight being too heavy already without incorporating the weight of the jet neck.
The Phantom 11 will also be available in a Long Design version. This 38-inch counterbalanced monster will feature a longer grip, stouter shaft and heavier head. I love seeing the counterbalanced resurgence and I believe that Rickie Fowler should get a cut of every long putter sold in 2024.
Final Thoughts on the 2024 Scotty Cameron Phantom Putters
I’m not sold on the Phantom 11’s arrows but, outside of that, the 2024 Scotty Cameron Phantom line is a good-looking batch of mallets. Scotty has deftly walked the line of making changes without losing his brand identity.
Even with the changes, most will recognize these putters as being Scotty Cameron putters. OK, maybe we would need to peek at the bottom of the Phantom 9 to know for sure it was a Cameron. Other than that, these are recognizable Cameron creations.
Overall, these are great-looking putters that continue Scotty Cameron’s legacy of producing some of the finest milled putters on the planet.
On that note, I’ll leave you with some questions to ponder in the shower. Has Scotty Cameron done enough to make these Phantom mallets competitive in today’s market? Can these new Phantom putters outperform putters with the visible assistive technologies found in Evnroll’s Neo Classic or Odyssey’s Ai-Milled putters?
Curious to hear your thoughts and to see them in person at the end of March.
Find out more about the 2024 Scotty Cameron Phantom putter line at ScottyCameron.com
FAQ: 2024 Scotty Cameron Phantom Putter Line
Do these have any technologies that help correct for poor strikes?
In terms of corrective grooves or something like that, no. The design of the Phantom putter should help you aim the putter correctly and the weight distribution should make the stroke feel balanced but, if you miss the center of the face, the putter won’t fix that for you.
Why aren’t there any blades?
The Scotty Cameron Phantom line is a mallet line. The blades are found in the Select lines: Special Select, Super Select and so on all have blade models.
Can you adjust the weights on the bottom?
You can. The weights are initially tuned to match the length of the putter but if you want to go heavier or lighter, you can. You will need a special tool to remove the weights and also must buy additional weights separately. Both can be had aftermarket but be careful of quality.
Also, if the weight is really stuck, don’t force it. You may bend the tool and scratch your putter like I did with my Phantom 11.5 (facepalm). Hit the weight with some heat for a bit to break up the Loctite holding the weight in place and that should allow you to remove it.
Why are Scotty Cameron putters held in such high regard?
I believe it comes from a combination of precision manufacturing, Tour usage and name recognition. For a long time, Scotty Cameron putters were the best milled putters in the marketplace by a good margin.
These days, the separation from the pack is not as distant. Young putter makers like Tyson Lamb, Logan Olson and Cody James are all making amazing milled putters. Don’t forget about Bettinardi, Odyssey, Toulon and Evnroll. Even TaylorMade got back in the milled putter business last year. The milled marketplace is becoming very competitive.
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