Rose wins the Australian Masters with his Rife putter
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It's safe to say that putting - and more especially a putter - has resurrected Justin Rose's career this season. Since taking possession of a little known Rife Barbados putter he has won the Australian Masters, finished fifth in the US Masters and narrowly missed out on claiming the European Tour's flagship event - the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, where he lost a play-off.
The ability to at last convert the opportunities he creates with his driving, iron and wedge play, has sent the young Englishman spiralling into the top 20 of the world rankings guaranteeing him exemption into the major tournaments wherever he wants.
I took possession of a replica of the Guerin Rife-designed Island Series Barbados putter, used by Rose, this week and was immediately struck by the unique feel.
Parallel grooves etched into the face of this mallet-style putter help put top spin roll on to the ball while the shaft gives a soft feedback through the fingers and the soft texture of the distinctive blue and white grip.
