Once locked in a vault, this iconic U.S. Open putter is making a comeback
Stewart reacts to winning the 1999 U.S. Open on the final hole of regulation.
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The 2024 U.S. Open marks the 25th anniversary of the “Duel at Pinehurst,” a tournament that will forever be remembered for Payne Stewart’s heroics and the beeper tucked away inside Phil Mickelson’s golf bag.
The memorable week also helped put a little-known putter manufacturer on the map.
During the final round, Stewart needed just 24 putts with an original SeeMore Bronze FGP putter to make his way around Pinehurst No. 2, including one-putts on the last three holes. The incredible putting display culminated with a 15-footer on the 18th hole — the longest putt ever recorded to win a U.S. Open on the final hole in regulation — that sent Stewart (and the crowd) into a frenzy.
Back in Tennessee, SeeMore officials waited to see if the moment would trigger a sales avalanche. Even in the days before social media promotion, Seemore’s success spread like wildfire. In the coming weeks, more than 50,000 orders were placed for a SeeMore putter. Stewart’s victory had brought legitimacy to the brand and its patented RifleScopeTechnology alignment system.
In the early 2000s, SeeMore planned to make a limited run of commemorative Bronze FGP putters as a tribute to Stewart following his tragic death on October 25, 1999. Fewer than 1,000 putters were produced, but the company chose to sell only a limited number to the general public.
Some of the remaining inventory was donated to charities over the last 25 years, but the final 300 ended up locked away in SeeMore’s vault — until recently.
Instead of continuing to hold the putters, SeeMore decided to release the final 300 to commemorate Stewart’s incredible week at Pinehurst. As SeeMore representatives confirmed, this isn’t a remake of the original limited-edition offering.
“These putters have a vintage look to them, as they are 25 years old, but in this case the aging has only made them more beautiful,” a press release noted. “They may, of course, be used in play, or they may be saved as a keepsake.”
It’s a gentle reminder that you shouldn’t expect a pristine putter if happen to scoop one up on SeeMore’s website.
Each engraved putter ($400) is built at 35 inches with a black tour classic grip matching Stewart’s exact gamer. A classic black SeeMore headcover and engraved black and bronze scorecard round out the offering. A portion of the proceeds from each putter will go to the Payne Stewart Family Foundation.
For the sneakerheads out there, consider this release the putter equivalent of “deadstock.” It’s a special gear release to celebrate one of the most memorable moments in U.S. Open history.
Want to overhaul your bag for 2024? Find a fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.
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