It would be wrong, when talking about second-hand TaylorMade putters, to start anywhere else other than with the Spider Tour. It's incredible to think that when released in the hands of Jason Day, it was going to be a 'Limited' line. Even the most optimistic members of the TaylorMade R&D team couldn't have foreseen what was to come from the Spider Tour putters.
This version was not the first Spider putter from the minds at TaylorMade. First launched in 2008 it was a sold as a high stability mallet for the golfer looking for maximum forgiveness on the greens. Early iterations were as an option as part of a putter family before evolving into a range of its own with multiple possibilities when the Spider Tour hit the retail environment.
One of the most popular variations was the 'slant' neck. This hosel design allowed for more toe-flow through the putter stroke, something that was missing from the maximum forgiveness, straight back and straight through models that preceded it; and maybe the reason Tour adoption was minimal? This added element of touch and feel struck a chord with Tour players, and soon models were seen on practice greens and in the bags of the world's best players.
With all the technology and performance claims it was Tour adoption that was going to be the make or break for the Spider Tour putter. It'll come as no surprise that TaylorMade Staffers put the putter into play - but it was the demand from uncontracted players (who were not paid to use it) that made the statement of which TaylorMade was dreaming. After only a few short weeks the Spider Tour putter was the #1 putter model in play on the PGA Tour.
Keen to carry on the momentum, in 2019, TaylorMade launched the Spider X putter. A smaller, more compact design (as a result of Tour feedback) that retains the MOI figures features a new high contrast alignment aid and the popular slant hosel. One early adopter of the new model was Rory McIlroy who picked up The Players Championship in March and the RBC Canadian Open on the PGA Tour. Dustin Johnson has also changed over from the all black Spide Tour to the new Spider X (Copper/White) while some others are reluctant to change something that's not broken.
We would forgive you if you think this was the only putter TaylorMade made - however, this is not the case. Alongside the Spider family, they have their Tour Preferred Collection of more traditional head designs and finishes. One of the mid-mallets in the range (Ardmore 2) was favoured by Justin Rose when he won the FedEx Cup and climbed to the top of the world rankings.
However, there was always going to be one player TaylorMade would love to get into one of their putters - Tiger Woods. There was a short period in 2018 when Tiger played with an Ardmore 3, but his trusty Scotty Cameron soon replaced it. The right decision in the end as he went on to win the Tour Championship later that season and then The Masters in 2019.
Before the explosion that was the Spider Tour, TaylorMade still made some very good putters under the guidance of KiaMa with some of the technology and head shapes present in the current line up. So if you're looking for a premium putter on a budget then look out for the Rossa KiaMa range. Other options outside of their current product offering include the Ghost family. If you need some help with alignment, its high contrast white paint job will stand out against the grass. Finally, if you need some stability on a budget, then check out the OS range. These oversized (OS) putters are just that; they're huge to make sure your stroke is as stable as possible. Don't be embarrassed either as there is a PGA Tour Pro gaming a Spider OS for MAXIMUM FORGIVENESS!
