Putt, putt, putt, putt ... grab

It really is one of the more bizarre things you'd ever want to put in your golf bag, and if I hadn't tried it out at the Southern California Fall Golf Show in Pasadena over the weekend, I'd dismiss it as another gimmick that'll have a short shelf life.
But I've been messing around with this new putter called A Tipping Point that I was sold on after talking to the creator, patent holder and builder, Carlos Barbosa, who's certified by Golf Smith as a Master Club Builder.
The face is pretty small -- 3 inches -- but how much do you need to putt a ball? There's no loft on it, and the sweet spot actually is spread out through the entire face, sanded and milled to grab the ball better for more spin and very little bounce.
Oh, and I almost forgot, the coolest thing: The bell-shaped head face is smaller than the width of a cup. So after you make the putt, you stick the club into the hole and the hollowed-out bottom picks the ball up.
Lazy? Tell that to your knees and back.
I'll test drive it for the first time at the TPC in Valencia on Tuesday morning. But consider this just a simple testimonal. Go to the website and read not just about the club, but of Barbosa and his story about coming over from Mexico as a teenager and knowing nothing about golf, but eventually getting into this business out of his machine shop in Baldwin Park.
The putters retail for $129 and can sometimes be found in pro shops, but more likely, it's easier to order on line. But if you find out, try it out. The brass and stainless steel have slightly different feels -- the former is softer, the later gives a firmer roll.
Here's Sunday's Daily News story on the golf show and my meeting with Barbosa.