Saturday, March 29, 2014

IJP Design Azalea Jacket Putter Cover Review
A Putter Cover Unlike Any Other 

By Pete Pappas 
On twitter @PGAPappas 

10 Second Summary 
Best looking Masters Azaleas putter cover I’ve come across.  Vibrant, authentic Augusta colors.  Raised, detailed stitching and embroidery.  Thick, plush materials. Stylish.  Worthy of a Major.


The Company Line 
The first in the 2014 series of four limited edition putter covers, specially designed to mark one of golf’s most legendary places, Augusta.  The cover embodies the natural splendor of Augusta, which comes alive in the spring with hundreds of different Azaleas. 

Just 500 limited edition covers will be produced, including blade and mallet styles. The limited edition cover will include an IJP Design ball marker, and protective, lined tote bag. 



Looks
Limited edition Masters putter covers are my vice.  I’ve been collecting them for about a decade.  A Scotty Cameron “Road to Augusta” in 2004 was my first, to celebrate Phil Mickelson’s first green jacket.  And in 2010, another Scotty, “Hot Head Harry,” because “Phil being Phil,” off the pine straw, behind the tree, was one of the most astonishing shots in Masters history. 

But I’d never come across a Masters Tournament putter cover that captured the magnificence of Augusta’s hallmark Azaleas until I saw the IJP Design “Azalea Jacket.” 



It immediately reminded me of Hogan’s Bridge, Amen Corner, and the legion of mesmerizing Azaleas that enshroud the 12th and 13th greens like jam-packed, frenzied spectators. 

Authentic blends of red, pink, and white are raise stitched and embroidered to masterfully reproduce Augusta’s most recognizable icon.  Outside of actually seeing them at Augusta National, Azaleas have never looked so good. 



 

    

The background and tote bag are done in green, paying homage of course to the Green Jacket awarded to Masters champions.  And here too, the particular shade of green faithfully reflects the Green Jacket’s unique coloration. 


In addition, IJP Design gives the green a distressed appearance to resemble Azalea’s stippled leaves.  Yet another example of the “Azalea Jacket’s” attention to detail, and meticulous design. 

Quality 
Quality is never an accident.  It’s always the result of intelligent and purposeful effort.  And it’s clear after inspecting the “Azalea Jacket,” that IJP Design wanted a putter cover with construction to match its character. 

Stitching is flawless.  Thread gauge is thick enough to prevent ripping, but thin enough to permit elaborate detail.  Raised embroidery is tightly wound so there’s little risk of snagging.  And the side contoured piping serves both aesthetic and practical purposes. 


 


You can feel noticeable texture and grain, making it feel more like leather than the slick and smooth feel of vinyl.  A generous inner padding actually makes it thicker than some driver covers on the market.  And the closure doubles as a magnetic ball marker, with different IJP logos on both sides. 

 


The result is a material that’s tough and durable, without sacrificing its delicate appearance. 

And the black inside?  Seriously, it’s alpaca soft.  I suppose it matters little how soft the inside of a putter cover is.  But I was very impressed with the luxurious feel, both inside the cover and tote bag.  It’ll make your putter purr. 


Conclusion 
There’s so much to love about the Masters Tournament.  Bobby Jones, Jack’s final major championship, the compelling history. 

And of course, Green Jackets and Azaleas.  The “Azalea Jacket” commemorates this heritage elegantly and fashionably.  And is truly a must see for all fans of Augusta National and the Masters. 

You can find the “Augusta Jacket” on the IJP Design website, and follow IJP Design on twitter @IJPDesign for the most up to date IJP news and information. 

©PGAPappas 
On twitter @PGAPappas and BlogSpot PGAPappas.Blogspot