IJP
Design Azalea Jacket Putter Cover Review
A Putter Cover Unlike Any Other
By
Pete Pappas
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.
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
