Aussie IBF Tour Series

The Aussie IBF Tour Series arrived in 2008 as, per putterzone.com's reporting, a newcomer for that year and a new incarnation of the original GR6 Aussie model. The publication describes it as 100-percent CNC milled from 303 stainless steel, finished in a non-glare satin black, with a head weight of 345 grams, 1.5 degrees of loft, and 70 degrees of lie. Putterzone also reports the design was inspired by Ian Baker-Finch, and carries the five-star Southern Cross constellation across sole, grip, and head cover, a detail that ties the putter's styling directly to that lineage.

On alignment and face, putterzone.com reports a LieAline system, a notch in the crown meant to visually connect with a white sightline, along with Rife's signature RollGroove face, said to impart quicker, truer roll. The publication also notes the plumber-neck flange style neck, and points out that this model does not feature the self-serve lie adjustment technology found on Rife's 2 Bar putters, a distinction worth noting against the rest of the maker's line. Putterzone.com lists an MSRP of 189 USD.

Reaction to the putter itself splits along a familiar line. Community opinion praises the design as cool and stylish, with a firm, authoritative roll and a rewarding feel when the strike is centered, but the same voices flag a small sweet spot that punishes mishits, and note the black finish can scratch from grit or sand. Putterzone.com's own take is more simply enthusiastic, calling it another home run for Rife. Where the enthusiasm and the caution about forgiveness meet is left for the golfer to sort out with the putter in hand.