Select the Best Putter for YOU!
Factors in choosing a golf putter include your putting stroke, head shape, toe hang versus face balancing, putter length, face type, grip style, and overall weight and feel. The right combination of these elements should inspire confidence and complement your natural putting motion
- Blade: The classic, narrow putter head offers maximum feel and feedback. It is less forgiving on mishits and is generally preferred by experienced players with an arcing stroke.
- Mallet: Larger and often geometrically shaped, mallet putters distribute weight to the perimeter for a higher Moment of Inertia (MOI). This provides maximum forgiveness on off-center hits and excellent stability, making it ideal for beginners or those with a straight stroke.
- Mid-mallet: A blend of blade and mallet, this design provides a good balance of forgiveness, stability, and feel.
1. Stroke path and balance
2. Head shape
Matching the putter's balance to your stroke is one of the most critical factors. You can perform a simple test by balancing the putter shaft horizontally on your finger.
- Toe hang: If the toe points toward the ground, the putter has toe hang. This is best for golfers with an arcing stroke path, as it allows the face to naturally open and close through the motion. Blade and some slant-neck or plumber's-neck putters typically have this feature.
- Face balanced: If the face points straight up to the sky, it is face balanced. This design resists twisting and is ideal for players with a straight-back-and-through stroke. Most mallet and center-shafted putters are face balance
- Shaft material: Graphite shafts are typically lighter and can generate faster swing speeds, beneficial for slower swings or seniors. Steel shafts are more durable and offer more feel and control, according to usedgolfclubs.co.uk.
- Adjustability: Some clubs within a full set may have adjustable features, like loft or weight distribution, allowing for minor customization.
- Brand and aesthetics: While not directly affecting performance, personal preference for a specific brand or club appearance can influence your decision.
- Golf bag: Most full sets include a golf bag, but consider whether you prefer a stand bag for walking or a cart bag for riding. Check the bag's condition, including zippers, straps, and pockets, especially if buying a used set.
- Length: The right length allows you to stand in a comfortable and consistent posture with your eyes directly over or slightly inside the ball. Putter lengths typically range from 33 to 35 inches, but your height, arm length, and stance will determine your ideal fit. A putter that is too long or too short can force an improper posture, causing inconsistent strikes.
- Lie angle: This is the angle between the shaft and the ground. If the lie is too upright or too flat, the putter head will not sit flush on the ground, causing putts to start off-line. A proper lie angle ensures the sole is flat to the ground through the stroke
3. Putter length and lie angle
Wilson Infinite Bucktown Golf Putter:
This fang-style mallet features a double-milled face for consistent roll and has excellent alignment aids. It is noted for offering top quality at a budget-friendly price.
Top Recommended Clubs:
4. Weight and feel
Budget putter:
Mallet putter:
Blade putter:
TaylorMade Spider Tour X Double Bend Golf Putter:
Used by PGA Tour pros like Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler, the Spider Tour X is known for its stability and high MOI.
Features: True Path Alignment system, TPU Pure Roll insert for consistent roll, and an L-Neck option with 21° of toe hang.
Odyssey Ai-ONE Milled Silver Two T Golf Putter:
Combining a traditional blade shape with AI technology, this model offers a great blend of classic looks and modern performance.
Features: Ai-ONE milled insert, stable and easy-to-align head, and a traditional, premium aesthetic.
