Choosing the Right Putter for Your Game
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Quick Answer
- Match your stroke type (straight-back-straight-through or arcing) to the right putter style (blade or mallet).
- Ensure the putter’s length and lie angle are dialed in for a comfortable, consistent setup.
- Test, test, test. Feel is king when it comes to sinking those crucial putts.
Who This is For
- Any golfer, from weekend warrior to serious competitor, who wants to shave strokes off their score by improving their putting.
- You if your current putter feels like a stranger, or you’re just not seeing the results you want on the green.
What to Check First When Choosing a Putter
- Your Putting Stroke: This is the big one. Take a look at how you putt. Is it a straight-back-straight-through motion, or does your putter swing on a distinct arc? This is the foundation for choosing your head style.
- Grip Feel and Size: How does the grip feel in your hands? Too thick and you might lose feel; too thin and you might get handsy. Comfort and control are paramount here.
- Putter Length: Stand over the ball like you mean it. Your shoulders should be relaxed, arms hanging naturally. If you’re hunching or reaching, the length is probably off. I learned this lesson the hard way on a windy day years ago, and it cost me strokes.
- Lie Angle: When you set the putter behind the ball, does the sole sit completely flat on the ground? If the toe or heel is up in the air, the lie angle isn’t right for your stance.
- Alignment Aids: Look at the top of the putter. Does it have lines, dots, or a combination? Some players find these incredibly helpful for aiming, others prefer a clean look. See what works for your eye.
Step-by-Step Plan: How to Choose the Right Putter
1. Analyze Your Stroke: Grab a mirror or have a buddy film you from behind. Observe your putting motion. If it’s primarily straight back and straight through, face-balanced putters might be your best bet. If you have a noticeable arc, toe-hang putters often complement that motion. Mistake to avoid: Simply guessing your stroke type; get visual confirmation.
2. Measure for Proper Length: Stand in your typical putting posture. Have someone measure the distance from your hands to the ground. While 32-35 inches is common, your personal comfort and natural stance are the ultimate guides. Mistake to avoid: Using a putter that’s too long or too short, forcing you into an unnatural, inconsistent stance.
3. Consider Putter Head Style: Mallet putters, with their larger profiles, generally offer more forgiveness and a larger sweet spot, which is a godsend for those with an arcing stroke or who are just starting out. Blade putters, on the other hand, are more traditional, offering superior feel and feedback, often favored by players with a straighter stroke. Mistake to avoid: Letting aesthetics dictate your choice; a pretty putter is useless if it doesn’t perform for you.
4. Verify the Lie Angle: Place the putter behind the ball as you would during a stroke. The sole should sit flush with the ground. If the toe is lifted or digging in, the lie angle is incorrect for your setup. Mistake to avoid: Overlooking the lie angle, as it can lead to inconsistent contact and affect both distance and direction.
5. Experiment with Grips: Try out different grip sizes and materials. Some golfers prefer thicker grips to minimize wrist action and promote a pendulum-like stroke, while others like thinner grips for a more sensitive feel. Mistake to avoid: Sticking with a grip that feels awkward or doesn’t provide the secure, controlled feel you need.
6. Test Drive Multiple Putters: Don’t settle for the first one you pick up. Roll several putts with a variety of models. Pay close attention to the feel of the impact, the sound it makes, and how the ball rolls off the face. This is where you’ll discover your true gamer. Mistake to avoid: Not dedicating enough time to testing, potentially missing out on a putter that feels significantly better and performs more consistently.
7. Evaluate Alignment Features: Many putters come with built-in alignment aids like lines or dots. See which ones help you aim more confidently and consistently. What works for one person might not work for another. Mistake to avoid: Dismissing alignment features outright; they can be surprisingly beneficial for improving your accuracy on the greens.
8. Seek Expert Advice (Optional but Recommended): If you’re still unsure, consider a putter fitting. A professional can analyze your stroke and recommend specific models and specifications that will best suit your game. Mistake to avoid: Forgoing professional advice if you’re struggling to make a decision; it can save you time and frustration.
How to Choose the Right Putter: Deeper Dive
Selecting the Right Putter for Your Game involves more than just picking a club that looks good in the shop. It’s about finding an extension of your own body that helps you roll the ball true. We’ve touched on the basics, but let’s dig a bit deeper into why these elements matter so much.
Understanding Putter Head Styles
The two main categories are blades and mallets. Blades are typically heel-toe weighted, meaning the weight is distributed towards the heel and toe of the clubface. This design offers a more traditional look and feel, providing excellent feedback on off-center hits. They are often preferred by players who have a more sensitive touch and a consistent, repeatable stroke.
Mallet putters, on the other hand, are larger and more visually prominent, often featuring cavities or perimeter weighting. This design generally results in a more face-balanced putter, which is ideal for golfers whose strokes have a more pronounced arc. The larger footprint of a mallet can also inspire more confidence over the ball and provide greater forgiveness on mishits, meaning those off-center strikes won’t deviate as wildly from your intended line.
The Crucial Role of Length and Lie Angle
Think of putter length like a golf club that’s tailored to your height and posture. If a putter is too long, you’ll likely stand too far away from the ball, forcing you to hunch over. This can lead to tension in your shoulders and arms, making a smooth, consistent stroke difficult. Conversely, a putter that’s too short will make you stand too close, again leading to an awkward posture and potentially a scooping motion. The goal is to stand naturally, with your eyes over the ball, and your arms hanging relaxed from your shoulders.
Lie angle is just as critical. It’s the angle formed between the shaft and the ground when the putter is resting flat behind the ball. If the lie angle is too upright for your stance, the toe of the putter will be off the ground. This can cause the putterface to open slightly at impact, sending the ball to the right. If it’s too flat, the heel will be off the ground, potentially causing the putterface to close, sending the ball left. A flat lie angle ensures the putter sole is perfectly parallel to the turf, promoting a square face at impact and consistent roll.
The Importance of Feel and Alignment
Ultimately, a putter has to feel right in your hands. This includes the grip itself – its thickness, texture, and material – and how the weight of the clubhead feels during your stroke. Some golfers prefer a heavier head for stability, while others like a lighter feel. Experimenting with different head weights and designs is key.
Alignment aids are there to help you aim. Some players benefit greatly from a single line, while others prefer multiple lines or a specific shape. The key is to find an alignment system that helps you set up to the ball with confidence and repeat that alignment stroke after stroke. If a putter’s alignment features feel distracting or confusing, it’s probably not the one for you.
Common Mistakes When Choosing a Putter
- Buying based on looks alone — Why it matters: A putter that’s aesthetically pleasing won’t magically improve your putting if it doesn’t fit your stroke mechanics and physical build. — Fix: Prioritize how the putter feels and performs during your practice strokes and actual putts over its appearance.
- Using the wrong length putter — Why it matters: An ill-fitting length forces you into a poor posture, creating tension and inconsistency in your stroke, leading to more three-putts. — Fix: Get measured or test different lengths until you can stand comfortably over the ball with your arms hanging naturally.
- Ignoring lie angle — Why it matters: An incorrect lie angle can cause the putter to strike the ball off-center, leading to inconsistent distance control and direction errors. You might hit it thin or fat. — Fix: Ensure the sole of the putter sits completely flat on the ground when you address the ball.
- Not testing enough options — Why it matters: You might settle for a putter that’s just “okay” when there’s another model out there that feels significantly better and consistently performs at a higher level for your game. — Fix: Dedicate ample time on the putting green to roll putts with a variety of putters, paying attention to feel and performance.
- Assuming mallet or blade is always better for a certain stroke — Why it matters: While general guidelines exist, individual preferences and subtle stroke variations mean there’s no one-size-fits-all rule. Your unique feel and consistency are what matter most. — Fix: Understand your stroke and then test both styles to see which head design truly complements your natural motion and inspires confidence.
- Overlooking grip comfort and size — Why it matters: An uncomfortable or improperly sized grip can lead to tension, loss of feel, and an inconsistent release of the putter head through impact. — Fix: Try different grip thicknesses and textures to find what feels most secure and allows for a relaxed, controlled stroke.
FAQ
- What is the difference between a blade putter and a mallet putter?
Blade putters are typically heel-toe weighted with a classic, slender shape, offering direct feedback. Mallet putters are larger, often with perimeter weighting or a cavity, providing more forgiveness and a more stable feel, often ideal for arcing strokes.
- How do I know if my putter is the correct length?
When you stand at your normal address position, your arms should hang naturally from your shoulders without you needing to hunch or reach. The top of the grip should typically be somewhere around your hand height.
- What is lie angle and why is it important for a putter?
Lie angle is the angle between the shaft and the ground when the putter is in its normal playing position. If it’s incorrect, the putter won’t sit flush, potentially causing you to hit the ball off-center, affecting direction and distance control.
- Can I use a putter that’s not the right length?
While technically you can, it’s highly discouraged. An incorrect length will force you into an awkward stance and stroke, leading to a lack of consistency and making it much harder to sink putts. It’s worth getting it right.
- How often should I consider changing my putter?
There’s no set schedule. If you’re consistently struggling on the greens, your current putter feels uncomfortable, or you’ve noticed a significant change in your putting stroke, it might be time to explore new options. A putter that fits you well can be a game-changer.
- What is the best way to test putters in a store?
Don’t just tap a few balls. Take at least 10-15 putts with each putter you’re considering, ideally on a putting surface similar to what you play on. Focus on the feel, the sound, and how the ball rolls off the face. See how it feels during your normal stroke.
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