Defining the Golf Putter
← Golf Equipment | Golf Clubs
BLOCKQUOTE_0
Quick Answer
- A putter is the specialized club you use on the green to roll the ball into the hole. It’s all about finesse.
- Think flat face, short shaft. Built for precision, not blasting it.
- You’ve got blade putters and mallet putters. They look and feel different. Gotta find your jam.
You’ve got blade putters and mallet putters. They look and feel different, and finding the right one, like this popular mallet putter, is key to your game.
- HIGH MOI DESIGN - For added forgiveness
- PLUMBER’S NECK HOSEL - Offset hosel to ensure hands ahead of the putter
- SOFT TPU FACE INSERT - For added feel at impact
- CONTRASTING BI-COLOR SIGHTLINE - For improved alignment
- FREE HEADCOVER - Included with putter
Who This Putter Guide Is For
- Newbies trying to sort out their gear. This is the club you’ll swing the most, so get it right.
- Golfers looking to dial in their game. Understanding putter types can shave strokes off your score.
What to Check First for Your Putter
- Grip: Does it feel comfortable in your hands? You want good traction, no slipping.
- Length: Stand over the ball. Are you hunched or too upright? The shaft needs to match your height and stance.
- Lie Angle: When you set up, does the sole sit flat on the ground? If it’s rocking, it’s not right. This impacts the roll.
- Balance: How does it feel when you waggle it? Toe-hang, face-balanced – it matters for your stroke.
- Alignment: Do the markings on the putter help you aim? Some folks need a clear line, others prefer a clean look.
A comfortable grip is crucial for good putting. If yours feels worn or doesn’t offer enough traction, consider upgrading to a new golf club grip for better control.
- High-Performance Rubber Material: The rubber material we use excels in both shock absorption and anti-slip characteristics, which ensures stability in every swing
- Low Taper Design: Low taper design used on the lower part of the grip allows less tension on your hands to guide the club better, which reduces grip pressure for better control. The swing is smoother and more powerful
- All-Weather Control: The soft micro-texture of the golf club grips enhances grip and combines with the outstanding non-slip nature of the High-Performance Rubber Material, allowing you to enjoy the fun of golf anytime, anywhere
- Multiple Choices: Three sizes: standard/mid/jumbo. four colors: Red, White, Blue, Green. Two bundles: Base set; Deluxe set(includes full regripping kit)
- Caring Service: If you have any problems when purchasing Full Choice products, please reach out to us in time
Step-by-Step Putter Selection Process
The step-by-step selection process can seem daunting, but it’s essential for finding the perfect golf putter for your game.
- FUN FOR EVERYBODY: The Original PutterBall foldable golf game set brings endless fun! It is easy to learn and exciting for friends and skill levels. Whether indoors or outdoors, it’s a fun game for friends, competition, and laughs
- BRING IT ANYWHERE: This putting game is a lightweight and portable golf set, perfect for indoor putting games, fun for backyard games, office breaks, beach trips, and more. Ideal for outdoor games for adults and fun yard game nights!
- SETS UP IN MINUTES: Just unfold the putting green mat and start playing instantly! A perfect addition to games for backyard fun, this golf set is great for battle golf, indoor putting practice, parties, and more.
- BUILT TO LAST: Crafted from premium high density foam, this golf set is designed for lasting durability and lightweight portability. Ideal for indoor fun games, outdoor yard games, golf themed parties, and with friends!
- SATISFACTION GUARANTEED: Not happy with your PutterBall golf game? Contact us anytime. We’re confident you’ll enjoy every game you play with PutterBall!
Finding Your Stroke and What Putter Means for You
- Determine Your Putting Stance: Action: Stand naturally as if you’re about to putt. What to look for: Are you too hunched over, or standing too tall? Your natural posture is a big clue. Mistake to avoid: Trying to force a stance that feels awkward.
- Measure for Putter Length: Action: Hold the putter in your hands, letting your arms hang down. What to look for: The grip should end about two to three finger-widths from your lead wrist. Mistake to avoid: Using a putter that’s way too long or too short; it messes with your setup and stroke.
- Test Different Head Styles: Action: Grab a blade putter, then a mallet putter. What to look for: How does each one look to your eye over the ball? How does it feel during a practice stroke? Does one just feel more confident? Mistake to avoid: Picking based purely on looks.
- Feel the Balance: Action: Gently swing the putter back and forth, keeping your wrists loose. What to look for: Does it feel stable? Does it naturally want to return to a certain position? This is about how the putter’s weight is distributed and how it works with your swing. Mistake to avoid: Not paying attention to how the weight feels in your hands.
- Consider Alignment Aids: Action: Look at the top line, sight dots, or lines on the putter. What to look for: Do these visual cues help you line up your putt more confidently? Mistake to avoid: Thinking fancy alignment features are a magic fix for bad aim.
- Experiment with Grips: Action: Try different grip thicknesses and shapes. What to look for: Does the grip feel secure? Does it help you keep your hands steady without tension? Mistake to avoid: Sticking with a grip that feels uncomfortable or promotes tension.
- Practice Your Stroke: Action: Take a few practice strokes with different putters on the practice green. What to look for: How does the ball roll off the face? Do you feel a connection to the speed? Mistake to avoid: Rushing this step; feel is everything on the greens.
Common Mistakes in Putter Selection
- Choosing based on brand name alone — Why it matters: A big brand name doesn’t guarantee it’s the right club for your unique stroke. It’s like buying a fancy lure without knowing how to fish. — Fix: Focus on how the putter feels and performs for your game, not the logo.
- Ignoring putter length — Why it matters: The wrong length throws off your posture, leading to inconsistent contact and wonky strokes. It’s a fundamental fit issue. — Fix: Get measured or test different lengths to find what fits your height and stance.
- Overlooking head style (blade vs. mallet) — Why it matters: Blade putters are classic and offer direct feedback, while mallet putters are often more forgiving and have better alignment aids. They suit different strokes and aiming preferences. — Fix: Try both blade putters and mallet putters to see which one you feel more comfortable and confident with.
- Not testing enough — Why it matters: You wouldn’t buy hiking boots without trying them on, right? The feel is everything with a putter. — Fix: Spend time on the practice green with several different putters before making a decision.
- Buying based on looks alone — Why it matters: A putter might be gorgeous, but if it doesn’t help you aim or control speed, it’s just eye candy. — Fix: Prioritize performance and feel over aesthetics. You can always get it customized later.
- Focusing only on feel, ignoring alignment — Why it matters: A putter might feel great, but if you can’t consistently aim it where you want, it won’t help your score. — Fix: Ensure the putter offers visual cues that boost your confidence in your aim.
- Not considering your stroke type — Why it matters: Some putters are designed for straight-back-straight-through strokes, others for more arc-based strokes. Using the wrong one can fight your natural motion. — Fix: Understand if you have a more arcing or straight stroke and choose a putter that complements it.
FAQ About Golf Putters
- What is the primary purpose of a putter in golf?
The putter is the club specifically designed for use on the putting green to roll the golf ball smoothly into the hole. It’s all about precision and touch, not power.
- What are the main differences between a blade putter and a mallet putter?
Blade putters are typically smaller, more traditional-looking clubs with heel-toe weighting, offering a classic feel and feedback. Mallet putters are larger, often with a distinctive shape behind the face, and usually feature perimeter weighting for increased forgiveness and better alignment aids.
- How do I know if my putter is the correct length?
When standing over the ball in your natural putting stance, the grip of the putter should generally be about two to three finger-widths away from your lead wrist. You shouldn’t feel like you’re reaching too far or are too cramped.
- Can a putter really make a difference in my game?
Absolutely. A putter that fits your stroke type, height, and eye can significantly improve your confidence, consistency, and ultimately, your score. It’s arguably the most important club in your bag, as you use it on every hole.
- What does “lie angle” mean for a putter?
The lie angle is the angle between the shaft and the ground when the putter is addressed. If it’s too upright or too flat for your stance, the sole of the putter won’t sit flat on the ground. This can affect how the clubhead moves through the stroke and how the ball rolls off the face.
- Is it better to have a putter with a lot of toe-hang or one that’s face-balanced?
This depends on your putting stroke. A putter with toe-hang is generally better for golfers with an arcing stroke, as the toe naturally rotates closed through impact. A face-balanced putter is usually preferred by golfers with a straighter, more pendulum-like stroke.
- How important is the material of the putter face?
Putter face materials (like milled steel, aluminum, or polymer inserts) affect the feel and sound at impact, which influences distance control and player confidence. Softer materials tend to offer a softer feel and more feedback, while harder materials can provide a firmer feel and more consistent roll. It’s largely a matter of personal preference.
Michael Reeves is a PGA Professional with over 20 years of experience in competitive golf and instruction. A former Division I collegiate player at the University of Texas, he competed on the mini-tours before transitioning to full-time coaching and golf journalism. He has been a certified PGA teaching professional since 2005 and has worked with players at every level, from absolute beginners to collegiate champions.
His writing has appeared in Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, and The Left Rough. At GolfHubz, Michael leads the editorial team, overseeing fact-checking and ensuring every answer meets the same standard he demands on the lesson tee: clear, evidence-based, and immediately useful.
When he’s not writing or teaching, Michael plays to a +1.4 handicap at his home club in Austin, Texas. He has attended over 40 major championships as a journalist and fan, and has played more than 200 courses across 15 countries.
You can reach Michael at [email protected] or follow his occasional swing analysis posts on the site.