Guide to Buying the Right Putter for Your Game
← Golf Equipment | Golf Clubs
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Quick Answer
- Your putting stroke’s natural arc and your alignment preferences are the main drivers.
- Blade putters generally work best for a straight-back-straight-through stroke, while mallets are more forgiving and suit an arcing stroke.
- Finding the right length and weight is crucial for balance and control on the greens.
For a versatile option that suits many players, consider a quality golf putter that balances feel and forgiveness.
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Who This Is For
- Golfers who are tired of leaving putts short or blowing them by the hole, and want to boost their confidence on the green.
- Players looking to upgrade from a starter putter or an old club that just isn’t cutting it anymore, seeking equipment that truly fits their game.
What Putter Should I Buy? Check This First
- Your Natural Stroke: This is the big one. Do you swing the putter mostly straight back and straight through, or does it naturally move in a bit of an arc? You can usually tell by watching yourself or having someone film you.
- Alignment Aids: Take a look at the top of the putter. Do you prefer a simple, clean look? A single line? Or maybe multiple lines to help you line up your putt? What works for one person can be a distraction for another.
- Putter Length: This is critical for posture. You want to be able to stand comfortably with your eyes directly over the ball and your arms hanging relaxed. A putter that’s too long or too short will mess with your setup every time.
- Weight and Balance: How does the putter feel in your hands? Does it feel balanced? Too light? Too heavy? This “feel” is subjective but incredibly important for a consistent stroke.
- Face Balance vs. Toe Hang: This ties into your stroke. Face-balanced putters are great for straight strokes, while those with toe hang are designed to help an arcing stroke rotate through impact.
Step-by-Step Plan for Buying a Putter
- Action: Analyze your putting stroke. What to look for: A natural tendency towards a straight-back-straight-through motion or a more arcing swing. Mistake: Assuming your stroke type without objective assessment. I spent years thinking I had a straight stroke when it was actually a bit of an arc. Not realizing this meant I was fighting my putter half the time.
- Action: Identify alignment preferences. What to look for: Whether you benefit from a single dot, line, or multiple lines on the putter face/top. Mistake: Choosing a putter with an alignment aid that feels distracting. Sometimes, all those lines just make my eyes cross and I can’t focus on the ball.
- Action: Measure for putter length. What to look for: A length that allows your eyes to be directly over the ball with a comfortable arm hang. Mistake: Buying a putter that is too long or too short, leading to poor posture. A putter that’s too long forces you to stand up, and one that’s too short makes you hunch over. Neither is good for a repeatable stroke.
- Action: Test different head styles. What to look for: Blade putters generally suit straighter strokes, while mallets offer more forgiveness and suit arcing strokes. Mistake: Sticking with a style that doesn’t match your natural swing. I used to love the look of blades, but a forgiving mallet actually made more putts go in.
- Action: Consider weight and balance. What to look for: A putter that feels stable through the stroke, not too light or too heavy. Mistake: Overlooking the importance of weight distribution. Some putters feel “dead” in your hands, while others feel like they have a mind of their own. You want something that feels like an extension of your arms.
- Action: Evaluate the face construction. What to look for: Whether you prefer the softer feel of an insert (like polymer or rubber) or the firmer feedback of a milled metal face. Mistake: Not considering how the face feels and sounds at impact. This feedback is crucial for controlling distance.
- Action: Try it on the green. What to look for: How the ball rolls off the face and how it feels on different putts, from short tap-ins to longer lag putts. Mistake: Buying without hitting a single putt. Seriously, this is the biggest mistake. You wouldn’t buy hiking boots without walking a mile in them, right?
- Action: Get a professional fitting if possible. What to look for: A fitter can objectively assess your stroke, recommend specific models, and adjust lie angle and loft for a perfect match. Mistake: Assuming you know exactly what you need without expert advice. A good fitting session can save you a lot of money and frustration in the long run. It’s like getting custom-tailored gear for your game.
Common Mistakes When Buying a Putter
- Mistake: Buying based on looks alone — Why it matters: You might fall in love with a putter’s shiny finish or cool design, but if it doesn’t suit your stroke or feel right, you’ll be leaving more strokes on the green than you’re saving. It’s like wearing a cool-looking pair of work boots that are incredibly uncomfortable. — Fix: Prioritize feel and performance over aesthetics; test extensively on the practice green. What looks good on the rack might feel terrible in your hands.
- Mistake: Not getting fitted — Why it matters: Incorrect length, lie angle, or weight can significantly hinder your putting consistency. A putter that’s too upright or too flat will cause you to miss putts consistently, often in the same direction. — Fix: Invest in a professional putter fitting session. It’s not just for tour pros; it’s for anyone serious about improving their game. They can dial in the specs to match your unique swing.
- Mistake: Ignoring your putting stroke type — Why it matters: Using a putter designed for the wrong stroke (e.g., a mallet for a straight stroke, or a face-balanced putter for a strong arc) will create resistance and make it harder to achieve a smooth, repeatable motion. It’s like trying to row a boat with oars designed for a kayak. — Fix: Honestly assess your stroke’s natural arc. Tools like putting arc trainers or even just observing your swing can help.
- Mistake: Buying the cheapest option — Why it matters: While you don’t need to break the bank, super cheap putters often use lower-quality materials, lack proper weighting, and have a less refined feel. This can lead to inconsistent performance and a lack of confidence. — Fix: Look for good value from reputable brands. Consider slightly older models or putters from well-known manufacturers that might be on sale. A mid-range putter will likely offer much better performance and feel.
- Mistake: Not testing enough putters — Why it matters: You won’t know what feels best until you’ve tried a variety of styles, weights, and lengths. What works for your buddy might not work for you. — Fix: Spend time at a golf shop or driving range with a good selection. Hit at least 10-15 putts with each putter you’re considering. Don’t rush the process.
- Mistake: Focusing too much on brand names — Why it matters: Some brands command premium prices based on reputation, but a less famous brand might offer a superior putter for your specific needs at a better price point. — Fix: Be open to trying putters from various brands. Read reviews, but trust your own feel and performance on the green above all else.
- Mistake: Believing a new putter is a magic bullet — Why it matters: A new putter can definitely help, but it won’t instantly fix all your putting woes. Your fundamentals, practice routine, and mental game are still the most important factors. — Fix: Commit to practicing with your new putter. Work on your short game, develop a consistent pre-putt routine, and manage your expectations. The putter is a tool, but you’re the one swinging it.
FAQ About Buying a Putter
- How do I know if I have a straight or arcing putting stroke?
The easiest way is to watch yourself in slow motion or use a mirror. If your putter head moves almost directly back and forth in a line parallel to your target line, you have a straight-back-straight-through stroke. If the putter head moves in a noticeable arc, with the toe swinging outwards on the backswing and inwards through impact, you have an arcing stroke. Many golfers have a slight arc, which is perfectly normal. You can also use a putting arc trainer or a chalk line on the practice green to visualize your path.
- What is the difference between a blade putter and a mallet putter?
Blade putters are typically smaller, more traditional-looking clubs with a heel-toe weighted design. They offer a more direct feel and are generally preferred by golfers with a straight-back-straight-through putting stroke. Mallet putters are larger, often with a more rounded or angular shape, and are designed with perimeter weighting for increased forgiveness and stability. They tend to be more forgiving on off-center hits and are a great fit for golfers with an arcing stroke. Mallets also often feature more pronounced alignment aids.
- What is the ideal putter length for my height?
There’s no single “ideal” length for everyone. The goal is to achieve a comfortable and athletic posture. Generally, taller golfers (say, over 6 feet) might need a longer putter (35-36 inches), while shorter golfers (under 5’8″) might need a shorter one (31-33 inches). However, the key is that when you stand over the ball, your eyes should be directly above it, and your arms should hang naturally from your shoulders without feeling strained or overly bent. A professional fitting is the best way to determine your perfect length.
- Should I get a putter with a face insert or a milled face?
This comes down to personal preference and feel. Face inserts, often made of polymer, rubber, or multi-material composites, tend to provide a softer feel at impact. This can be beneficial for players who want more feedback on distance control, especially on off-center hits. Milled faces, on the other hand, are machined from a solid block of metal (usually stainless steel or aluminum) and offer a firmer, more crisp feel. Many golfers prefer the direct feedback and sound of a milled face for judging distance. Neither is inherently better; it’s about what feels best to you.
- What does “toe hang” mean on a putter?
“Toe hang” refers to how the putter head naturally settles when you balance it on your finger by holding the shaft. If the toe of the putter hangs down significantly, it has a lot of toe hang. This design is intended for golfers with a pronounced arcing stroke, as the toe hang helps the club head naturally rotate through the impact zone, matching the arc of the swing. A “face-balanced” putter, in contrast, will sit with the face pointing straight up when balanced, and it’s designed for golfers with a straighter putting stroke who want the face to remain square through impact.
- How much should I expect to spend on a good putter?
You can find decent putters for around $100-$150, especially from brands that offer good value. However, premium putters from major brands, especially those with advanced milling techniques or custom options, can range from $200 to $400 or even more. A good rule of thumb is to aim for a putter in the $150-$250 range for a solid, reliable club that offers good performance and feel. Remember that a fitting might add to the cost, but it’s often well worth the investment.
- Can I use a putter designed for a different stroke type and still be effective?
While it’s possible to adapt, it’s much harder. Using a putter that doesn’t match your natural stroke is like trying to play tennis with a squash racket – you can do it, but you’re fighting the equipment. A putter designed for an arcing stroke will feel like it’s fighting you if you have a straight stroke, and vice-versa. You’ll likely find it more difficult to achieve a consistent tempo and face angle through impact, leading to more three-putts and frustration. It’s always best to match the putter to your natural motion for the smoothest and most effective results.
Mallet putters are a great choice for golfers with an arcing stroke, offering increased forgiveness and stability on off-center hits.
- 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
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