How to Choose the Right Putter for Your Game
← Golf Equipment | Golf Clubs
BLOCKQUOTE_0
Quick Answer
- The putter that’s best for you boils down to your stroke type, how you prefer to align your shots, and the overall feel you get from the club.
- Blade putters are known for their traditional feel and direct feedback, while mallet putters generally offer more forgiveness and stability.
- Don’t forget to consider the course conditions you typically play on and, honestly, what just looks good to your eye.
For those seeking more forgiveness and stability, a mallet putter can be an excellent choice. Consider exploring options like the mallet putter to see if it suits 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
- Golfers who are tired of three-putts and are ready to shave strokes off their scorecard by optimizing their most-used club.
- Newer players looking to get a solid understanding of the fundamental differences between putter designs so they don’t just grab the first shiny one they see.
- Seasoned golfers who know their game is solid but believe the right putter could unlock that next level of consistent performance on the greens.
What Putter is Best for Me? Check These First
- Your Stroke Type: This is the big one. Do you have a straight-back-straight-through (SBST) putting stroke, or does your swing naturally follow an arc? Knowing this dictates a lot of your putter choices.
- Aiming Preference: How do you like to line up your putts? Do you prefer the minimalist, traditional look of a blade, or do you benefit from the visual cues and larger profile of a mallet putter?
- Feel and Sound at Impact: This is subjective but crucial. When you hit the ball, how does it feel? Is there a satisfying sound? Does it feel too firm, too soft, or just right? This connection is vital for confidence.
- Course Conditions: Do you usually play on lightning-fast, firm greens, or are you more accustomed to slower, softer surfaces? The type of greens you play on can influence the ideal head weight and overall design of your putter.
- Grip Style and Hand Position: While not directly about the putter head, your grip and how you position your hands can interact with the putter’s balance and weight. Some putters are designed with specific grips or balance points in mind.
Step-by-Step Plan to Choosing Your Putter
1. Assess Your Stroke: Take a good look at your natural putting motion. Without a ball, make a few practice swings and really focus on how the putter head moves relative to your shoulders. What to look for: Is the putter face square to your shoulders throughout the swing, or does it open and close naturally? Mistake: Trying to force a stroke that feels unnatural or awkward just because you saw a tour pro do it. Your stroke is unique.
2. Define Your Aiming Style: Think about how you like to set up to the ball. Do you find a simple line on the top of the putter sufficient for alignment, or do you need more pronounced visual aids, like multiple lines or a larger head, to feel confident you’re aimed correctly? What to look for: How easily and consistently you can align the putter face precisely to your intended target line. Mistake: Falling in love with a putter’s looks without confirming it actually helps you aim better on the course.
3. Understand Putter Types: Familiarize yourself with the main categories. Blade putters are typically smaller, more traditional shapes with heel-toe weighting, offering a lot of feel. Mallet putters are larger, often with more forgiveness due to higher MOI (moment of inertia) and usually feature more prominent alignment aids. What to look for: The fundamental design differences and how they are intended to impact your putting stroke and forgiveness. Mistake: Not understanding the core purpose and intended benefits of each putter type before you start trying them out. It’s like trying to pick a tool without knowing what it’s for.
4. Test the Feel and Balance: Grab a few different putters that catch your eye and head to the practice green. Take some smooth strokes with each. Pay close attention to the overall weight, the grip’s comfort, and how the ball reacts when it leaves the face. What to look for: A putter that feels like a natural extension of your hands and arms, allowing for a fluid motion. Mistake: Making a decision based solely on brand recognition or what your golf buddy is raving about. Personal feel is king here.
5. Consider Head Weight and Balance: Putter heads come in various weights, and they also have different balance points. The two main types are face-balanced (ideal for SBST strokes) and toe-hang (better suited for arcing strokes). This directly ties into your stroke assessment. What to look for: A head weight that feels stable through your stroke and a balance that naturally complements your natural putting arc, or lack thereof. Mistake: Overlooking how head weight and balance can significantly influence your tempo, control, and consistency on the greens.
6. Dial in the Length: This is often overlooked but critically important. The wrong putter length will force you into an awkward posture, leading to inconsistent strokes and missed putts. What to look for: A length that allows you to stand comfortably over the ball with a slight bend in your knees and a relaxed upper body. Your eyes should be over or slightly inside the ball. Mistake: Assuming a “standard” putter length will work perfectly for your body type and stance. Everyone is built differently.
7. Experiment with Grips: The grip on your putter is your only connection to the club. Different shapes, sizes, and textures can drastically change how you feel the putter head and control your hands. Some players prefer larger, non-tapered grips to reduce wrist action, while others like a more traditional feel. What to look for: A grip that feels comfortable in your hands and promotes a stable, repeatable stroke without excessive hand manipulation. Mistake: Sticking with a stock grip if it feels uncomfortable or encourages unwanted movement in your hands. Grips are easily replaceable.
8. Pay Attention to the Face Insert: The material and design of the putter face insert can affect the sound and feel of the ball at impact. Some players prefer a firmer feel for more feedback, while others like a softer insert for a more muted feel. What to look for: How the ball comes off the face – does it feel too hard, too soft, or just right for your preference? Mistake: Not considering the insert material, as it plays a role in the overall feedback you receive from your putts.
When you’re ready to test different putters, having a versatile option on hand is key. A good all-around golf putter can help you assess feel and balance effectively.
- 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!
Common Mistakes in Choosing a Putter
- Incorrect Length — Leads to poor posture, encourages excessive body movement, and results in an inconsistent stroke. — Get professionally measured or test various lengths on the practice green until you find one that allows for a natural setup.
- Ignoring Lie Angle — A putter with the wrong lie angle will cause directional misses. If the toe is up, you’ll tend to pull putts; if the heel is up, you’ll push them. — Ensure the sole of the putter sits flat on the ground at address when the shaft is in your normal putting position.
- Overemphasis on Aesthetics — Choosing a putter solely because it looks cool or is the latest trend often leads to a club that performs poorly for your game. — Prioritize how the putter feels and performs during your stroke over its visual appeal.
- Not Testing Enough Different Styles — You might settle for a putter that’s “okay” when there’s another style or model out there that feels significantly better and performs more consistently for you. — Dedicate ample time to testing several different putters, including both blades and mallets, and different brands.
- Buying Based on Trends or Other Players’ Recommendations — What works for a tour pro or your buddy might not be the right fit for your unique stroke, body type, and preferences. — Focus on what feels and performs best for your individual game, not what’s popular.
- Skipping the Putter Fitting — Many golfers overlook putter fittings, thinking they are only for drivers or irons. This can mean leaving significant strokes on the table. — If you’re serious about improving your putting, a professional putter fitting can be one of the most beneficial investments you make.
- Not Considering the Grip — The grip is your only connection to the putter. An ill-fitting or uncomfortable grip can lead to tension and inconsistency. — Experiment with different grip sizes, shapes, and textures to find one that promotes a relaxed, stable hand position and stroke.
FAQ
- How do I know if I have a straight or arcing putting stroke?
The most straightforward way is to set up as you normally would on the practice green and make a few practice strokes without a ball. Have a friend watch you from behind, or set up a camera to record yourself. If the putter head appears to stay on a relatively straight line back and through, you likely have a straighter stroke. If you notice the putter head moving in a distinct curve, swinging slightly outside the line on the backswing and inside on the downswing, you have an arcing stroke.
- What is the difference between a blade putter and a mallet putter?
Blade putters are generally smaller, more traditional shapes with a heel-toe weighting design that offers a lot of feel and feedback on impact. They are often preferred by players with a more sensitive touch. Mallet putters are larger, often with a more pronounced profile, higher MOI (moment of inertia) for increased forgiveness on off-center hits, and frequently feature more sophisticated alignment aids. They tend to be more stable and easier to align for many players.
- How important is the weight of a putter?
Putter weight is incredibly important for establishing a consistent tempo and controlling your stroke. Heavier putters can help smooth out your stroke, reduce unwanted wrist action, and promote a more pendulum-like motion. Lighter putters might feel more responsive but can sometimes lead to a less stable stroke if not managed well. Many modern putters also feature adjustable weights, allowing for fine-tuning. The goal is to find a weight that allows you to maintain a consistent, repeatable rhythm on every putt.
- Can I use a putter that doesn’t match my stroke type?
Technically, yes, you can use any putter you want. However, it’s generally not the most effective approach. A face-balanced putter is typically best suited for a straight-back-straight-through stroke because its face naturally returns to square at impact. A toe-hang putter, on the other hand, is designed to help players with an arcing stroke by allowing the face to rotate naturally. Using a putter that fights against your natural stroke mechanics can make consistent putting much more challenging.
- Should I get fitted for a putter?
Absolutely, especially if you’re serious about improving your game and lowering your scores. A professional putter fitting is highly recommended. A fitter can analyze your stroke, measure your physical characteristics, and help you determine the ideal length, lie angle, head style, weight, and even grip that best suits your unique game. It’s a worthwhile investment that can pay dividends on the greens by giving you the confidence and consistency you need.
- What does MOI mean in relation to putters?
MOI stands for Moment of Inertia. In putters, a higher MOI generally means the putter head is more resistant to twisting on off-center hits. This translates to more consistent distance control and straighter putts, even when you don’t strike the ball perfectly on the sweet spot. Mallet putters typically have higher MOI than blade putters due to their larger size and design.
Sources: