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How to Choose the Right Putter

ByThe Golfer

← Golf Equipment | Golf Clubs


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Quick Answer

  • Identify your natural putting stroke: Does it arc or is it straight back and straight through?
  • Decide between a blade or mallet putter head style based on preference for feel and forgiveness.
  • Ensure the putter length and grip size are comfortable for your stance and swing.

Who This Putter Guide Is For

  • Beginner golfers stepping onto the course for the first time, looking for their inaugural flatstick.
  • Golfers who feel their current putter isn’t performing as well as it should, and are ready for an upgrade or optimization.
  • Anyone experiencing a slump in their putting game and wants to pinpoint equipment that can help.

What to Check First When Choosing a Putter

  • Your Stroke Path: Take a few practice swings on the practice green. Does your putter head naturally swing in a slight arc, or does it feel like it moves straight back and straight through? This is probably the most critical factor in how to pick a putter.
  • Putter Head Style: Do you prefer the classic, traditional look of a blade putter, or the larger, more forgiving profile of a mallet putter? Each has its own advantages for feel and alignment.
  • Putter Length: Stand naturally, as if you’re about to putt. Have someone measure from the center of your sternum down to the ground. This gives you a solid starting point for determining the correct putter length. A putter that’s too long or too short can really mess with your posture and make consistent contact a challenge. I remember one time, my putter was a hair too long, and I felt like I was hunching over like a pretzel all day.
  • Grip Feel: How does the grip feel in your hands? Is it too thick, too thin, or just right? The grip is your primary connection to the club, so it needs to feel comfortable and secure.

How to Pick the Perfect Putter

Choosing the right putter is a game-changer. It’s not just about looks; it’s about what works for your swing. Here’s how to break it down:

1. Observe Your Stroke: Grab a putter and head to the practice green. Take several practice strokes, focusing on the path of the putter head. Does it naturally move in a slight arc from backswing to follow-through, or does it feel more like a straight line? This observation is crucial because it directly influences the type of putter balance you should look for. If you have an arcing stroke, a putter with toe hang is generally recommended, as it helps the face rotate naturally through the stroke. For a straight-back-straight-through stroke, a face-balanced putter is usually the better fit, as it resists rotation. Mistake: Ignoring your natural stroke and picking a putter that fights your natural motion, leading to inconsistency.

2. Consider Putter Head Designs: Now, let’s talk head styles. Blade putters are the classic choice. They’re generally smaller, often with a single bend in the shaft, and offer a very direct feel for the ball. Many players love the traditional aesthetic and the feedback they provide. On the other hand, mallet putters are larger, often with a more squared-off or rounded shape. They tend to be more forgiving on off-center hits due to their perimeter weighting, and many come with prominent alignment aids on the top, which can be a huge help for golfers who struggle with aiming. Think about what appeals to you visually and what kind of performance you’re seeking. Mistake: Getting swayed by a putter’s looks without considering how its design complements your putting tendencies and helps you align properly on the green.

3. Determine Correct Putter Length: This is where comfort and consistency really come into play. Stand in your natural putting posture, with your eyes over the ball and your arms hanging relaxed. Have a friend measure from the center of your sternum straight down to the floor. This measurement is a good starting point for finding the right putter length. If the putter is too long, you’ll likely hunch over, creating tension in your shoulders and arms, and making it difficult to achieve a consistent stroke. If it’s too short, you might stand too upright, which can also lead to poor posture and inconsistent contact. For example, if you’re 5’10”, you might typically be looking at a 34-inch putter, but individual stance and arm length can vary this. Mistake: Using a putter that forces you into an awkward, tense stance, which directly impacts your ability to make a smooth, repeatable stroke.

4. Experiment with Putter Balance and Alignment: Once you’ve got a handle on your stroke type and preferred head style, it’s time to look at how the putter is balanced. As mentioned, toe-hang putters are designed for arcing strokes, allowing the toe to drop naturally. Face-balanced putters are designed to stay square through the stroke, ideal for straight-back-straight-through movements. Many putters also feature alignment lines or shapes on the top of the clubhead. Some golfers find these incredibly helpful for locking in their aim, while others prefer a cleaner, less busy look. Try different alignment aids to see what helps you feel confident over the ball. Mistake: Overlooking the importance of putter balance and how it interacts with your natural stroke path, or choosing an alignment aid that distracts rather than helps.

5. Grip It and Feel It: The grip is your only connection to the putter, so it needs to feel right. Grips come in various sizes and shapes. Some are thicker, designed to reduce hand and wrist action, promoting a more pendulum-like stroke. Others are more traditional and thinner. Consider what feels most comfortable and allows you to maintain a relaxed grip. A grip that’s too large can make it hard to get your hands on properly, while one that’s too small can lead to gripping too tightly. Mistake: Settling for a grip that feels uncomfortable or doesn’t allow for a relaxed, free-flowing stroke, which can introduce tension and negatively affect your feel.

6. Test Drive Your Potential Putter: The best way to know if a putter is right for you is to hit it. Many golf shops have putting greens, and some even offer demo programs. Take your time. Hit several putts with different models. Pay attention to the feel of the ball coming off the face, the sound it makes, and how easily you can align it. Does it feel like an extension of your hands? Does it inspire confidence? This hands-on experience is invaluable. Mistake: Making a purchase decision based solely on reviews or recommendations without actually trying the putter yourself.

Common Mistakes When Choosing a Putter

  • Buying Based on Looks Alone — Why it matters: A putter might look sharp in the shop, but if it doesn’t suit your stroke, feel right in your hands, or help you align properly, it’s just a pretty piece of metal. — Fix: Prioritize how the putter performs for your game and how it feels during your stroke, over its aesthetic appeal.
  • Not Considering Stroke Type (Arc vs. Straight) — Why it matters: Using a putter with the wrong balance (like a toe-hang putter for a straight stroke, or a face-balanced putter for an arcing stroke) can create resistance in your swing, making it harder to be consistent. Your putter should complement your motion, not fight it. — Fix: Accurately identify whether your putting stroke is more arcing or straight back and through, and then match that to a putter with the appropriate balance (toe hang or face-balanced).
  • Choosing the Wrong Putter Length — Why it matters: An improper length forces you into poor posture, leading to tension in your arms, shoulders, and back. This tension can kill your feel and make consistent contact with the sweet spot nearly impossible. — Fix: Get properly measured for your ideal putter length. Standing naturally and measuring from your sternum to the ground is a good start, but a professional fitting will give you the most accurate result.
  • Ignoring Grip Size and Feel — Why it matters: The grip is your primary interface with the club. If it’s too large, you might struggle to engage your wrists properly. If it’s too small, you might grip too tightly, creating tension. Neither is good for a smooth stroke. — Fix: Experiment with different grip sizes and shapes. Find one that allows you to hold the putter comfortably and securely without feeling the need to squeeze it too hard.
  • Getting Overwhelmed by Too Many Options — Why it matters: The sheer variety of putters can be paralyzing. You might end up bouncing between models without truly assessing what you need. — Fix: Narrow down your choices by focusing on your stroke type and preferred head style first. Then, test a few models within those categories.
  • Not Testing on a Real Green — Why it matters: A carpeted putting mat in a store doesn’t replicate the feel and speed of a real golf green. You need to see how the ball rolls and hear the sound off the face on actual turf. — Fix: Always try to test potential putters on a practice green, if possible, to get a true sense of their performance.

FAQ About How to Pick a Putter

  • What is the difference between a blade putter and a mallet putter?

Blade putters are the classic, traditional-looking putters. They are typically smaller, often with a single bend in the shaft, and are favored by golfers who appreciate a more direct feel and feedback from the clubface. Mallet putters are larger, often with a more rounded or squared-off shape. They tend to be more forgiving on off-center hits due to their design and perimeter weighting, and many feature prominent alignment aids on the top, which can be very helpful for aiming.

  • How do I know if I have an arcing putting stroke or a straight-back-straight-through stroke?

The easiest way to tell is to observe yourself. On the practice green, take a few practice strokes and really focus on the path of the putter head. If it moves in a noticeable curve from address, through the backswing, impact, and follow-through, you likely have an arcing stroke. If the putter head feels like it stays more on a direct line, moving straight back and straight through, you have a straight-back-straight-through stroke. You can also set up alignment sticks or a camera to get a clearer picture.

  • What is the ideal putter length for me?

The ideal putter length is primarily determined by your height and how you set up to the ball. A good starting point is to stand in your natural putting stance with your arms hanging relaxed, and measure from the center of your sternum down to the ground. For most men, this falls somewhere between 33 and 35 inches, and for women, between 32 and 34 inches, but this can vary significantly. The goal is a length that allows you to maintain a comfortable, athletic posture without hunching or standing too upright. A professional club fitting will provide the most accurate measurement.

  • Does putter loft matter?

Yes, loft is quite important for a good roll. Most putters come with 2 to 4 degrees of loft. This loft is designed to get the ball rolling smoothly right after impact, rather than bouncing erratically. Too little loft (less than 2 degrees) can cause the ball to skip or skid, especially on slower greens. Too much loft (more than 4 degrees) can cause the ball to jump too high, which isn’t ideal for short putts. The standard loft is generally suitable for most golfers, but slight adjustments can be made if you have a very steep or shallow putting stroke.

  • What is “toe hang” and why does it matter?

Toe hang refers to how the putter head hangs when you hold it up by the shaft. A putter with significant toe hang will have its toe pointing down towards the ground when balanced this way. This type of balance is generally recommended for golfers with an arcing putting stroke, as it helps the putter face naturally rotate open and closed throughout the stroke, matching the arc. A face-balanced putter, on the other hand, will have its toe pointing straight up when balanced, designed to stay square through a straight-back-straight-through stroke. Choosing the wrong toe hang can fight your natural swing path.

  • Should I get my putter custom fitted?

For serious golfers or those struggling with consistency, a custom putter fitting is highly recommended. A fitter will analyze your stroke, posture, and tendencies to recommend the perfect length, lie angle, loft, grip, and head style for your game. It takes the guesswork out of the process and can significantly improve your putting performance. It’s like getting custom-tailored gear for any sport – it just fits better and performs better.

Sources:

[1] Choosing the Right Putter for Your Game (https://golfhubz.com/choosing-the-right-putter-for-your-game/)

[2] Selecting the Right Putter for Your Game (https://golfhubz.com/selecting-the-right-putter-for-your-game/)

[3] Choosing the Right Golf Putter (https://golfhubz.com/choosing-the-right-golf-putter/)

[4] How to Find the Right Putter for Your Game (https://golfhubz.com/how-to-find-the-right-putter-for-your-game/)

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