Key Features Of A Good Putter For Better Scoring

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Quick Answer

• A good putter feels like an extension of your hands, offers forgiveness on mishits, and provides clear visual cues for alignment.
• Crucially, the putter must be the correct length and have the right lie angle for your unique stance and swing.
• Premium materials and solid construction contribute significantly to feel and feedback, helping you dial in distance control.

Who This Is For

• Golfers who are tired of watching putts lip out or consistently miss the mark, and are ready to shave precious strokes off their game.
• Anyone looking to upgrade their current gamer, whether they’re a seasoned pro or just starting out and need solid advice on their first putter.

What Makes A Good Putter: What To Check First

• Putter Length: This is your foundation. You need a length that allows you to stand naturally over the ball, with your eyes relatively over it, without feeling hunched or overly upright. A putter that’s too long or too short forces a bad posture and disrupts your entire stroke. Always check manufacturer recommendations based on your height, or better yet, get fitted.
• Lie Angle: Think of this as how the putter sits on the turf. At address, the sole of the putter needs to sit flat on the ground. If the toe is up, it’s too upright for you. If the heel is up, it’s too flat. An incorrect lie angle will consistently send your putts off-line, even with a perfect stroke.
• Grip Size and Style: This is your primary connection to the club. The grip should feel comfortable and secure in your hands, promoting a relaxed hold. If it’s too fat, it can restrict your hands. Too thin, and you might grip too tightly. Experimentation is key to finding what feels natural and prevents tension.
• Head Shape (Blade vs. Mallet): This is a big one for feel and forgiveness. Blade putters are classic and offer great feedback, often favored by players with a more pronounced arc. Mallets are larger, more forgiving on off-center hits due to higher MOI, and many find them easier to align. Don’t dismiss one just because it’s not traditional.
• Weight and Balance: Putters come in various weights and balance points (face-balanced vs. toe-hang). A putter that feels too light might lead to a jerky stroke, while one that’s too heavy can feel cumbersome. The balance point should complement your stroke path.

Step-by-Step Plan For Selecting A Good Putter

1. Determine Your Ideal Putter Length.

• Action: Consult manufacturer fitting guides online or, ideally, visit a golf pro shop for a fitting.
• What to look for: A length that allows you to stand with your arms hanging naturally, eyes roughly over the ball, and a comfortable, neutral spine angle. There should be about a fist-width gap between your hands and the putter’s butt end.
• Mistake to avoid: Using a putter that’s too long or too short, forcing you into an awkward posture that leads to an inconsistent and inefficient stroke. It’s like trying to drive a car with the seat way too close or too far – it just doesn’t work well.

2. Assess Your Preferred Putting Stance to Identify the Correct Lie Angle.

• Action: Stand over a putter as you normally would to address the ball. Have a friend or use a mirror to observe how the sole sits on the ground.
• What to look for: The entire sole of the putter should sit flush on the ground. Neither the toe nor the heel should be noticeably lifted. If it sits flush, the lie angle is likely correct for your setup.
• Mistake to avoid: Choosing a putter with a lie angle that causes the toe or heel to lift. This forces the face open or closed at impact, sending your putts consistently left or right of your intended target, no matter how good your stroke feels.

3. Experiment with Different Grip Sizes and Textures.

• Action: Pick up putters with a variety of grip thicknesses, materials, and textures. Spend a few minutes just holding them and making practice strokes.
• What to look for: A grip that feels comfortable, secure, and promotes a relaxed, tension-free hold. It shouldn’t feel like you’re squeezing a stress ball. Some prefer a softer, tackier feel, others a firmer, smoother one.
• Mistake to avoid: Settling for a grip that’s too large or too small for your hands. This can lead to tension, a “death grip,” or an inconsistent hand action, all of which kill a smooth putting stroke.

4. Test Different Putter Head Shapes (Blade vs. Mallet).

• Action: Grab a few different blade-style putters and a few mallet-style putters and hit them on the practice green.
• What to look for: Which head shape feels more stable during your stroke? Which one provides better visual alignment for your eye? Mallets often feel more forgiving, while blades offer a more traditional feel and feedback.
• Mistake to avoid: Sticking with a head shape simply because it’s what you’ve always used, without giving other designs a fair shot. A different shape might offer significantly more forgiveness or a feel that better suits your stroke.

5. Consider Face Insert Materials and Milling Patterns.

• Action: Pay close attention to the sound and feel when the ball strikes the putter face. Notice the different textures on the face itself.
• What to look for: A material (like aluminum, urethane, or composite) and milling pattern that provides consistent ball speed across the face and a feel that you prefer – whether it’s soft and muted or crisp and responsive. This directly impacts your distance control.
• Mistake to avoid: Overlooking the impact of the face insert. It’s not just about looks; the face design is critical for feedback and ensuring consistent ball speed, which is paramount for good distance control on the greens.

6. Evaluate Alignment Aids and Aesthetics.

• Action: Look at the top line of the putter, the markings, and any other visual elements designed to help you aim.
• What to look for: An alignment system (a single line, multiple lines, dots, shapes) that clearly and intuitively helps you aim your putter face directly at your intended target. It should feel natural and build confidence.
• Mistake to avoid: Choosing a putter with confusing, insufficient, or overly busy alignment markings that actually hinder your ability to aim. Conversely, some golfers need more guidance than a simple single line offers.

7. Understand Weighting and Balance.

• Action: Feel the swing weight and balance point of different putters. Try some face-balanced models and some toe-hang models.
• What to look for: A putter that feels balanced and stable throughout your stroke. If you have a straight-back, straight-through stroke, a face-balanced putter might be best. If you have an arcing stroke, a toe-hang putter might feel more natural.
• Mistake to avoid: Ignoring the weight and balance. A putter that feels significantly too heavy or too light can disrupt your tempo and stroke consistency. It’s about finding a feel that inspires confidence and promotes a smooth rhythm.

Common Mistakes When Choosing a Putter

• Incorrect Putter Length — Leads to poor posture, restricted shoulder turn, and inconsistent stroke mechanics, ultimately costing you putts. — Get measured or fitted; a putter that fits your height and stance is fundamental.
• Wrong Lie Angle — Causes the putter face to be open or closed at impact, sending putts consistently left or right of the target line. — Ensure the putter sits flush to the ground for your natural stance; a slight adjustment can make a huge difference.
• Neglecting Grip Comfort — Results in tension in your hands and arms, leading to a “death grip” and a jerky, inconsistent stroke, killing feel. — Choose a grip size and texture that feels secure and promotes relaxation; it’s your main connection to the club.
• Buying Based on Looks Alone — You might be drawn to a flashy design but miss out on a putter that actually performs better for your stroke and feel. — Prioritize how the putter feels and performs on the practice green over its aesthetic appeal.
• Not Testing Enough Different Models — You might settle for “good enough” because you didn’t explore other options that could be “great” for your game. — Spend ample time on the practice green with a variety of putters before making a decision.
• Ignoring Putter Weight and Balance — A putter that’s too light or too heavy, or has a balance point that fights your stroke, can disrupt your tempo and lead to poor distance control. — Feel how the weight influences your swing; aim for a putter that feels stable and encourages a smooth, consistent tempo.
• Overthinking Complex Alignment Systems — Too many lines or shapes can sometimes confuse your eye rather than help you aim. — Stick with an alignment aid that simplifies your process and builds confidence, not one that makes you second-guess.

FAQ

• How do I determine the correct putter length for me?

The most accurate method is a professional club fitting. However, as a general rule, stand with your arms hanging naturally at your sides. The butt of the putter should be about two inches above your hands. You can also consult manufacturer charts that recommend lengths based on your height. For example, someone around 5’10” might typically use a 34-inch putter, but this can vary.

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

Blade putters are typically smaller, more traditional shapes with heel-toe weighting, offering excellent feel and feedback. They often suit golfers with a more pronounced arcing stroke. Mallet putters are larger, often with a wider back, and generally feature more perimeter weighting and higher MOI (Moment of Inertia) for increased forgiveness on off-center hits. Many players find mallets easier to align.

• How important is the lie angle of a putter?

It’s incredibly important. If the lie angle is incorrect for your stance, the putter face will be slightly open or closed at impact, even if you make a perfect stroke. This will cause your putts to veer off-line. For optimal results, the putter’s sole should sit flush on the ground when you address the ball.

• Should I go for a putter with lots of alignment lines?

This is highly personal. Some golfers find that a single line or a simple dot is all they need for confidence at address. Others benefit greatly from multiple lines, geometric shapes, or contrasting colors to help them align their putter face precisely to the target. The best approach is to experiment and see what works for your eye and builds your confidence.

• What does MOI mean for a putter?

MOI stands for Moment of Inertia. In putters, a higher MOI signifies that the clubhead is more resistant to twisting on off-center hits. This translates to more consistent ball speed and direction, making the putter more forgiving. Mallet putters generally boast higher MOI than traditional blade putters due to their larger size and design.

• How much should I spend on a good putter?

Putter prices vary wildly, from under $100 to over $500. A good putter doesn’t have to break the bank, but investing in a quality, well-fitted putter can pay dividends in lower scores. Look for putters in the $150-$300 range from reputable brands; these often offer excellent performance and technology. Focus on fit and feel first, then price.

• Is it worth getting a putter custom-fitted?

Absolutely, especially if you’re serious about improving your putting. A fitting ensures you get the correct length, lie angle, grip size, and even weight and balance for your unique stroke and body type. It’s an investment that can significantly improve your consistency and confidence on the greens.