Selecting the Right Putter for Your Game

← Golf Instruction & Improvement | Short Game Mastery

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Quick Answer

• Match the putter’s balance and length to your stroke and body.
• Test different head shapes (blade vs. mallet) for feel and alignment.
• Don’t just grab the prettiest one; prioritize performance.

Who This Is For

• Golfers ready to ditch the guesswork and dial in their putting.
• Anyone looking to shave strokes off their game with the right gear.

How to Choose a Putter: What to Check First

• Stroke Type: Is your swing a natural arc, or more straight back and through? This is key.
• Putter Length: Stand like you’re about to putt. Measure from the ground to your lead wrist. This is your ballpark.
• Balance: Face-balanced for straight strokes, toe-hang for arcs. Feel it in your hands.
• Head Shape: Blade for classic feel, mallet for forgiveness and alignment aids.

Step-by-Step Plan

1. Determine Your Stroke Path. Watch yourself putt or have someone film you. Do you naturally swing in an arc, or straight back and through? This is the foundational step in how to choose a putter.

• Mistake: Assuming you know your stroke without checking. This is a common pitfall that leads to mismatched equipment.

2. Measure Your Ideal Putter Length. Stand in your putting stance, maintaining your natural posture. Use a tape measure from the ground up to the crease of your lead wrist. This measurement gives you a solid starting point for finding the right length.

• Mistake: Guessing the length. Too long or too short throws off your whole setup, impacting your address position and stroke mechanics. If you’re unsure, check the manual for your current putter or consult a golf professional.

3. Test Different Balances. Hold a putter and let it hang loosely from your hands. If the face points skyward, it’s face-balanced, which is ideal for strokes that are straight back and through. If the toe hangs down significantly, it’s toe-hang, which is better suited for an arcing stroke. Feel the difference.

• Mistake: Ignoring balance. It can fight your natural stroke, making it harder to be consistent and groove a reliable putting motion.

4. Experiment with Head Shapes. Try both a classic blade putter and a more modern mallet putter. Blades offer a more traditional feel and feedback, while mallets are often larger, heavier, and feature more pronounced alignment aids, which can boost confidence and forgiveness. See which one feels more stable and helps you align the ball more effectively.

• Mistake: Sticking with what you’ve always used without trying new options. Mallets often offer more forgiveness on off-center strikes, which can save you strokes.

5. Grip It and Feel It. With a putter in hand, get into your typical putting stance. Does it feel natural? Can you comfortably align the ball with the target without straining or feeling awkward? This hands-on experience is crucial.

• Mistake: Not actually putting with the putter. A few practice strokes on the carpet or a practice green are absolutely essential. A putter might look good, but how it feels when you swing it is what truly matters.

6. Feel the Roll. Pay close attention to how the ball rolls off the face during your practice strokes. Does it feel consistent? Does it launch smoothly, or does it jump or skid? A good putter will impart a clean roll.

• Mistake: Focusing only on looks or brand name. The feel of the roll is what translates directly to success on the greens and is a critical factor in how to choose a putter.

7. Consider Alignment Aids. Many putters, especially mallets, come with lines, dots, or other markings on the top or face. See if these aids help you square the putter face to your intended target line. For some, they are game-changers; for others, they can be distracting.

• Mistake: Dismissing alignment aids outright. Even if you think you have a great eye, these features can provide an extra layer of confidence and consistency. Try them out.

8. Test on the Green. If possible, take your top choices to a practice green. Roll a few putts with each. How do they feel from different distances? How do they handle subtle breaks? This is the ultimate test.

• Mistake: Making a decision based solely on the pro shop floor. The true test of a putter is how it performs on the actual putting surface.

Common Mistakes

• Wrong Length — Leads to improper posture and stroke mechanics, messing with your alignment and consistency. You might find yourself hunching over too much or standing too upright, both of which are detrimental to a smooth stroke. — Re-measure your ideal length and test different lengths on the course or practice green. Don’t be afraid to try a putter that’s a half-inch shorter or longer.
• Ignoring Putter Balance — Can exacerbate an inconsistent stroke by fighting your natural movement. If you have an arcing stroke and use a face-balanced putter, you’ll have to work harder to keep the face square through impact. — Match balance to your stroke path: face-balanced for straight strokes, toe-hang for arcing strokes. This is a fundamental principle in selecting the right equipment.
• Selecting Based on Looks — Neglects crucial performance factors like feel and alignment. A flashy putter might catch your eye, but if it doesn’t feel right or help you aim better, it’s just a pretty accessory. — Prioritize how it performs and feels over its aesthetics. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but consistency is in the stroke.
• Not Testing Enough — Grabbing the first one that feels okay without exploring other options. There are hundreds of putter models out there, each with subtle differences that can significantly impact your game. — Spend time on the practice green with several different models, trying out various lengths, weights, and head shapes. Don’t rush the process.
• Using the Wrong Grip — A grip that’s too thick or too thin can affect your hand action and lead to tension or excessive wrist movement. The grip is your only connection to the club, so it’s vital. — Experiment with different grip sizes and styles. Some players prefer a thicker, pistol-style grip to reduce hand action, while others like a standard or even a larger, non-tapered grip.
• Buying Based on Brand Hype — Getting caught up in what the pros are using or what’s trending without considering your own game. What works for a tour player might not be right for an amateur. — Focus on your individual needs and preferences. Your game is unique, and your putter should be too.
• Overthinking the Loft — While loft is important, most golfers don’t need to deviate from the standard 3-4 degrees. Too much or too little loft can cause the ball to hop or dig. — Unless you have a very specific issue like a very steep or shallow attack angle on the green, stick to the standard loft. If you suspect loft is an issue, consult a club fitter.

FAQ

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

Blade putters are typically smaller, more traditional designs with a heel-toe weighting, offering more feel and feedback. They are often preferred by golfers with a more pronounced arcing stroke. Mallet putters are larger, often with a more rounded or geometric shape, and typically feature perimeter weighting and more pronounced alignment aids. They tend to be more forgiving on off-center hits and are often favored by golfers with a straighter putting stroke.

• How do I know if I have an arcing or straight putting stroke?

The best way to tell is to film yourself putting from face-on and down-the-line angles. An arcing stroke will have a clear path that moves from inside the target line, to square at impact, and back to inside the target line. A straight stroke, often described as pendulum-like, will move more directly back and forth along the target line, with minimal deviation inside or outside. You can also pay attention to how your shoulders and body move; a more rotational stroke often indicates an arc, while a more stable, body-driven stroke suggests a straighter path.

• What is the standard loft for a golf putter?

The most common loft for a golf putter is 3 to 4 degrees. This loft is designed to impart a smooth, forward roll on the ball immediately after impact, minimizing any tendency for the ball to hop or bounce before it starts rolling true. Some golfers might use slightly more or less loft depending on their attack angle and the conditions of the greens they play, but 3-4 degrees is the industry standard and works for the vast majority of players.

• Does putter length really matter that much?

Absolutely, it matters a great deal. The correct putter length promotes a natural and athletic posture at address, allowing your arms to hang comfortably and your eyes to be positioned correctly over the ball. If a putter is too long, you’ll likely have to stand too far away, leading to a flatter, more disconnected stroke. If it’s too short, you’ll have to crouch too much, potentially causing tension and restricting your stroke. Finding the right length is fundamental to consistent putting.

• Should I buy a putter online or from a golf shop?

While online retailers offer convenience and often competitive pricing, a physical golf shop is highly recommended for purchasing a putter. The ability to physically hold, feel, and—most importantly—roll putts with different models is invaluable. You can’t truly assess how a putter will perform for your game without testing it. Many golf shops also have putting greens and staff who can offer guidance. It’s worth the trip to ensure you’re making the right choice.

• How often should I consider changing my putter?

There’s no set schedule for changing your putter. Many golfers stick with the same putter for years, even decades, if it’s working well for them. The primary reason to consider changing your putter is if you’re consistently struggling on the greens, experiencing a significant drop in confidence, or if you find a new putter that demonstrably improves your performance and feel. It’s less about age and more about how it suits your current game and stroke.

• What is the role of putter weighting?

Putter weighting refers to how the mass is distributed within the clubhead. Heel-toe weighting, common in blades, helps with feel and forgiveness on off-center hits. Mallets often feature perimeter weighting, distributing mass to the edges of the clubhead to increase stability and forgiveness throughout the stroke. Heavier putters (often achieved through adjustable weights) can help with tempo and reduce the influence of small muscles, leading to a smoother stroke. Lighter putters can feel more responsive.

Sources:

• Choosing the Right Putter for Your Game
• How to Find the Right Putter for Your Game