Selecting the Best Putter for Your Golf Stroke

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Quick Answer

• Your putting stroke type—straight-back-straight-through or arcing—is the biggest factor in choosing the right putter for you.
• Blade putters generally suit straight strokes, while mallet putters often work better for arcing strokes, but personal preference is king.
• Feel, balance, and alignment aids are crucial personal preferences to consider when making your choice.

Blade putters generally suit straight strokes, while mallet putters often work better for arcing strokes, but personal preference is king. If you have an arcing stroke, consider a mallet putter like this one for added forgiveness.

Orlimar Tangent T1 Putter Mens Right Hand with Free Headcover

• 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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Who This Is For

• Golfers ready to dial in their putting and sink more putts. Seriously, who isn’t?
• Anyone feeling like their current putter is holding them back, or they just need a change. I’ve been there.

What Putter Should I Use: What to Check First

When selecting a new golf putter, consider your stroke type first. This will help narrow down the vast options available.

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• Stroke Type: Are your hands moving straight back and through, or do they arc? This is the most important piece of the puzzle.
• Grip: How do your hands naturally settle on the grip? Does it feel comfortable and stable, or are you fighting it?
• Alignment: Do you prefer a clean look at address, or do lines and dots help you aim your putts true?
• Feel: Does the weight and balance feel right when you swing it? This is super personal.

Step-by-Step Plan for Selecting a Putter

1. Assess your putting stroke.

• What to look for: Observe your natural motion on the practice green. Does your putter face stay square to the target line, or does it rotate open and closed throughout the swing?
• Mistake: Guessing your stroke type. This is the biggest pitfall. Get a buddy to film you from face-on and down-the-line, or use a mirror. You need to see what’s really happening.

2. Consider your grip style.

• What to look for: How do your hands naturally sit on the putter grip? Are you using a conventional grip, a reverse overlap, or maybe cross-handed? A comfortable, stable grip is vital for consistency.
• Mistake: Forcing a grip that feels unnatural or restrictive. Your grip should promote a free, stable stroke, not create tension.

3. Identify preferred alignment features.

• What to look for: Do you like a simple, clean top line on the putter head, or do visible lines, dots, or unique shapes on the putter face help you line up your putts more confidently?
• Mistake: Overlooking alignment aids that could significantly boost your confidence and accuracy on the greens. Sometimes, a simple line is all you need to aim better.

4. Determine the right putter length.

• What to look for: When you stand naturally over the ball with the putter, your arms should hang comfortably down from your shoulders, and your eyes should be directly over or slightly inside the ball.
• Mistake: Using a putter that’s too long or too short. This forces an awkward posture, either standing too tall or crouching too low, leading to poor contact and inconsistent results. Most golfers find their sweet spot between 33 and 35 inches.

5. Evaluate toe-hang vs. face-balanced.

• What to look for: Hold the putter shaft parallel to the ground with your hand in the middle of the grip. Does the toe of the putter hang down significantly (toe-hang, ideal for arcing strokes)? Or does the face of the putter try to stay square to the ground (face-balanced, best for straight-back-straight-through strokes)?
• Mistake: Choosing a putter with the wrong balance for your stroke. A toe-heavy putter can fight a straight stroke, and a face-balanced putter can feel awkward for an arcing stroke.

6. Test different head shapes.

• What to look for: Blade putters (smaller, traditional, often with more toe-hang) and mallet putters (larger, more forgiving, often with more alignment features and face-balance).
• Mistake: Sticking to one shape without trying others. You might be surprised what feels and looks best to you, even if it’s not what you initially expected.

7. Focus on feel and sound.

• What to look for: How does the ball come off the face? Is it a soft, muted feel, a firmer, more responsive feel, or something in between? The sound of the impact matters too; some players prefer a crisp click, others a softer thud.
• Mistake: Ignoring the sensory feedback. The “feel” and sound are incredibly personal and can significantly impact your confidence and touch on the greens. Don’t discount what your senses tell you.

8. Consider the putter’s weight and balance.

• What to look for: Does the putter feel too heavy or too light in your hands? Is the weight distributed in a way that feels stable and promotes a smooth stroke? This is often referred to as swing weight.
• Mistake: Not paying attention to the overall weight and how it affects your tempo. A putter that’s too heavy can make you decelerate, while one that’s too light can lead to a jerky motion.

Common Mistakes

• Choosing a putter based solely on looks — Why it matters: A shiny new putter won’t magically improve your game if it doesn’t fit your stroke mechanics and personal preferences. That sweet-looking blade might be a disaster for your arcing stroke. — Fix: Prioritize feel, balance, and how the putter complements your natural swing. Aesthetics are secondary to performance.
• Not understanding stroke type (arcing vs. straight) — Why it matters: A putter designed for a straight stroke can feel awkward and hinder an arcing motion, and vice versa. This mismatch can lead to inconsistent face angles at impact. — Fix: Get fitted by a professional or have a trusted friend film your stroke from multiple angles to clearly identify its path.
• Using an incorrect putter length — Why it matters: A putter that’s too long forces you to stand up, leading to poor posture and inconsistent contact. Conversely, a putter that’s too short makes you crouch, also disrupting your setup and stroke. — Fix: Measure your ideal length based on your height and posture, or get fitted. Most golfers find their sweet spot between 33 and 35 inches, but this can vary.
• Ignoring alignment aids — Why it matters: If you struggle with aiming your putts, a simple line, dot, or shape on the putter can make a huge difference in your confidence and accuracy. It’s like having a built-in aiming device. — Fix: Experiment with putters that have different alignment features to see what helps you aim true on the practice green. What works for one person might not work for another.
• Buying the most expensive option — Why it matters: Price doesn’t always equate to performance for your specific game. A high-end, premium putter that doesn’t fit your stroke or feel right is simply a waste of cash. — Fix: Focus on fit, feel, and stroke compatibility first. Once you’ve found a putter that works, then consider your budget and explore options within that range.
• Not testing enough putters — Why it matters: You might think you know what you want, but hitting a few different styles and brands can reveal surprising preferences. What looks good on paper might not feel good in your hands. — Fix: Dedicate time to hitting putts with a variety of putters—blades, mallets, different toe-hang options—at a golf shop or practice facility.
• Overthinking the technology — Why it matters: While new technologies can be beneficial, sometimes the simplest designs offer the best performance for a given stroke. Don’t get bogged down in complex explanations if a basic putter feels great. — Fix: Focus on how the putter performs for you. Does it roll the ball well? Does it feel stable? Trust your instincts over marketing jargon.

FAQ

• How do I know if I have an arcing putting stroke?
• When you putt, your hands and the putter head naturally move in a slight arc, with the putter face opening slightly outside the target line on the backswing and closing inside it on the downswing. A mirror, a video recording, or even a simple chalk line on the practice green can help you see this natural rotation.
• What is toe-hang and face-balanced in a putter?
• Toe-hang means the toe of the putter hangs down noticeably when the shaft is held horizontally, which helps the putter face naturally return to square through impact for arcing strokes. Face-balanced means the putter face points straight up towards the sky when held horizontally, ideal for straight-back-straight-through strokes as it resists rotation.
• How important is the loft of a putter?
• Putter loft, typically ranging from 3 to 4 degrees, is crucial for getting the ball rolling smoothly off the clubface, preventing it from bouncing up and down right after impact. Most standard putters have sufficient loft for typical greens. However, if you have an exceptionally steep or shallow putting stroke, adjusting loft slightly might be beneficial, but this is usually best addressed during a fitting.
• Should I get fitted for a putter?
• Absolutely, especially if you’re serious about improving your putting consistency and lowering your scores. A professional fitting takes the guesswork out of crucial elements like length, lie angle, loft, and head style, ensuring the putter is perfectly matched to your physique and unique putting stroke. It’s an investment that pays dividends.
• Can I use a mallet putter if I have a straight stroke?
• Yes, you absolutely can. While blade putters are traditionally favored for straight strokes due to their toe-hang characteristics, many modern mallet designs are face-balanced and can work exceptionally well for straight strokes. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference, feel, and how well the alignment features help you aim.
• How often should I replace my putter?
• You don’t need to replace your putter just because it’s a few years old or a new model is out. The key is that it fits your current stroke, feels good in your hands, and you’re confident with it on the greens. If your game changes significantly, your stroke mechanics evolve, or your current putter is damaged, then it might be time to consider an upgrade.