Harper Lin
Choosing the right putter is a highly personal decision for any golfer. While the putter is the most-used club in a golfer's bag, many golfers simply choose one that looks good or has a good reputation. However, the right putter for you will combine the right physical characteristics with the intangible element of confidence. The perfect putter isn't necessarily the most expensive, but the one that helps you hole more putts. There are a few considerations to make when choosing a putter, including the type of stroke you have, the type of grip, the length of the shaft, the weight, and the type of putter face.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of stroke | Straight, slight arc, or large swinging gate arc with lots of toe flow |
| Type of putter | Mallet, blade, or high MOI |
| Face technology | Inserts, milled faces, groove patterns |
| Grip | Wider grip, heavier grip, lighter grip, larger grip, Matador grip, Pistolini grip, Pistolero grip |
| Length | 34-35" is standard, but length can be altered to suit the player's stance and eye position |
| Weight | Depends on the type of greens played on; heavier for slower greens, lighter for faster greens |
| Putter face | Should be square to the shaft |
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What You'll Learn
Consider your stroke type
The first step in choosing a putter is to determine your stroke type. Do you naturally make a straight-back-straight-through stroke, or do you have a slight to strong arc in your putting stroke?
If you have a straight-back-straight-through stroke, a face-balanced putter will help keep the face square. Face-balanced putters have most of the weight in the face and no toe-hang, which keeps the putter square throughout the stroke and aids this type of stroke. The face-balanced design of most mallets naturally resists opening and closing during the stroke, helping to maintain a square face at impact.
If you have an arcing stroke, a putter with toe hang will complement your natural motion. Toe-hang putters are designed to promote a more in-to-in arc motion. The toe-hang putter is ideal for golfers with an arched putting stroke as the extra weight in the toe of the putter allows for added inertia at impact, preventing the arched stroke from being exaggerated and allowing for a more consistent arc.
It is also worth noting that the grip of the putter can influence the stroke type. Smaller grips promote a more flowing, arcing stroke and generally pair well with higher toe flow putters, while larger grips promote a more "square to square" putting stroke and pair well with face-balanced putters. Ultimately, the grip should feel good in your hand and support the design of your putter and your stroke type.
While it is important to consider your stroke type when choosing a putter, it is also crucial to find a putter that both looks good to your eye and feels good to you, providing confidence over every putt.
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Choose the right grip
Choosing the right grip is an important part of selecting a putter that suits your game. There are hundreds of different grip styles available on the market, and a lot of the decision-making process will come down to personal preference. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind when choosing a grip.
Firstly, a wider grip will separate your hands on the golf club, which can help to reduce wrist hinge/flicking during the putting stroke. Conversely, a narrower grip will bring your hands closer together, which may be preferable for players who like to feel their hands during the stroke.
Secondly, the weight of the grip will influence the sensation of the head weight. A heavier grip will make the head feel lighter, while a lighter grip will make the head feel heavier. This can be advantageous for golfers who play on slower greens, as a heavier head can help keep the putter stable during the stroke.
It's worth noting that the grip can be altered, so if you find a putter you like but aren't comfortable with the grip, you can always make adjustments. Additionally, getting a putter fitting can be extremely beneficial, as it will help you determine the optimal grip size and weight for your stroke.
Ultimately, the right grip for you is the one that feels comfortable and gives you confidence when standing over the ball.
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Pick a putter head shape
Picking a putter can be a very personal choice, and what works for one golfer may not work for another. The putter is the most used club in any golfer's bag, so it is important to pay close attention to the one you choose.
When it comes to putter head shapes, there are a few options to consider. The first is a blade putter. Blade putters typically provide the least forgiveness but offer a more traditional look. They are often preferred by skilled golfers who consistently strike the sweet spot. Blade putters also come in a double-wide option.
Another option is a mallet putter. Mallet putters are bigger and bulkier, offering more stability and forgiveness due to their larger sweet spot and surface area. They are perfect for players with a straight-back, straight-through stroke. One of the most notable mallet putters is the Zebra mallet putter, designed by Dave Taylor in 1976.
If you are looking for something with even more forgiveness, you might consider a high MOI putter. These putters have a higher moment of inertia, which creates resistance against twisting and stabilizes the head during your stroke.
Ultimately, the best putter head shape for you will depend on your skill level, stroke type, and personal preferences. You may want to experiment with different options to find the one that suits your eye and your stroke.
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Ensure the putter length is correct
The putter is the most used club in a golfer's bag, yet many golfers choose a putter based on its reputation or how it looks. However, the putter's length is an important factor to consider when choosing a putter.
Firstly, the length of the putter shaft affects your entire setup, from eye position to posture, the putter's weight, and the stroke path. If the putter shaft is too long, you will stand back, causing the toe of the putter to angle upwards. This will cause your effective loft to be aimed left, and you will pull putts. If the putter is too short, you will be crouched over, and your eyes will be outside the target line. To ensure your eyes are over the ball, a simple test is to drop a golf ball, which should strike the stationary ball.
Secondly, the length of the putter will determine the weight of the putter head. A longer putter will have a heavier head, and a shorter putter will have a lighter head. The weight of the putter head affects the sensation of the swing weight. A heavier grip will give the sensation of a lighter head weight, and vice versa.
Finally, the length of the putter will affect your stroke path, which will be directly related to your success rate in getting the ball in the cup. Getting the length right for your game will increase your odds of success.
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Find a putter that suits your eye
The putter is the most used club in a golfer's bag, yet many golfers choose one that merely looks good. It is important to find a putter that suits your eye and your stroke.
When choosing a putter, it is crucial to consider the type of stroke you typically make. Most golfers fall into one of two categories: a straight stroke or a slight arc. A straight stroke refers to a golfer who keeps the club path straight back-and-through, while maintaining a square putter face angle relative to the target. On the other hand, a golfer with a slight arc stroke will take the club back slightly inside, return to the ball with a square face, and finish on a slight arc to the left.
If you have a straight stroke, a mallet putter may be a good option. Mallet putters are bigger and bulkier, offering more stability and forgiveness due to their larger sweet spot. Conversely, if you have a slight arc stroke, you may prefer a blade putter, which provides a more traditional look but less forgiveness.
It is also important to consider the weight of the putter. If you play on slower greens, a slightly heavier head can be advantageous. Additionally, the grip of the putter can impact your stroke. A wider grip can help reduce wrist hinge, while a heavier grip will give the sensation of a lighter head weight.
Ultimately, finding a putter that suits your eye is a personal decision. Take the time to experiment with different options and consider factors such as head shape, weight, grip, and stroke type to find the perfect putter for your game.
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Frequently asked questions
Choosing the right putter is a very personal decision. It depends on your stroke type, your preferences, and the type of greens you play on. If you're a beginner, it's a good idea to try out different putters and see what works for you.
There are two main types of putters: face-balanced and toe-hang. Face-balanced putters help keep the putter face square throughout the stroke, while toe-hang putters are better for creating a consistent arc. There are also different head shapes to consider, such as blade and mallet putters.
Blade putters provide a traditional look and are favoured by skilled golfers who consistently strike the sweet spot. Mallet putters have larger heads and more surface area, offering more forgiveness for those who struggle with consistency.
The length of your putter affects your setup, including eye position, posture, and stroke path. If the shaft is too long, the toe of the putter will point upwards, causing you to pull putts. If it's too short, you'll find yourself crouching over. The optimal setup is to have your eyes about an inch inside the target line.
The grip you choose depends on personal preference. A wider grip can help reduce wrist movement, while a heavier grip will make the head feel lighter. Larger grips can also help take the hands and feel out of the stroke, resulting in a more robotic and square stroke.
