Harper Lin
Golf club numbers are not random. They help golfers decide which club to use based on distance, height, and control. The loft, or angle of the clubface, is indicated by the number. The higher the number, the more loft, which creates a higher but shorter shot. The lower the number, the less loft, resulting in a lower, longer shot. While putters don't have a number, they are the club that a golfer will normally use most often during a round. In fact, if a golfer was to shoot par over the length of the round, that golfer would have used their putter on 50% of their shots. Putters also differ in how they are balanced and can be either face-balanced or toe-balanced.
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What You'll Learn
Putters are the club golfers use most often
Putters are a type of golf club that are used mainly on the green to roll the ball into the hole. They are the only class of club that can have certain features, such as two striking faces, non-circular grip cross-sections, bent shafts or hosels, and appendages designed to help players aim. Putters are also unique in that they can have inserts in the club face to promote better feel from the ball back to the golfer's hands and fingers. These inserts are usually integrated into the putter design to improve the feel at impact and consistency in the roll of the ball.
There are three main types of putters: blade, mallet, and the newer zero-torque designs. Blade putters are known for precision and consistency on the greens, and are generally used by golfers who prefer an arc stroke for their putting swing path. Mallet putters, on the other hand, are perfect for golfers who prefer a straighter, more mechanical stroke, as they are designed to be more forgiving when the stroke is not perfectly straight back and forth. Zero-torque putters are designed to stay square throughout the stroke, eliminating the rotation you get with blades and some mallets.
The standard putter length is 34 inches, with taller golfers choosing 35-inch putters and shorter players opting for 33-inch putters. Women’s golf putters are typically 33, 32, or 34 inches. Custom-sized golf putters are also available, with long putters generally ranging from 48 to 52 inches and belly putters ranging from 41 to 44 inches.
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Face-balanced putters are best for an arc stroke
Golfers use a putter, a type of golf club, in almost half of their shots during a round. Putters are different in terms of how they are balanced. When held in balance over the index finger, some putters have their clubface pointing up, and these belong to the face-balanced category. The putters whose clubface points down when held on balance over the finger are toe-balanced.
The type of putting stroke also varies among golfers. Some have a straight-back/straight-through stroke, while others have an arc stroke. A slight arc is considered natural, and a Tour-level putting stroke has between two and four degrees of arc. A straight-back/straight-through stroke is suited for a face-balanced putter, while an arc stroke is better for a toe-balanced putter.
Additionally, face-balanced putters can improve alignment and consistency. They can help golfers achieve better contact, more consistency with starting lines, and better proximity to the hole. Face-balanced putters can also eliminate a two-way miss, where the golfer misses both left and right of the cup or the intended starting line.
While the type of putter and stroke are important considerations, some golfers suggest that putting success is more about feel and confidence. If a golfer feels confident with their putter, they are more likely to putt well. Ultimately, the best putter for a golfer's stroke type is one that fits their exact specifications and feels comfortable to them.
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Mallet putters are better for straight strokes
Putters are a type of golf club that a golfer will normally use most often during a round. In fact, if a golfer shoots par over the length of the round, they will have used their putter on 50% of their shots.
There are three main types of putters: blade, mallet, and zero-torque. Blade putters are generally toe-balanced, meaning the clubface points down when balanced on your finger, and are better suited for golfers who prefer an arc stroke. Mallet putters, on the other hand, are typically face-balanced, meaning the face stays level when balanced on your finger, and are ideal for golfers who prefer a straight back-and-forth stroke. Zero-torque putters are designed to stay square throughout the stroke, eliminating the rotation found in blades and some mallets.
While blade putters were more popular in the past, mallet putters have gained traction in recent years due to their forgiving nature and higher MOI. The TaylorMade Spider Tour X L-Neck, for example, was named the best mallet putter in a test of 72 putter models in 2025. The Odyssey Ai-One Jailbird Mini, another mallet putter, was also praised for its consistency and impressive performance.
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Zero-torque putters are designed to stay square
Golf is a game that involves a lot of equipment, with a putter being one of the most important clubs in a golfer's bag. Putters are used more frequently than any other club, so it's no surprise that golfers are always on the lookout for the best putter to improve their game.
Zero-torque putters are the latest innovation in golf equipment, with demand and interest from both professional and amateur golfers rising over the past couple of years. The premise of a zero-torque putter is relatively simple: it is designed to keep the face of the putter as square as possible relative to the path of the stroke. This is achieved by having the shaft axis run directly through the centre of gravity in the head of the putter, reducing the amount of twisting and helping the golfer return the putter face square through impact more easily.
The natural twisting force that most putter heads exert during the swing is called torque, and it is considered the enemy of consistent putting. Traditional putters tend to open and close during the swing, which can be undesirable for some golfers. Zero-torque putters aim to eliminate this rotation, keeping the putter face square to the arc of the stroke. This simplifies the stroke and removes the need for the golfer to manipulate the putter face.
Zero-torque putters have been hailed as a game-changer for some golfers, with notable users including Rickie Fowler, Brian Harman, Lucas Glover, and Adam Scott. However, they may not be for everyone, and some golfers may prefer the feel and performance of traditional blade or mallet putters.
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Loft angle affects shot height and distance
Golf club loft refers to the angle of the clubface relative to the ground, or relative to an imaginary vertical line when the club is in its normal address position. This angle is measured in degrees, with higher numbers indicating more loft and lower numbers indicating less loft. Loft is a critical factor in determining how far and accurately a golfer hits the ball.
The loft angle controls the launch angle of the ball, which is how high the ball takes off. A higher loft will produce a higher launch angle, while a lower loft will result in a lower launch angle. The loft angle also affects the spin rate of the ball, which is how much backspin is applied. Higher lofts increase the spin rate, while lower lofts decrease it.
For most golfers, the ideal launch conditions for maximum distance involve a high launch angle with low spin. However, too much loft can cause the ball to launch too high with excessive spin, resulting in a loss of distance and control. On the other hand, too little loft can lead to a low launch with insufficient spin, causing the ball to fall out of the air prematurely. Therefore, finding the right balance of loft for one's swing is crucial to optimising distance and control.
Beginners may benefit from higher lofts to help launch the ball higher and reduce mishits. Seniors and juniors with slower swing speeds typically require higher lofts to achieve adequate distance and trajectory. In contrast, better players often prefer lower lofts for maximum control and shot-shaping ability. Amateur golfers usually need more loft to help get the ball airborne and maximise carry distance.
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Frequently asked questions
A putter is a golf club that is used to hit the ball over a short distance, usually on a putting green.
Putters come in three main types: blade, mallet, and zero-torque. Blade putters are toe-balanced, which means the clubface points down when balanced on your finger. Mallet putters are face-balanced, meaning the face stays level when balanced on your finger. Zero-torque putters are designed to stay square throughout the stroke, removing the rotation found in blades and some mallets.
The putter you choose will depend on your swing path. If you use an arc stroke, a blade putter may be best. If you use a straight back and forth stroke, a mallet putter may be better.
Putter inserts are added to the face of the club to promote better feel from the ball to the golfer's hands. They can be made from materials of varying softness and are designed to improve consistency in the roll of the ball.
