Do you want to make more putts on the golf course? The right putter can help! Finding the best putters is important because putting makes up about 40% of your golf score. In this guide, I will help you understand how to pick the perfect putter for you. Let’s learn about putters in a simple way!
Why Your Putter Matters So Much
Putters are special golf clubs used only on the green (the smooth grass area near the hole). When you use the best putters for your style, you will feel more confident and make more putts. The right putter helps you:
- Hit the ball straighter
- Control how far the ball rolls
- Feel more comfortable when putting
- Make better scores
Key Things to Know About Putters
1. Types of Putters
There are two main types of putters:
- Blade Putters: These are classic, narrow putters. They look like a small knife (blade). Many pro golfers like them because they feel very natural. They are good for players who swing the putter in an arc.
- Mallet Putters: These have larger, rounder heads. They help keep the putter face square to your target. They are better for players who move the putter straight back and straight through.
Some putters are in-between these two types. Today, many golfers find the best putters by trying both types to see which feels better.
2. Weight and Balance
The weight of your putter affects how it feels when you swing:
- Light Putters (under 330 grams): Easier to move quickly. Good for slow greens.
- Heavy Putters (over 350 grams): Better for fast greens. Helps keep your stroke steady.
- Face-Balanced vs. Toe-Hang: Face-balanced putters stay square during your swing. Toe-hang putters let the toe point down, which helps players with an arcing stroke.
3. Length Matters
Most putters are 33-35 inches long. But did you know:
- Standard length works for average height players
- Tall players (over 6 feet) might need a longer putter
- Short players might need a shorter putter
- Some golfers use “belly putters” or “long putters” that rest against their body
The best length lets you stand comfortably with your eyes over the ball.
Price: What You Get for Your Money
Budget Putters ($50-$150)
- Good for beginners
- Basic materials like steel
- Simple designs
- May not last as long
- Examples: Wilson, Callaway Edge
Mid-Range Putters ($150-$300)
- Better materials and technology
- More options for weight and balance
- Good for regular golfers
- Examples: TaylorMade, Odyssey
Premium Putters ($300+)
- Top materials like milled aluminum
- Advanced technology
- Custom fitting available
- Last many years
- Examples: Scotty Cameron, Ping
Tip: The most expensive putter isn’t always the best for you. Try before you buy!
Durability: Making Your Putter Last
In North America, we have different weather:
- Cold winters can damage some putter materials
- Hot summers can affect grip materials
- Humidity can cause rust on some metals
To make your putter last:
- Keep it dry after use
- Store it in a cool place
- Use a headcover
- Check the grip regularly and replace when worn
Steel putters usually last the longest. Good quality milled putters can last 10+ years with proper care.
Top Brands and What They Offer
Scotty Cameron (by Titleist)
- Known for beautiful craftsmanship
- Popular with pro golfers
- Premium price, but many say worth it
- Great for players who love classic blade putters
Odyssey
- Famous for innovative technology
- Many mallet-style best putters
- Good value at different price points
- Popular White Hot insert for consistent roll
Ping
- Known for fitting services
- Many options for different stroke types
- Strong warranty
- Good for beginners to experts
TaylorMade
- Modern designs with new technology
- Popular Spider series of mallet putters
- Good balance of price and performance
Cleveland
- Offers great value
- Good options for beginners
- Solid performance at lower prices
What Real Golfers Say
When looking for the best putters, check what other golfers say:
- Beginners often prefer mallet putters because they are more forgiving
- Experienced players sometimes like blade putters for better feel
- Many golfers say “the best putter is the one you feel confident with”
- Golfers in windy areas often prefer heavier putters
On golf forums, you’ll see comments like:
- “This putter helped me lower my putting by 2 strokes per round!”
- “I love how this putter feels on fast greens.”
- “The alignment lines make it easy to aim.”
Finding Your Perfect Putter: Different Situations
For Beginners
- Look for mallet-style putters
- Choose something with good alignment aids
- Start with a mid-range price ($100-$200)
- Try before buying if possible
For Experienced Players
- Consider getting fitted for your putter
- Think about what’s missing in your current putting
- Try different weights and balances
- Don’t be afraid to try new styles
Playing in Different North American Conditions
- Northern States/Canada (cold climate): Choose putters with stainless steel heads that resist rust
- Southern States (hot climate): Consider how heat affects your grip
- West Coast (fast greens): Heavier putters often work better
- East Coast (variable conditions): Versatile putters with adjustable weights
Different Green Speeds
- Slow Greens: Lighter putters help get the ball moving
- Fast Greens: Heavier putters give you more control
- Very Fast Greens: High MOI (moment of inertia) putters help prevent twisting
How to Test Putters Before Buying
- Visit a Golf Store: Many stores have putting mats where you can test putters.
- Try Different Types: Don’t just try one style – try both blade and mallet.
- Pay Attention to Feel: How does it feel when the ball hits the putter face?
- Check Alignment: Does the design help you aim better?
- Ask About Returns: Some stores let you try a putter on the course before deciding.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing by looks only: A pretty putter won’t help if it doesn’t fit your stroke.
- Ignoring length: The wrong length can ruin your putting stance.
- Not trying enough options: You might miss the perfect putter!
- Thinking expensive = better: The most expensive putter isn’t always the best for you.
- Forgetting about grip: A bad grip can make even the best putter feel wrong.
Final Tips for Finding Your Best Putter
- Know your stroke type: Are you an “arc” or “straight back/straight through” putter?
- Consider your green speed: Faster greens need different putters than slow greens.
- Don’t rush: Take time to try different options.
- Trust your feel: If it feels good and works, that’s the best putter for you.
- Remember: No putter will fix bad technique, but the right putter can help good technique shine.
The Bottom Line
Finding the best putters for you isn’t about buying the most expensive one. It’s about finding a putter that matches how you putt and where you play. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced golfer, there’s a perfect putter waiting for you.
Try before you buy. Pay attention to how it feels. Think about your typical playing conditions in North America. And most importantly, choose a putter that makes you feel confident standing over that short putt.
When you find your perfect match, you’ll notice fewer putts per round and more smiles on the green. Happy putting!
