A putter is a specialized golf club designed for use on the green, where precision and accuracy are paramount. With so many types of putters available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of all the types of putters, their features, and what sets them apart.

Table of Contents

• Types of Putters
• Putter Head
• Putter Length
• Putter Grip
• Putting Stroke
• Putter Face
• Putter Shaft
• Putter Head Design
• Best Putter

One of the most important aspects of a putter is the putter head. Putter heads come in various shapes and sizes, including mallet putters, blade putters, and belly putters. Mallet putters tend to have larger heads and offer more forgiveness on off-center hits, while blade putters tend to have smaller heads and require more precision. Belly putters are longer and are anchored to the golfer’s stomach, providing added stability and control. In addition to the putter head, factors such as putter length, grip, and shaft also play a crucial role in determining the type of putter that is best suited for a golfer’s individual needs.

Ultimately, the type of putter that is best for a golfer depends on their personal preference and putting stroke. Some golfers prefer a face balanced putter, while others prefer a toe hang. Some golfers prefer a longer putter, while others prefer a shorter one. With so many options available, it’s important to experiment with different types of putters and find the one that feels the most comfortable and provides the best results.

Types of Putters

When it comes to golf putters, there are many different types to choose from. Each type has its own unique features and benefits. In this section, we will explore the most common types of putters.

Blade Putters

Blade putters are the most traditional type of putter. They have a thin, flat club head with a straight or slightly curved shaft. These putters tend to be shorter in length and have a smaller sweet spot. They are best suited for golfers with a straight through putting stroke.

Mallet Putters

Mallet putters have a larger, more rounded club head than blade putters. They are designed to be more forgiving on off-center hits and have a larger sweet spot. Mallet putters tend to be heavier than blade putters, which can help with distance control.

Belly Putters

Belly putters are longer than traditional putters and are anchored to the golfer’s belly. This type of putter is designed to help golfers with shaky hands or a tendency to miss short putts. Belly putters can also help golfers achieve a more consistent putting stroke.

Long Putters

Long putters are similar to belly putters in that they are longer than traditional putters. However, they are not anchored to the golfer’s body. Long putters are designed to be used with a pendulum swing, which can help with distance control.

Shafted Putters

Shafted putters have a bend in the shaft, which can help with alignment and accuracy. They are best suited for golfers with a straight through putting stroke.

Insert Putters

Insert putters have a soft insert in the club face, which can help with feel and distance control. They are best suited for golfers who prefer a softer feel.

Forgiving Putters

Forgiving putters have a larger sweet spot and are designed to be more forgiving on off-center hits. They are best suited for golfers who struggle with consistency.

Balanced Putters

Balanced putters are designed to have an even weight distribution throughout the club head. This can help with stability and accuracy.

Metal Faced Putters

Metal faced putters have a harder club face, which can help with distance control. They are best suited for golfers who prefer a firmer cover ball.

Groove Faced Putters

Groove faced putters have grooves in the club face, which can help with roll and distance control. They are best suited for golfers who prefer a softer feel.

Peripheral Weighted Putters

Peripheral weighted putters have more weight distributed around the perimeter of the club head. This can help with stability and accuracy.

Counterbalance Putters

Counterbalance putters have a heavier grip, which can help with stability and distance control. They are best suited for golfers who struggle with consistency.

Armlock Putters

Armlock putters are similar to belly putters in that they are anchored to the golfer’s body. However, instead of being anchored to the belly, the putter is anchored to the forearm. This can help with consistency and accuracy.

Overall, the type of putter that is best for a golfer depends on their personal preference and putting style. By understanding the different types of putters available, golfers can make an informed decision when choosing a putter that is right for them.

Putter Head

When it comes to choosing a putter, one of the most important factors to consider is the putter head. There are several types of putter heads available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. In this section, we will discuss the various types of putter heads.

Blade Putter

Blade putters are the most traditional type of putter head. They have a thin, flat blade that is usually made of metal. Blade putters tend to be more forgiving on off-center hits and are ideal for golfers who have a straight through putting stroke. They are also a good choice for golfers who prefer a traditional look and feel.

Mallet Putter

Mallet putters have a larger, more rounded head than blade putters. They are usually made of metal or composite materials and have a higher moment of inertia (MOI). This means that they are more forgiving on off-center hits and provide greater stability. Mallet putters are a good choice for golfers who have an arcing putting stroke.

Heel Shafted Putters

Heel shafted putters have the shaft attached to the heel of the putter head. This design provides more weight in the heel and can help golfers who tend to miss putts to the right. Heel shafted putters are a good choice for golfers who have an inside to outside putting stroke.

Face Balanced Putters

Face balanced putters have a center of gravity that is located directly behind the face of the putter. This design provides a more stable stroke and is ideal for golfers who have a straight through putting stroke.

Toe Balanced Putters

Toe balanced putters have a center of gravity that is located toward the toe of the putter. This design provides more weight in the toe and can help golfers who tend to miss putts to the left. Toe balanced putters are a good choice for golfers who have an outside to inside putting stroke.

Putter Head Open

Some putters have an open or “flared” putter head. This design can help golfers who tend to push their putts to the right. The open design allows the putter face to stay more square at impact, which can help improve accuracy.

Overall, the type of putter head that is best for a golfer will depend on their individual putting stroke and personal preference. It is important to try out different types of putters to determine which one works best for you.

Putter Length

When it comes to choosing the right putter, one of the most important factors to consider is the length of the club. A putter that is too short or too long can negatively impact a golfer’s ability to make accurate putts. In this section, we will explore the different aspects of putter length and how they affect a golfer’s game.

Standard Putter Length

The standard length for a putter is usually around 34 inches, but it can vary slightly depending on the manufacturer. This length is suitable for most golfers and provides a good balance between control and distance. However, some golfers may find that a longer or shorter putter better suits their needs.

Putter Length Golfers

Golfers of different heights and body types may require different putter lengths to achieve optimal performance. For example, taller golfers may benefit from a longer putter, while shorter golfers may prefer a shorter putter. It is important for golfers to experiment with different putter lengths to find the one that works best for them.

Shaft Length

The length of the shaft can also impact a golfer’s ability to make accurate putts. A longer shaft can provide more leverage and help golfers achieve a smoother stroke, while a shorter shaft can provide more control and precision. Golfers should consider their personal preferences and putting style when choosing the length of their putter shaft.

Distance Control

The length of the putter can also affect a golfer’s ability to control the distance of their putts. A longer putter may be more difficult to control at shorter distances, while a shorter putter may struggle with longer putts. Golfers should choose a putter length that allows them to maintain consistency and control over their putts.

In conclusion, putter length is an important factor to consider when choosing a putter. Golfers should experiment with different lengths to find the one that works best for their body type, putting style, and overall game. By choosing the right putter length, golfers can improve their accuracy, consistency, and overall performance on the green.

Putter Grip

When it comes to putting, the grip is just as important as the putter itself. A golfer’s grip on the putter can greatly affect their putting stroke and ultimately their success on the green. In this guide to all the types of putters, we will take a closer look at the different types of putter grips available.

Putter Grips

There are many different types of putter grips available, each with its own unique benefits. Some of the most common types of putter grips include standard putter grips, oversize grips, and armlock grips. Each grip is designed to help golfers achieve a comfortable and consistent grip on their putter.

Standard Putter Grip

The standard putter grip is the most common type of grip found on putters. It is typically made of rubber and is designed to fit comfortably in the golfer’s hands. Standard grips come in a variety of sizes and shapes to fit the needs of different golfers.

Oversize Grips

Oversize grips are larger than standard grips and are designed to help golfers achieve a more relaxed grip on their putter. These grips are often used by golfers who have arthritis or other hand injuries that make it difficult to grip a standard putter. Oversize grips can also help golfers achieve a more stable grip on their putter, which can lead to better accuracy and distance control.

When choosing a putter grip, it is important to consider personal preference, as well as the type of putting stroke that the golfer uses. Some golfers prefer a firmer grip, while others prefer a softer feel. Ultimately, the best putter grip is the one that feels most comfortable and natural to the golfer.

Overall, the putter grip is an important aspect of any golfer’s game. By choosing the right grip, golfers can achieve a more consistent and accurate putting stroke, which can lead to lower scores on the green.

Putting Stroke

When it comes to putting, the stroke is one of the most important aspects of the game. A smooth and consistent stroke can make all the difference between sinking a putt and missing it. In this section, we will discuss the different types of putting strokes and how they can affect your game.

Straight Through Putting Stroke

A straight through putting stroke is when the putter moves in a straight line back and forth, without any arc. This type of stroke is best for golfers who tend to miss putts to the left or right. A straight through stroke helps to keep the putter face square to the target line throughout the stroke, which can lead to more accurate putts.

Toe Hang

A toe hang is when the toe of the putter points downward at address. This type of putter is best for golfers who have an arcing putting stroke, where the putter moves on an arc during the stroke. A toe hang putter allows the putter face to open and close more easily during the stroke, which can help golfers who tend to miss putts to the left or right.

Pendulum Swing

A pendulum swing is when the putter moves back and forth in a smooth, pendulum-like motion. This type of stroke is best for golfers who struggle with distance control on their putts. A pendulum swing helps to create a consistent tempo and rhythm, which can lead to more accurate putts.

Overall, the type of putting stroke that is best for you will depend on your personal preference and the type of putter you are using. It is important to experiment with different types of putters and strokes to find what works best for your game.

Putter Face

When it comes to choosing the right putter, the putter face is an important aspect to consider. The face of the putter is the part of the club that comes into contact with the golf ball and can greatly affect the outcome of a putt.

Golf Ball

The type of golf ball being used can affect how the putter face interacts with the ball. A firmer cover ball may require a putter with a softer face to achieve the desired feel, while a softer cover ball may require a putter with a firmer face to achieve better distance control.

Face Balanced

A face balanced putter is one where the center of gravity is directly behind the center of the putter face. This design can help golfers who have a straight through putting stroke or prefer a more stable feel during the stroke.

Off Center Hits

Off center hits can greatly affect the accuracy and distance of a putt. Some putter faces are designed to minimize the effects of off center hits and provide a larger sweet spot for more forgiveness on mishits.

Club Face

The club face of a putter can come in various materials such as metal, insert, or groove faced. Each material can provide a different feel and sound upon impact with the golf ball. Some golfers prefer the soft feel of an insert putter face, while others prefer the firmer feel of a metal faced putter.

Overall, the putter face is an important aspect to consider when choosing the right putter for your game. It can greatly affect the outcome of a putt and should be chosen based on personal preference and putting stroke.

Putter Shaft

When it comes to choosing a putter, the shaft is an important factor to consider. The shaft affects the weight, balance, and feel of the putter, and can have a significant impact on a golfer’s putting stroke. In this section, we will discuss the different types of putter shafts and how they can affect your game.

Steel Shafts

Steel shafts are the most common type of putter shafts and are known for their durability and consistency. They are typically heavier than graphite shafts, which can help golfers achieve a smoother, more stable putting stroke. Steel shafts also provide a firmer feel and more feedback than graphite shafts, which can be beneficial for golfers who prefer a more traditional feel.

Shaft Axis

The shaft axis is an important factor to consider when choosing a putter shaft. The axis refers to the orientation of the shaft in relation to the putter head. There are two main types of shaft axis: center shafted and heel shafted.

A center shafted putter has the shaft in the center of the putter head, which can help golfers achieve a more balanced stroke. Center shafted putters are often preferred by golfers who have a straight back and through putting stroke.

A heel shafted putter has the shaft attached to the heel of the putter head. This design can help golfers who have an arcing putting stroke, as it allows the putter head to swing more freely.

Putter Length

The length of the putter shaft is another important factor to consider. Putter length can affect a golfer’s posture and alignment, which can have a significant impact on their putting stroke. Most putters come in standard lengths, but some manufacturers offer custom fitting options to ensure the putter is the right length for the golfer.

In conclusion, the putter shaft is an important factor to consider when choosing a putter. Golfers should consider the type of shaft, shaft axis, and length to ensure they select a putter that suits their game and putting stroke.

Putter Head Design

When it comes to putter head design, there are two main types: blade putters and mallet putters. Blade putters tend to have a smaller, thinner head, while mallet putters have a larger, more rounded head.

Blade putters are often preferred by golfers who like a traditional look and feel. They tend to be more forgiving on off-center hits and offer more feedback on the golfer’s stroke. Mallet putters, on the other hand, are often preferred by golfers who want more stability and alignment assistance. The larger head allows for more weight to be distributed around the perimeter, which can help prevent twisting on off-center hits.

Alignment Aids

Many putters come with alignment aids to help golfers line up their putts more accurately. These can include lines on the top of the putter head, dots or lines on the back of the putter head, or even shapes that help frame the ball.

Alignment aids can be especially helpful for golfers who struggle with alignment or have a tendency to miss putts to one side or the other. However, it’s important to note that alignment aids are not a substitute for a good putting stroke. Golfers still need to make sure they are lined up properly and make a good stroke to sink the putt.

Overall, the design of the putter head can have a big impact on a golfer’s performance on the green. Golfers should consider their personal preferences, as well as factors such as forgiveness, stability, and alignment assistance, when choosing a putter head design.

Best Putter

When it comes to choosing the best putter, there are many factors to consider. Some golfers prefer a certain brand or style, while others prioritize specific features such as alignment aids or face balance. In this section, we’ll take a look at some of the top contenders for the title of “best putter.”

Scotty Cameron

Scotty Cameron putters are a popular choice among many golfers, known for their sleek designs and high-quality craftsmanship. These putters often feature milled faces and intricate details, making them a favorite among collectors as well as players. However, they can also come with a high price tag, so they may not be the best option for golfers on a budget.

New Putter

Sometimes, a new putter can make all the difference in a golfer’s game. Whether it’s a different style or a newer model, a new putter can help a golfer find the right feel and balance for their stroke. However, it’s important to take the time to test out different putters and find the right fit, as what works for one golfer may not work for another.

Perfect Putter

While there may not be a “perfect” putter for every golfer, there are certain features that can help improve a golfer’s performance on the green. For example, a putter with a face balanced design can help golfers with a straight back-and-forth putting stroke, while a toe balanced putter can be better for golfers with an arcing stroke. Additionally, alignment aids such as lines or dots on the putter head can help golfers line up their putts more accurately.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, the best putter for any golfer is the one that feels comfortable and natural in their hands. While it’s important to consider factors such as head design and grip type, personal preference should be the deciding factor. Golfers should take the time to test out different putters and find the one that works best for their individual needs and preferences.