Golf Putters: Different Types and How to Choose Right

In the world of golf, there is one piece of equipment that stands out as both simple and essential. That’s the golf putter, the instrument of precision on the course that can make or break your game with a single stroke. It’s used to perform precise and controlled short-distance shots on the greens, giving you control over path, distance, and power to maximise accuracy.

This club wasn’t always one of the essential tools in a golfer’s bag as it is today. Traditionally, it was the shortest, but over the years, it has undergone significant changes in design and materials, reflecting technological advancements in the game and a deeper understanding of putting mechanisms. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a beginner, buying a putter can take your game to a whole new level.

It’s the last club you use in any golf hole. Unlike other clubs, its purpose is to roll the ball along the green and into the hole. Very often it’s referred to as the scoring club because it’s used for the shortest, most critical shots on the putting green. Since it can have a massive impact on your scorecard, here are a few tips that can help you narrow down your options.

How Do I Choose My Putter?

Understand the Main Parts: The Three Primary Components

Head

The head is the most critical part, and it comes in various shapes and sizes. Each design offers distinct advantages, significantly affecting your putting performance.

Shaft

This is the long part that connects the head to the grip. It’s available in different lengths, and the size you choose can influence the feel and control of your putting stroke. Most putters available on the market are in the range of 33 to 35 inches, as they suit most golfers. The length of the shaft is directly related to your height, so the taller you are, the longer the shaft you’ll need.

Grip

It’s where you hold the club, and when it comes to grips, they come in different shapes and materials to cater to the different needs of golfers. In general, a bigger grip can limit any twitching in your motion and the hinge action you might have in your wrists, while a smaller grip can offer a better feel for and better control of your putting stroke.

Different Types

The design elements are crucial in how the club performs on the greens. The three main types of golf putters available are blade, mallet, and half-mallet. Here is a brief look at each type and what to expect from its performance.

Blade

They hold a special place in golf history, and almost every golfer has used one at one point or another. They are characterised by a more streamlined, traditional look and are known for consistency and precision on the greens. Most of them feature a toe hang and are better suited for golfers with an arched putting stroke.

Mallet

They are the largest clubs you can find on the market. Most of them feature a face-balanced head and are ideal for golfers with a straight back-and-forth putting stroke. Many beginner putters feature the classic mallet design and are known for helping with distance control and aiming.

Half-Mallet

As the name implies, these are somewhere in between the thin and agile heads of blade putters and the bulky, forgiving heads of mallet putters. One of the greatest advantages of the half-mallet is the balance it offers between the toe hang and the face balance. They are well suited for golfers with an arched backswing but a straightforward downswing.

Weight and Balance

The weight of the golf putter head matters a lot as it can influence the tempo of your stroke. Find a weight that complements your putting rhythm to make the most of it. Balance refers to how the head behaves during the stroke. You can choose between two options, face-balanced and toe-balanced putters.

Face-Balanced

These are well-suited for golfers with a straight-back, straight-through putting stroke.

Toe-Balanced

They are designed to open or close slightly during the stroke and are suitable for golfers who have an arcing putting stroke.

Face Inserts and Alignment Aids

Putters come with various features and alignment aids, so you can choose what aligns with your preferences and putting needs. Some feature face inserts designed to enhance feel and provide a soft touch. Alignment aids, on the other hand, such as dots or lines on the head, can help in completing your puts more accurately.

Final Thoughts

The golf putter is not just another club but the key to success on the greens. It can make the difference between a good and a great round, so make sure to consider the design carefully and find the one that feels most comfortable and effective to you. Unfortunately, there are no hard and fast rules to help you with your search, but at least you have a good set of information to go explore.