Improve your score with the right golf putter
The flatstick. The money maker. Or just the plain old putter. No matter what we call it, this club is one of the most important ones to have in your bag. Our putter buying guide will help you find the perfect putter.
Want a quick overview of some basic (and important) golf club definitions before you take a peek at putters? Head over to our general Golf Clubs 101 Buying Guide and we’ll meet you back here when you’re ready.
Length
Putters generally range from 32” to 43” long, with the standard length being 35”. It’s quite common for golfers to purchase putters that are way too long for them. So how do you avoid making this same mistake? First, you need to keep in mind that the proper length allows you easily keep your eyes directly over the ball.
In order to do this, get in your address position (the stance you have when you make a putting stroke). Stand with your eyes over the ball and hips slightly angled over your heels. Keep your arms bent at your sides and elbows in line with your ribcage. You’ll know that you have a properly fit putter when the club’s shaft is in line with your forearms. Now you’re set to take strokes off your game.
Clubhead
Blade or mallet putters? Which one do you choose? Just like anything in golf, there are pros and cons. Ultimately, it all comes down to player’s preference, but we’ll break down the differences to help you make an informed decision.
Blade putters have a sleek, traditional head design that suits players with an arc stroke, meaning the putter’s face opens in the back swing and closes through the stroke creating a slight arc.
Mallet putters have a more modern design, featuring a larger (and heavier) clubhead. With a mallet putter, the putter can have better ball alignment throughout the stroke, and is more forgiving in the event of an off-center strike.
Balance
We all try to achieve balance in our lives, and putting is no exception. Finding the right putter balance type can help you putt consistently.
Balance here refers to where the most weight (or mass) is in the putter head. There are three types of putter balance: face, neutral, and toe. If you were to rest the middle of the putter on your palm with the clubface pointing up, face-balanced putters will have its weight evenly distributed between the face and clubhead. These are best for a straight back, straight through stroke because the clubface stays square through impact. If you’re a golfer who stands closer to the ball, this putter might be the perfect match.
If you were to do the same with a neutral-balanced putter, the toe of the putter would tend to point to the ground at approximately 45 degrees. For toe-balanced (or toe-hang) putters, the toe will point to the ground at about a 90 degree angle. If you have an arced putting stroke, a toe-balanced putter might be the one for you.
Grip
Having the right grip shape for a putter can play a big role with the path in your stroke. There are six main grip shapes to look out for: circle, oval, flat oval, pistol, mod pistol, and flat wide.
Circle shape grips are designed to give your hands the similar grip pressure you feel with other clubs and it lessens your clubface’s rotation during your stroke. Oval (or paddle) is one of the most popular and traditional shapes. It’s made to keep hands close together for a more solid and stable grip. Flat oval, pistol, mod pistol, and flat wide are modern styles that typically have larger and flatter tops. Golfers with longer fingers or who have a straight back, straight through stroke, tend to choose a larger grip because it provides less head rotation on their stroke.
The choices feel endless, but if you keep in mind your skill level, the size of your hand, and what grip makes you feel most comfortable, we’re confident you’ll be sinking those shots in no time.
Wanting a bit more guidance? Your local PGA TOUR Superstore experts are ready to help you find the grip that’s right for your playing style.
