Are you an amateur golfer looking to up your game? Look no further than this blog post, where we’ll walk you through the best putter choices for amateurs and help you decide the best putter for an amateur golfer. We’ve done all the research, so you don’t have to, and we have come up with a list of our top 6 picks! Whether you’re looking for a budget option or a top-of-the-line model, we’ve got something for everyone in this guide.
Golf putters are an essential piece of golf equipment. They are used to roll the ball, rather than hit it, along the green to get it into the hole. Putters come in various styles and designs, from blade putters to mallets and everything in between. The type of putter you choose should depend on your abilities and preferences regarding putting. Different putter models can also have different weight distributions, which can influence how you make your stroke. Choosing the right putter for you can help improve your game significantly, allowing for more accurate shots and better scores overall.
Key Factors To Consider When Finding The Best Putter For Amateur Golfer
Putter Shape
When buying a new putter, the shape is an important factor to consider. Start by looking at the three main types – blade, mallet, and high MOI head – and decide which one you prefer the look of. A large mallet style can improve your putting, and a key question to answer is how strong your putting arc is. It’s also helpful to identify whether you have an arced swing to choose the best putter head and neck for your stroke.
Putter Length
When you are looking to purchase a new putter, remember to consider the length! It is an essential factor in finding the right one for you. The length of your putter should be directly related to your height- if you’re 6 feet or taller, you will need a 35-inch putter, 5’9″, or shorter- 34 inches. Most putters off the shelf are about 34 or 35 inches long. But if you are an average male golfer, you should use a putter between 32 and 34 inches long. We are talking about standard length putters for this guide, generally 32″ to 36″. The USGA has some putters and length restrictions, so check those out before making your purchase. Over 40 percent of golf shots are made with a putter, so make sure yours fits perfectly!
Putter Build Quality
When buying a new putter, the build quality is an essential factor to consider. You want a putter that can handle your stroke and perform consistently from shot to shot. A good quality putter should provide you with enough feedback so you know what type of performance you can expect from your putts. Furthermore, a high-quality putter should be durable and last for years.
When buying a new putter, the budget should be one of your top considerations. Putter fittings can cost around $100 and are well worth the money if you’re serious about improving your game, but if that fits outside your budget, you can still find a putter that fits within your price range.
When choosing a putter, the length and toe hang of the club is especially important. Look for a forgiving putter if you’re just getting started – mallet putters tend to work better with players who keep the face square on the way back and through. It’s also important to consider how the putter feels in your hands – if you have longer arms, look for a longer than standard grip.
Remember to shop around and compare prices! There are many different head designs available – blade, mallet, or mid-mallet – so take some time to research what’s available and find something that fits your budget and playing style.
Different Types Of Putters For Amateur Golfers
Golfers, you’ve probably heard about the different types of putters out there, but do you know which one is right for you? Putter types vary in weight, length, head design, and balance. So it’s important to understand the differences between them before making a decision.
Heel and Toe Weighted Putters – Heel and toe weighted putters have more weight in either the heel or toe of the clubhead. This helps create a smoother stroke during your motion as the weight encourages an even roll across the green. Toe hang putters have more weight towards the toe, while face-balanced putters have more weight in the center of the head. Depending on your putting style, one of these could be a great fit for you!
Blade Putters – Blade putters are the traditional style of putters and have been used by golfers for years. They feature a straight clubhead and narrow flange, which helps to create a more consistent shot. The shaft attaches to the blade’s heel or closer to the center of the club, and the weight is concentrated in the toe. This helps to create a more accurate shot that is easier to control.
Center Shafted Putters – This type of putter is balanced between the heel and toe, which can increase stability during setup and impact. Additionally, a center-shafted putter has a hosel that connects the shaft to the center of the head, as opposed to most putters which have it connected to the heel. This makes it easier for golfers to align their ball correctly. Furthermore, some pros feel that this type of putter gives them more control over their strokes.
Mallet Putters – Mallet putters are a great option for golfers looking for extra stability and balance in their strokes. The club head of a mallet putter is much larger than that of a blade putter, offering more forgiveness on off-center hits. It’s also worth noting that most lower-handicap players and golf purists will tell you that the blade putter is still the best choice out there.
If you’re still considering a mallet putter, there are a few categories to choose from. The original mallet shape was semi-circle, whereas the modern style is more flat-stick. Additionally, high MOI (moment of inertia) mallet putters like the Bettinardi Inovai 8.0 offer more stability than others on the market. That said, these clubs do require more work out of the player than their blade counterparts.
The choice between a mallet and a blade ultimately comes down to comfort and personal preference. If you’re looking for extra forgiveness but don’t want to sacrifice feel or accuracy, mallet putters could be just what you need to improve your game!
1. TaylorMade Golf Spider X Putter, #3 Hosel – Best Overall Putter
The TaylorMade Golf Spider X Putter is the best overall putter on the market. This technology-packed putter features a thicker pure roll insert, which provides a soft feel and has eight 45-degree grooves for increased topspin and distance judgment. The innovative spider design creates excellent perimeter weighting to improve off-center stroke forgiveness, while the sightline enhances focus. This is among the most widely used putters on the PGA and LPGA tours.
It features an innovative True Path Alignment System that helps you visualize your intended target line for improved putting accuracy. With three different hosel options to match your putting stroke and personal preference, the Spider X is designed to help you make perfect putts every time. The re-engineered mass properties and Pure Roll insert in the face of the head create direct contact with the ball during impact, which ensures a truer roll and maximum distance control. And with its eye-catching X Design and lightweight construction, this putter looks just as good as it plays.
With three different hosel options to choose from – Short Slant, Single Bend, or Flow Neck – you’ll be able to find the perfect fit for your game. Plus, the putter is available in Navy/White and Copper color options, with Uniflex flex and left-hand orientation. You can also select your desired loft angle (3 degrees) and material.
So if you’re looking for improved accuracy and performance on the green, look no further than the TaylorMade Golf Spider X Putter!
Pros:
- Compact shape offers easy alignment
- High MOI design for maximum forgiveness and stability
- Thicker Pure Roll insert for better sound and feel
- To help the ball start and maintain its intended path, the 45° grooves increase topspin.
Cons:
- The visual design can be distracting for players
- It’s costly but worth it
2. Odyssey Stroke Lab Bird Of Prey – Our Favorite Putter For Amateur Golfer
The Odyssey Stroke Lab Bird of Prey is our favorite putter for amateur golfers. This mallet-style putter features a double bend shaft and face-balanced design, which makes it ideal for players with a minimal arc in their stroke. It also has an updated face insert to provide more consistency on the greens. The dark finish gives it a sleek look and makes it easier to line up your putt. Additionally, the unique arrow shape cut into the back cavity of the head provides improved stability and accuracy when putting.
It features Stroke Lab weighting, which pushes the weight to the edges and cuts mass from the interior. In the end, the putter head is rebalanced, and the innovative multi-material shaft sheds 40 grams of weight.
The Microhinge Star Insert creates a firmer feel and pleasing sound at impact while providing the same roll characteristics of the Tour-proven White Hot insert.
Finally, it has a high MOI rating which ensures that even off-center strikes will still send your ball toward the cup. With all these features, the Odyssey Stroke Lab Bird of Prey will help any golfer improve their putting game.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of the Odyssey Stroke Lab Black Bird Of Prey Putter:
Pros
- Super-high MOI mallet design
- Enhanced forgiveness, alignment & insert technology
- Firm feel & improved sound at impact
- Same roll benefits as White Hot Microhinge Insert
- Ten model is an absolute hole
Cons
- Head shape can look weird to some
- Can be costly for beginners
3. Pinemeadow Golf Men’s PGX Putter – Best Weighted Putter For Amateur Golfer
The Pinemeadow Golf Men’s PGX Putter is perfect for golfers who want the most balanced head weight. Its distinctive white finish stands out when in the address position. The contrast of the white and green grass helps to focus on alignment lines, ensuring that your putter is on target immediately. It also has an added 40g weight to make it “tour-weighted,” which is perfect for faster greens. Additionally, it comes with a custom PGX headcover to keep your putter well-protected.
Pros
- Right Handed putter with 40g extra weight for improved stability
- Precise white finish helps it to stand out against the green grass and makes it easier to aim
- Affordable option for mid to high-handicap players
- Well-balanced putter that is smooth to swing
Cons
- The head tends to loosen over time
- Not as feature-packed compared to some competitors
4. Wilson Staff Harmonized Golf Putter M5 – Best Putter For Control
Golfers of all skill levels should consider the Wilson Men’s Harmonized M5 Putter, especially those just starting out. The large mallet-style putter head allows for better alignment and accuracy while the horizontal lines on the putter head visually support alignment.
The stainless-steel head with multiple density areas in the micro-injection face helps to bring more power and control to your swing. Lastly, the vertical seam grip is designed with a slightly larger diameter for improved feel and accuracy when on the green.
With this putter, you can trust that your game will improve quickly.
Pros
- Perfect for golfers with a mid-high handicap
- Great performance at an affordable price
- Mallet putter design provides extra forgiveness and consistency
- Features multi-density micro-injections on the clubface
- Eye-catching vertical seam grip with a slightly larger diameter
Cons
- Sharp edges of the putter could damage other clubs
- The beck is a bit weak
5. Cleveland Golf TFI 2135 1.0 Putter – Best Putter For Alignment
The Cleveland Golf TFI 2135 1.0 Putter is an excellent option for amateur golfers looking to improve their alignment and control on the green. Featuring a milled, copper-infused aluminum face over a soft polymer layer, this offset heel and toe weighted putter helps to optimize feel, sound, and performance.
The raised alignment aid is set at 21.35mm off the ground – the radius of a golf ball – which helps ensure accurate alignment regardless of your setup position.
The sleek design includes angular bumpers and a black non-glare finish for better concentration on your putt. With its competitive price point, the TFI 2135 provides excellent value for money and will help shave strokes off your scorecard.
To help you decide if this putter is right for you, consider the following benefits and drawbacks:
Pros
- Putter head positioning helps improve your putting performance
- Offers excellent value for money
- Raised sightline emphasizes alignment
Cons
- It’s a bit on the light side
6. Ray Cook Golf Silver Ray SR800 Putter – Best Budget-Friendly Putter For Amateur Golfer
The Ray Cook Golf Silver Ray SR800 Putter is one of the best budget-friendly putters on the market. It’s incredibly accurate and has a great feel to it. With a good grip and excellent club balance, this putter is designed to help golfers discover a consistent roll they can trust, experience better distance control, and sink more putts resulting in lower scores.
It has a thick enough grip that most golfers can get used to quickly while also being lightweight enough that you won’t tire out your arms during your round. This putter by Ray Cook is popular with amateur, mid-hand, and high-handicap golfers. Its mallet design makes it easy to line up correctly, which can give you more confidence on the greens.
With its alignment aid and increased weight, this putter is perfect for golfers who are looking for a reliable mallet-style putter. The red and white head gives it an attractive look at address without distracting from your aim line.
Finally, at less than $100, the Ray Cook Golf Silver Ray SR800 Putter offers excellent value for money, making it an ideal choice for amateur golfers looking for an affordable yet quality putter option.
Here are some of this great putter’s benefits and drawbacks:
Pros
- Well-balanced mallet putter that helps smooth out your putting stroke
- Mid-size grip ensures comfort and control
- Accurate and has a great feel to it
- Lightweight putter, weighing less than 1 KG
- High-quality putter used in previous PGA events
Cons
- Ping sound can be really loud
- Not Meant for left-handed people
- Paint can easily be chipped
FAQ’s
Are Heavier Putters Better Than Lighter Putters?
Studies have shown that heavier putters can be better for shorter putts, as the weight makes the putter head more stable. However, when it comes to long putts, the results are mixed—half of the testers did best with a heavy putter, while the other half did best with a light one. On fast greens, pros and cons exist for both types of putters.
Heavier putters can be easier to judge the speed on consistently, but they demand more effort to swing and can be inconsistent. Lighter putters can allow for longer distances but often cause you to smash the ball too much. Ultimately, it depends on your own preference and style of play. If you prefer slow greens, go for a lighter putter; if you like fast greens, go for a heavier one. A heavier head will also make it harder to move off line and help dictate your swing more than a lighter one would. So take some time to experiment and find the right fit for you!
Are Mallet Putters Better Than Blade Putters?
Mallet putters and blade putters both offer their own advantages. A mallet putter is better for mid and high-handicap golfers who require added forgiveness and consistency on the green. Mallet putters also offer additional alignment aid, offering more prominent features than a blade, such as longer or curved shafts. While blade putters are much smaller than mallet putters, they have a clean and simple look, as opposed to the more rounded and elaborate designs of a mallet putter. Ultimately, it really comes down to player preference; whichever information you value more should help you decide which type of putter is best for you.
How Long Do Putters Last?
A putter is a golf club that makes short and precise strokes to get the ball into the hole. Knowing how long your putter will last is essential because you don’t want it to wear out while playing. Generally, a good quality putter can last up to 10 years with proper care. This lifespan can be extended by using a cover when you’re not using your putter and cleaning and storing it properly after each use. The amount of use your putter gets can also affect its lifespan, as more frequent usage will cause more wear and tear on the club head. If you are an avid golfer, invest in a higher-quality putter made from better materials that will last longer than cheaper ones.
Should I Get Fitted For A Putter?
Putter fittings are designed to help golfers of all levels find the right putter that suits their height, body type, and playing style. With a putter fitting, you can ensure the weight is adequately distributed throughout the club, allowing you to make consistent contact with the ball. This can help improve your aim and accuracy, resulting in more putts made and fewer strokes taken.
What Is A High Handicap In Golf?
A golfer’s score in relation to par is referred to as having a high handicap. A handicap equalizes the playing field between golfers of different skill levels. It is a numerical assessment of a golfer’s potential. The Handicap Index is determined by taking the average of the best 10 out of 20 scores, then adjusting them using an equation established by the United States Golf Association (USGA). Generally, a high handicap in golf would range from +5 to 30 or higher.
Higher-handicapped golfers typically need additional help on the course, such as more forgiving clubs and improved distances off the tee. Additionally, higher-handicapped players may benefit from advanced instruction and practice drills that can help improve their overall game.
Are Expensive Putters Worth It?
Putter fittings and top-of-the-line models can help improve your putting, but are they necessary for every golfer? The answer depends on the individual golfer’s skill level and budget.
For high-handicap golfers, an expensive putter may not be necessary for improved performance. A quality model from a trusted brand such as Odyssey or TaylorMade can provide reliable accuracy and control without breaking the bank. Meanwhile, more serious players looking to gain an edge on the greens may find that an expensive putter is well worth the investment.
Professional golfers’ putters can cost anywhere from several hundred to thousands of dollars, making them some of the most expensive golf equipment. However, Jim Furyk proved that even a $39 used putter from eBay could help win big money on tour.
Ultimately, it comes down to what works best for your game and budget. If you’re serious about improving your putting skills, then investing in a custom fitting or top-of-the-line model could benefit performance and overall confidence on the green.
How Do I Read A Green Effectively?
Reading a green effectively can help you make more putts and lower your score. Before you hit your putt, take a look at the big picture of the green. Get multiple reads from different angles to get a better feel for the green. When you are ready to putt, do a complete walk around the ball and check out the perspective from all sides.
Consider any slopes or undulations that could affect how your ball rolls. Once you sense the general direction you need to aim, consider any wind or other weather conditions that could impact the roll. Finally, trust your instincts and hit with confidence!
Is A 34 or 35-inch Putter Better?
Generally speaking, a 34-inch putter is ideal for golfers whose heights range between 5’10” and 5’11”, while a 35-inch putter works well for taller players. But if you’re below 6 feet tall, you’ll likely find that the 35-inch putter is too long for you.
Geoff Mangum, putting guru, even suggests that many golfers should use a 33-inch putter, even if they are taller than 6 feet. For a golfer of average height, the standard length of a putter is 33–35 inches. However, this doesn’t mean you should stick with these sizes – you should find the one which best suits your game.
For example, Rory McIlroy found that with the 34-inch putter, his right arm could get too high, and his right shoulder could roll over. To combat this issue, he opted for a 35-inch putter and found it positively impacted his game. If the same problem applies to you, a slightly longer putter could help.
Is Weight And Balance Important When Buying A New Putter?
Weight and balance are essential when selecting the best putter for amateur golfers. When a golfer has the proper weight and balance of their putter, they can achieve more consistent rolls, better distance control, and sink more putts for lower scores.
Adjustable sole weights on some putters allow golfers to customize the head weight to their preferences. Optimal balance is achieved by adding stainless steel sole weights and a 6061 aluminum face insert in strategic locations. Peripheral weighted putters such as the Ping Anser provide a larger sweet spot which gives more forgiveness during a straight or an arc stroke. Mallet-style putters offer excellent stability and balance while putting and are an additional alignment aid.
The Odyssey White Hot Pro 2.0 Putter is an excellent choice for both men and women looking for solid performance with great balance. Blade Putters such as the Odyssey Toulon San Diego feature one or several lines on top of the club head, which can help with alignment issues while aiming at your target line. Most factory-shipped putters come with a lie angle of around 70 degrees, making them the upright club in your bag. Finding the perfect weight and balance on your putter will ultimately lead to better results on your greens game!
Conclusion
If you’re an amateur golfer looking to improve your game, the best putter for you may depend on your style and preference. We’ve researched and presented our top six choices for the best putter for amateur golfers. Each one offers unique features and benefits, so it’s essential to consider what type of putter best fits your needs.
When selecting a putter, it’s essential to consider the type of face, materials, balance, and length of the putter. A good putter should also offer a comfortable grip, stability, and feel. With that said, the best putter helps you make more consistent and accurate putts.
We hope that this article has assisted you in selecting the best putter for your game. Whether you opt for a mallet-style putter, a blade-style putter, or something in between, the important thing is to find something that works for you and makes you confident on the green. Good luck!