Types of Putters: Just Tap It In

As if golf wasn’t tricky enough to get to the green without hitting too many balls, you also have to putt!

In this article, I am going to discuss the different types of putters and how it is important, based on your stroke and style preference, to choose the right one to help you putt better and save strokes on your scorecard. 

Considering the types of courses you play on should also convince you to get a putter you are very comfortable with. If you play in a warmer climate with faster greens and fairways, or on links style courses, you may end up using your putter more often for putts off the green, rather than electing to chip.

What Type of Materials are Putters Made from?

The most common materials you will see:

• Soft Carbon Steel: Soft, responsive feel when striking the ball, allowing for more control and precision.

• 303 Stainless Steel: Durable as heck and corrosion resistant; also provides a firmer feel at impact, resulting in more consistent distance control and a solid sound.

The choice of material is mostly up to personal preference, as each golfer likes a different feel when hitting their birdie putts (or bogey).

What are the Different Types of Putters?

Blade Putters

One of the most traditional designs in golf putters; these are the ones you will see in the ancient golf highlights where all the players have funny pants on. 

Blade Putters have a slender, flat profile and are often preferred by players who have a more arched putting stroke.

Their minimalist design is ideal for golfers who appreciate precision and clean aesthetics. Shorter blade putters generally require a more pronounced arc in the stroke.

Mallet Putters

Mallet putters have a larger, rounded head shape, offering a higher Moment of Inertia (MOI). This means they provide more forgiveness on off-center hits and improved stability. These are best for straight-back-straight-through putting strokes.

These putters' size and weight distribution also allow for customization regarding putter length.

A mallet putter is my preferred type. I have worked hard to ensure my putting stroke is a smooth shoulder movement, straight back and through, with minimal arc. The mallet head feels satisfying when making center contact with a smooth putting stroke due to the higher MOI, and it gives a more consistent roll on my putts.

Mid-mallet putters are intermediate between a blade and a full-size mallet head. 

They can be a happy medium for someone trying to find the right club head size to balance MOI and flexibility in their stroke.

Face-Balanced Putters

Face-balanced putters generally stay level with the ground, which is best for a straight-back-straight-through stroke. They are best for players with a limited arc in their stroke, as they can enhance consistency and accuracy.

Odyssey White Hot OG 2-Ball mallet head putter 

Toe-Balanced Putters

Toe-balanced putters are ideal for golfers with a more pronounced arc in their stroke. The toe of the putter points towards the ground when balanced, encouraging a natural swinging motion. They allow players to maintain control and offer better results for players with a consistent arcing stroke. 

Center-Shafted Putters

The shaft connects directly to the center of the putter head. Again, if you consistently hit off the center of your putter face, center-shafted putters should be considered.

Center-shafted putters reduce twisting to improve accuracy and can benefit players who prefer a more balanced feel.

Heel-Shafted Putters

Heel-shafted putters have a shaft connection near the heel, emphasizing the toe weighting of the club.

These putters suit golfers with a more curved stroke, as the heel-shafted design promotes a smoother arcing motion.

There are also Belly Putters or Long Putters. The ban on being able to anchor these clubs to your belly or chest removes some advantages, where you could stabilize your stroke using that tactic.

I am not at that stage (or age) where I am interested in a belly or long putter, anchoring or not.

What Should I Consider When Choosing a Putter?

You will want to consider how tall the putter is (length), as stock ones in the store usually range from 32 to 36 inches long. If you are a giant, you can also get a custom one made to fit your proportions. 

The balance you choose (face or toe balanced putters) is also important and really depends on your preference and putting stroke. 

A big consideration, especially for beginners or those who suck at putting, would be the moment of inertia (MOI) that the putter head has. 

The more beginner/inconsistent you are with the putter, opt for a putter with a higher MOI so you are not penalized as much when you can’t hit on the center of the putter face.

What Style of Grip Can I Get For My Putter?

You can get three main grip styles for your putter, all based on personal preference and other factors like injuries.

The three main grip styles are Pistol (the most common grip and traditional look/feel), Paddle (broader surface area for the hands; those who like relaxed grip), and Oversized (can help those with arthritis or other hand conditions; keeps the wrist more stable in putting)

Conclusion

Take the time to explore and try out different putter types, materials, and manufacturers to find the perfect fit for your style and putting stroke.

Once you find that right putter, invest time and effort into honing your skills with it.

Your scorecard will thank you if you do!

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