Which Putter Should I Buy? A Simple Guide for Amateur Golfers

Selecting the right putter can significantly impact your golf game, but with so many options available, it can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry—this guide is here to help you understand the basics so you can make an informed decision that suits your playing style. Whether you're looking to improve your consistency on the greens or simply want to find a putter that feels right, understanding your options is crucial. And if you're committed to making the best choice, consider consulting a PGA professional or getting a custom fitting.

Understanding Putter Head Styles: Blade vs. Mallet

One of the first decisions you'll need to make is choosing between a blade-style and a mallet-style putter. These two main types of putter heads offer different benefits depending on your stroke and personal preference.

• Blade-Style Putters: Known for their traditional, narrow design, blade putters are often favored by golfers who play on faster greens and prefer a slight arc in their putting stroke. Their precision makes them ideal for longer putts.

• Mallet-Style Putters: Mallet putters are more forgiving and often better suited for golfers with a straight-back, straight-through stroke. They offer stability and can help reduce the impact of off-center strikes. This type includes popular models like the TaylorMade Spider or the Odyssey White Hot.

Choosing a putter head style isn’t just about performance; it’s also about confidence. Make sure the putter you choose feels good when you’re lining up your shot.

Finding the Right Putter Length and Weight

The length and weight of your putter are critical factors that can affect your comfort and performance on the greens.

• Putter Length: The standard length for men’s putters is 34-35 inches, and for women, it's around 33 inches. However, your ideal length may vary based on your height, posture, and where you naturally grip the putter. A custom fitting can ensure the length is perfect for your stance and stroke.

• Putter Weight: The weight of your putter head can either stabilize your wrists (with a heavier head) or provide more control on longer putts (with a lighter head). Heavier putters are often favored for their ability to reduce wrist movement, while lighter putters are great for those who prefer more feel and control.

Properly balancing the weight and length of your putter ensures you’re set up for success, making your stroke more consistent and effective.

Matching Your Putter to Your Stroke

To get the most out of your putter, it’s essential to match it to your natural putting stroke. Many amateur golfers overlook this step, but it can make a significant difference in your consistency and confidence on the green.

• Straight Back and Through Stroke: If your stroke is more straight-back and straight-through, a face-balanced putter is likely your best option. This design helps keep the putter face square to the target line throughout the stroke.

• Arcing Stroke: If your stroke follows an arc, a toe-hang putter may be a better fit. These putters are weighted to allow the toe to naturally open and close during the stroke, which complements an arcing motion.

For those who want to take their putting to the next level, Putt Line offers training aids that help you refine your stroke, no matter which type of putter you choose.

The Impact of Putter Loft

Loft is another important consideration when selecting a putter. Most putters have a loft of 2 to 4 degrees, which helps lift the ball slightly off the ground and get it rolling smoothly.

• Why Loft Matters: Too much loft can cause the ball to skid or backspin, while too little can make it difficult to control distance. Ensuring the loft of your putter matches your stroke is crucial for consistent, accurate putts.

• Adjusting Loft: If your putter shaft leans forward or backward at address, this can change the effective loft and impact the roll of the ball. A proper fitting can help you get the loft just right.

Understanding how loft affects your putts can help you make more informed decisions when selecting a putter, ensuring your ball rolls true every time.

Do You Need Alignment Aids?

Some putters come with lines or dots on the top to help with alignment, while others have a clean, unmarked surface. The choice between these options depends largely on your visual preference and how you read putts.

• With Alignment Lines: If you’re a golfer who sees straight lines when lining up a putt, alignment aids can be incredibly helpful. They can make it easier to aim your putter accurately.

• Without Alignment Lines: Golfers who focus more on the overall path of the ball might prefer a putter without alignment lines, as it allows them to see the curve and feel the putt more naturally.

Putt Line’s training aids can also help you practice and improve your alignment, ensuring that you’re confident in your aim whether your putter has lines or not.

Material and Grip: The Finishing Touches

The material of your putter and the grip you choose can influence the feel and performance of your putts.

• Material: While most putters are made from stainless steel, options in aluminum, brass, and other metals are available. Each material offers a different feel, so it’s worth trying a few to see which one you prefer.

• Grip Size: Grips come in various sizes—standard, midsize, and oversize. Smaller grips allow for more wrist action, while larger grips can help stabilize your stroke. Choose a grip that feels comfortable and suits your playing conditions.

Don’t underestimate the importance of how your putter feels in your hands. The right combination of material and grip can make a big difference in your confidence and performance.

Seek Professional Advice

While understanding the basics is important, nothing beats the insight of a professional club fitter or golf instructor. They can analyze your stroke, recommend the best putter for your game, and even help you fine-tune your setup.

The putter is the most-used club in your bag, and investing in the right one can lead to better scores and more enjoyment on the course. And once you’ve found the perfect putter, Putt Line is here to support your journey to putting perfection with our specialized training aids.

Optimize Your Search for the Best Putter

Whether you’re Googling "Best Putter," "Different Types of Putters," or "Which Putter Should I Buy," knowing your stroke and understanding the different putter options will guide you to the right choice. Use these tips to find a putter that complements your game, and consider getting a professional fitting to ensure the best possible fit. With the right putter and consistent practice, you’ll be sinking more putts and lowering your scores in no time.