Putting is the most important short game shot in golf. If you can’t putt effectively, then it doesn’t matter how well you drive, chip or pitch — you simply won’t be able to save par often enough to lower your average. The best golfers on the PGA Tour save about 10-15% of their pars. This means that regardless of what else they do, a golfer only has a chance to compete regularly if he or she is exceptional at putting. Choosing the Best Putters are also among the most customized clubs in the bag.
After all, there are so many different types of shots and distances that require unique configurations to optimize success: uphill, downhill, sidehill, long distance and short distance all require specific shaft lengths and head weights as well as recurve vs standard cup positions to be successful.
Why is Choosing a Good Putter so Important?
Before you try to find the best putter for your game, it’s important to understand why putters (and most golf clubs) fit so many different people very well. This is because the length and the weight of the shaft, along with the head of the club, are the only things golfers can modify on their own. The length of a putter is the distance from the tip of the grip to the bottom of the shaft. And while this may seem simple, when you consider that there is also the lie angle and the length and position of the putter head, there are a lot of different ways to customize a putter so that it fits your game.
Choosing the Best Putters for Your Game
As you examine putters and their specs, think about the following things: length, weight, lie angle, the position of the putter head, grip type and size, and finish (color). We’ll walk you through all these considerations below.
Putter Length – Most putter manufacturers will offer a “standard” length of about 36 inches, with some offering longer “jumbo” and shorter “anti-slide” models. The standard putter length is the most versatile and will work for the majority of golfers.
Weight – The weight of a putter is sometimes referred to as the “head weight” which is the combined weight of the putter head and shaft. Most putters are sold in “head weights” with a heavier model weighing about 350-360 grams (about 12 ounces) and a lighter model weighing about 290-300 grams (about 10 ounces). So if you like the feel of a putter, but it’s too heavy, it’s often possible to swap out the shaft to get a lighter putter.
Lie Angle – The lie angle is the angle of the shaft in relation to the ground when the putter is standing upright in the bag. Most putters have a lie angle of 70-72 degrees. If you have a very upright or very flat stroke, you might want to look for a more upright or more flat putter. If you have a very strong or very weak grip, you might want a more upright or more flat lie putter.
The position of the putter head – The type of putter head you choose is an important part of the customization process. There are three different putter types: the standard blade, the cavity, and the mallet. Blade putters are very common, but the mallet and cavity putters are both growing in popularity and are worth looking into.
Grip Type and Size – The grip on your putter is probably the most overlooked part of the putter fit process. Some golfers like a standard grip, while others like a tacky grip (aka a sticky grip). The size of the grip is also important as different manufacturers have different grip sizes. For example, a grip size of “standard” at one company might be “medium” at another. If you are changing putters, be sure to take note of these different specifications.
Finish (color) – While the color of your putter may not matter to you, it matters to a lot of people. Studies have shown that people are more likely to putt well and make more putts when they are using a putter that is red. So if you want to putt with confidence, you might want to find a red putter.
Straight Shafted Putters
These putters have a straight shaft that maintains a consistent grip length as the weight of the club changes. This means that if you putt with a heavier club, you won’t have to worry about the length of the shaft changing and the club flying out of your hands on the follow-through. The straight shaft also means that you don’t have to worry about the lie angle changing as you swap out different heads.
Bend Shafted Putters
Bend shafted putters feature a bend or curve in the shaft in the area under the hands. The bend in the shaft is designed to allow for a more natural wrist cock in the backswing and the follow-through. Bend shafted putters are typically longer than straight shafted putters.
Underneath-Handed Putters
Also known as belly putters, these popular putters are designed to be used by golfers who are “underneath” their standard length putter. This means that if you are a tall golfer who is likely to have a shorter than standard length putter, these putters are designed to bridge the distance between your hands and the club head. Underneath-handed putters are typically longer than standard putters and are often a good option for seniors who have longer arms and may have difficulty bending their wrists to make a standard length putter work.
Over-Handed Putters
Over-handed putters are designed to be used by golfers who are “over” their standard length putter. This means that if you have shorter arms and a standard length putter is too long, these putters are designed to shorten the distance between your hands and the club head. Over-handed putters are typically shorter than standard putters and are sometimes used by women and younger golfers who have shorter arms and a shorter than standard length putter.
Summary
Choosing the best putters for your game is all about finding clubs that fit your length, weight, lie angle, and grip preferences so that you can make the best possible stroke and save as many pars as possible. Do yourself a favor and spend the time needed to find the best putters for your game. You’ll be happy you did if you ever have to make a long putt.
