Golf Putters

What are the Different Types of Golf Putters?

Blade Putters

Blade Putters are the traditional and most classic style of putter with a thin, flat design and minimal features. They offer more control over feel, providing clear feedback from the clubhead which allows golfers to make minute adjustments for better precision.

Blade putters are best suited to players with an arc style putting stroke, as their design makes it easier to rotate the head throughout the swing. However, these may not be preferred by beginners due to their less forgiving nature.

Mallet Putters

Mallet putters have a larger, rounded or square-shaped head with more weight at the back. This club head design helps maintain stability and balance during the stroke, which is typically more appreciated by those new to golf and more prone to off-centre strokes.

Mallet putters are best suited for golfers with a straight back, straight through stroke and beginners looking for added forgiveness and stability.

FAQs When Choosing Golf Putters

What Putter Length Do I Need?

Choosing the appropriate putter length is crucial for consistent putting performance and comfort on the greens. The right length ensures that your posture and setup are correct, allowing you to make smooth, controlled strokes. In comparison, a putter that is too long or too short can lead to inconsistent contact, reduced control, and an awkward stroke. For golfers seeking precision, having the correct putter length is an easy way to improve your game.

Generally, putters come in standard lengths of 33, 34, and 35 inches. For most golfers, the ideal length allows the arms to hang naturally while the eyes are positioned directly over the ball.

A simple way to check if your putter length is right for you is to get into your putting stance. If you find yourself bending too much at the waist or standing too upright, you may need to adjust the length. In general, putter lengths are recommended based on the golfer's height.

Comparing Insert and Milled Putters

The type of putter face can significantly affect your overall putting performance. Here's a quick comparison between insert and milled faces.

Milled Faces: Milled putters are crafted from a single block of metal with no added components. They often produce a crisp, solid feel at impact, with the finely milled grooves promoting better contact and more consistent ball roll.

Insert Faces: Insert putters feature a soft material placed in the face, which enhances forgiveness. They create a softer feel on impact, dampening vibrations and giving golfers more control on fast greens.

Ultimately the choice comes down to personal preference. If you’re looking for a soft, controlled touch, try an insert putter. Or, if you prefer a firmer, more traditional feel, a milled putter is likely better suited to you.

Comparing Face-Balanced and Toe-Weighted Putters

Face-Balanced Putters

In a face-balanced putter, the centre of gravity is directly below the shaft, so when you balance the shaft on your finger, the putter face will point upward. This design helps keep the putter face square to the target throughout the stroke, offering more stability and forgiveness for golfers who tend to be inconsistent with their stroke path.

Face-balanced putters are ideal for golfers with a straight back, straight through putting stroke. Their design helps to maintain a square putter face at impact, supporting improved accuracy for golfers with a linear stroke.

Toe-Weighted Putters

A toe-weighted putter has more weight towards the toe of the club, so when you balance it on your finger, the toe of the putter will point downward. This design allows for natural face rotation during the stroke, giving a more natural, flowing feel as the face opens and closes. Toe-weighted putters are ideal for golfers with an arc-style stroke, where the putter naturally opens on the backswing and closes on the follow-through. This helps players square the face at impact while following their natural arc.

Toe-weighted putters provide more control over the amount of face rotation during the stroke, but it requires more skill and practice. They tend to offer less forgiveness on mis-hits but more precision when struck correctly. As such, they are better suited toward more experienced players.

Visit a GCO store today for a personalised fitting!

Still unsure of which putter is right for you? Or need some help determining putter length? Visit one of our stores and test out some clubs from our extensive range. With professional staff ready to help and the best deals on leading golf brands, you’re sure to find the right putter to improve your game!