Putter Parts

Face

This is the part of the putter that actually touches the ball during a stroke. They can be solid, with an insert, without an insert, smooth, grooved, flat or curved. The variations are endless.

The toe is the tip of the face farthest away from the player. The heel is the edge closest to the player.

Head

The head of a putter can be a simple straight chunk of metal or some exotic configuration roughly looking like a piece of modern art. Various weights placed in various locations are part of the science behind what can influence the swing and the subsequent path the shot actually travels.

Shaft

The shaft is generally steel but the length and angle where it joins the head are the two main variables for putters. How a player chooses to align themselves is significantly affected by these two variables.

4 Basic Styles

Since putting is more art and more feel than it is science, players will often go through a number of putters in their playing career. Golf putters themselves go through phases too as players search for that ever-elusive feeling of confidence that every putt is going in.

Blade Putters

As simple of a design as you can imagine, this is generally a straight piece of metal, with or without an insert and is the oldest of old school. The simplicity of the design is the reason for its long-term success and players continue to buy and use these golf putters in large numbers.

Mallet Putters

If you take a blade and add a semi-circular back to the head, you basically get the idea of what a mallet looks like. The various brands out there have different sizes and weighting along with a host of other features. These have a huge price range but expect them to weigh more than most blades.

Everything Else

The brand name putters go to great lengths to help you perform well on the greens. The shape of these golf putters can try to help players see the line and to keep the club perfectly aligned with the intended path to the hole.

Belly Style

Regardless of the shape of the head, golf putters with a longer than average shaft that extend in some cases all the way to the chest are called belly putters. A number of brands produce them but ever since 2016, if you play with one of these, you are not permitted to anchor the top of the putter to your abdomen.

Regulations surrounding golf gear can be frustrating. But the feeling in golf at that time was that these golf putters significantly impacted performance and the USGA wants the game to focus on the player and not on the equipment.

Left-Handed Golf Clubs

Just as with other golf clubs, putters come in both right-handed and left-handed versions. Whichever version is used for the rest of the round should also be used for putters but there is no rule prohibiting the use of either version.

Men's vs. Women's

Some brands have produced putters focusing on a single gender. As you refine your search you may consider this to be important or not.

What About Price?

As you access the full range of choices as you shop for putters, you will encounter a dramatic breadth when it comes to price. While budget can certainly be one of your criteria, it should not be the only one. Consider brand, style, reputation and your desire for the tried and true vs. the innovative. Be sure to check our sale website for deals too.

Shop for Quality

Golf-Clubs.com maintains a huge supply of clubs, balls, apparel and accessories for you or that golf fan on your gift list. Looking for advice? Call our friendly team of golf experts. We are happy to help!