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When I first started learning the game of golf, a friend had taken to showing me all the different parts of the game. When we got to putting, I thought to myself “How hard can this be?” but this question proved to be something easy to answer... “Very”.
Let’s be honest, putting can seem like a daunting experience. Most of your friends have probably said something along the lines of it being “the most difficult part of golf”. However, it doesn’t have to be. This article is going to equip you with general knowledge about putters and which types of putters are the BEST for beginners, amateurs and high handicappers. Before you know it, you’ll be a scratch golfer in no time!
Before we dive into more details of each of the top putters for beginners, it's important to understand the different types that are available and how they are made up.
Blade putters can be distinguished by their simple design. The blade putter is the first putter design to ever be made in history. Although it isn’t set in stone, beginners are advised to stay away from blade putters as they can be harder to control.
Mallet putters are considered to be the newer design of putters and are much more intricate.
They usually feature larger putter heads with adjustable weights and can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Mallet putters are generally heavier and more stable through the stroke which makes it more forgiving and easier to control.
Putters with metal faces often have a firmer feel off the clubface and creates a softer sound upon impact.
Putters with face inserts tend to feel softer off the clubface and usually makes a putter become more forgiving. The sound created can vary in loudness as it depends on what material the insert is made of.
Grooves can be found on both metal-faced and insert-faced putters. These grooves are created in efforts to help start the ball on line.
Heel-shafted putters have the shaft attached to the putter head at the end closest to the player (the heel).
Center-shafted putters have the shaft attached to the putter head at the center of the head.
Offset putters have a hosel (or neck) which is bent back in the stance to keep the shaft ahead of the putter head.
Although you’re advised to try out a lot of putters to find the feel that you really love and feel tuned to, it’s probably a good idea to avoid any type of anchored putters. Since June 1st 2016, the R&A has effectively placed a ban on all anchored strokes.
Technically, you are still allowed to use the previously called ‘anchored putter’ (which has a very long shaft and was used to anchor itself to a player’s chest) but with some restrictions. You are no longer allowed to putt with the putter anchored to your chest, but anchoring it to your arm is allowed (for vague reasons).
Let’s keep it simple: there’s a huge variety of putters out there for you to choose from. It’s best for you to stay away from illegal putting while these putters aren’t even the best to teach yourself a good stroke or tempo.
Here are some pointers for those starting out and looking for the right putters.
When you walk around a golf shop, let your eyes wander along the rows of putters which are set up along the shelves and pay close attention to the heads. Instinctively, a couple of putters will grab your attention – those are the ones you should try.
It’s very important for you to like the way your putter looks when it’s out on display, you want your putter to be a sight for sore eyes. Got a long putt coming on? No problem, this beauty is ready!
Also, make sure that it’s easy for you to set up your putter to your target. A huge problem for many high-handicappers is that they aren’t able to start their ball on the correct line due to an incorrect set-up.
As minor as it might seem, finding the right length of putter for you is absolutely crucial in putting well. There isn’t a set rule to know what the correct length fits you, instead, it’s more about finding a putter length that suits they way you putt! The most important part is that you feel comfortable in your set up and your eyes are directly over the ball.
Something crucial to keep in mind is that it isn’t advised for you to get a putter that’s too long and get it fitted afterwards. Cutting off the ends of the shaft to make your putter a more suitable length can alter the weight balance of a putter and change the feel completely. It’s better to pay for extra shipping costs for a correct length putter than needing to get a brand new putter completely!
Just as putters come in different lengths, they come in different weights as well. Some people might favor heavier putters over light ones or vice versa. It’s important for you to try out the different weights and see what you find is easiest to control.
The great news is, a lot of new putters have adjustable weight features which can be really fun (and beneficial!) to mess around with. Who knows, you might just find the perfect fit by accident!
At the end of they day, the most vital part about choosing a putter is how it feels – it presides over all the other factors we’ve just talked about. If you pick a putter that looks good, weighs just right, is the right length, but doesn’t feel quite right, chances are it’s not the one for you.
Remember, you’re going to use your putter on almost every – if not every – hole on the course. There are plenty of options, so don’t get hung up on the first beauty you see.
Here are our putter recommendations for those beginning in golf.
This mallet putter with its unique head design was one of the first putters in the golfing industry with the counterbalance shaft system and is an all-time personal favorite – the best of its kind.
The counterbalance shaft system refers to an added weight and length at the end of the grip, above where a player would usually place his or her hands. As one of the pioneers of this system, all you need to do is line up and swing! You won’t need to be particularly worried about your stroke or path because after you take it back, it goes straight through on line and is well known for how easy it is to acquire distance control.
This mallet putter was made for the face-insert and simplistic lovers. The Odyssey Hot Pro 2.0 is a classic design, one of the most popular designs from the all-mighty Odyssey. The head design really cannot be any more straightforward. Imagine a semicircle with three lines to aid you in lining up to the ball, there you have it: the Odyssey Hot Pro 2.0 Rossie.
With reviews of exceptional feel and easy alignment, this putter is hard to beat.
Okay, I know I said that mallet putters are generally easier, but hear me out. If you’ve tried out some mallet putters and got the feeling that they were either too big, too heavy, or simply too complicated: the Sigma G Anser might just be the ‘answer’ for you!
Although this putter is on the lighter side, the whole concept of the Anser family was that it had phenomenal feel and great control. If you consider yourself a rebel and choose to disregard most of what’s written up above, this is definitely the putter you’ve been waiting for.
As you can tell from everything we’ve talked about, putting is a very personal matter. Once you’ve gained a good grasp on the concepts of what you need to look for, the best beginner putter truly depends on you and your gut. Golf is an individual game, and when you’re standing above that 15 footer to break your lowest score of 18 holes, you’re going to want to have a putter that you know you can trust in your hands.
Our personal recommendation would be the Ping Sigma G Anser. Why? All of the putters that were recommended are great putters, but the Ping Sigma G Anser consistently gets great reviews and we know that Ping first made its grand debut into the world of golf by gaining fame through their putters.
That being said, if at all possible, try out all three putters that were recommended. They will give you a good idea on what kinds of putters you should be looking for. And remember: be adventurous! No one is penalizing you for trying out lots of putters. The best one for you is out there, you best believe it!
