As a golf instructor with years of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how the right putter can transform a beginner’s game. Putting is often called the great equalizer in golf, and for good reason.
It’s a skill that can help novices compete with more experienced players, even if their long game isn’t quite up to par.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about choosing the best putter as a beginner and share my top picks to help you sink more putts and lower your scores.
Understanding Putter Types
Before we dive into specific recommendations, it’s crucial to understand the main types of putters available. This knowledge will help you make a more informed decision when selecting your weapon of choice on the greens.
Blade Putters
Blade putters are the traditional style, featuring a simple, flat-faced design. They’ve been around since the early days of golf and continue to be popular among players of all skill levels.
Blade putters typically have a smaller head and are often preferred by golfers who have a more arcing putting stroke.
Pros of blade putters:
- Classic look that many golfers find appealing
- Can provide better feel and feedback
- Often preferred by players with an arcing stroke
Cons of blade putters:
- Less forgiving on off-center hits
- May be more challenging for beginners to align
Mallet Putters
Mallet putters have a larger head with more weight distributed towards the back, offering increased stability and forgiveness. These putters come in various shapes and sizes, from slightly larger than blade putters to oversized designs with many alignment aids.
Pros of mallet putters:
- More forgiving on off-center hits
- Often easier to align, especially for beginners
- Provide more stability throughout the stroke
Cons of mallet putters:
- Some golfers may find the larger head distracting
- Can feel less responsive compared to blade putters
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Putter
Now that we’ve covered the basic putter types, let’s explore the crucial factors you should consider when selecting a putter as a beginner.
1. Putter Balance
Putters are typically categorized as either face-balanced or toe-hang. This refers to how the putter head is balanced in relation to the shaft.
Face-balanced putters: When you balance the putter on your finger, the face will point upward. These putters are best suited for golfers with a straight-back-straight-through putting stroke.
Toe-hang putters: The toe of the putter will point downward when balanced. These are better for players with an arcing putting stroke.
As a beginner, you might not yet know your stroke type. In this case, I recommend starting with a face-balanced putter, as it’s generally more forgiving and easier to use with a simple, straight stroke.
2. Putter Length
The fixed putter length is crucial for maintaining proper posture and eye position over the ball. Most putters range from 32 to 36 inches in length.
To find the right length:
- Get into your putting stance with your eyes over the ball.
- Let your arms hang naturally.
- The putter should fit comfortably in your hands in this position.
If you’re unsure, it’s better to err on the shorter side, as it’s easier to control a slightly shorter putter than one that’s too long.
3. Putter Weight
The weight of your putter can significantly affect your stroke and the feel of your putts. Heavier putters can help stabilize your stroke and perform better on faster greens, while lighter putters may offer more control on slower greens.
As a beginner, I recommend starting with a mid-weight putter (around 350-360 grams for the head). This provides a good balance of stability and feel, allowing you to develop your stroke without being overly influenced by the putter’s weight.
4. Alignment Aids
Many modern putters come with alignment aids to help you aim more accurately. These can range from simple lines to more complex systems with many reference points.
As a beginner, look for a putter with clear, easy-to-use alignment features. This will help you develop consistency in your aim and build confidence on the greens.
5. Putter Face and Insert Technology
The face of the putter plays a crucial role in how the ball rolls off the club. Some putters have a milled face, while others feature insert technology.
Inserts are often made of materials like polymer or aluminum and can provide a softer feel and more consistent roll.
For beginners, I recommend trying putters with both milled faces and inserts to see which feels better to you. Many find that insert technology offers a nice balance of feel and forgiveness, making it a good choice for those new to the game.
Top Putter Picks for Beginners
Now that we’ve covered the key factors to consider, let’s dive into my top putter recommendations for beginners. These selections offer a mix of forgiveness, ease of use, and value, making them ideal for those just starting their golf journey.
1. Odyssey White Hot Pro 2.0 #1
The Odyssey White Hot Pro 2.0 #1 is a classic blade-style putter that offers an excellent blend of traditional design and modern technology. It features Odyssey’s renowned White Hot insert, which provides a soft feel and consistent performance across the face.
Key features:
- White Hot insert for improved feel and consistency
- Full-shaft offset for better alignment
- Contrasting alignment aid for easier aiming
- Tour-proven head shape
The White Hot Pro 2.0 #1 offers a clean, traditional look that inspires confidence at address. The insert technology helps produce a smooth roll, even on off-center hits, which is particularly useful for beginners still developing their stroke.
The alignment aid is simple yet effective, making it easier to aim accurately.
2. Cleveland Huntington Beach Soft #11
For those leaning towards a mallet-style putter, the Cleveland Huntington Beach Soft #11 is an excellent choice. This putter offers a great balance of forgiveness and feel, thanks to it’s larger head design and precision milled face.
Key features:
- Speed Optimized Face Technology for consistent distance control
- Precision milled face for improved feel and roll
- 304 Stainless Steel construction for durability
- Multiple alignment aids for easier aiming
The larger mallet head provides increased stability and forgiveness, which can help beginners achieve more consistent results. The alignment aids are particularly helpful for newcomers, making it easier to square the face at address and aim accurately.
The speed-optimized face technology also helps with distance control, a crucial skill for beginners to develop.
3. Ping Sigma 2 Tyne
The Ping Sigma 2 Tyne is a mid-mallet putter that offers the best of both worlds. It provides the stability of a mallet with a shape that’s not overly bulky, making it a great transitional option for beginners who might eventually want to switch to a blade-style putter.
Key features:
- Adjustable-length shaft (32″ to 36″)
- Dual-durometer face insert for soft feel and consistent roll
- Alignment line extends from the top to the back of the putter for easier aiming
- True Roll face technology for improved consistency
The standout feature of the Sigma 2 Tyne is it’s adjustable-length shaft, allowing beginners to fine-tune the length as they develop their putting stroke. The dual-durometer face insert provides a soft feel with excellent feedback, helping you develop a consistent stroke.
The alignment aids are clear and effective, making it easier to aim accurately.
4. TaylorMade Spider X
If you’re looking for more forgiveness and stability, the TaylorMade Spider X is worth considering. This high-MOI (Moment of Inertia) mallet putter is designed to minimize twisting on off-center hits, helping you maintain accuracy even when you don’t strike the ball perfectly.
Key features:
- True Path alignment system for improved accuracy
- Heavy steel frame with lightweight composite core for high MOI
- Pure Roll insert for improved forward roll and distance control
- Vibration-dampening PU foam for enhanced feel
The Spider X’s unique True Path alignment system is incredibly effective in helping beginners aim correctly. The high MOI design provides exceptional stability and forgiveness, which can boost confidence and lead to more consistent results.
While it’s on the pricier side, the performance benefits can be well worth the investment if you’re serious about improving your putting.
5. Wilson Infinite Bucktown
For beginners on a budget, the Wilson Infinite Bucktown offers excellent value without sacrificing performance. This mallet-style putter features a double milled face for improved feel and roll, along with a counterbalanced grip for added stability.
Key features:
- Double milled face for improved feel and roll
- Counterbalanced technology for increased head stability
- Dark anti-glare finish to reduce distractions
- Oversized grip for comfort and reduced hand action
The Infinite Bucktown performs impressively well given it’s affordable price point. The dark anti-glare finish helps reduce distractions, while the alignment aids are clear and effective.
The counterbalanced design can help beginners achieve a smoother, more consistent stroke.
It’s a great option for those looking to improve their putting without breaking the bank.
Developing Your Putting Skills
Once you’ve chosen your putter, it’s time to start developing your skills on the green. Here are some key areas to focus on:
Establish a Consistent Pre-Putt Routine
A solid pre-putt routine helps you stay focused and confident before each putt. Your routine might include:
- Reading the green from behind the ball
- Taking a practice stroke or two
- Aligning your putter face to your target line
- Taking a deep breath to center yourself
Consistency in your routine will lead to more consistency in your putting.
Practice Green Reading
Reading greens accurately is a crucial skill for successful putting. Here are some tips to improve your green reading:
- Look at the overall slope of the green from a distance
- Check for any subtle breaks or undulations around the hole
- Consider the grain of the grass (if applicable)
- Pay attention to how other players’ putts break
Remember, practice makes perfect. Spend time on the practice green working on your green reading skills.
Work on Distance Control
Controlling the distance of your putts is just as important as getting the line right. Here are some drills to improve your distance control:
- Ladder Drill: Place tees or balls at increasing distances (3 feet, 6 feet, 9 feet, etc.) and practice hitting putts to each distance.
- Clock Drill: Place balls in a circle around the hole at various distances and work on hitting each putt with the right speed.
- Eyes Closed Putting: Hit putts with your eyes closed to develop a better feel for distance control.
Improve Your Aim with Alignment Drills
Proper alignment is crucial for consistent putting. Try these drills to improve your aim:
- Gate Drill: Set up two tees slightly wider than your putter head and practice hitting putts through the “gate” without touching the tees.
- String Line Drill: Use a string or chalk line to create a straight line to the hole.
Practice putting along this line to improve your ability to start the ball on your intended line.
- Alignment Stick Drill: Place an alignment stick parallel to your target line and practice setting up with your putter face square to the stick.
Pay Attention to Grip Pressure
Many beginners grip the putter too tightly, leading to a tense stroke and poor distance control. Focus on maintaining a light but secure grip on the putter.
A good rule of thumb is to grip the putter with about the same pressure you’d use to hold a tube of toothpaste without squeezing any out.
Experiment with Different Grips
There are several popular putting grips, including:
- Conventional: Similar to a regular golf grip, with the dominant hand below the non-dominant hand
- Cross-handed: The dominant hand is placed above the non-dominant hand
- Claw: The dominant hand grips the putter normally, while the non-dominant hand rests on top in a “claw” position
Try different grips to see which feels most comfortable and produces the best results for you.
Focus on a Smooth, Pendulum-Like Stroke
A good putting stroke is smooth and pendulum-like, with the shoulders doing most of the work. Here are some tips for developing a solid stroke:
- Keep your lower body still throughout the stroke
- Let your shoulders control the movement, not your wrists or arms
- Maintain a consistent tempo on both your backswing and forward swing
- Focus on striking the ball with the center of the putter face
Practice Regularly
Consistent practice is key to improving your putting. Try to spend at least 15-20 minutes practicing your putting every time you visit the golf course or driving range.
Focus on quality practice as opposed to quantity, paying attention to your technique and the results of each putt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best putter for a beginner golfer?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but many beginners find success with mallet-style putters like the Cleveland Huntington Beach Soft #11 or the TaylorMade Spider X because of their forgiveness and stability.
How do I choose the right putter length?
Stand in your putting posture with your arms hanging naturally. The putter should fit comfortably in your hands in this position.
Most putters range from 32 to 36 inches in length.
Are expensive putters worth it for beginners?
While expensive putters can offer advanced technologies and materials, beginners can find excellent options at more affordable price points. Focus on finding a putter that feels comfortable and inspires confidence, regardless of price.
Should beginners use a blade or mallet putter?
Many beginners find mallet putters easier to use because of their increased forgiveness and stability. However, the best choice depends on your personal preference and putting stroke.
How often should I practice putting?
Ideally, you should practice putting every time you play or visit the driving range. Even 15-20 minutes of focused putting practice can significantly improve your skills over time.
What’s the difference between face-balanced and toe-hang putters?
Face-balanced putters have the face pointing upward when balanced on your finger, while toe-hang putters have the toe pointing downward. Face-balanced putters are generally better for straight-back-straight-through strokes, while toe-hang putters suit arcing strokes.
Can changing my putter really improve my game?
Yes, using a putter that suits your stroke and feels comfortable can lead to more consistent putting and lower scores. However, it’s important to pair a new putter with dedicated practice to see real improvement.
How do I know if my putter is the right weight?
The right putter weight feels comfortable and allows you to maintain a smooth, controlled stroke. Most beginners do well with a mid-weight putter head (around 350-360 grams).
What are alignment aids on a putter?
Alignment aids are visual features on the putter head that help you aim more accurately. These can include lines, dots, or other shapes that assist in lining up your putt.
Should I get my putter custom fitted?
While not essential for beginners, a custom fitting can help confirm your putter is the right length, lie angle, and weight for your body and stroke. As you become more serious about golf, a fitting can be useful.
Key Takeaways
- Understanding the differences between blade and mallet putters can help you choose the right style for your game.
- Consider factors like balance, length, weight, and alignment aids when selecting a putter.
- Try different putters to find the one that feels best and inspires confidence.
- Pair your new putter with consistent practice to see real improvement in your short game.
- Develop a solid pre-putt routine and focus on fundamentals like green reading and distance control.
- Regular practice is essential for improving your putting skills.