What To Look For When Buying a Putter
Golf is one of the most popular sports in the world. From amateur to professional levels, it has something for everyone. In this article, you’re going to discover some useful information to help you understand what to look for when buying a putter and also teach you a thing or two about the sport, making you a better player.
Why You Should Care What Putter is in Your Bag
A controversial belief in golf, is that putters are the most important clubs in your bag. There are tons of options and opinions when it comes to what type of putter to use and you will want to make sure you are buying a quality putter with good balance and feel.
I will give specifics on how you can find the best putter for your needs. Whether you want cheap putters, high-end expensive putters, or oversize putters, I’ll give recommendations for each that will be suitable for most of your needs.
These factors can make a big difference when it comes to how each product will perform. You will likely need to try out several different style of golf putters to find one that fits your needs.
Here are some tips to help you know what to look for when buying a putter and find a putter that is the perfect fit for you.
P.S I will not be talking about technique so if you are here to learn some routines or putting techniques, this isn’t for you but I will link to some experts that will provide some tips, and techniques to also improve your game.
If you are staying this putter guide will teach you all things putter so that you know what to look for when buying and maintaining a golf putter.
What to Consider for A Putter for You
Anatomy of a Golf Putter
Putter Head Design
There are 3 designs but for the sake of confusion, I am focusing on blade vs mallet. [half mallets the third, if you are curious are OG designs usually a bit smaller than the mallets with semi-circle backs].
Shaft Length
Golf Putters range from 32 to 52 Inches. Designed to keep your eyes over the ball while the shaft of the putter and your forearm are in line, the ideal length putter should look like this.
Is it better to go longer or shorter than the one designed for your height? If you feel like you have longer arms or wingspan, it is okay to go with a golf club or putter that is shorter than the recommended club length for your height.
This is all preference and there is no exact science. For example, if you have been training with a club that is longer or shorter than recommended and you feel comfortable with that do not let this information deter you. I do recommend some practice with a club that is the recommended length for you for some time and see if you adapt and become to prefer that. You do not know what you like until you try it!
- If you do not want to embarrass yourself at the golf course trying out different putters, I will link an article here with indoor putting mats here for you that are perfect to practice your game with your current putter or new putter all from the comfort of your own home or office!
Average Cost of Putters
$200 to $600. As games and products have developed so has the importance of the putter. The number of putts a golfer takes accounts for about 40% of their score! So where you used to find a decent to good putter for $100 to $250.
The price of a reliable putter ranges from $300 to $600. The golf putter is all about attention to detail, and precision. The evolution of these products has focused on making sure you get the best bang for your buck and a sidekick in a putter you can trust.
To save you some trouble as part of the putter buying guide, I have ranked some notable putters below. We know what to look for and have ranked them and taken into consideration the product, reviews and how the putter can benefit you.
- P.S If you are a beginner or do not have the budget to afford one of these $200 to $300 putters, there are options as low as $75 or you may have some luck finding a used putter in good condition.
Best Putting Tips
Arnold Palmer says, “The more I practice, the luckier I get!
One of the most important tips with all things is to practice. Consistent reps will build muscle memory, and confidence preparing you the best for the course! When it comes to putting practice you can check out my best office putting sets here and practice from your home, office or outdoors.
“Lead with Left” (or with your right hand for the lefties). Your non-dominant hand is as important as the one producing the power behind the putt, how? Your off-hand is your guide hand, navigating the ball down the putting line.
Relax with the practice swings! If you have not already, you will catch yourself overanalyzing and overthinking with every practice swing you take. Practice swings do not create confidence, they create uncertainty. I am not suggesting going in blind every time, you will find yourself in very different scenarios. Which you can judge case by case.
Confidence! This goes hand and hand with all the tips listed actually. Visualize and putt, develop an approach where you are surprised when your putt does not go in.
Putter Maintenance
Cleaning
Use a soft or microfiber cloth and a small amount of soap and wipe the putter head. Very important that you dry the putter after to prevent rust! A habit of cleaning your putter or golf club after every round is good practice to reduce the chances of rusting, scratches, and extending the golf club’s life. Some attention will also need to be on the grips; the grips will accumulate moisture, sweat, and oil from your hands over time.
Storage
Store in a dry environment indoors, not inside a garage or shed as these spots will be more inclined to capture moisture, potentially speeding up the process of your golf clubs rusting or oxidizing.
Grip Life
Over time golf grips accumulate sweat, oils and dirt or can deteriorate due to weather conditions. You will know when your putter grip is nearing the end of it’s life when it begins to feel slick! The general concept is to replace a golf grip once a year.
Putter Accessories
(golf grip, golf grip cleaning brush, putter head cover, golf ball marker)
What To Look For When Buying a Putter FAQ
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU REPLACE PUTTER?
Golf Putters should be replaced every one to two years depending on usage.
WHAT ARE THE BEST PUTTING BRANDS?
Taylor Made, Ping, Titliest
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU REPLACE GOLF GRIPS
Golf grips should be replaced once a year or when the signs of wear and tear begin or the grip becomes noticeably slick.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO MAINTAIN MY PUTTER?
The best way to maintain your putter is to clean it frequently with water and soap and to make sure it is dried off with a separate soft cloth towel. Storage of your putter is also important, putter should be stored in a dry place with little to no humidity!
IS PUTTER SHAPE IMPORTANT?
No, Putter shape is complete preference. You can refer back to the mallet vs blade section for more information!
WHAT PUTTER SHOULD I BUY
Link to More Putting Related Articles
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