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How do you choose a new putter?


JDHolmes

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Thought I'd ask for other opinions. I've been thriugh a LOT of different putters.

I just bought a new Ping Ketsch today. I bought it because I couldnt miss with it (on the "green at PGA Superstore". 30 footers one after another from a variety of locations. Anything inside 8 ft was never missed.

 

Im not a "bad" putter, averaging 32 putts per round but feel like it should be better than that.

 

So, how do you choose? Sure, it felt good, ball rolled true, great alignment marks, but its a different world on grass. What helps you choose the right putter?

 

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I'm convinced that the putting greens at golf shops are sloped towards the cups..lol

 

 

:callaway-small: XR Driver Matrix Ozik 8m3 Black Tie Shaft

:cobra-small: King F7 3W UST Mamiya Chrome Elements 7F4 Shaft

:cobra-small: King F7 5W UST Mamiya Chrome Elements 7F4 Shaft

:cobra-small: King F7 4 Hybrid Graphite Designs Tour AD-HY 95 Shaft

PXG 0211 DC 5-PW Mitsubishi MMT 80 Shafts

:cleveland-small: RTX ZIPCORE 50*,54*,58* UST Mamiya Recoil 95 Shafts

:odyssey-small: Metal X Milled #7 with SuperStroke 2.0 grip

:Snell: MTB

 

 



Twitter: @timldotson
Instagram: timldotson
Facebook: TimDotson

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I bought a Wilson 8802 this year, love the feel.

 :srixon-small:  ZX5 MKII LS 8.5

:taylormade-small: Stealth 2 plus 3 wood

:taylormade-small: Stealth 2 plus 5 wood

:taylormade-small: Stealth 2 plus 19.5 Hybrid 

:srixon-small: ZX5 MKll 5 / AW Dart stiff

:taylormade-small: MG3 black 52 9b 58 12b

:scotty-small:  7.5 Phantom 34”

:srixon-small: Z Star Diamond 2023

 

 

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When in the market for a putter. I factor in cost, feel, looks and weight/length. If all of these are met. Then it's a good chance that club is coming home lol

 

 

Tazz

Grip n Rip it

         Grip n Rip it

Chicks dig the LONG ball

In my :callaway-small: staff bag

:cobra-small: King F7+ Mitsubishi Tensei CK Pro White 60 - Graphite Tour X-Stiff

:755178188_TourEdge:  CBX 13.5 3 Wood

:1332069271_TommyArmour:  Atomic Irons 4-AW (reviewing)

:cleveland-small: CG16 Satin 52*

:cleveland-small: 588 RTX 2.0 56* and 60*

Sentio Sierra 101-M Putter

 

Proud tester of the Tommy Armour ATOMIC Irons 

 

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For me it is all about performance and performance has nothing to do with how many putts I make on an instore putting green.  I judge a putter by the ability to start the ball on my intended line.  If I can't do that for any stroke length it is the wrong putter for me.  

Driver:  :ping-small: G400 Max 9* w/ KBS Tour Driven
Fairway: :titelist-small: TS3 15*  w/Project X Hzardous Smoke
Hybrids:  :titelist-small: 915H 21* w/KBS Tour Graphite Hybrid Prototype
                :titelist-small: 915H  24*  w/KBS Tour Graphite Hybrid Prototype        
Irons:      :honma:TR20V 6-11 w/Vizard TR20-85 Graphite
Wedge:  :titleist-small: 54/12D, 60/8M w/:Accra iWedge 90 Graphite
Putter:   :taylormade-small:TM-180

Testing:   SPGC_logo.jpg

Backups:  :odyssey-small: Milled Collection RSX 2, :seemore-small: mFGP2, :cameron-small: Futura 5W

Member:  MGS Hitsquad since 2017697979773_DSCN2368(Custom).JPG.a1a25f5e430d9eebae93c5d652cbd4b9.JPG

 

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Feel is probably the top priority for me, followed by cost then looks. I really could probably put those in any order. I like a soft feeling putter that catches my eye, nothing too bold. I've never paid a ridiculous amount for one either, and I don't ever see that changing. I will try and find a cheaper alternative.

Driver: Ping G 9.5*

Fairway: TaylorMade AeroBurner

Hybrid: Adams Blue

Irons: TaylorMade Burner 2.0

Wedges: TaylorMade Tour Preferred EF

Putter: Odyssey O-Works #1

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Because of how unique putting is to everyone, feel far and away top of the list (for me anyways). Next would be looks I suppose and having confidence standing over the putter. Cost isn't much of an issue with me. If I drop 3 or 4 strokes per round, it's worth it

 

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As a starting point, I use the iping app to measure my stroke type. I use that to narrow down what toe hang I should use. Then I go into a store and figure how putter weight affects my distance control. I know I need a lighter putter or I am going to blow everything by. From there I look for my preference like alignment aids and the feel of the face.

 

Sent from my Nexus 5X using MyGolfSpy mobile app

Driver:   :ping-small: Ping G30 10.5 adjusted to 9.5, Aldila NV 2KXV Green R 65G

 

FW Wood:  touredge.jpg E8, 15*, Aldila NV Green R 65G

 
Hybrids:   :wilson_staff_small: M3 19, 21, 23, Aldila RIP Phenom 85 shaft, R;

 

Irons:   :wilson_staff_small: C200, 5-PW, KBS Tour R

 
Wedges:    :cleveland-small: RTX, 48-54-60*, DG Wedge flex;
                  

Putter:    :callaway-small: Odyssey M330 Versa  34"  In the stable:Versa Jailbird, Versa #6, Ping Ketsch, Anser 2, Piper C, Shea H, Yes Pippi, Cleveland Classic 5.5, Spalding TPM 7

 

Ball:    :wilson_staff_small: Duo

 

Cart: Cliqgear 3.5+

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I just buy them. Not too selective in what i need in a putter.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using MyGolfSpy

WITB 2024

   Qi10 LS 9* HZRDUS RDX Smoke Blue 60g 6.5

   M5 15* Evenflow Black 75g 6.5

   Sim Ti 22* HZRDUS Red 75g 6.5

   Sim2 Rescue 22* Diamana Thump 100x

   X Forged CB 5 - PW MMT 105 TX 

   Jaws Raw 50*, 54* & 58* TTDG "OG" Spinner

   Toulon Madison BGT Fire 34.75"

   Z Star Diamond

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Performance first then aesthetics. If it meets those 2 I'll game it. The 18th green is right in front of the club house, so if I'm really interested in something I'll take it out and see how it works for me.

 

Sent from my HTC 10 using MyGolfSpy mobile app

Speedzone Xtreme 11.5*

Bio Cell+ 18.5*

G10 24*

Srixon U85 26*

Mizuno MP-32 6-PW

Vokey SM6  52* and 58*

Scotty Cameron Select GoLo 

Taylormade TP5x

 

I'm on Instagram as @sharpened_development_llc

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I take it on a reasonably-priced date - like a step above Sizzler. Cheesecake Factory or something. Then I ask it, "are you going to prevent me from 3-putting?" If it says yes, it gets dessert. If it tells me I'm going to be deadly accurate within 10 feet, and within 3 on all of my lag putts, it goes in the bag.

Driver: :callaway-small: Rogue ST Max LS Tensei AV Blue S

3w/5w: :titelist-small: TSi2 Tensei AV Raw Blue S

4h: :mizuno-small: CLK 22* Hybrid Tensei CK Pro Blue 80HY S

Irons 5-PW: :mizuno-small: 223 Steelfiber PR 95 S

Wedges: :cleveland-small: RTX Zipcore Tour Rack 50, 54, 58 Steelfiber PR 105

Putter: LAB Link.1

Ball: :srixon-small: Z-Star Diamond

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I just buy them. Not too selective in what i need in a putter.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using MyGolfSpy

That's been my (vice, problem, issue, method, other adjective of choice) in the past. Last Christmastime, I had 40 putters lining the wall in my spare room. I sold most but it was not a very effective means of finding one i could use.

 

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I'm a mallett guy. I have a harder time with alignment using blades.

 

Ultimately, at my home course, no issues but when on faster greens during AmTour tournaments, i have a very difficult time "lagging" usually ending up with a longer second putt than the first.

 

I've looked for lighter putters, but in todays market, the weight range is very narrow.

 

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Love my TP Mills Ming. I had it made with a slightly wider bottom flange so it's a little shorter heel to toe to keep weight the same. A little wider than a Scotty NP2. Sight line on top flange.

 

I have tried working with a bettinardi QB7 (mallet) but I just putt much better with my Mills.

 

My home course runs quick on the greens so the blade tends to be better in my speed control. I am sure if I spent more time with the Beti it would work just as well.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

:callaway-small:  Epic Flash SZ 9o w/ Ventus 6X

:callaway-small:  Rogue 4wd w/ ATMOS Red 7X

:755178188_TourEdge: CBX 20o w/ ATMOS Blue 7S tipped 1"

:mizuno-small:  JPX 900 Tour 4i - PW (standard lofts) Rifle

:titelist-small:  SM6 51o, 59o, SM7 55o   

:titelist-small:  2019 ProV1x

:tp-mills-1: Custom Ming

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She's got to look good and put out In the performance area ❤️

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

Ping G430 Max Driver 10.5 Degree
Titleist TSR1 4, 5, & 6 Hybrids 
Titleist T350 Irons 7 - W48 
Cleveland
CBX ZipCore  52 56 & 60 Degree Wedges

LAB Mezz Max Broomstick Putter / TPT Shaft  (Platinum @ 45/78)

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

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I'm a mallett guy. I have a harder time with alignment using blades.

 

Ultimately, at my home course, no issues but when on faster greens during AmTour tournaments, i have a very difficult time "lagging" usually ending up with a longer second putt than the first.

 

I've looked for lighter putters, but in todays market, the weight range is very narrow.

 

Sent from my SM-G920V using MyGolfSpy mobile app

I prefer mallets too and the Taylormade Tour Red really helped me with running putts by the hole

 

Sent from my HTC 10 using MyGolfSpy mobile app

Speedzone Xtreme 11.5*

Bio Cell+ 18.5*

G10 24*

Srixon U85 26*

Mizuno MP-32 6-PW

Vokey SM6  52* and 58*

Scotty Cameron Select GoLo 

Taylormade TP5x

 

I'm on Instagram as @sharpened_development_llc

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Look, feel, performance. in that order. 

-------------------------------------------------------

Taylormade M1 430 8.75* Speeder 661 Evolution 6.2X (or Oban Kiyoshi White 04)
Callaway Alpha 815 14* Speeder 665 X
17.5* MP-64 Iron w/Paderson LT X
Taylormade M1 18.25* Hybrid ('17) Aldila RIP Phenom 100 Tour X
Mizuno MP-64 4-PW Project X 6.5 - hardstep 1
Taylormade Tour Preferred 52* & 56*
Bettinardi Inovai 3.0

Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement

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Honestly, I went with the data from the guys here at MGS. Gaming a Ping Anser Sigma G now. Great putter and #2 on their list of top blades.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

Driver-    Callaway GBB Epic 9.5 Aldila Rouge Max 75X 

3 Wood- Callaway GBB Epic 15 Aldila Rouge Max 85X

Hybrid-   Callaway GBB Epic 19 UST Recoil F4

Irons-      Callaway CF Apex 16'  4-PW S300

Wedges- Titleist SM6 GW/SW/LW S300

Putter-    Ping Anser Sigma G w/ Superstroke Pistol GT 2.0

Ball-        Bridgestone B330/ TaylorMade TP4/ Titleist ProV1

Grips-     Golf Pride MCC Plus 4 Grey

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I'm convinced that the putting greens at golf shops are sloped towards the cups..lol

 

I second this, its how I ended up with my previous putter that I couldnt putt my way out of a paper bag with. 

 

I took suggestions on this site, then went to 4 stores that sold it (lucky I'm in a metro area that has a lot of Dicks Sporting Goods and a Golf Galaxy) Talked to the people working there asked them to help and see what they recommend.  Hit the ones I narrowed it down to at each.  Really liked the look of the Cameron Newport (blade) because I've always had a blade but putted better with the Golo 5. Thankfully MGS members talked me in to swallowing my pride on looks and getting the Golo. My putting is down to under 2 putts per hole with the golo. 

Dont be afraid to spend the money on a good putter that will last, its truly the most important club in the bag

Driver  :ping-small: G425 9* Hzrdus Smoke Green Small batch 6.5 70g

Fairway Wood:   image.jpeg.b9b42744cb10f0524500549b74545dd7.jpegCobra Radspeed Big 3 Hzrdus Smoke Black 6.5

Hybrid:  image.jpeg.c5ec9f74aa563ad0246ab686b1c35eeb.jpegCobra Aerojet 5 Wood Hzrdus Smoke Black 6.5

Irons:     :titelist-small: T200 (4-AW) AMT Black Stiff Shafts 

Wedges:  :cleveland-small: Tour Rack 56* 60*

Putter:   :cameron-small: Scotty Cameron Golo 5

Right Handed 

Pittsburgh, PA

 

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Have you had a fitting or been on a SAM lab??

This was an eye opener for me. Helped me really narrow the scope of what works for my stroke. After years of guessing and buying putter after putter I now know what I should look for..

And I agree with a previous post...when you find one that works it will stay in the bag for a long time!

 

Sent from my LG-D851 using MyGolfSpy mobile app

DriverCobra  Aerojet LS
Woods-
Cobra  LTD 3w 15*, 5W 19*,  F9 24* 
Irons- XXIO X (6-A)

Wedges- Callaway Jaws Raw (54/58)

Putter- Bettinardi BB56
Ball- Maxfli Tour X/Wilson Triad
Buggy- Clicgear 4.0
Bag- Callaway Org 14/Fairway C

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when you find one that works it will stay in the bag for a long time!

This doesn't cure the putter ho disease though., you just buy different putters that match the characteristics you need.

Driver:  :ping-small: G400 Max 9* w/ KBS Tour Driven
Fairway: :titelist-small: TS3 15*  w/Project X Hzardous Smoke
Hybrids:  :titelist-small: 915H 21* w/KBS Tour Graphite Hybrid Prototype
                :titelist-small: 915H  24*  w/KBS Tour Graphite Hybrid Prototype        
Irons:      :honma:TR20V 6-11 w/Vizard TR20-85 Graphite
Wedge:  :titleist-small: 54/12D, 60/8M w/:Accra iWedge 90 Graphite
Putter:   :taylormade-small:TM-180

Testing:   SPGC_logo.jpg

Backups:  :odyssey-small: Milled Collection RSX 2, :seemore-small: mFGP2, :cameron-small: Futura 5W

Member:  MGS Hitsquad since 2017697979773_DSCN2368(Custom).JPG.a1a25f5e430d9eebae93c5d652cbd4b9.JPG

 

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Obviously putters have different characteristics, technology, feel, etc..  However, I'm a big believer that being a good putter is more about confidence than any other factor.  So when it comes down to it I choose a putter by what gives me the most confidence.  

 

Confidence for me is a confluence of factors look at address, how feel in my hands (weight, length, grip size), feel/feedback at contact, etc.  When I choose a putter its because all of these come together and give me the confidence when I am testing the putter, and one putter just seems to stand above the others. So its not necessarily something I quantify or look at each factor and rate a putter for each category, just what overall I am most comfortable with. 

 

Some people may have confidence that stems from personal experience, others have confidence from quantifiable data like the great testing done here at MGS, and others may look at some great putters on tour and have confidence in a Scotty or Taylormade spider because its what the best putters on tour are choosing.  

 

No right or wrong answer.

Driver :     :cobra-small: F7 - Project X Hzrdus Yellow 6.5 75g

3w:           :cobra-small:  F7 Fairway - Project X Hzrdus Yellow 6.5 75g

Hybrid:     :cobra-small: F6 Hybrid - KBS Tour Hybrid Prototype 95g X-Stiff

Irons:       :mizuno-small: JPX 900 Forged (4,5) JPX 900 Tour (6-P) KBS C-Taper 130 (Softstepped)

Wedes:         :titelist-small: SM7 52* F Grind, 56* M Gind (KBS C-Taper 125), 60* S Grind

Putter:   :cameron-small: Futura X7M

 

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SAM putt lab changed this for me too. Had my first experience with it 2 weeks ago. Gaming a 2ball fang currently and I love it from inside 15 feet. During my session i tested a odyssey #7 and a sigma g tyne. The tyne proved to be the best putter for me. My consistency numbers were above 92% for EVERY measure with every putter. But, rather than buy a tyne i decided to toy with the fang. I put a superstroke grip on it and added 20 grams of weight to it. I basically am trying to make it the same as the tyne minus the design. Initial testing appears to back up the changes. Need to get the changed 2ball on SAM again soon.

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If I go to a store and grab putters to try, looks is first. Next, and the primary factor for choosing, would be feel. I hate a hard feel off of the face. If a putter feels at ALL firm, I put it right back. At this point, based on messing around at Miles of Golf the other day, most Ping putters would be "out" for me. Way too firm.

I would have to be fitted, but looks first, then feel.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

Driver: Ping G430 Max 9*, Ping Tour 70X

Fairway: Ping G425 15*, Ping Tour 70X

Hybrid: Ping G425 22*, Ping Tour 80X

Irons:  Ping i230 4-GW, TT DG X100

Wedges: :edel-golf-1: SMS 50D/54V/58D:Nippon:Modus 130 stiff, +1”

Putter:  :edel-golf-1: EAS 1.0

Ball: Titleist 2023 AVX

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SAM putt lab changed this for me too. Had my first experience with it 2 weeks ago. Gaming a 2ball fang currently and I love it from inside 15 feet. During my session i tested a odyssey #7 and a sigma g tyne. The tyne proved to be the best putter for me. My consistency numbers were above 92% for EVERY measure with every putter. But, rather than buy a tyne i decided to toy with the fang. I put a superstroke grip on it and added 20 grams of weight to it. I basically am trying to make it the same as the tyne minus the design. Initial testing appears to back up the changes. Need to get the changed 2ball on SAM again soon.

 

Funny... I did something similar ... got fit for a very pricey Scotty and going with the very-similar-version Odyssey....

DriverCobra  Aerojet LS
Woods-
Cobra  LTD 3w 15*, 5W 19*,  F9 24* 
Irons- XXIO X (6-A)

Wedges- Callaway Jaws Raw (54/58)

Putter- Bettinardi BB56
Ball- Maxfli Tour X/Wilson Triad
Buggy- Clicgear 4.0
Bag- Callaway Org 14/Fairway C

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Looks don't really matter to me.  It's all about feel and performance.  The SeeMore FGP that I currently use isn't the prettiest thing in the world, but that thing works. 

In my bag:

 

Callaway Epic Subzero with Aldila Rogue Max 75 Stiff shaft

Callaway Rogue Subzero with Project X Evenflow 6.0 75g stiff shaft

Callaway Rogue 3 Hybrid with Aldila Synergy 60 HYB stiff shaft

Callaway Apex irons (4-PW) with True Temper XP 95 stiff shafts

Callaway MD3 wedges (50/54/58)

SeeMore Original FGP

Bridgestone Tour B RX

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I look at each of the things below in order. It has to pass each one before moving to the next.

 

Weight - it needs to be heavy enough for long putts but not too heavy that I am missing short putts by a mile.

 

Feel - I want a smooth soft feel. Too harse of a feel makes it feel like I am striking the ball. Too muted does not give me proper feedback of where I hit the putt on the face or how hard I hit it.

 

Look- it's this putter easy to get on line. Is it too distracting and causing my eyes to follow the putter back. Do I like this putter at address

 

I try to keep it as simple as possible with each of theses. Weight and look are pretty easy to judge quickly if it fits me or not.

 

Sent from my Pixel using MyGolfSpy mobile app

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I bought a Wilson 8802 this year, love the feel.

Hey I want some more details about this putter. What do you like about it, dislike?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

  :srixon-small: Z765 (Project X HRZDUS Yellow 6.0 63g)

:srixon-small:  Z45 (Kuro Kage stiff flex 70g)

:srixon-small:  U65 20* (Miyazaki X-stiff)

:nike-small: VR Pro Combo 4-PW (Project X PXI 6.5)

:nike-small: Engage wedges 52* 58*

:wilson_staff_small: 8802

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soft feel, rolls end over end once at impact and holds its line. feedback on mid center hits. design and weight. small blade or mid mallet is wat i prefer. if solid shallow milled grind or deep milled face. i can do insert but has to feel soft and rolls like milled face putter nice soft steel.

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