What do you look for in a putter?

Eisen · January 12, 2023

Curious what you all look for in a putter? How important are the looks? How important is the sound? Are there any specific things you look for while being fit? Are there things that are deal breakers? Or is it ultimately all about when you find the right combo that means you just start making the ball go in the hole more often than any other configuration?

GolfSpy_APH · January 12, 2023

If/When fitted I would use whatever has been shown to me as the best for my game.

However a fang style has always suited my eye and given me confidence. The other part is length is super important for me. I'll throw in I prefer and play better with facebalanced putters as well. These are the main things I look for and know work for me, however if something was again fitted and shown to be better for my game I would happily put it in the bag and game it.

cnosil · January 12, 2023

11 minutes ago, Eisen said:

Curious what you all look for in a putter? How important are the looks? How important is the sound? Are there any specific things you look for while being fit? Are there things that are deal breakers? Or is it ultimately all about when you find the right combo that means you just start making the ball go in the hole more often than any other configuration?

My top priority is performance. I look for a putter that with my normal stroke will maximize my ability to start the ball on my intended line with my intended speed. Speed control is my top priority.

I have sounds that I prefer but not a top priority other than being able to feel any miss hit; I do t want to deaden that feel.

Fittings are designed to optimize performance and consistency performing at the same level. All the performance metrics are there to improve start line and distance control.

the putter and stoke are only one part of making a putt. You need to also have green reading skills. Additionally once you have made your stroke you have done everything you can but you can’t control what happens between where the ball starts and the hole. The above characteristics that I seek are all designed to help me interpret why I miss a putt. But yes, the goal of picking a putter is to make more putts.

RickyBobby_PR · January 12, 2023

Looks are the most important. I’ve done the performance over looks thing not that long ago but dumped that after a season.

After looks Is sound. If the sound isn’t pleasing to my ears it’s a no go.

Then feel.

EasyPutter · January 12, 2023

I have found a mallet provides what I look for in the basic design as the longer head allows for a single long alignment line that enables observing the swing to ensure no twist happens and the swing is straight back and forward. Bigger is better and a good weight is also good for momentum.

Must be felt and tested to invest in it IMHO.

Eisen · January 12, 2023

Thanks everyone. The general consensus seems to have gone the way I decided to go. Which was to prioritize the function over everything else. I don't hate my new putter. but it's not the shape I walked in thinking I'd like. And it makes a metallic noise on impact that is different than any other putter I've ever owned. But that being said I was sinking 15 foot putts better than I've ever done in my life. my hit/miss ratio went through the roof the last 20 balls or so with the final configuration.

dbdors · January 13, 2023

I love the rounded shape of a "Newport" style blade. A newport 2 style is fine, but prefer the Newport.

Sir Putts Alot · February 1, 2023

The wider blade style and a plumbers neck. Nice balance and a super solid feel without any audible noise and a Milled face.

Kenny B · February 1, 2023

I like a heavier, face-balanced mallet putter... a little upright, and preferably counterbalanced. I was fitted at Ping 5 years ago and never really look at putters anymore.

berkeleybob · February 11, 2023

On 1/12/2023 at 8:06 PM, RickyBobby_PR said:

Looks are the most important. I’ve done the performance over looks thing not that long ago but dumped that after a season.

After looks Is sound. If the sound isn’t pleasing to my ears it’s a no go.

Then feel.

It’s funny, when I first started I loved the look of a blade putter, hated the look of a full mallet, but thought it was probably best for me. But it just didn't work out. I was always distracted by whatever was behind the point of contact with the ball both in look and feel. So, I putt with a blade.

The other thing I look for in a putter is price. Trust me, there’s nothing a Scotty Cameron is going to add to my game. But a fella can dream, I guess.