I need a putter! But which one?

[Jrpeternell]

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

I am on the hunt! If anyone follows anything I post, I used to be an above average golfer. Back injuries have plagued me, but I'm back on the course. New clubs and a new swing are in play. Back down to about a 10 handicap and feeling comfortable with my clubs but not my putter. I practice it, I've tried multiple grips and techniques and just can't get comfortable. I'm thinking of getting a new putter with some weights. Maybe that will help with the control. Probably won't, but any excuse I can make up in my head for why I need new clubs can't be wrong, right? 

Anyway, what have people been playing with? My first instinct is to get a Scotty, as all my clubs are Titleist these days. But, L.A.B seems interesting, Evenroll, and Odyssey are looking solid too. Current gamer is a Cleveland Huntington Beach I picked up from a buddy when I was coming back to the game. Not a solid fan of the bat wing shape, but it's not a horrible putter. I'm intrigued by this whole idea of a zero-torque putter like L.A.B and the new PXGs. But, does that really help or just hype? 

Lemme hear your ideas! 

#nomore3putts

 

Thanks,

Justin

Edited October 17 by Jrpeternell
grammer

[cnosil]

Are you thinking standard length, extended length counterbalance, or standard length?  
 

as a putter fan, it is never a bad idea to try a new putter . It is always hard to pick one; they all are good.  Since you are in the phase of figuring out putting again a LAB might not be a bad idea since it seems to have a learning curve.   

Edited October 19 by cnosil

[Old New Golfer]

What you need to do is try them out. Just keep trying out till you find the one that feels right.

I have a Mizuno putter I just had to buy. When I'm set up right and stroke right. It feeds that back to me. That's just my opinion on my Puttter. You need to find one you don't like. You love it.

[Josh Parker]

On 10/17/2024 at 6:53 PM, Jrpeternell said:

I'm intrigued by this whole idea of a zero-torque putter like L.A.B and the new PXGs. But, does that really help or just hype? 

For my putting, they work great!  I would go to a PGASS and try out a bunch or get a fitting done.  Depending on your stroke path and budget, there are a ton of options.  I currently have a LAB DF2.1 and a DF3 on order.

[Coulter]

There is a new company called Lombardi golf that makes a lot of putters and coming out with a lot of new models pretty often. They are relatively cheap and I’ve got to hit 3 of the cheaper ones they make and really like them. Worth a look at least if you are willing to take a chance.

[Rob Person]

Too many putters to list.  Does style matter if it works? What struggles are you having with your current putter? What is your comfortable price range?

I definitely understand the frustration when you really have work hard to make the putter do what you want!

Great suggestion by all!

It's the best community to ask for semi unbiased advice!

[buckpillar]

I’m a custom builder for an online putter company, if you want reach out and we can see what characteristics you want in a putter.

[TJ Hall]

LAB is quite popular here.  I was part of the Odyssey Ai-ONE test last year and it helped my putting.

The new PXG seems to be working for many here as well, and quite popular overall.

Maybe try a few different ones and see what works, or try a putter fitting.

[Yorkie07]

If you get into that LAB DF3 testing thread you'll have one in your cart before you know it. It got me.  One of the best threads on here. 

[TJ Hall]

4 minutes ago, Yorkie07 said:

If you get into that LAB DF3 testing thread you'll have one in your cart before you know it. It got me.  One of the best threads on here. 

The LABs have got quite a few people here!

[Jrpeternell]

Thanks y'all,

Love all the advice. I did get over to the PGATSS and played with a bunch. I've been able to narrow down by ruling a bunch out. I'm positive that a blade is probably out of the question. I can't seem to keep the head on a consistent path. Lots of movement with the blades. LABs are interesting, but I can't seem to pull the trigger on a $450 putter that may/or may not work. Good to know that they keep their resale value though like a Scotty. Speaking of which, that Phantom 9.5 is goooorgeous, but not the most forgiving!

Think a fitting is definitely in my future.  

Thanks again!

[Stuka44]

On 10/17/2024 at 7:53 PM, Jrpeternell said:

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

I didn't read any of the other responses, but I am sure "Get a putter fitting", which will likely fit you into a very nice, and likely very expensive putter is in the responses more than once.  If price is not an issue then, this is certainly an option.  

 

On 10/17/2024 at 7:53 PM, Jrpeternell said:

and just can't get comfortable.

I keyed in on this statement you made.  You didn't say you can't control your distance, which would have something perhaps to do with the WEIGHT  of your putter, and can easily be changed.  What you stated was more emotionally based as far as I can see.  A putter fitting if you go in and don't indicate in any way what type or shape you want will certainly tell you what is best, technically for you.  I'm not sure this will automatically mean you will be "comfortable with it".  I believe , that putting is mostly feel.  First and foremost, I believe a person must be able to look down at their putter.  Be completely comfortable with the feel it has when one swings it, and merely the look of it when you look down at it.

I have always been content with my circa 2011 Ping Scottsdale Wolverine.  I bought it because compared to blades, and my other putters which were lighter, it felt the best to me back then.  Periodically I will go and check out new putters.  It always starts, and most times quickly ends for me with, NONE OF THEM FEEL BETTER, AND LOOK AS GOOD, as what I see when I look down at the "wolverine".   I have also adopted the realistic mind set when it comes to putting, by knowing my stats, and being honest with myself.  MY 50/50 make distance is 5.5 feet.  So how many one putts should I expect over 10 feet.  I can tell you it starts at 16%, and drops RAPIDLY.  I have also proven via the stats I keep, that I have begun making more putts 6 feet and less, by PRACTICING PUTTS, 6 FEET AND LESS REGULARLY.

Now some will argue, that well the "fitted" putter may help you make even more potentially.   I have not found anyone who promotes putter fittings, who have been able to present me with the statement.  I got a new fitted putter, "haven't practiced any more than normal, and my stats tell me I am sinking more putts, and three putting less.   This is just my take on something, I am almost always of the minority opinion on. 

Edited October 23 by Stuka44

[cnosil]

13 minutes ago, Stuka44 said:

You didn't say you can't control your distance, which would have something perhaps to do with the WEIGHT  of your putter, and can easily be changed.  

First and foremost, I believe a person must be able to look down at their putter.  Be completely comfortable with the feel it has when one swings it, and merely the look of it when you look down at it.

I have always been content with my circa 2011 Ping Scottsdale Wolverine.  I bought it because compared to blades, and my other putters which were lighter, it felt the best to me back then. 

I have not found anyone who promotes putter fittings, who have been able to present me with the statement.  I got a new fitted putter, "haven't practiced any more than normal, and my stats tell me I am sinking more putts, and three putting less.   This is just my take on something, I am almost always of the minority opinion on. 

I advocate for some type of fitting with putters; I don’t advocate for expensive fittings for expensive putters.   Quoting portions of your response indicates you believe in some level of fitting.  Adjusting weight is fitting.  Selection based on look could be a fitting aspect.  Selection based on feel is a type of fitting.   
 

If you made the statement that the putter doesn’t matter at all then you could claim you don’t support fitting.  But you don’t, you mention looks and weight adjustment.  As you have stated before you simply are against high dollar fittings with high dollar recommendations.   I’ll make the statement: after having done years of putter testing and working with a putting specific instructor,  I will confirm that finding the right putter definitely will make aspects of your putting better.  That does not always translate to short term improvement or more makes and less 3 putts because aspects of putting are not tied to the putter.   I’ll also started that with some knowledge about putter design a player can fit themselves to a putter.  

[Rearviewmirror]

If you want to become a one putter man, check out the LAB DF3

[GolfSpy_APH]

So many good options! Hope you find a good one that will stay in the bag for a little bit!