Golf Putters

Blade putters are slimmer and favored by players who prefer feel and a straight-back-straight-through stroke; mallet putters are larger, offer more forgiveness and alignment aids, and often suit players with an arced stroke

Putter length typically ranges from about 32 to 36 inches; stand in your normal putting posture with the club resting on the ground — your eyes should be over or slightly inside the ball and your forearms relaxed. If you hunch or stand upright to reach the ball, try a shorter or longer putter respectively, or get a professional fitting

Face-balanced putters resist rotation and suit straight-back-straight-through strokes, while toe-hang putters rotate more through impact and suit arced strokes; adjustable weighting or heavier heads can increase stability and forgiveness on off-center hits

Look for higher MOI/mallet designs, a wider sole or perimeter weighting, alignment lines or contrasting colors on the crown, and face inserts or textured faces that promote consistent roll and reduce skid

Putter prices commonly range from budget options under $50 to several hundred dollars; many dependable putters are available around the mid-range average, and a budget model can be a good value if its length, head shape, and balance match your stroke

Wipe the face and crown after each round, dry it before storing, protect the head with a headcover to prevent dings, and check the grip and shaft for wear periodically; avoid leaving putters in extreme heat or moisture

A fitting helps match head shape, length, lie angle, loft, and grip to your stroke and posture; it typically includes stroke analysis (often with launch monitor data), testing different head styles and lengths, and recommendations to improve alignment and consistency