How to Choose the Right Golf Putter: A Beginner's Guide
Many times golfers forget about the putter, but this is one of the most important clubs in your bad. You use it every time when your ball is on or near the green, so since it can have such a big impact on your game and scorecard, you need to play with the right putter for you. In order to do that, you need to know about the different putters and how to choose the right one for you, so let’s learn about it and help you pick the best option so that you can keep on playing as well as you can.
Types of Putters
There are several main categories of reliable golf putters in Australia as well as the rest of the world, so let’s discuss and explain them. The first type is the blade putter. The blade is the traditional putter shape and it’s probably the one you think of first when somebody mentions a putter. Most blade putters feature a toe hang as they are better suited for golfers with an arched putting stroke.
Then we have the mallet putters. These are larger and more forgiving them blade putters and often have a significant alignment aid on the clubhead compared to the blade ones. These also come in a variety of shapes such as semi-circular and square designs. They are ideal for golfers with a straight back-and-forth putting stroke.
Another type of putter is the half-mallet type. This type is midway between the thin and agile clubhead of the blade and the bulky and forgiving clubhead of the mallet putter. One of the advantages of these putters is that they provide a balance between the toe hang and the face balance, meaning you’re more comfortable. This is quite useful for golfers who have an arched backswing, but a straightforward downswing when putting.
Features to Look For
Now that you know some of the types, let’s talk about their features and what you should be looking for when buying a putter. Each feature that we are going to mention has a significant impact on your performance and comfort on the course, so make sure to choose wisely. Feature number one is the size. Most putters come in different sizes, depending on the style and the type. As mentioned before, blade putters tend to be smaller while mallet ones are larger. A larger head can provide a better visual guide for alignment, making it easier for you to line up your shot. The size also affects weight distributions, so if you ever find yourself struggling with putts, consider trying a larger putter.
Balance is another consideration and it’s equally as important. Face-balanced putters are ideal for players with a straight-back because they are less likely to twist open or closed. Toe-hang putters on the other hand are suited for golfers with an arcing stroke. Here, it’s important to know your natural stroke key so that you can choose the right balance because that will affect your consistency and your game.
The shaft length is also an important feature. The length affects the player in many ways, from the stance and posture to the alignment during a putt and an incorrect length can lead to poor putting and off-target strokes. Proper length ensures that you can maintain a comfortable and balanced position which is crucial for achieving a consistent stroke. It also affects the angle of the putter, ensuring that the putter head is flat on the ground for a smooth roll.
While all the features mentioned are important, there’s one thing that’s very necessary but is often forgotten and that’s the grip on your putter. The grip is your primary contact with the club and therefore it’s crucial. The grips come in different thicknesses and textures and the right for you depends on your preferences. Thicker grips help reduce wrist movement which can be helpful if you have shaky hands, while the slimmer grips allow for larger wrist movement and a closer feel of the club.
How to Choose the Right One For You
When it comes to selecting the right putter for you, the most important thing is your playing style, comfort, needs and of course, preferences. The best way you can find a putter is by testing different types, sizes and grips until you find the one that works best feels and natural in your hands and aligns with your stroke. Visiting a shop for golf putters in Australia where you can look at different putters can be quite helpful. Take into consideration your typical putting stroke as well, as the type and balance of the putter can either improve it or worsen it. Also, trying out different weights can help you discover which feels most comfortable and consistent.
