Why Your Putter Choice Matters More Than Your Driver
The average golfer takes 29-32 putts per round — roughly 40% of all strokes. Yet most players spend ten times longer researching drivers than putters. According to Arccos Golf data (based on millions of tracked rounds), putting accounts for more scoring variance among amateur golfers than any other shot type.
The putter market has exploded in the last decade. What was once a simple choice between a Ping Anser and a Bulls Eye has become a dizzying array of blade, mallet, high-MOI, face-balanced, toe-hang, insert, and milled options. But the core decision remains straightforward once you understand your stroke type.
Here's what most fitting guides won't tell you: there is no objectively best putter type. A $400 Scotty Cameron blade will perform worse for a straight-stroke golfer than a $150 Odyssey mallet that matches their mechanics. If you're building your full bag, start with our equipment roadmap.
The Three Putter Head Types
Blade Putters
The traditional putter design — compact, narrow, and heel-weighted. Blade putters have won more majors than any other type. Think Scotty Cameron Newport, Ping Anser, Odyssey #1.
- Head weight: 330-350g
- MOI: 3,000-5,000 g·cm² — lowest of the three
- Toe hang: Moderate to significant (25-45°)
- Best for: Arcing strokes, players who value feel
- Forgiveness: Low — off-center hits punish quickly
Blades provide the most tactile feedback. You feel center vs mis-hit immediately. For skilled putters this feedback is valuable; for inconsistent putters, it's punishing.
Mallet Putters
Larger head with weight distributed toward back and perimeter. Range from semi-mallet (Odyssey #7) to full mallet (Odyssey 2-Ball, Cleveland HB SOFT).
- Head weight: 350-380g
- MOI: 5,000-7,000 g·cm²
- Toe hang: Low to moderate (5-25°)
- Best for: SBST strokes, more forgiveness
- Forgiveness: Moderate
High-MOI Putters
Oversized mallets engineered to maximize moment of inertia. Examples: Odyssey Ai-ONE, TaylorMade Spider GT Max, Ping Tyne G, Evnroll ER11.
- Head weight: 360-400g
- MOI: 8,000-15,000+ g·cm²
- Toe hang: Near zero (face-balanced)
- Best for: Straight strokes, maximum consistency
- Forgiveness: High
How to Identify Your Stroke Type
The Arc Stroke
Putter face opens slightly on backstroke, closes through impact. Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth use arc strokes.
Best match: Blade or semi-mallet with moderate toe hang.
The Straight-Back-Straight-Through (SBST)
Minimal face rotation. Bryson DeChambeau uses this method.
Best match: Face-balanced mallets and high-MOI putters.
The Slight Arc (Most Common)
Most amateurs fall here. This is the most common stroke in club fittings.
Best match: Semi-mallets with slight toe hang (10-20°).
Quick Balance Test
Balance your putter on your finger at the shaft:
- Face up → Face-balanced → straight strokes
- 20-45° angle → Moderate toe hang → arc strokes
- Toward ground → Heavy toe hang → strong arc
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Blade | Mallet | High-MOI |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOI Range | 3,000-5,000 | 5,000-7,000 | 8,000-15,000+ |
| Best Stroke | Arc | Slight Arc / SBST | SBST |
| Forgiveness | Low | Moderate | High |
| Feel | Excellent | Good | Muted |
| Alignment | Minimal | Moderate | Extensive |
| Price Range | $150-$500 | $150-$400 | $200-$450 |
| Tour Usage | ~40% | ~35% | ~25% |
Insert vs Milled Face: Does It Matter?
Milled Face (Scotty Cameron, Bettinardi)
CNC-machined from a single block. Firmer "clickey" feel. Most direct feedback. Consistent ball speed when struck well.
Insert Face (Odyssey White Hot, TaylorMade Pure Roll)
Softer material (urethane/polymer) embedded in face. Dampens vibration and — crucially — produces more consistent ball speed on off-center hits. Cleveland research shows 15-20% less speed variance on mishits.
Best Putters by Category (2026)
Best Blades
Best Mallets
Best High-MOI
Complete your scoring clubs with our wedge selection guide.
DIY Putter Fitting Tips
Length
Standard is 34-35". Under 5'8"? Try 33". Over 6'1"? Try 35". Eyes should be over or slightly inside the ball.
Grip Size
Larger grips (SuperStroke) reduce wrist action — good for "handsy" strokes. Standard grips give more feel.
The 6-Footer Test
Putt twenty 6-footers with each putter. Track makes. The one that sinks the most is right for your stroke. This distance is where design differences show most, per equipment testing.
Sources & Further Reading
- MyGolfSpy. "2025 Putter MOI Testing." mygolfspy.com, 2025.
- Quintic Ball Roll. "Amateur Putting Impact Data." quintic.com, 2024.
- Arccos Golf. "Putting Performance by Handicap." arccosgolf.com, 2025.
- TaylorMade. "2025 PGA Tour Putter Usage Report." 2025.
- Stachura, M. "Equipment Variables That Affect Putting." Golf Digest, 2024.
