Putters

A putter is a golf club used on the putting green to roll the ball into the hole. It is designed for precision and a consistent roll rather than distance. Putter heads are typically low-profile and flat-faced, and the club is often shorter than other golf clubs to promote a controlled stroke. Standard putter lengths range roughly from 32 to 35 inches, with grip sizes chosen for feel and control.

There are two broad head styles. Blade putters have a compact, traditional appearance with a narrow profile, while mallet putters have a larger, more forgiving head with higher moment of inertia. Hosel configurations vary, including center-shaft, plumbers neck, and slant-neck designs. Putters can be face-balanced, which tends to favor straight-back-and-through strokes, or toe-balanced, which favors arcing strokes. Alignment aids such as sight lines, dots, or rails are common features.

Materials and construction: Putters may have heads made from stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, or other alloys. Many models include soft inserts or milled faces to alter feel and sound. Perimeter weighting and heavier heads are used to increase stability on off-center contact. Some models offer adjustable weights or interchangeable components, and grips range from thin to oversized to suit grip comfort.

Usage and selection: The best putter is often determined by individual feel and stroke. Players typically seek a fit that matches their preferred weight, balance, and alignment. Routine practice and on-course feedback help refine choice, and professional fittings can help identify the most suitable model among blade or mallet designs, various hosels, and different weight configurations.