How to Choose the Right Putter

Know Your Putting Stroke

Although every golfer has a slightly different putting style, there are two common types—arc and straight-through.

• Straight-Through Stroke: The most common type of putting stroke is straight-through, meaning you bring your putter directly back and through in an even line.

• Arc Stroke: The other main type is the arc stroke, where your putter face slightly opens on the backswing and closes after making contact with the ball, creating an arc motion.

If you’re unsure which type of putting stroke you have, schedule a custom fitting with a SCHEELS Master Fitter.

Understand the Types of Putters

Once you know your stroke, you can narrow down which type of putter to invest in. There are two main types: blade and mallet.

• Blade Putters: Best suited for golfers with an arc putting stroke.

• Mallet Putters: Best suited for golfers with a straight-through stroke. Mallets are typically the most forgiving, thanks to a larger head size (higher MOI), better weight distribution, and easier-to-see alignment aids. For this reason, many beginners prefer mallet putters.

Related Expert Content | Blade vs. Mallet Putters: What’s the Difference? >

Select the Correct Putter Length

 Using a putter that’s too short or too long can compromise your form and affect the ball’s path. Most golfers use a 35-inch putter, the standard length, while shorter golfers may choose a 33-inch putter for better feel.

A recent trend is locked-wrist putting, which uses a longer-length putter that rests along the forearm to provide more control. Golfers using this style often prefer mallet putters over blades.

Understand Putter Shaft & Hosel Design

The way your putter shaft and hosel are designed also affects performance. The hosel is where the shaft connects to the head and influences how much the face rotates during your stroke.

• Shaft Placement: Putters can be center-shafted or heel-shafted. A center-shafted putter keeps the face more square through impact, which is ideal for straight-through strokes. A heel-shafted putter promotes natural face rotation, making it a better match for arc strokes.

• Hosel Offset: Many putters feature some offset at the hosel, which helps position your hands slightly ahead of the ball. This promotes better forward roll and makes it easier to square the face at impact.

• Shaft Materials: Most putter shafts are steel for consistency and feel, but newer premium options may blend materials like graphite to reduce vibration and improve stability.

Face-Balanced vs. Toe-Hang Putters

Another key factor is how the putter head is balanced. Balance determines whether the putter face naturally stays square or rotates during your stroke.

• Face-Balanced Putters: When the shaft is balanced on your finger, the putter face points upward. This design resists twisting, making it a great choice for golfers with a straight-through putting stroke.

• Toe-Hang Putters: When balanced, the toe of the putter points downward. This allows more natural face rotation, making it a better fit for golfers with an arc stroke.

• Counterbalanced Putters: Some models add weight to the grip or shaft for extra stability, helping golfers smooth out their tempo and gain forgiveness on off-center hits.

Other Factors to Consider

• Putter Face Material: The material or insert used will influence the touch and feel of the putter. Each brand has a slightly different face technology, but ultimately, the goal is to generate a forward roll and eliminate any bounce on the green.

• Putter Grips: Available in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and textures. Grips can easily be swapped to suit your preference—many SCHEELS locations offer regripping services.

• Putter Brands: Top brands like Odyssey and Scotty Cameron offer advanced technologies, sleek designs, and both mallet and blade options.

With so many factors to consider, we recommend scheduling a custom fitting with a SCHEELS Master Fitter. Our Experts will help you find the right putter for your unique stroke so you can build confidence on the greens. After choosing your putter, spend time practicing with putter training aids. If you have additional questions regarding how to choose a putter, contact an Expert at your local SCHEELS.