Putters

Putters are a type of golf club designed specifically for use on the putting green, where golfers make short, precise strokes to roll the golf ball into the hole.Here is what you need to know about putters:

  1. Purpose: Putters are used for the final, controlled strokes taken on the putting green, typically within a short distance from the hole. They are crucial for accuracy and control when it comes to sinking the ball into the cup.

  2. Design: Putters have a unique design compared to other golf clubs. They have a flat, low-profile clubhead with a vertical striking face. The head is often weighted to provide stability and minimize twisting during the putting stroke.

  3. Shaft Length: The length of the putter shaft is generally shorter than other golf clubs, which allows for better control and a more upright stance when putting. The length can vary, and golfers often choose putters that suit their posture and putting style.

  4. Grip: Putters typically have a specialized grip designed to facilitate a comfortable and consistent putting stroke. There are various grip styles, including the traditional pistol grip and the newer oversized and counterbalanced grips, which can help reduce wrist movement during the stroke.

  5. Clubhead Shapes: Putters come in a variety of clubhead shapes, each with its unique benefits and aesthetics. Common shapes include blade putters, which have a thin, elongated head, and mallet putters, which have a larger, more rounded head. Mallet putters often provide more forgiveness on off-center hits.

  6. Alignment Aids: Many modern putters incorporate alignment aids, such as lines or dots on the clubhead, to assist golfers in aligning the putter face correctly with the target line.

  7. Materials: Putters can be made from various materials, including stainless steel, aluminum, and other alloys. The choice of material can impact the club's weight and feel during the putting stroke.

  8. Face Inserts: Some putters feature face inserts made of materials like polymer or milled steel. These inserts can enhance the feel and sound of impact and may offer varying levels of forgiveness.

  9. Customization: Golfers often customize their putters to match their preferences and putting style. This can include adjusting the lie angle, loft, and adding custom grips to achieve the desired feel and performance.

  10. Putting Styles: Golfers employ various putting styles, such as the traditional pendulum stroke and the anchored putting stroke (which was banned in 2016 for most levels of play). Putters are designed to accommodate these different techniques.

  11. Putter Fitting: Many golf retailers and professionals offer putter fitting services, where golfers can get fitted for a putter based on their stroke, posture, and preferences. This helps optimize putting performance.

In summary, putters are an essential part of a golfer's equipment, specially designed for the unique demands of putting. They come in various shapes, sizes, and materials to cater to different preferences and putting techniques, and their customization options allow golfers to fine-tune their putter for optimal performance on the greens.