What is a Golf Putter? Design, Types & Uses

A golf putter is a specialized golf club designed for use on the putting green, which is the area of shorter grass surrounding the hole on a golf course. The putter is used to strike the ball gently and accurately into the hole, usually from a short distance away. Although it is one of the simplest and least technical clubs in a golfer’s bag, it is also one of the most important for scoring well on the course. This article will explain to you What is a Golf Putter, its design, the types of putters, and how to select the best putter.

Also find what is Golf Shamble

The Basic Design of a Putter

The basic design of a putter is straightforward. It consists of a club head, a shaft, and a grip. The club head is typically flat and low to the ground, with a striking face that is either perpendicular to the shaft or slightly angled. This design helps the golfer maintain a consistent line and angle of approach when striking the ball. The club head may be made of a variety of materials, including stainless steel, aluminum, and brass, and may be weighted to provide better balance and control.

The Shaft of a Putter

The shaft of a putter is usually shorter than that of other clubs, ranging from around 30 to 36 inches in length. This shorter length allows for greater precision and control when striking the ball, and helps to reduce the likelihood of the golfer hitting the ball too hard and overshooting the hole. The shaft may be made of a variety of materials, including steel, graphite, and even carbon fiber.

The Grip of a Putter

The grip of a putter is also designed for maximum control and precision. It may be made of rubber or other synthetic materials and may be shaped and textured to provide a comfortable and secure grip. Some grips also feature special markings or patterns to help the golfer maintain proper hand placement and alignment during the stroke.

Different Types of Putters

There are several types of putters available on the market, each designed to suit the unique preferences and playing styles of different golfers. Here are some of the most common types of putters:

1. Blade Putters

Blade putters are the most traditional type of putter, with a compact head that is typically square or slightly rectangular in shape. They usually have a simple, clean design with a straight shaft and a relatively small sweet spot. Blade putters are ideal for golfers who prefer a more compact and traditional look, and who value precision over forgiveness.

2. Mallet Putters

Mallet putters have a larger, more rounded head than blade putters, with a larger sweet spot and a more forgiving design. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from round to square to futuristic designs. Mallet putters are ideal for golfers who prefer a more modern look and who need extra forgiveness on the green.

3. Peripheral Weighted Putters

Peripheral weighted putters are designed to distribute the weight of the club head around the perimeter, away from the center. This creates a larger sweet spot and reduces twisting on off-center hits. These putters are ideal for golfers who struggle with consistency and need extra forgiveness.

4. Face-Balanced Putters

Face-balanced putters have a design that places the center of gravity directly behind the face, creating a neutral balance point. This design promotes a straight back and through putting stroke and is ideal for golfers who prefer a straight putting stroke.

5. Toe-Weighted Putters

Toe-weighted putters have additional weight in the toe of the club head, creating a slightly arced stroke. This design is ideal for golfers who prefer an arcing putting stroke.

6. Center-Shafted Putters

Center-shafted putters have the shaft attached to the center of the club head rather than the heel, creating a more balanced feel. This design is ideal for golfers who prefer a more stable and consistent stroke.

7. Long Putters

Long putters, also known as belly putters or broomstick putters, are designed to be anchored against the golfer’s body. They are typically longer than standard putters and are used with a longer grip to allow for the anchoring technique. Long putters are ideal for golfers who struggle with shaky hands or nerves on the green.

Comparison of Different Types of Putters

Type of Putter	Features	Players who may prefer
Blade Putter	Compact head, small sweet spot, straight shaft	Golfers who prefer a traditional look and feel, and value precision over forgiveness.
Mallet Putter	Large, rounded head, large sweet spot, forgiving design	Golfers who prefer a modern look and need extra forgiveness on the green.
Peripheral Weighted Putter	Weight distributed around the perimeter of the club head, larger sweet spot, reduced twisting on off-center hits	Golfers who struggle with consistency and need extra forgiveness.
Face-Balanced Putter	The center of gravity behind the face, neutral balance point, promotes a straight back and through putting stroke	Golfers who prefer a straight putting stroke.
Toe-Weighted Putter	Additional weight in the toe of the club head, slightly arced stroke	Golfers who prefer an arcing putting stroke.
Center-Shafted Putter	The shaft attached to the center of the club head, a more balanced feel	Golfers who prefer a more stable and consistent stroke.
Long Putter	Anchored against the golfer’s body, longer than standard putters, used with a longer grip	Golfers who struggle with shaky hands or nerves on the green.

It’s important to note that these are just general guidelines and the type of putter that is best for you will depend on your personal preferences and playing style. It’s always a good idea to try out different types of putters and see which one feels the most comfortable and natural for your game.

Factors to Consider when Selecting a Putter

Selecting the best putter for your game can be a crucial factor in improving your putting performance on the golf course. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a putter that is best suited for your game:

Determine Your Putting Style

The first step in selecting the best putter for your game is to determine your putting style. Do you have a straight-back, straight-through putting stroke, or an arced putting stroke? Knowing your putting style will help you choose a putter that matches your natural stroke.

Consider the Putter’s Head Design

The design of the putter’s head can have a significant impact on your putting performance. If you prefer a compact head with a small sweet spot, a blade putter may be the best choice for you. If you need a larger sweet spot and more forgiveness, a mallet putter may be a better option.

Evaluate the Putter’s Weight and Balance

The weight and balance of the putter can also affect your putting performance. A putter that is too heavy or too light may cause you to lose control and accuracy, while a putter that is poorly balanced may cause your putts to go offline. Experiment with different weights and balance points to find the right fit for your game.

Consider the Putter’s Grip

The grip of the putter is also an important factor to consider. A grip that is too thick or too thin can affect your feel and control, while a grip that is too slippery can cause you to lose control on the green. Experiment with different grip sizes and materials to find the right fit for your game.

Try Before You Buy

Finally, it is important to try out a variety of putters before making a final decision. Most golf stores have a putting green where you can try out different putters to get a feel for their performance. Take your time, experiment with different styles and designs, and choose the putter that feels most comfortable and natural for your game.

Uses of a Putter

A putter is a specialized golf club that is designed for use on the putting green to help golfers roll the ball into the hole. The primary use of a putter is to make short, controlled strokes that roll the ball smoothly and accurately toward the hole. Here are some specific uses of a putter on the golf course:

Putting

The most common use of a putter is for putting the ball into the hole. This involves making short, controlled strokes to roll the ball along putting green and into the hole.

Chipping

A putter can also be used for chipping the ball from just off the green. This involves using the putter as a more lofted club to hit the ball into the air and onto the green.

Bump and Run Shots

The bump and run shot is a low, rolling shot that is used when there is little or no space between the ball and the green. This shot can be played with a putter by using a low, firm stroke to roll the ball along the ground and onto the green.

Punch Shots

A putter can also be used for punch shots, which are low, controlled shots that are used to navigate under tree branches or other obstacles. This shot requires a short, controlled stroke with a low trajectory to get the ball up and over the obstacle.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a golf putter is an essential piece of equipment for any golfer looking to improve their performance on the green. With its specialized design and precision engineering, a putter is an indispensable tool for sinking those critical putts and improving one’s overall score on the course. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced golfer, taking the time to select the right putter can make all the difference in your game.

Moreover, there are several types of putters available on the market, each designed to suit the unique preferences and playing styles of different golfers. Choosing the right putter is a matter of personal preference, and golfers should consider their stroke type, playing style, and comfort when selecting a putter.