Different types of putter heads vary in design, weight, length, and balance, which can significantly affect a player’s control, accuracy, and feel on the greens.
The main types of putter heads are mallet and blade, but half-mallets are becoming increasingly common. Each putter head caters to a unique playstyle, so it’s important to understand how each putter feels.
In this article, we’ll dive into each of the primary types of putter heads and how they influence your performance on the greens.
What is the Mallet Putter?
The mallet putter is known for its distinctive head shapes and a higher level of forgiveness compared to its blade counterpart. This forgiveness is a result of its design which often includes larger head shapes that can range from round, square, to even a “half moon” shape.
Unlike blade putters, mallet putters shy away from a straight “blade-like appearance,” instead embracing a variety of geometric and often more modern aesthetics.
The larger heads provide a different center of gravity, which can be beneficial in promoting a smoother stroke and better stability during the putt, especially for players with a straight back and through putting stroke.
When to Use the Mallet Putter?
The mallet putter shines in scenarios where forgiveness and stability are paramount. It’s particularly useful for players who might struggle with maintaining a consistent stroke or those who are new to the game and need the extra assurance on the green.
The design of the mallet putter helps in reducing the twisting of the putter head, making it a reliable choice on short to medium-length putts.
Who Uses the Mallet Putter?
Mallet putters are the go-to choice for players looking for more consistency on the greens, as the larger head design aids in maintaining a straighter putt, especially on longer putts.
The added forgiveness that mallet putters provide is invaluable under the pressure of tournament play. Golfers like Dustin Johnson and Jason Day have been known to use mallet putters to great success on the tour.
What is the Blade Putter?
The blade putter is often revered as the “original putter,” boasting a traditional and elegant design. Its sleek, blade-like appearance is not only aesthetically pleasing but also embodies the art of putting for many golf purists.
The simplicity and the classic design of blade putters often inspire confidence in players, especially when standing over a crucial putt. Blade putters are excellent for providing immediate feedback, which is crucial for improving and refining your putting stroke.
When to Use the Blade Putter?
The blade putter is best suited for players with a seasoned putting stroke, who value the feedback and the precision it offers. It’s often the choice for golfers playing on faster greens due to its precision and the level of control.
Who Uses the Blade Putter?
Traditionally, many professional golfers and golf purists have a penchant for blade putters. Golfers like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson have often been seen wielding blade putters, showcasing their finesse and control on the greens.
What is the Half-Mallet Putter?
The half-mallet putter is a hybrid, blending the aesthetics and feel of blade putters with the forgiveness of mallet putters.
Often sporting a larger head mass and a face-balanced design, the half-mallet is known for its higher “moment of inertia” (M.O.I.), which helps in reducing the twisting of the putter head during the stroke, thereby offering a more consistent putting experience.
The half-mallet putter is a testament to the evolution of golf equipment, seeking to provide the perfect balance between form and functionality.
When to Use the Half-Mallet Putter?
The half-mallet putter is a versatile choice, suitable for a wide range of players. Whether you’re playing on fast or slow greens, the half-mallet can provide the stability of a mallet putter while still offering the refined feel of a blade putter.
Who Uses the Half-Mallet Putter?
Both amateur and professional golfers find value in the balanced design of half-mallet putters. They are especially favored by players who are looking for a middle ground between the feedback of blade putters and the forgiveness of mallet putters.
On the professional front, golfers such as Justin Rose and Rory McIlroy have showcased the effectiveness of half-mallet putters on the global stage
Determining the Best Type of Putter Heads for Your Playstyle?
Having delved into the diverse world of putter heads, you’re now equipped with the knowledge to make an informed decision that will resonate with your playstyle. Each type of putter head has its unique set of advantages that cater to different skill levels, preferences, and situations on the green.
Whether it’s the forgiving nature of the mallet putter, the classic and feedback-rich blade putter, or the balanced attributes of the half-mallet putter, there’s a perfect match for every golfer. Your choice boils down to what feels right and what enhances your performance on the greens.
Are you seeking the feedback and tradition embodied by the blade putter, or do you crave the modern, forgiving nature of the mallet putter? Perhaps the balanced approach of the half-mallet putter has caught your eye, providing a blend of forgiveness and feedback.
Take a moment to reflect on your past experiences on the green, your putting stroke, and what you value most in your putter. Consider trying out different putter heads at your local golf shop or during your next round of golf.
The right putter head can significantly impact your confidence and success on the greens, bringing you one step closer to mastering the art of putting.
