A putter is a type of golf club specifically designed for hitting the ball on the putting green, which is the final stage of a golf hole. Putters are typically shorter and have a wider head than other golf clubs, and they are used to roll the ball along the green towards the hole. For beginners, choosing the right putter can be essential for improving their putting accuracy and consistency.
There are many different types of putters available on the market, each with its own unique design and features. Some of the most common types of putters include blade putters, mallet putters, and center-shafted putters. Blade putters are typically the most traditional type of putter, and they have a thin, blade-like head. Mallet putters have a larger, more mallet-shaped head, and they are often preferred by beginners because they provide more stability and forgiveness. Center-shafted putters have the shaft positioned in the center of the head, which can help to improve alignment and accuracy.
When choosing a putter, it is important to consider several factors, such as the type of putter, the length of the putter, the weight of the putter, and the grip of the putter. It is also important to try out different putters before making a decision, to find the one that feels most comfortable and natural to use. With the right putter, beginners can improve their putting accuracy and consistency, and start enjoying the game of golf even more.
1. Type
The type of putter refers to the shape of the head, with the three main types being blade, mallet, and center-shafted. The type of putter a beginner chooses will depend on their individual preferences and playing style.
- Blade putters have a thin, blade-like head and are typically the most traditional type of putter. They are often preferred by experienced golfers who like to have more control over their putts. However, blade putters can be more difficult to hit consistently for beginners.
- Mallet putters have a larger, more mallet-shaped head. They are often preferred by beginners because they provide more stability and forgiveness. Mallet putters are also easier to align than blade putters, which can help beginners to improve their accuracy.
- Center-shafted putters have the shaft positioned in the center of the head. This can help to improve alignment and accuracy, making center-shafted putters a good choice for beginners.
Ultimately, the best way to choose a putter is to try out different types and see which one feels most comfortable and natural to use. However, by understanding the different types of putters available, beginners can narrow down their choices and find the best putter for their needs.
2. Length
The length of a putter is an important consideration for beginners, as it can affect the player’s posture, swing, and overall comfort on the green. Choosing the right length putter can help beginners to improve their putting accuracy and consistency.
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Overall height:
The overall height of the putter, from the top of the grip to the bottom of the clubhead, should be comfortable for the player to stand over and putt with. A putter that is too long or too short can cause the player to stoop or hunch over, which can lead to back pain and other discomfort. -
Arm length:
The length of the putter should also be proportionate to the player’s arm length. A putter that is too long or too short can make it difficult for the player to make a smooth, consistent swing. -
Putting style:
The player’s putting style can also affect the ideal length of the putter. Players who use a more upright putting style may prefer a shorter putter, while players who use a more crouched putting style may prefer a longer putter.
Ultimately, the best way to choose the right length putter is to experiment with different lengths and see what feels most comfortable and natural. However, by understanding the factors that affect putter length, beginners can narrow down their choices and find the best putter for their needs.
3. Weight
The weight of a putter is an important consideration for beginners, as it can affect the player’s feel, control, and overall putting performance. Choosing the right weight putter can help beginners to improve their putting accuracy and consistency.
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Stability
A heavier putter can provide more stability, which can be helpful for beginners who are still developing their putting stroke. A heavier putter can also help to reduce the effects of hand movement, which can lead to more accurate putts.
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Control
A lighter putter can provide more control, which can be helpful for beginners who want to be able to make delicate putts. A lighter putter can also be easier to swing, which can be beneficial for beginners who have less strength.
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Feel
The weight of a putter can also affect the feel of the putter. A heavier putter can feel more solid and stable, while a lighter putter can feel more responsive and lively. Ultimately, the best way to choose the right weight putter is to experiment with different weights and see what feels most comfortable and natural.
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Putting style
The player’s putting style can also affect the ideal weight of the putter. Players who use a more aggressive putting style may prefer a heavier putter, while players who use a more delicate putting style may prefer a lighter putter.
By understanding the relationship between weight and putting performance, beginners can choose the best putter for their needs and improve their putting accuracy and consistency.
4. Grip
The grip of a putter is an important consideration for beginners, as it can affect their comfort, control, and overall putting performance. Choosing the right grip can help beginners to improve their putting accuracy and consistency.
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Size
The size of the grip is important for ensuring a comfortable and secure hold. A grip that is too large or too small can make it difficult for the player to control the putter and make consistent putts.
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Material
The material of the grip can also affect the player’s comfort and control. Common grip materials include rubber, leather, and synthetic materials. Each material has its own unique feel and properties, so it is important to experiment with different materials to find the one that is most comfortable and provides the best control.
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Shape
The shape of the grip can also affect the player’s comfort and control. Common grip shapes include round, oval, and pistol. Each shape has its own unique feel and properties, so it is important to experiment with different shapes to find the one that is most comfortable and provides the best control.
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Texture
The texture of the grip can also affect the player’s comfort and control. Common grip textures include smooth, ribbed, and tacky. Each texture has its own unique feel and properties, so it is important to experiment with different textures to find the one that is most comfortable and provides the best control.
By understanding the relationship between grip and putting performance, beginners can choose the best putter grip for their needs and improve their putting accuracy and consistency.
5. Feel
When it comes to choosing the best putter for beginners, feel is an important factor to consider. Feel refers to the putter’s balance, weight, and overall responsiveness, and it can have a significant impact on a golfer’s putting performance. For beginners, finding a putter that feels comfortable and natural to use can help them to improve their putting accuracy and consistency.
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Balance
The balance of a putter refers to how it distributes its weight throughout the head and shaft. A well-balanced putter will feel solid and stable in the player’s hands, which can help to promote a smooth and consistent putting stroke. Beginners should look for a putter that feels balanced and comfortable to them when they hold it in their hands.
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Weight
The weight of a putter can also affect its feel. A heavier putter can feel more stable and solid, while a lighter putter can feel more responsive and easier to swing. Beginners should experiment with different putter weights to find one that feels comfortable and allows them to make smooth, controlled putts.
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Responsiveness
The responsiveness of a putter refers to how it reacts to the player’s input. A responsive putter will provide feedback to the player, allowing them to feel the putter’s head moving through the ball. This feedback can help beginners to develop a better sense of touch and distance control on the greens.
By considering the feel of a putter, beginners can choose a putter that matches their individual preferences and playing style. With the right putter, they can improve their putting accuracy and consistency, and start enjoying the game of golf even more.
6. Alignment
Alignment is a crucial aspect of putting, especially for beginners. It refers to the putter’s face being square to the intended target line at the moment of impact. Proper alignment helps ensure that the ball starts on the correct line and rolls smoothly towards the hole.
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Visual Alignment
Visual alignment involves using visual cues, such as the alignment line on the putter head or the shaft, to square the putter face to the target line. Beginners can practice by placing a coin or tee behind the ball and aiming the alignment line directly at it.
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Body Alignment
Body alignment refers to the position of the golfer’s body in relation to the target line. The shoulders, hips, and feet should be parallel to the line, and the eyes should be directly above the ball. Beginners can check their body alignment by standing behind the ball and looking down the target line.
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Shoulder Alignment
Shoulder alignment is specifically important for beginners as it helps them avoid aiming the putter face to the left or right of the target. By keeping the shoulders square to the target line, beginners can ensure that the putter face is also square at impact.
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Eye Alignment
Eye alignment refers to the position of the golfer’s eyes in relation to the ball and the target line. The eyes should be directly above the ball, looking down the target line. Beginners can practice eye alignment by placing a tee in the ground a few inches behind the ball and looking at it while addressing the putt.
By mastering these facets of alignment, beginners can improve their putting accuracy and consistency. Proper alignment helps them start the ball on the correct line, reducing the likelihood of misses and three-putts. As beginners develop their alignment skills, they will become more confident and effective putters, leading to lower scores and a more enjoyable golfing experience.
7. Price
When considering the best putter for beginners, price is an important factor to take into account. While it may be tempting to opt for the most expensive putter on the market, it is not always necessary to spend a lot of money to get a good quality putter. There are many affordable putters available that can help beginners improve their putting and enjoy the game.
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a putter is the type of putter. There are three main types of putters: blade putters, mallet putters, and center-shafted putters. Blade putters are the most traditional type of putter and are typically preferred by experienced golfers. Mallet putters are larger and have a more forgiving sweet spot, making them a good choice for beginners. Center-shafted putters have the shaft positioned in the center of the head, which can help to improve alignment and accuracy.
Once you have chosen the type of putter you want, you need to consider the weight and balance of the putter. The weight of the putter will affect how it feels in your hands and how easy it is to control. The balance of the putter will affect how it moves through the putting stroke. It is important to find a putter that feels comfortable and balanced in your hands.
Finally, you need to consider the price of the putter. Putters can range in price from $50 to $500 or more. It is important to set a budget before you start shopping for a putter. Once you have a budget, you can narrow down your choices to putters that are within your price range.
By considering all of these factors, you can choose the best putter for your needs and budget. With the right putter, you can improve your putting and enjoy the game of golf even more.
FAQs on “Best Putter for Beginners”
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question 1: What are the key factors to consider when choosing a putter for beginners?
Answer: When selecting a putter for beginners, crucial factors to consider include the type of putter (blade, mallet, center-shafted), weight and balance, grip size and material, alignment aids, and price.
Question 2: What type of putter is best suited for beginners?
Answer: For beginners, mallet putters are generally recommended. They are more forgiving and offer better stability compared to blade putters, making them easier to control and align.
Question 3: How important is weight and balance in a putter?
Answer: Weight and balance significantly impact the feel and control of a putter. A heavier putter provides more stability and consistency, while a lighter putter offers greater maneuverability and responsiveness. Finding a putter with the right weight and balance is essential for a smooth and effective putting stroke.
Question 4: What grip size and material should beginners look for?
Answer: Grip size should allow for a comfortable and secure hold without being too large or small. Common grip materials include rubber and polyurethane, each providing different levels of tackiness and durability. Experimenting with different grip sizes and materials can help beginners find the best fit.
Question 5: How can alignment aids assist beginners?
Answer: Alignment aids, such as lines or dots on the putter head, serve as visual cues to help beginners align the putter face squarely with the intended target line. This promotes more accurate and consistent putting.
Question 6: What is a reasonable price range for a putter suitable for beginners?
Answer: Putters for beginners can vary in price, but it’s possible to find quality options within a range of $50 to $200. This price range offers a balance of affordability and performance to help beginners improve their putting without breaking the bank.
Tips on Choosing the Best Putter for Beginners
Selecting the optimal putter as a beginner is crucial for developing a solid foundation in the game of golf. Here are some essential tips to guide your decision-making process:
Tip 1: Consider Mallet PuttersMallet putters offer greater stability and forgiveness compared to blade putters, making them ideal for beginners. Their larger heads and wider sweet spots provide more consistency and accuracy, especially for those still developing their putting stroke.Tip 2: Pay Attention to Weight and BalanceThe weight and balance of a putter significantly impact its feel and control. A heavier putter provides more stability and consistency, while a lighter putter offers greater maneuverability and responsiveness. Experiment with different weights to find one that complements your putting style and provides a comfortable feel.Tip 3: Choose the Right Grip SizeThe grip size should allow for a comfortable and secure hold without being too large or too small. Experiment with different sizes to find the one that fits your hand shape and promotes a relaxed grip, allowing for a smooth and controlled putting stroke.Tip 4: Explore Alignment AidsAlignment aids, such as lines or dots on the putter head, serve as visual cues to help beginners align the putter face squarely with the intended target line. This promotes more accurate and consistent putting, especially for those struggling with alignment issues.Tip 5: Set a Budget and Research OptionsPutters can vary in price, so it’s important to set a budget before you start shopping. Research different models within your price range and read reviews from other golfers to gather insights and make an informed decision.Tip 6: Seek Professional AdviceIf you’re unsure about which putter to choose, consider seeking advice from a golf professional or experienced player. They can assess your putting style, provide personalized recommendations, and assist you in finding the best putter for your needs.Tip 7: Practice RegularlyOnce you have chosen a putter, regular practice is essential for improving your putting skills. Dedicate time to practicing on a putting green, experimenting with different distances and techniques to build confidence and consistency.Tip 8: Stay Patient and Enjoy the ProcessLearning to putt effectively takes time and patience. Avoid getting discouraged by initial setbacks and focus on making gradual improvements. Enjoy the learning process, seek feedback from others, and consistently work on refining your putting technique.
By following these tips, beginners can make informed decisions when choosing a putter and embark on their golfing journey with a solid foundation for putting success.
Conclusion
Choosing the best putter for beginners is a crucial step in developing a strong foundation in golf. By considering factors such as putter type, weight and balance, grip size, alignment aids, and price, beginners can make informed decisions that will enhance their putting performance. Mallet putters offer stability and forgiveness, while weight and balance impact feel and control. Grip size should promote a comfortable and secure hold, and alignment aids can assist with accurate alignment. Setting a budget and seeking professional advice can further guide the selection process.
Remember, practice is essential for improving putting skills. With patience and dedication, beginners can refine their putting technique and enjoy the game of golf. Choosing the right putter and consistently practicing will lay the groundwork for putting success and overall golfing proficiency.
