Stop Buying Wrong Putters: Complete Guide Weekend Golfers Use
As a weekend golfer who's spent countless Saturday mornings three-putting away potential pars, I've learned the hard way that choosing the right putter can make or break your round. After 25 years of weekend golf and testing more putters than I care to admit, I've discovered that most amateurs – myself included – make the same costly mistakes when buying their flat stick.
The truth is, your putter is the most used club in your bag, but it's also the most misunderstood. While you might spend hours researching drivers and irons, most weekend warriors grab the first putter that "looks good" without understanding what actually works for their game.
Let me save you the frustration and money I wasted buying the wrong putters. This complete guide will show you exactly how to choose a putter that matches your stroke, fits your budget, and helps you sink more putts instead of leaving them short or blowing them past the hole.
Why Most Amateur Golfers Buy the Wrong Putter
During my regular foursome, I've watched my buddies make the same mistakes I made when buying putters. We get seduced by the latest technology or buy based on what our favorite tour pro uses, without considering what actually works for weekend warriors.
According to Golf Monthly testing experts, beginners often struggle to consistently strike the ball in the middle of the face and need help maintaining the clubface through the stroke. This is exactly why mallet putters have become the preferred choice for amateur golfers.
Phil Kenyon (specialist putting coach to Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka, Justin Rose, 70+ PGA and European Tour wins, 4 Major Championships) explains that amateur golfers make three critical mistakes: not understanding the putting stroke, working on ineffective techniques from second-hand information, and not spending enough time practicing on the greens.
The guys at my home course always ask about equipment, but here's what I've learned: the latest $400 Scotty Cameron isn't automatically better for your game if it doesn't match your stroke. According to PGA Tour statistics, professional golfers average about 30 putts per round, with the best players making around 28. Meanwhile, according to industry research, amateur golfers typically take 36+ putts per round – that's where you can save the most strokes.
💰 Amateur Putter Buying Reality Check
- ⭐ 43% of all golf shots happen on or around the green
- 💸 Most amateurs focus 80% of equipment budget on drivers/irons
- 🎯 Weekend golfers average 6+ more putts per round than pros
- 🔧 Right putter choice can immediately save 3-5 strokes per round
How to Determine Your Putting Stroke Type
Before you even look at a putter, you need to understand your natural putting stroke. This is where most weekend golfers skip the homework and end up with equipment that fights their natural motion.
Stand behind your ball during your next round and watch how you naturally want to take the putter back. Do you naturally keep it straight back and straight through, or does it want to arc slightly inside? There's no right or wrong answer – just your natural tendency.
Dave Pelz (former NASA scientist, Golf Digest Top 25 instructor, coached Phil Mickelson and multiple major champions) emphasizes that "there is one best putter for you" and matching your stroke type is the foundation. As Pelz explains in his extensive research, understanding your stroke pattern determines whether you need a face-balanced or toe-hang putter.
According to putting expert analysis, golfers with a straight-back, straight-through stroke benefit from face-balanced putters, while those with an arc in their stroke perform better with toe-hang putters. To test this, balance your current putter on your finger – if the face points up, it's face-balanced; if the toe hangs down, it's toe-hang.
During practice sessions with my buddies, I've noticed that most weekend golfers naturally have some arc in their stroke. This is completely normal and actually matches how the putting stroke should work due to your setup position and arm mechanics.
Golf Monthly putting expert Sam De'Ath (former college golfer, +3 handicap) recommends testing your stroke by hitting several putts and observing whether you consistently miss left or right. This pattern often reveals whether your putter matches your natural stroke.
What Type of Putter Should Amateur Golfers Choose?
After watching countless weekend golfers struggle with blade putters, I can tell you that most amateurs benefit significantly from mallet-style putters. This isn't about looking less skilled – it's about being practical and shooting lower scores.
Mallet Putters: The Amateur's Best Friend
Mallet putters offer several advantages that directly address amateur golfers' most common issues. According to Golf Monthly equipment testing, mallet putters provide forgiveness on off-center strikes and have weight distributed around the clubhead to help minimize twisting.
The larger head size provides a higher MOI (Moment of Inertia), which means the putter resists twisting when you don't hit the sweet spot perfectly. For weekend golfers who don't practice putting daily, this forgiveness is invaluable.
Blade Putters: When They Make Sense
Blade putters aren't wrong for amateurs, but they're more demanding. If you consistently strike the center of the putter face and prefer a traditional look, a blade can work. However, according to equipment testing data, most amateur golfers miss the sweet spot more often than they realize.
Tiger Woods might use a blade putter, but he also practices putting several hours daily. As a weekend warrior, your time is limited, so equipment that helps compensate for inconsistency makes sense.
Zero-Torque Putters: The New Technology
The newest category gaining popularity is zero-torque (or lie-angle balanced) putters. These putters naturally stay square throughout the stroke, eliminating rotation. According to recent testing by Today's Golfer, zero-torque putters are designed to stay square throughout the stroke, eliminating the rotation you get with blades and some mallets.
🎯 Putter Types for Weekend Golfers
- 🔧 Mallet: Best forgiveness, easier alignment, most amateur-friendly
- ⭐ Blade: Traditional feel, requires consistent contact, tour player favorite
- 💡 Zero-torque: Newest technology, automatically stays square
- 📊 Mid-mallet: Compromise between blade feel and mallet forgiveness
How to Choose the Right Putter Length
Most weekend golfers use whatever length putter came in their starter set, but getting the right length is crucial for consistent putting. The wrong length affects your posture, eye position, and stroke mechanics.
Last summer, I noticed one of my regular playing partners was struggling with his putting despite having a technically sound stroke. Turns out his putter was too long, forcing him to stand too upright and positioning his eyes too far inside the ball.
According to industry fitting standards, most male golfers need putters between 32-34 inches, while female golfers typically need 30-33 inches. However, your height isn't the only factor – arm length, posture, and preferred setup position all matter.
A simple test: when you address the ball in your natural setup position, your eyes should be directly over or just slightly inside the ball. If your putter is too long, you'll stand too upright with your eyes too far inside. Too short, and you'll hunch over with your eyes outside the ball line.
Dave Pelz emphasizes that proper putter length sets your eyes 1-2 inches inside of the target line to allow you to execute the proper arcing putting stroke while maintaining good posture and balance.
For reference, most putters off the shelf are 34-35 inches. According to putting design expert Frank Thomas (former USGA Technical Director), the average male golfer should use putters between 32-34 inches long.
Understanding Putter Face Technology and Feel
The feel of your putter at impact significantly affects your distance control and confidence. During my years of testing different putters, I've learned that face technology directly impacts how the ball rolls off the putter.
Insert vs. Milled Faces
Milled faces, like those found on most Scotty Cameron putters, provide firmer feel and audible feedback. You can immediately hear and feel where you contacted the ball. However, they can feel harsh to some amateur golfers, especially in cold weather.
Insert faces, commonly found on Odyssey putters, offer softer feel and are often more forgiving on mishits. The White Hot insert technology has been popular with both tour players and amateurs because it provides consistent roll while dampening vibration.
According to Golf Monthly putting expert Sam De'Ath, "If you typically putt on slow greens, a firmer feeling face will suit you more whereas if you putt on ultra-fast greens a softer feel will work more efficiently and help you control distance."
Phil Kenyon, who has worked with multiple major champions, explains that the relationship between ball type and putter face matters too. If you play a firmer ball, a softer putter face can provide better feel, and vice versa.
Groove Technology and Roll Characteristics
Modern putters feature various groove patterns designed to improve ball roll. Some manufacturers use variable depth grooves, while others employ specific milling patterns to reduce skidding and promote forward roll.
The key for amateur golfers is understanding that consistent roll matters more than the latest technology. A putter that gets the ball rolling end-over-end quickly will perform better than one that causes the ball to bounce or skid initially.
🎥 Essential Putting Fundamentals
Understanding proper putting technique helps you choose the right putter for your natural stroke
What's the Ideal Budget for Amateur Golfers?
One of the most common questions from my golf buddies is how much to spend on a putter. The marketing makes it seem like you need to spend $400+ for a quality putter, but that's not necessarily true for weekend golfers.
According to Golf Avenue buying guide experts, beginners should allow between 10 to 20% of their total golf budget for their putter. Since your putter can last decades with proper care, it's worth investing in quality that matches your needs.
Budget Categories for Weekend Golfers
Under $100: You can find solid putters from major manufacturers like Cleveland, Wilson, and some TaylorMade models. These won't have the latest technology but will perform well for most amateur golfers.
$100-$200: This sweet spot includes excellent options from Odyssey, Ping, and TaylorMade. You'll get proven technology, good feel, and reliable performance without paying for premium branding.
$200-$300: Premium putters from top manufacturers with advanced technology. This range includes most tour-proven models that offer everything amateur golfers need.
$300+: Ultra-premium putters with custom options, exotic materials, or limited editions. These are nice to have but don't necessarily perform better for weekend golfers than less expensive options.
I learned this lesson the expensive way – my $450 putter doesn't make more putts than my backup $150 Odyssey. The key is finding a putter that fits your stroke and inspires confidence, regardless of price.
💰 Smart Budget Strategy
- 🎯 Start with $150-250 range for proven performance
- ⭐ Try before you buy – test multiple options
- 💡 Consider quality used putters for premium brands
- 🔧 Invest saved money in putting lessons instead
How to Test and Try Putters Before Buying
Don't make the mistake I made early on – buying a putter based solely on how it looks in the store. The only way to know if a putter works for your game is to test it properly.
Testing on the Practice Green
Every pro shop has a practice putting green, and most will let you test putters there. Bring a few golf balls and test each putter with:
- Short putts (3-6 feet): Focus on how the putter feels and whether you can line it up easily
- Medium putts (10-15 feet): Test distance control and how the ball rolls off the face
- Long putts (25+ feet): Evaluate your ability to judge speed and get the ball close
According to putting coach Phil Kenyon's methodology, you should test putters in conditions similar to where you play. If your home course has fast greens, test on fast practice greens. If you typically play slower courses, factor that into your testing.
Questions to Ask During Testing
- Does the putter feel balanced in your hands?
- Can you easily line it up to your target?
- Do you like how it looks when you're standing over the ball?
- Does it feel comfortable during your natural stroke?
- Are you making more putts than with your current putter?
One trick I learned from my golf buddy: test with your eyes closed. If the putter feels right in your hands without visual input, it's probably a good mechanical fit for your stroke.
Rental and Trial Programs
Some golf shops offer rental or trial programs where you can take putters on the course. This is invaluable because practice green putting doesn't always translate to on-course performance. If available, rent a putter for a round or two before committing to purchase.
Common Putter Buying Mistakes to Avoid
After watching countless weekend golfers (including myself) make expensive putter mistakes, here are the most common pitfalls to avoid:
Buying Based on Tour Player Preferences
Just because Jordan Spieth uses a specific putter doesn't mean it's right for your game. Tour players have entirely different skills, practice routines, and course conditions than weekend golfers. According to putting statistics, tour professionals convert three-footers at a 99.4% rate – they can make almost any putter work through pure skill and practice.
Ignoring Alignment Features
Many amateur golfers dismiss alignment aids as "training wheels," but the reality is that proper alignment is crucial for consistent putting. If alignment aids help you line up putts correctly, use them. There's no style points for making putting harder than necessary.
Changing Putters Too Frequently
I used to buy a new putter every season, thinking the latest technology would solve my putting problems. What I learned is that consistency comes from practice and confidence in your equipment, not constantly changing putters.
Dave Pelz's research shows that once you find a putter that fits your stroke, the key is sticking with it and learning its characteristics. Tour players often use the same putter for years or even decades.
Overlooking Grip Comfort
The grip is your only connection to the putter, yet many golfers never consider if it fits their hands comfortably. If the grip feels too thick or too thin, it affects your ability to control the putter face and feel the ball contact.
Phil Kenyon emphasizes that grip pressure should be light and consistent. If your grip forces you to hold on tightly, it will negatively impact your putting stroke.
🚫 Amateur Putter Buying Mistakes
- ❌ Copying tour player equipment without considering skill differences
- ⚠️ Buying based solely on looks without testing performance
- 🔄 Changing putters too frequently instead of practicing
- 💸 Focusing only on price instead of proper fit and feel
Putter Fitting vs. Off-the-Rack Options
While professional putter fitting isn't necessary for every amateur golfer, understanding what's involved helps you make better decisions about off-the-rack putters.
When Professional Fitting Makes Sense
Consider professional putter fitting if you:
- Struggle with consistent distance control
- Frequently miss putts left or right despite good alignment
- Experience discomfort or inconsistent setup position
- Want to maximize the investment in an expensive putter
- Play frequently enough to justify the fitting cost
A qualified fitter will analyze your stroke, determine proper length and lie angle, and help you find the optimal head style and weight. According to PGA professionals, a properly fitted putter should allow you to set up with your eyes 1-2 inches inside the target line while maintaining good posture.
Making Off-the-Rack Work
Most weekend golfers can find excellent putters off the rack by understanding the basics. Focus on:
- Length: Use the height guidelines but test your eye position over the ball
- Head style: Choose based on your stroke type and forgiveness needs
- Feel: Select face technology that gives you confidence and good feedback
- Alignment: Pick a putter you can easily line up to your target
The key is being honest about your skill level and choosing equipment that helps rather than challenges you.
Advanced Considerations for Serious Amateur Golfers
If you play regularly and want to take your putting to the next level, these advanced factors can help fine-tune your putter selection.
Weight Distribution and MOI
Higher MOI putters resist twisting on off-center hits but may feel less responsive to some golfers. Lower MOI putters provide more feedback but require more precise contact. According to equipment testing data, most amateur golfers benefit from higher MOI designs.
Shaft Angle and Hosel Design
The hosel affects how the putter sits at address and how much toe hang it has. Common options include:
- Plumber's neck: Traditional design with moderate toe hang
- Single bend: Face-balanced or slight toe hang
- Double bend: Face-balanced, promotes straight-back-straight-through stroke
- Slant neck: Moderate toe hang, popular with arc stroke players
Loft and Lie Angle
Most putters come with 3-4 degrees of loft, which helps get the ball rolling properly. According to Frank Thomas's research (former USGA Technical Director), modern green speeds require 3-4 degrees of loft to launch the ball out of depressions and prevent bouncing.
Lie angle affects how the putter sits on the ground. If the toe is up, you need a more upright lie; if the heel is up, you need a flatter lie angle.
Key Takeaways: Your Putter Buying Action Plan
After all this research and personal experience, here's your practical action plan for buying the right putter:
Start with stroke analysis: Understand whether you have a straight or slight arc putting stroke before looking at any putters. This determines face-balanced vs. toe-hang requirements.
Prioritize forgiveness: Most amateur golfers benefit from mallet-style putters with higher MOI. Don't let ego push you toward less forgiving blade putters unless you truly strike the center consistently.
Test properly: Use practice greens to test multiple putters with various putt lengths. Focus on feel, alignment, and confidence rather than just looks.
Set a realistic budget: The $150-$250 range offers excellent options for most weekend golfers. Spending more won't necessarily improve your putting unless the putter fits better.
Consider used options: Quality putters last decades, so certified pre-owned putters from reputable dealers can provide premium performance at lower prices.
But here's the most important point: the best putter is the one that gives you confidence and helps you make more putts. All the technology and fitting in the world won't help if you don't believe in your equipment.
Last month, I played with a buddy who was using a 10-year-old Odyssey putter he bought used for $75. He made six one-putts that round while I struggled with my expensive latest-model putter. The difference wasn't the equipment – it was his confidence and practice time.
🎯 Weekend Golfer Success Formula
- 🔧 Match putter to your natural stroke type
- ⭐ Prioritize forgiveness over tour player preferences
- 💡 Test thoroughly on practice greens before buying
- 📊 Invest saved money in practice time and maybe a lesson
Frequently Asked Questions About Putter Buying
What type of putter should a beginner use?
Beginners should strongly consider mallet putters because they provide the highest level of forgiveness on every stroke. According to Golf Monthly testing, mallet putters offer forgiveness on off-center strikes and have weight distributed around the clubhead to help minimize twisting. The larger clubhead also limits the effects of inconsistent contact, which is common when golfers are still developing their putting stroke.
Should I buy a face-balanced or toe-hang putter?
Your putting stroke determines which balance type works best. If you have a straight-back, straight-through stroke, choose a face-balanced putter. If you have an arc in your stroke (most amateur golfers do), select a toe-hang putter. To test this, balance the putter shaft on your finger – if the face points up, it's face-balanced; if the toe hangs down, it's toe-hang.
How much should I spend on my first putter?
According to Golf Avenue experts, beginners should allocate 10-20% of their total golf budget for their putter. For most weekend golfers, the $150-$250 range provides excellent options with proven technology and good performance. Remember, your putter can last decades with proper care, so it's worth investing in quality that matches your needs rather than the cheapest option.
Can I use a blade putter as a beginner?
Yes, beginners can use blade putters, but they'll typically find them harder to use than mallet putters. Blade putters are less forgiving and require more consistent contact to perform well. While they offer traditional feel and feedback, most amateur golfers will see better results with more forgiving mallet designs until their putting consistency improves.
What's the most important feature when choosing a putter?
The most important feature is how the putter feels and performs for your individual stroke and setup. According to putting coach Dave Pelz, "there is one best putter for you" based on three factors: physical fit (length, lie angle, grip), alignment capability, and swing balance that matches your stroke pattern. Confidence in your equipment is equally important – if you don't believe in your putter, you won't putt well with it.
How do I know if my putter is the right length?
When you address the ball in your natural putting setup, your eyes should be directly over or just slightly inside the ball. If your putter is too long, you'll stand too upright with your eyes too far inside the target line. If it's too short, you'll hunch over with your eyes outside the ball. Most male golfers need putters between 32-34 inches, while female golfers typically need 30-33 inches, but personal measurements matter more than general guidelines.
Related Putter and Putting Resources
Looking to improve other aspects of your putting game? Check out these helpful guides:
Best Putting Training Aids for Home Practice - Discover training tools that help you practice putting fundamentals at home, including alignment guides, putting mats, and stroke trainers that complement your new putter.
Essential Putting Tips for Weekend Golfers - Master the fundamentals of putting technique, green reading, and distance control to get the most out of your new putter investment.
Best Golf Balls for Amateur Golfers - Learn how golf ball selection affects putting feel and performance, and find balls that complement your putter choice for optimal results.
Effective Putting Practice Routine for Busy Golfers - Develop a practice routine that helps you improve your putting in limited time, maximizing the benefit of your new putter.
Golf Equipment ROI Calculator - Determine if investing in a premium putter will actually improve your scores and whether the expense is justified for your game.
Complete Short Game Tips for Weekend Warriors - Improve your entire short game, including putting, chipping, and pitching to lower your scores around the green.
Best Golf Training Aids for Home Practice - Explore training tools that help you work on all aspects of your game, including putting-specific aids that work with your new putter.
Are Golf Lessons Worth It? - Discover whether investing in professional putting instruction might be more valuable than spending money on expensive equipment.
Best Golf Gloves for Better Grip - Learn how proper glove selection affects your putting grip pressure and overall feel with your putter.
Breaking 90 Without Practice - Strategic tips for lowering your scores, including putting course management techniques that work with any putter style.
Confidence Tricks Used by Single Digit Handicappers - Mental game strategies that help you gain confidence with your new putter and perform under pressure.
Approach Shot Strategies That Transform Your Game - Improve your approach shots to give yourself better putting opportunities and easier first putts.
Course Management Tricks for Lower Scores - Strategic course management that sets up easier putts and helps you avoid three-putts during your rounds.
Best Golf Psychology Books - Mental game resources that help you develop putting confidence and handle pressure situations on the green.
Best Budget Golf Training Aids Under $50 - Affordable practice tools that help you improve your putting without breaking the bank, perfect for complementing your new putter purchase.
