Choosing The Right Putter
Sunday, July 4th, 2010If you are a beginner golfer purchasing your first set of clubs, you will need to make sure you spend a bit of time and research finding the best clubs for you. This is especially true for putters. Putters are used for almost 50% of the game and can make or break your score. Putting can be very frustrating and difficult, which is why buying the right putter for you and your game is vital. Here are a few different aspects of putters and what you need to look out for on your next purchase.
Length: The length is the first thing you need to consider when buying your putter. Most putters come in a range of 33 – 36 inches. When testing out what size is right for you, it important to rest the clubhead on the ground to get a feel for it. If the length is too short you will have to stand too close to the ball and the heel of the putter might come off the ground. If the length is too long, you will end up standing too far away from the ball and the toe of the putter will come up. The length is incredibly important – the putter should fit you and your stance and you should not have to adjust yourself to your putter.
Head: The head of the putter comes in a variety of different designs. One common design is the blade cutter. This is the oldest and most universal shape for putters. The advantage of this design is that it creates a soft hit which is perfect for just about any type of green you play on, making it a great shape for beginners. Another type of head design is a heel-toe weighted putter, also known as a peripheral weighted putter. This design is good for golfers who have an in and out stroke as it has more of a head on the putter. Finally, you might want to consider a mallet putter which has a much deeper and lower center of gravity — ideal for reducing backspin.
When considering the face and insert of the putter, you will want to think about things like, how forgiving you want your putter to be, how straight you want the ball to roll and the type of feedback you receive. For a very controlled, soft hit, a great choice is the metal face made from any variety of metals. For a forgiving, smooth roll, consider going with a insert face putter. This type of putter is made with metal but has a non-metal insert. Finally, when researching putters you may come across grooved face putters. These are used by professionals who want a very accurate, very straight roll.
Grips: Most putter grips have a flat pad on the top of the grip to help you place your thumbs in the right place. Other than that, you have many options when it comes to grip. You can choose a thicker grip to help take your hands out of the stroke, or you can go with a thinner grip if you have a stroke that involves more wrist action. Grips come in a range of different colors, materials and sizes, so it’s important to try a few out to find one that feels the best in your hands.
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