Best Putters 2024

Which are the best putters this season? The putter is arguably the most important club in the bag so here is our guide to the top models on the market right now.

Best Putters
(Image credit: Golf Monthly)
BEST PUTTERS: QUICK MENU

It's very difficult settling any debate about which are the best putters in the market because there are so many great products to choose from. There are so many options, styles and types of putters out there so finding the right one to suit your game is imperative if you are to shoot your best scores. After all, the putter is the club you use the most during the course of any round. 

Generally there are three basic styles of putter, although there are variants on those such as armlocks and broomsticks but we'll leave those for now as they are niche products used mostly by Tour Pros who have had trouble with putting and needed something different. 

We'll concentrate on the three popular styles, starting with blade putters which will tend to suit ‘feel’ players who have a stronger arc to their putting stroke. As a general rule blade putters suit the more accomplished golfer but that is not a hard and fast rule. You might be a high handicap player with an arced stroke and great hands, so we would advise testing out different styles to see which yields the best results. 

Next we have mallets, which will suit golfers who require extra alignment assistance and/or have much less rotation in their putting stroke. Mid-mallets then sit somewhere in the middle of the two depending on how they've been designed. 

So there is a lot to think about, which is why here at Golf Monthly we test a lot of putters to give you the best advice possible when buying. So to help you find the one which will best get the ball in the hole for you, we have created this comprehensive guide with lots of different styles and head designs. 

Due to the vast amount of putter designs out there we have split this guide into several sections so you can go straight to the section and style of putter you are looking for. For more specialist choices, you should also check out our best blade putter guide and best mallet putter guide as well as our guide to the most forgiving putters.

WATCH: Joel Tadman tests and compares the best putters in 2023

The Quick List

Best Putters

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Best Value For Money Putters

Cleveland HB SOFT 2 Model 1 Putter

Cleveland HB SOFT 2 Model 1 Putter


(Image credit: Future)
An affordable milled face blade putter

Specifications

Loft: 3
Left handed options?: Yes
Length: 34", 35"

Reasons to buy

+
Face milling promotes soft feel and a true roll
+
Pistol grip gives secure, locked-in feel
+
Very competitively priced

Reasons to avoid

-
Not much of an upgrade on previous model

When it comes to the best value putters Cleveland are a match for anybody and the new SOFT 2 range of putters feature a unique face-milling pattern which is specifically designed to preserve ball speed on mishits. This SOFT (Speed Optimized Face Technology) pattern is different on each of the putters in the SOFT 2 family as the unique milling is based on that specific putter’s center of gravity, weight profile and MOI properties. 

You’ll see an aggressive milling pattern in the center of the face on the sweet spot, but as you move more to the sides of the face the milling is less intense. So at the extremities this means more material is in contact with the ball which means less drop off in speed between well struck and mishit putts.

We liked this putter a lot when we tested it. While not the softest feeling putter out there it does give a pleasing sensation when you hit out of the sweet spot. It's easy to line up due to the single alignment line down the center of the head and it feels nicely balanced in the hands. We were able to make a consistent, repeatable stroke and got a nice, true roll. 

Aesthetically this putter certainly looks a lot more high end than the price point it carries would suggest. It’s a stylish looking blade that comes with a good quality head-cover and a premium Pistol grip. We quite liked the branding on the sole but it’s the milled face that really makes this putter look premium. Any golfer looking to upgrade their blade putter for a newer model and doesn’t want to spend a king’s ransom should certainly give this a look.

Inesis High MOI Putter

Inesis High MOI Putter showing off its very cool milled club face

Inesis High MOI Putter showing off its very cool milled club face

(Image credit: Future)
A high MOI putter that comes at an excellent value price

Specifications

Loft: 2.5º
Left handed options?: No
Length: 34"-35"

Reasons to buy

+
Clear alignment system
+
Sits very well at address
+
Forgiving performance

Reasons to avoid

-
Face grooves more style than substance

The Inesis High MOI Putter offers golfers struggling with the yips on the greens excellent consistency and forgiveness thanks to a face balanced head that offers a high level of stability. This makes it one of the best putters for beginners who are looking for a bit more bang for their buck. It comes with a grey sci-fi look, with the steel clubhead being contrasted with a grey metallic core that looks stunning when you turn the club over to reveal the sole. On its crown the contrast of the silver leading edge with the darker nickel chrome head creates a good alignment aid, which is enhanced by the long sight line and right angles, We found that this really helped us frame and aim the ball. 

Based on our testing the defining characteristic of this club was its high Moment of Inertia (MOI). For those not familiar with this phrase, MOI is how likely the club is to twist when it hits the ball off the heel or toe. The less twist, the more forgiving the putter. This high MOI of this putter is due to the deep weighting system that pushes its mass back to the corners of the club, giving it a more stable feel at impact. 

Our testing also showed us that semi-rigid TPU pad on the putter face helped with the roll. It felt solid when struck and we were very impressed by the quality on offer here despite it being one of the cheaper options to feature on this list. We could have included this in the "High MOI" section but given its low price point it had to be in the best value category.

TaylorMade TP Hydro Blast Bandon 3 Putter

The stunning TaylorMade TP Bandon 3 Putter and its wing-backed design on the golf course

The stunning TaylorMade TP Bandon 3 Putter and its wing-backed design on the golf course

(Image credit: Golf Monthly)
A stunning golf club that offers excellent forgivness thanks to its high MOI

Specifications

Loft:
Left hand options?: Yes
Length: 33"-35"

Reasons to buy

+
Classy, premium looks
+
Suits a variety of strokes

Reasons to avoid

-
Can produce some sun glare

The TaylorMade TP Hydro Blast Bandon 3 is a relatively basic design yet we found it to be equally as forgiving as some of the more funky shapes out there. It comes with clean, clear alignment aids and sits flush to the ground. In our testing we found the feel off the face to be solid and it offers up a surprisingly firm and loud sound at impact given the deep grooves on the face insert, which we really enjoyed. This remained consistent when we struck through the ball harder to extend the length of the putt, too, and the speed was enough to impart a short, controlled stroke that still got the ball to the hole.

The sandstone finish on its head looks stunning and for something that looks so raw, we think it's an elegant, premium looking club, although it does reflect the sun a little more than we'd liked. The Bandon 3 has more of a toe hang which makes it ideal for players who require the forgiveness of a mallet but and are perhaps moving from a blade club and don;'t want to make the leap to one of the bulkier, high MOI clubs. For those who prefer a face balanced putter, the Bandon 1 will be the perfect match, especially for those who want a cheap putter that doesn't compromise on performance.

Best High MOI Mallet Putters

Cobra King Vintage Cuda Putter

Cobra King Vintage Cuda Putter 2024

(Image credit: Future)
A forgiving, stylish looking mallet from Cobra

Specifications

Loft: 4°, 3°, 2°, 1°
Left handed options: Yes
Length: 34", 35"

Reasons to buy

+
Interchangeable weights to adjust the feel
+
Features Descending Loft Technology
+
Sleek, modern look

Reasons to avoid

-
Quite a busy look on top

The Vintage Cuda features a new soft PEBAX face insert crafted from lightweight and responsive thermo-plastic elastomer. This provides a softer feel at impact in comparison to the firmer aluminium face insert in Cobra's more premium 3D Printed putters, although after testing both we felt that the difference was minimal. 

Interchangeable weights allow you to personalize your putter to find your desired feel and control. Nominal 15g weights can move +/- 5-10g in either direction, while additional weights (5g, 10g, 15g, 20g, 25g) can be purchased separately to match your preferred head weight. All Cobra's 2024 putters come with a KBS CT Tour shaft and a SuperStroke Zenergy Pistol grip to complete the premium look and feel and these grips are equipped with Cobra Connect powered by Arccos, so you can track your stats if you use the app.

The Cuda features Descending Loft Technology (DLT) on the face, which uses four descending lofts (4°, 3°, 2°, 1°) to mitigate de-lofting or the addition of loft through impact, providing a consistently more optimal launch (around 1.5°) regardless of your angle of attack or ball position in your stance.

In simpler terms, if you have your hands ahead or behind the ball at impact, that alters the loft of the putter. It impressed us in testing, the forgiveness was excellent and while the putter is responsive enough that you can feel when you've missed the sweet spot, there is still a solidity about the strike that inspires confidence.

Bettinardi Inovai 6.5 Putter

Bettinardi Inovai 6.5 putter

(Image credit: Future)
A large mallet design that is great for beginner players

Specifications

Loft:
Left handed options?: Yes
Length: 34"-35" (custom options available)

Reasons to buy

+
Premium build
+
Extremely forgiving
+
Milled face aids consistency of strike

Reasons to avoid

-
Blocky shape won’t appeal to everybody

The 6.5 was added to the 2024 INOVAI range after previously only being available as a limited edition run. It's a blocky variation on a fang design, designed to optimize the putter’s MOI (Moment of Inertia) thanks to triangular vents that save weight, which can then be distributed effectively to the perimeter to help provide stability and forgiveness. 

The head is comprised of two parts of premium metal; a 303 Stainless Steel front piece and a 6061 Military Grade Aluminium back piece. We feel that the Midnight Armor and Titan Grey color scheme in tandem with the blend of different metals offers a pleasing visual contrast while also bringing important performance benefits. The steel front features Bettinardi’s Roll Control face milling, which is a groove design that offers a soft feel and is designed to quickly get the ball into a true roll.

The INOVAI 6.5 performed very well in our testing. It sits nice and square at address and the visuals really inspire confidence over the ball. We very much liked the contrasting colors, which along with the dual alignment lines really made it easy to frame the ball and start it on line.

We also found it to be very stable throughout the stroke, with a soft feel and a sound which was more muted than we expected. There wasn't a great difference in roll between our well struck putts and the mishits, and with this in mind we would say that the INOVAI 6.5 is one of the most forgiving putters on the market this year. We would also recommend it as one of the best putters for high-handicap golfers, even if that isn’t necessarily who it is aimed at.

Scotty Cameron Phantom X 12 2022 Putter

The star-shaped Scotty Cameron Phantom X 12 2022 Putter resting behind the golf ballEditors Choice 2022

The star-shaped Scotty Cameron Phantom X 12 2022 Putter resting behind the golf ball

(Image credit: MHopley)
Face-balanced design and a high MOI gives this club a lot of forgiveness

Specifications

Loft: 3.5º
Left handed options? : Yes
Length: 33"-35"

Reasons to buy

+
Easy to align and very stable
+
Lighter to use than you think

Reasons to avoid

-
No offset hosel option

The Scotty Cameron Phantom X 12 2022 putter is one of the best clubs for forgiveness, and like the rest of the high-tech Phantom range, it is a wingback mallet, designed for stability throughout the putting stroke. The flagship model of the Titleist mallet putter range, the 2022 version comes with a cool star-shaped design, that comprises of a matte black aluminium t-shape insert that is supported by a heavier silver 303 stainless steel wings. That increases the MOI of the club moving the center of gravity back to allow you to hit up and put a satisfying roll on the golf ball. 

And we loved how large and inviting this club looked at address, with the feel of the club instantly making it one of the best Scotty Cameron putters of recent times. The surprising thing we found is that the X 12 is a lot lighter than it actually looks and it delivered in a very natural way from short and mid range. Ultimately, if you're looking for more stability and consistency in your putting game, then this is an excellent putter to consider!

Best Compact Mallet Putters

Odyssey Ai-One Rossie S Putter

Odyssey Ai-One Rossie Putter


(Image credit: Future)
A stunning compact mallet design used by Jon Rahm

Specifications

Loft:
Left handed options?: No
Length: 33"-35"

Reasons to buy

+
Very balanced and stable through impact
+
Soft, responsive feel
+
Produces a smooth, consistent roll

Reasons to avoid

-
Blue finish won't appeal to everybody

Callaway is the industry leader in A.I. and has been using it to great effect in making some of the best drivers on the market, and with their Ai-One and and Ai-One Milled line of putters Odyssey has now used those super-computing capabilities to create what it is calling “the most advanced insert in golf”. 

The back of the insert is made out of aluminium while Odyssey added a White Hot Urethane to the striking surface for their iconic White Hot feel that has proved so popular with golfers down the years. The unique contours on the back of the face minimise ball speed losses on off-centre hits and greatly increase the sweet spot to such a degree that Odyssey claims that the Ai-One insert leaves off center hits up to 21 percent closer to the hole.

The Rossie design is not as big and bulky as some mallets but there is enough meat at the back of the head to provide confidence at address and you will find this putter in the bag of Jon Rahm this season. We have to say that all of the putters in both the Ai-One and Ai-One Milled ranges really have that ‘wow factor' you associate with the best Odyssey putters. The navy PVD finish is certainly a little different to other designs out there but it gives a very premium look.

The coolest feature of the Ai-One collection is a window behind the face which showcases the contours on the back of the insert. This window is made of automotive grade polymer so it’s scratch resistant and provides a nice insight into what’s going on back there. We really loved the feel off the face, particularly when used with a softer golf ball. It was a little firm when putting with a Callaway Chrome Soft golf ball but with slightly lower compression golf balls we couldn’t get enough of that buttery contact and how responsive the feel is. You get a smooth, true roll and we found distance control to be excellent. 

TaylorMade Spider Tour Putter

TaylorMade Spider Tour Putters Review


(Image credit: Howard Boylan)
A high MOI putter that delivers an excellent feel

Specifications

Loft:
Left handed options?: Yes
Length: 34",35"

Reasons to buy

+
Premium feel and performance
+
Excellent visual alignment
+
Great forgiveness on off-center strikes

Reasons to avoid

-
Only available in one color

When a putter design works it will stick around for a long time. For example, the Ping Anser design is still popular on Tour even now, several decades after it first appeared on the scene. The TaylorMade Spider does not have that longevity yet but is an iconic design that will be around for many more years to come. Over the years TaylorMade has made lots of little tweaks and added plenty of wrinkles to its ever expanding range of Spider putters, and this latest range includes a reboot of the original classic design - the Spider Tour.

Spider putters are popular with Tour Pros but they are also one of the best putters for high handicappers. The Spider Tour putter comes into its own on off-center strikes, as it helps maintain the direction and control of the putt. With its iconic head the Spider Tour is the epitome of high-MOI performance and delivers stability, consistency and forgiveness. Spider Tour’s stable design is especially impactful with off-center strikes, as it helps to maintain the direction and control of the putt meaning it is one of the best TaylorMade putters we've tested.

The two things that always stand out with Spider putters are the soft feel and the high forgiveness and our testing confirmed this to still be the case with this new model. The soft feel comes from the white TPU Pure Roll insert, which is a throwback to the original model, while the face features grooves angled at 45° for optimal forward roll. The white insert provides a nice symmetry with the white True Path Alignment aid on the top of the crown, which we loved as it is a definite upgrade on the alignment aid we've seen on some previous Spider models.

Evnroll EV5 2023 Putter

Evnroll EV5 2023 Putter Review

The adjustable Evnroll EV5 2023 Putter getting tested out on the golf course

(Image credit: Future)
A highly adjustable putter that can be configured to your game

Specifications

Loft: 1º-3º
Left handed options?: Yes
Length: 33"-35"

Reasons to buy

+
Interchangeable chassis provide visual options
+
Six hosel choices
+
User-friendly face design

Reasons to avoid

-
Ball comes off on the slow side

This year has seen an expansion of the V-Series, within which the flagship model is the EV5 due to its ‘3x3 versatility’. This refers to the fact that it is available in various color combinations via three rear interchangeable chassis designs. There is even a choice of six hosel options too, so every visual preference and stroke type is truly catered for. The impressive customization on offer sees this putter into our 2023 Editor's Choice awards.

The EV5 is undoubtedly one of the most forgiving putters around. Despite being a compact mallet, the head feels more stable than previous Evnroll putters of a similar size and helped by the special grooves on the face, I was able to knock putts often to within gimmie range from long distance and scare the hole frequently from 20 feet and in.

Cleveland HB Soft 2 Retreve Putter

Cleveland HB SOFT 2 Retreve Putter

Cleveland HB Soft 2 Retreve Putter and its fantastic leather head cover

(Image credit: Future)
Excellent balance and weighting make this a fantastic putter for anyone looking for more consistency

Specifications

Loft :
Left handed options?: Yes
Length: 34"-35"

Reasons to buy

+
Very competitively priced
+
Face milling gives a soft, responsive feel
+
Saves you from bending to retrieve your ball from the hole

Reasons to avoid

-
Might be seen as gimmicky to some

The Retreve is Cleveland’s first putter with the ability to pick the ball out of the hole so for those golfers who struggle to bend down this really makes life so much easier. Cleveland hasn’t done this before but Ping has been producing putters of this nature for years, like on the Sigma 2 Fetch from 2018, so there is certainly a market for them.

The HB SOFT 2 putters do not have the appearance of something you would expect to find in the price range in which they sit. With the milling on the face and the luxurious Pistol Grips they look every inch a premium product and that look is matched by the sound and feel when you strike a putt.

We loved the feel from the milled face although the Retreve was a little firmer than other putters in the SOFT 2 family, probably due to the gaping ball shaped hole behind the face. Still, it produced a pleasing feel when hit out of the sweet spot. 

There is a lot to be said for not having to bend and pick the ball out of the hole. it shouldn't the sole reason for choosing a putter of course, but it does counts for something. If there’s little to choose between two putters then this little extra feature may sway it for some golfers, especially senior players.

Best Blade Putters

Cobra King Grandsport-35 3D Printed Putter

Cobra Grandsport-35 3D Printed Putter


(Image credit: Future)
Delivers a consistent roll and increased stability on regular sized blades

Specifications

Loft: DLT 4°, 3°, 2°, 1°
Left handed options?: Only on 35" model
Length: 34",35"

Reasons to buy

+
Great forgiveness on heel and toe strikes
+
Interchangeable weights to adjust the feel
+
Premium looks within a confidence-inspiring shape

Reasons to avoid

-
Larger head won't appeal to everybody

The Grandsport-35 is a multi material 3D printed construction blade putter that Cobra says is designed to bring maximum stability. It’s wider and bulkier than a traditional blade design which promotes confidence over the ball as it gives off an air of stability and forgiveness. As with the Cobra King Vintage Cuda putter mentioned above, it features Descending Loft Technology (DLT) on the face, which uses four descending lofts (4°, 3°, 2°, 1°) to mitigate de-lofting or the addition of loft through impact. 

The classic design is an improvement on the futuristic, open backed design of the 2022 model, while another improvement is the new three-line alignment aid that uses varying thicknesses to provide clearer visuals at address. We feel this frames the ball much better than the previous version did and it generally just has a cleaner aesthetic. A KBS CT Tour shaft and SuperStroke Zenergy Pistol grip complete the premium look and feel, while interchangeable weights in the heel and toe allow you to personalize your putter to find your desired feel and control. The grip is fitted with a Cobra Connect powered by Arccos sensor, so you can track all of your putting stats if you use the app. 

The most impressive aspect for us in testing was the stability. The Grandsport is easy to square up and we were able to consistently start putts on the desired target line. The roll was true and distance control was impressive. On longer attempts we were able to repeat the same putt over and over with very little variance in distance. Slight misses on heel or toe still travelled a good distance and it was impressive how little speed was lost on those strikes. The sound was nice and muted, with a dull thump on center strikes, especially on the softer covered golf balls like the Wilson Staff Duo. It was a little more clicky on firmer covered golf balls but the sound was still pleasing on the ear. 

Wilson Staff Model BL22 Putter

Wilson Staff Model BL22 Putter and its cool black head cover resting on the course

Wilson Staff Model BL22 Putter and its cool black head cover resting on the course

(Image credit: Future)
An excellent blade putter that offers classy looks and a great feel

Specifications

Loft:
Left handed options?: Yes
Length: 33"-35"

Reasons to buy

+
Milled feel is very good
+
Classy looks
+
Great feeling grip

Reasons to avoid

-
Could be more forgiving

Wilson Staff aren't necessarily the first nae you think of when it comes to putters, but the Staff Model range can hold its own against any of the more established putter brands. The Staff Model BL22 putter is a favorite of ours as it is an excellent looking flat stick that delivers a responsive feel off the face. As with many of the Anser style offerings found on our best blade putters guide, the BL22 boasts a stunning 304 stainless steel finish that gives the club a very classy look and feel. We loved the milling on the face which contributes to its overall soft feel by ensuring there are less points of contact on the ball at impact. 

At address the club has a long profile with a short, black alignment line that sits right behind the center of the face. The leading edge is relatively narrow which is something that more experienced players will enjoy but perhaps makes it a far from ideal choice for beginners. In our testing we found the BL22 to be a well balanced putter and we feel that its heel/toe design will suit players with an arc in their putting stroke. Another cool thing to note are the two adjustable weights on the sole of the club that can be altered to suit your needs. Overall, we would say that this is an excellent putter that looks the business but feels excellent too! 

TaylorMade TP Reserve B13 Putter

TaylorMade TP Reserve B13 Putter resting on a grassy background

TaylorMade TP Reserve B13 Putter resting on a grassy background

(Image credit: Future)
Delivers plenty of feel and excellent feedback

Specifications

Loft:
Left handed options?: Yes
Length: 33"-35"

Reasons to buy

+
Classy, refined looks
+
Soft feel with ample feedback
+
Consistent roll

Reasons to avoid

-
Stock grip won't be to everyone's taste

An elegant-looking blade putter that oozes class from every millimetre of its precision milled clubhead, the TaylorMade TP Reserve B13 Putter is an excellent looking putter that delivers plenty of performance too. It comes with a leather magnetic head cover that adds to the overall high-quality package on show here. But once you've taken it off, the silver dune finish really does stand out. Behind the ball, the club head looks pot on. We liked the softened corners and the milled lines in the mid section of the flange. The black sightline also looked excellent behind the ball and helped us align the club up to the target.

After rolling a few shots around the green, we found the feel to be quite different to the insert on the Spider GT, with the design of the grooves on this club being designed to create a more premium impact experience. It feels similar to the sensation on a Scotty Cameron Super Select and we enjoyed the roll it delivered to the ball as well as the speed off the face, with neither coming off too hot or spongey. It comes in several different head designs and as a new design from TaylorMade, it comes in several different club head designs that you can mix and match to complement your putting preferences. 

Best Premium Milled Putters

Odyssey Ai-One Milled Two T Putter

Odyssey Ai-One Milled Two T Putter

(Image credit: Future)
The most technologically advanced blade on the market

Specifications

Loft:
Left handed option: Yes
Length: 33"-35"

Reasons to buy

+
Premium look and feel
+
Adjustable weighting
+
Smooth roll even on off center hits

Reasons to avoid

-
Price may put some people off 

Odyssey has utilised the same super-computer that Callaway used to create the Flash Face technology that features among its best drivers, and the result is an A.I. designed face which delivers supreme results. The computer collated a mass of data from tens of thousands of shots to determine where on the face golfers tend to strike the ball, and then it creates a face that is engineered to minimise the damage of any off center strikes. So it determines where golfers are missing and then it created contours behind the face to best negate the damage caused by those misses.

Customisable weights in the head allow you to change the weight set up depending on the speed of the greens or personal preference. In keeping with recent releases from Odyssey the putters feature Stroke Lab weighting, which is a steel shaft with 20-30 grams (depending on the grip) of counterbalance weight in the butt end. In testing we felt that this really allowed us to feel the clubhead which promotes confidence in the stroke. We found the Two T to be very easy to line up due to the single alignment line down the center of the head and we were getting a very nice, true roll time after time. 

The Ai-One Milled putters come in at a much higher price point (£160 more than the standard Ai-One) because milled heads are more expensive to make, but we didn’t see any noticeable difference in performance as both felt fantastic and delivered a consistent, smooth roll. 

Bettinardi BB1-W Putter

Bettinardi BB1-W Putter


(Image credit: Future)
Combining modern tech with a nod to the past to deliver great stability

Specifications

Loft:
Left handed options?: Yes
Length: 34"-35"

Reasons to buy

+
Premium aesthetics
+
Compact head gives great feedback on strike location
+
Consistent roll created by milled face

Reasons to avoid

-
High pitched sound might be a turn off for some

The BB1-W (the W stands for wide) is the most interesting putter in the BB Series due to its more compact shape and the introduction of an all new Sound Slot on the flange behind the putter face, which is a nice nod to the old Ping Anser from back in the day. This is actually Bettinardi’s first production putter with that sound slot and in combination with the new and improved Perpetual Flymill face, the brand claims that this sound slot results in superior audible feedback on each putt. 

The BB1-W has an improved center of gravity thanks to its compressed design from heel-to-toe, which gives it a smaller profile than most blade putters. Material has been removed from the heel to align the center of gravity with the middle of the face to increase the sweet spot size, The striking blue Bettinardi branded Lamkin grip is a pistol shape with a flat front and really pops against the the Black Pearl finish on the head and black PVD Tour Grade shaft, making this one of the most visually striking putters around.

It’s wider than a standard blade but not exaggerated in the way you see in some of the double wide designs and after hitting a few putts with it the thing that immediately jumped out for us was how stable it was. It isn’t necessarily the softest feeling but we wouldn’t describe it as firm either, it’s probably somewhere in the middle in terms of feel. The acoustics do hit a little different though and the sound may be too high pitched for golfers who prefer a dull ‘thump’ from their putter. 

Ping PLD Anser Putter

Ping PLD Anser Putter and its stunning blade design sat behind the ball on the green

Ping PLD Anser Putter and its stunning blade design sat behind the ball on the green

(Image credit: MHopley)
An iconic putter that boasts stunning visuals and excellent feel

Specifications

Loft:
Left handed options?: Yes
Length: 33"-35"

Reasons to buy

+
Consistent and easy to align
+
Suits those wanting a firmer feel

Reasons to avoid

-
No alignment lines

The stunning Ping PLD Anser is the premium re-incarnation of the classic original blade putter and it truly is a work of art. Milled from 303 Forged Stainless Steel to give a high premium feel and finish, it also comes with a premium price as you might expect. We've been big fans of the Anser range for many years (let's face it, who isn't?) and in our testing this update was one of the best yet. Ping's Deep AMP aggressive milling pattern really gives the putter a softer feel that reduces the number of contact points on the ball at impact. It's pleasure hitting putts with this new take on an old classic. 

The dark looks are topped off by a matching shaft and tacky grip that makes the Anser sit perfectly in your hands. There are no alignment markings on this version, but if that's your thing then the silver PLD Anser 2 version has them to point you in the right direction. The PLD Anser is unquestionably one of the best premium blades on the market right now.

PXG Battle Ready Brandon Putter

PXG Battle Ready Brandon Putter and its very cool adjustable sole plateEditors Choice 2022

PXG Battle Ready Brandon Putter and its very cool adjustable sole plate 

(Image credit: MHopley)
A stunning putter that comes with some brilliant adjustability settings

Specifications

Loft:
Left handed options?: Yes
Length: 33"-38"

Reasons to buy

+
Well balanced head
+
Great sound and feel
+
Wide range of custom options

Reasons to avoid

-
'Battle black' look may not appeal to all

The PXG Battle Ready Brandon is another milled stainless steel 100% milled putter based on the Anser style, but it is a little larger than the average blade with some tech built in. In the heel are toe are tungsten weights which increase the MOI and stability of the head. These are a nice feature as we were able to adjust them to improve the MOI of the club and make it more stable for our own particular needs and preferences.  

The face features what PXG call a Pyramid face pattern which consists of criss-cross grooves which vary in depth and spacing. This is not there just to look good (it does though), but the idea is to ensure a consistent initial velocity across a wider area of the face so that pace is more consistent, thus making the putter more forgiving. It provides a very good sound and feel that we really enjoyed, while the worn dark look positively screams out that it is ready for battle on the greens.

Scotty Cameron Super Select Newport 2.5 Plus Putter

Scotty Cameron Super Select Newport 2.5 Plus Putter Review

The visually stunning Scotty Cameron Super Select Newport 2.5 Plus Putter

(Image credit: Future)
A forgiving blade putter that looks excellent

Specifications

Loft: 3.5º
Left handed options?: Yes
Length: 33"-35"

Reasons to buy

+
Forgiving for a blade
+
Premium visuals
+
Superb feel and feedback

Reasons to avoid

-
Thin stock grip won't please all

Of the new range we tested, one of our absolute favorites was the 2.5 Plus model pictured. Cameron calls them ‘inbetweeners’, sitting between the classic Newport and larger shapes like the Squareback 2. These Plus putters also have lighter aluminum sole plates, which disperse even more weight to the perimeter to increase off-center stability.

At address, it’s noticeably wider than the other Newport models but not to the point where you could call it a wide blade or a double wide. It sits beautifully flush on the green and the width makes the sightline longer which helped our alignment and aim.

The face on this putter benefits from a new milling technique to ensure the high spots are taken off. As a result we thought the putter didn’t sound as loud, firm or clicky as the previous Special Select line. It wasn’t as soft as a plastic insert, but for a milled face the acoustics where gentle on short putts, progressing nicely to something a little louder on longer putts with more feedback.

We also enjoyed the forgiveness on offer, especially on longer putts. Even away from the sweet spot this putter feels solid - partly down to the size but also the two 20g tungsten weights in the heel and toe.

How We Test Putters

When it comes to product testing, our reviews and buyers' guides are built upon a rigorous testing procedure as well as the knowledge and experience of the test team. The putter section is headed up by Martin Hopley, one of the foremost UK equipment reviewers with over 20 years' experience. Other members of the Golf Monthly team contribute to the putter tests as well, and all writers are able to efficiently test the vast majority of the biggest product releases and convey the pros and cons eloquently.

Getting into specifics, we test the putters outdoors on real greens with premium golf balls to get a thorough understanding of design features, feel, sound and looks.  Ultimately, we aim to be as insightful and honest as possible in our reviews so it is important to acknowledge that no manufacturer can buy a good review. This is because our team tells it how it is. To learn more on our methodology, see how Golf Monthly tests products in our guide. 

How to choose a new putter

When it comes to arguably the most important golf club in the bag, you need to think about what you want and what you like to use when it comes to the putter. A confidence-inspiring design that suits your eye and suits your stroke can save countless shots on the greens and a good flatstick is often a quick way of bringing the handicap down. So then what are the things you need to mull over before purchasing?

1. Head Design

Putters come in a traditional blade, mid-mallet or a mallet design. All three styles have positives and negatives to them for every player and luckily lots of brands implement technologies across all three.

Mallet putters tend to be much larger than blades and they usually come in various shapes and sizes. This helps in a number of ways. A lot of the time most of the weight in a mallet putter can be found in the club face however because of its design, weight can then be redistributed to other parts of the head which can help stabilize your stroke. The weight of the putter in the perimeter of the club-head offers better balance than what can be offered from a blade putter.

Mallet putters tend to also have a larger sweet spot which can be beneficial if you are a player who struggles to consistently strike your putts out of the middle of the face. The weight in the club-head also helps here because it diminishes the twisting of the putter throughout the stroke too. Additionally if you struggle with alignment, a mallet putter could be the way to go as they usually have longer alignment lines. Alignment plays a crucial part in putting because it is all about accuracy and a mallet putter can be beneficial here by helping your eyes line up the putt.

A blade putter is a lot simpler in terms of design and will suit the traditionalists among you a lot more than some of the mallet putters pictured above. Blade putters also tend to suit players with an arc in their putting stroke because of the toe-weighted nature of the club-head.

2. Feel

Here, we're talking not just about the feel and sound the ball makes coming off the face, but how the putter feels in your hands.

A quieter sound contributes to a softer feel, whereas a louder sound usually translates into a firmer feel. A firmer feel is often the product of shallow grooves or no grooves at all on the face, where sound can't be dissipated as effectively. They work better with softer feeling golf balls, where as soft-feeling putters work best with firmer golf balls.

You can get putters with adjustable weights in the sole that will alter the feel of the putter. For example, if your stroke is quite smooth and slow, a heavier putter will encourage that more. Jerky putters may prefer a lighter putter, although opting for more weight may reduce it, depending on what your goals are.

Having the best putter grip plays a huge roll in the confidence you feel with a putter. Get one that feels right and sits in your hands comfortably while allowing you to return the putter back to the ball squarely and consistently.

3. Looks

You should get a putter that you like the look of as the aesthetics can play a role in inspiring or diminishing confidence on the greens.

Blades won't offer as much alignment assistance, but are still popular because of how they feel and the levels of forgiveness are increasing every year.

Mallet putters have more real estate, and can therefore provide more help to set the face squarely. Mid mallets are somewhere in the middle, offering a decent level of assistance without looking too cumbersome.

4. Value

Our final tip is to think about price because while there are some premium designs out there, there are also some models which offer excellent value. All putters will propel the ball towards the hole, but they do it in different ways. If performance is more important than looks or feel, there are lots of cut-price options out there that will do a good job and you can spend more money on other areas of your bag.

For more advice on getting the right putter for your needs as a golfer, why not also check out our guides to the best left handed putters, best putters for beginners and best arm lock putters.

FAQ

Which Putters Do Most Pros Use?

Most professional golfers tend to use a blade putter as they tend to prefer the toe weighted designs that favor an arc in the putting stroke. However the trend is moving towards mallets as they offer more forgiveness, especially those with short hosels to create that arc in the stroke. Some use longer shafts with the Arm Lock method. 

What Are The Most Forgiving Putters?

The most forgiving putters tend to be mallet putters that have deep heads with weighting in the heel and toe and in the rear of the putter. This reduces any twisting of the head on mis-hits and improves accuracy. 

What Is The Best Brand Of Putter?

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Sam Tremlett
E-commerce Editor

A golfer for most of his life, Sam is a Senior Staff Writer for Golf Monthly. 

Working with golf gear and equipment over the last six years, Sam has quickly built outstanding knowledge and expertise on golf products ranging from drivers, to balls, to shoes. 

He combines this knowledge with a passion for helping golfers get the best gear for them, and as such Sam manages a team of writers that look to deliver the most accurate and informative reviews and buying advice. This is so the reader can find exactly what they are looking for.


Sam now spends most of his time testing and looking after golf gear content for the website, whilst he is also responsible for all content related to golf apparel. 

He also oversees all Tour player content as well so if you need to know what clubs Tiger or Rory has in play, Sam is the person to ask. 

Unfortunately, Sam is not a member of any club at the moment but regularly gets out on the golf course to keep up the facade of having a handicap of five. 


Sam's What's In The Bag: 

Driver: Titleist TS3 (9 degrees) 

Fairway Wood: Callaway Paradym (15 degrees), Nike Covert Tour 2.0 (19 degrees) 

Irons (4-PW): Titleist AP2 

Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM7 54˚, 58˚ 

Putter: Scotty Cameron Phantom X 5.5 

Ball: Srixon Z-Star Diamond

Shoes: G/FORE Gallivanter/Nike Air Zoom Infinity NEXT%/Cuater The Ringer

With contributions from