Putting. Arguably the most important stroke in the game, yet the one we golfers often practise the least. It seems so simple- just put the ball into the hole, yet this couldn’t be further from the truth. For the high handicapper, putting is often the stuff of nightmares and has the potential to ruin your round. Thankfully most golf companies make putters that are designed to be forgiving and offer true roll even when you don’t strike it sweet. Below are 5 of the best putters for high handicappers- take a look as there’s bound to be a putter that suits you.
1: Callaway Odyssey Tank Cruiser 330 (Mallet)
Since purchasing Odyssey from Tommy Armour Golf in 1997, Callaway has grown the brand to become the number one putter brand worldwide. The Tank Cruiser 330 features an adjustable counterbalance design in addition to head weights which will enable you to dial into the right weight for your individual stroke. This promotes stroke consistency across all greens and turns your putter from just another club in your bag to something that has been individually configured for you. Perfect for the player looking for a long-term putter that will mould to their stroke.
2: Taylor Made Daddy Long Legs (Mallet)
Taylor Mades range of spider putters have been popular for a while now, but their Daddy Long legs takes things to a new level with their highest rating MOI putter ever (coming in at 8500). The term “MOI” (or Moment of Inertia) is a technical term that often gets people confused; it can essentially be defined as a measurement of an objects (putter head) resistance to twisting when force (hitting the ball) is applied to it’s heel or toe. Putters with a higher MOI keep more square through the putting line meaning that high handicap golfers who have trouble striking centre will love this putter due to the amount of forgiveness it gives.
3: Titleist Scotty Cameron Futura X5 (Mallet)
Famed putter maker Scotty Cameron stamps his mark on the game again with the Futura X5. His more innovative, futuristic designs of recent years take a step back with the Futura X5, which features a simple wing-tipped design and minimalist lines, creating a solid, forgiving putter that has the feel of a blade but the precision of a mallet. Multiple alignment aids promote confidence and enable you to start more of your putts on their intended line. The base plates of the putter are made from aluminium (which is lighter than steel), enabling Cameron to re-distribute weight which in turn makes the putter more forgiving- the ultimate benefit for the high handicapper.
4: Ping Cadence TR B65 (Blade)
The only blade to make this list, Pings latest offering comes in two weights- traditional for the putter who puts through the line quickly and heavier for more even, controlled strokes. A unique feature on the Cadence TR is Pings exclusive ‘True Roll” technology. Precision-milled grooves across the face of the putter give you forgiveness by normalizing the ball-speed across the face. This enables your ball to roll true, even for miss-hit putts. The added forgiveness enables you to hole more putts while making 3-putting a rare occurrence.
5: Cleveland TFI Smart Square Putter (Mallet)
Innovative in its material and appearance, the TFI Smart Square putter is the most advanced putter ever created from Cleveland. Patented ‘True Feel Innovation’ technology makes use of a milled copper-infused face cap, hiding a copolymer insert which results in a putter that delivers a soft feel and consistent speed off the face without reducing MOI. In addition to the unique materials used, Cleveland have also switched up the alignment markers (now squares), which makes squaring your line a problem of the past. This enables you to focus solely on ball tempo through the stroke- perfect for the golfer who struggles with alignment issues.
For the high handicapper, being comfortable with your putter is more important that your driver and wood choices. Invest in a putter that molds in with your stroke (test out different weights), provides maximum MOI and has alignment aides that give you confidence. You’ll be dropping strokes in no time.