How Many Types of Golf Putters Are There?

Understanding the kinds of putters and the details of their construction is important so, in this article, we will endeavor to show not only the main types of putters in golf but also the differences between them and their uses. We will also be pointing out some of the additional features they can have.

One, if not the most used club, the putter is unfortunately what may be tripping up many players. A high handicapper will need a different putter than a beginner, to give just one example.

However, you might avoid a bad putting game by learning more about the different types of putters in golf. Putters are complex tools and require thorough understanding if they are going to help rather than hinder.

General Characteristics of All Golf Putters

Putting is crucial to your game, but no matter how well or badly you putt, you need to pay close attention to the structure of your club.
While traditionally putters used to be made a single way, now you can find variations and several different types of putters in golf.
Club designers have closely studied different golfing techniques and created clubs that will work with them to achieve their best putt.
Consequently, while the anatomy of a putter is complex, it still allows you to divide all putters into two general types:
- The blade or Anser putter
- The mallet putter

Blade or Anser Putters

Blade putters were the conventional favorite for nearly a century.
Their shape is small and simple, resembling a blunted knife.
As it has a very gentle impact, the blade putter is often the preferred putter on a fast green.

The Anser putter is like a blade putter, but some consider it better.
Blades are on the short side, while Ansers have more length and are thinner.
Similarly, whereas blade putters are fairly smooth, Ansers have a cavity behind their face.
Their center of gravity, therefore, is usually in the toe, making for a firm but delicate stroke.

Whether you choose the blade or the Anser, either will help you if your putting stroke is arced.

Mallet Putters

For the mallet putter, the center of gravity is lower, and its weight is greater, which is helpful in keeping a putt straight.
The increased mass lessens the risks of turning the putter when making a stroke and therefore putting a spin on the ball.
Besides this advantage, the mallet putter can help with visual alignment.
This can happen either in the shape of the rear of the head or in sight lines or both.
If your stroke is usually a straight one or you need a touch of forgiveness, the mallet putter may be the right choice for you.

Different Types of Putters in Golf: What to Know

In the above, we pointed out and explained some of the most common elements of all types of putters. Now, let’s take a close look at how you can differentiate the various types of putters in golf. We will also be offering a brief description and some useful info for each.

One way of differentiating putters is thanks to their hand use and orientation. As expected, there are two main types, but with a twist.

1. Left or Right-Handed Putters

One of the things to consider when looking to get a new putter is the hand orientation. While most golfers tend to be right-hand dominant, there is now a wide variety of putters that come with special left-handed versions or that can be used by lefties as well.

2. Two-Way Putters

One simple way of getting rid of the orientation problem is to choose a two-way putter. Basically, this is a putter that can be turned around for either left-handed or right-handed golfers.

Two-way putters are also the most inexpensive putters on the market and have an excellent balanced feel because of their dual head design.

They also tend to be shorter and heavier clubs as well, which will suffice until the “right” putter comes along. Two-way putters can be an excellent choice for either beginner golfers or more advanced players.

Another way of differentiating between putters is through their balance.

1. Square Heel/Toe Putters

You can recognize a toe putter by the fact that, as you balance the shaft on your finger, its toe will point to the ground.

The square heel/toe putter is often the best putter for beginners who have some knowledge of the putting game and have played before but are just now considering a club purchase. They are also great for players with an arched putting stroke.

Yet another way of choosing the best putter for you is by looking at its design.

1. Shafted Mallet Putters

Many developing golfers quickly learn that choosing the best putter for beginners will require an excellent professional style mallet putter that can be highly effective regardless of green grass cuts and stroke speed.

Additional Details

There are several variations possible on these types of putters, one of which concerns the face.
The face of a putter can be made of a variety of materials, such as metal.
- This kind of face makes for the feel of strength and stability, especially on contact with the ball.
Another option for putter faces is to add an insert so that a softer material strikes the ball.
- Such an arrangement can allow for better distribution of weight and therefore a superior MOI.
A third option, which can be combined with either of the other two, is to have a grooved face.
- By controlling contact with the ball, this kind of face permits a straighter rolling motion.

Conclusion

The composition and construction of a putter make it a complex and yet extremely personalizable club. Every part adds to or detracts from the performance of a golfer, be them beginners or more advanced players.

If you have any thoughts in this area, please share them in the comments, and let us know if you need further information on this very used golfing tool.