Golf putters are the most used clubs in any golfer's bag. While drivers get much attention for their distance, a good putter can dramatically lower your score on every round. Putters come in many shapes and styles, from traditional blade designs to modern mallet heads, each offering different benefits for alignment, stroke consistency, and feel.
When choosing a putter, weight distribution is crucial for maintaining a smooth stroke. Face material affects how the ball rolls, with inserts providing softer feel and solid faces offering more feedback. Shaft length should match your height and stance, while head design can help with alignment and forgiveness on off-center hits.
Balance and grip comfort matter tremendously since putting requires precise control. We tested fifteen popular putters across various price points to find models that improve accuracy, consistency, and confidence on the greens.
Top-Rated Golf Putters
We've carefully tested and reviewed the best golf putters on the market to help improve your game on the greens. Our selection includes options for all skill levels and budgets, focusing on performance, feel, and alignment features that can help reduce those frustrating three-putts.
PGM Blade Putter
This affordable PGM putter delivers surprising quality and performance that rivals more expensive models, making it an excellent value for golfers of all skill levels.
Pros
- Excellent weight balance for smooth putting
- Notched groove design improves ball roll consistency
- Great forgiveness on off-center hits
Cons
- Shaft length might be shorter than expected
- Some paint chipping reported after use
- Basic design lacks premium features
We were genuinely surprised by how well this PGM putter performs on the green. The 34-inch length combined with the balanced weight distribution (113g shaft, 350g head) gives it a comfortable, confident feel in your hands. During testing, we found the straight tapered design made alignment much easier, helping us sink more putts.
The milled face with notched grooves is a standout feature at this price point. When we used it, the putter delivered consistent ball roll and helped reduce skidding – something usually found in putters costing three times as much. The graphite shaft with rubber grip provided good feedback on each stroke.
For beginners or casual players looking to improve without breaking the bank, this putter is a smart choice. We noticed the high forgiveness helped compensate for our off-center hits. While it lacks the premium materials or advanced tech of high-end models, the performance fundamentals are solid. After using it for several rounds, we can confidently say it's one of the best values in golf putters today.
Orlimar Tangent T1 Mallet Putter
The Orlimar Tangent T1 offers great value for casual golfers who want a forgiving mallet putter without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Forgiving mallet design helps reduce mishits
- Clear alignment aids make lining up putts easier
- Soft face insert provides good feel on impact
Cons
- Lighter weight than premium putters
- Some units may have quality control issues
- Limited adjustment options
We recently took the Orlimar Tangent T1 for a spin on our local course and were impressed by its performance for the price point. This mallet-style putter features a high MOI (moment of inertia) design that really helps when you don't hit the sweet spot perfectly. The bi-color sightline stands out clearly against the silver and black head, making it much easier to line up putts.
The plumber's neck hosel design positions your hands ahead of the putter face at address. This encourages a better stroke path and helps prevent those frustrating pushed putts. We noticed the soft TPU face insert provides a nice, controlled feel at impact - not too firm or too mushy. The ball comes off with consistent speed, which is crucial for distance control.
At this price, we were surprised by the included headcover, which many budget putters skip. The standard grip feels comfortable in hand with enough texture for control. While it lacks the premium features of high-end putters costing five times as much, the Tangent T1 delivers where it counts - helping you make more putts. For weekend golfers looking to improve without a major investment, this putter deserves consideration.
Pinemeadow PGX Putter
The Pinemeadow PGX Putter offers incredible value with its tour-weighted design and alignment-focused features that helped improve our putting accuracy right away.
Pros
- Bright white finish creates excellent contrast against greens for better alignment
- Heavier 380g weight provides stability on faster greens
- Includes quality headcover at a budget-friendly price
Cons
- Zinc construction isn't as premium as higher-end putters
- Some golfers might find the weight too heavy for slower greens
- Grip quality is basic compared to specialized aftermarket options
We took the Pinemeadow PGX out for a full round yesterday, and its performance genuinely surprised us for a putter in this price range. The stark white finish against the green immediately helped our alignment. Those clear sightlines made it much easier to square up putts, especially those tricky 6-footers that often give us trouble.
The 380g "tour-weight" design really shines on faster greens. We noticed improved distance control compared to lighter putters, with the extra heft helping to smooth out our stroke. This meant fewer putts left short and better consistency overall. For golfers struggling with a jerky putting motion, this additional weight could be a game-changer.
At just over $30, this putter delivers performance that rivals models costing four times as much. The included headcover is a nice bonus that many budget putters skip. While the synthetic rubber grip isn't anything special, it gets the job done. We've recommended this to several friends looking to improve their putting without emptying their wallets. For beginners and mid-handicappers alike, the PGX offers tremendous value.
Pinemeadow PGX SL Putter
The Pinemeadow PGX SL Putter offers excellent alignment features and balanced weight at a budget-friendly price that makes it perfect for mid-handicap golfers looking to improve their putting game.
Pros
- Outstanding alignment system helps line up putts accurately
- Substantial weight provides smooth, consistent strokes
- Excellent value for the quality offered
Cons
- Paint chips fairly easily with regular use
- Grip is thinner than some players prefer
- May feel small for taller golfers
After testing the Pinemeadow PGX SL putter on the course for several rounds, we were impressed by its performance. The premiere alignment system on top really works well. Those two ball-like markings helped us line up putts more accurately than with our previous putters. This visual aid made a noticeable difference, especially on those tricky 5-10 foot putts.
The putter has a satisfying heft to it that promotes a smooth pendulum stroke. We found this weight particularly helpful when putting from the fringe, as the face insert eliminated skipping or bouncing on less-than-perfect surfaces. Our lag putts became more consistent, and we stopped leaving putts embarrassingly short.
While the PGX SL performs admirably, we did notice the paint began chipping after about a dozen rounds. The standard grip works fine but might feel too thin if you prefer thicker grips. For taller golfers, the shaft length might feel a bit short. Despite these minor issues, we believe this putter delivers exceptional value. We've seen noticeable improvement in our putting accuracy and distance control after switching to this model.
Cleveland HB SOFT 2 Putter
The Cleveland HB SOFT 2 delivers professional-level performance with its speed-optimized face technology at a fraction of the price of premium competitors.
Pros
- Exceptional distance control across the entire face
- Multiple head designs for different stroke types
- Consistent feel regardless of shaft length
Cons
- Limited color options (mainly silver)
- Made in China (not clearly disclosed)
- Might feel too heavy for some golfers
We recently tested the Cleveland HB SOFT 2 putter and were immediately impressed by its premium feel without the premium price tag. The Speed Optimized Face Technology truly delivers on its promise - we found our distance control was remarkably consistent, even on off-center hits.
What sets this putter apart is how Cleveland has tailored different head designs for specific stroke types. We chose the center-shafted model for a straight stroke, and the alignment system made it incredibly easy to line up putts consistently. The 3-degree loft seemed to get the ball rolling quickly with minimal skidding.
The weight distribution feels perfectly balanced in hand. We appreciated the 20g counterweight in the grip end that provides consistent swing feel regardless of shaft length. The sound at impact is satisfying - a soft but confident "click" that provides good feedback. For golfers looking to significantly improve their putting without spending $300+ on a Scotty Cameron, the Cleveland HB SOFT 2 offers remarkable value.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right putter can transform your golf game. We've put together this guide to help you find the perfect match for your putting style.
Head Design
The putter head comes in various shapes, each offering different benefits:
- Blade: Traditional style with weight concentrated at the heel
- Mallet: Larger head with more forgiveness on off-center hits
- Peripheral-Weighted: Balance between blade and mallet
Length and Weight
Finding the right length helps maintain proper posture and control. Most putters range from 32 to 36 inches.
| Player Height | Recommended Putter Length |
|---|---|
| Under 5'6" | 32-33 inches |
| 5'6" to 5'10" | 34-35 inches |
| Over 5'10" | 35-36 inches |
Weight affects feel and tempo. Heavier putters (340-360g) work well on slower greens, while lighter options offer more control on faster surfaces.
Face Insert Technology
The face material affects how the ball feels at impact. Steel faces provide consistent feedback, while inserts made of softer materials can improve feel and reduce skidding.
Alignment Aids
Good alignment features can dramatically improve accuracy. Look for clear sightlines or dots that help you aim consistently.
Grip Style and Size
Grip thickness can influence your wrist action during putting. Thicker grips reduce wrist movement, while standard grips allow for more feel and touch.
Balance and Toe Hang
The balance of your putter should match your stroke path:
- Face-balanced: Best for straight back-straight through strokes
- Toe-hang: Better for arcing strokes
Testing different putters before buying is always recommended. Your comfort with the putter is ultimately the most important factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Golfers seek specific putter features based on their skill level and playing style. These common questions address putter selection for different handicap ranges, brand comparisons, and technology advancements.
What are the best putters for mid-handicap golfers in the current market?
Mid-handicap golfers benefit from putters offering a balance of forgiveness and feel. The Odyssey Stroke Lab Ten and TaylorMade Spider GT are excellent choices with their stability on off-center hits.
These models provide helpful alignment features without overwhelming visuals. Many mid-handicappers also find success with the Cleveland Frontline Elevado, which offers face technology that maintains consistent ball speed across the putting surface.
We recommend testing putters with moderate toe hang for golfers with a slight arc in their stroke. The Ping Sigma 2 Valor and Wilson Staff Model putters deliver outstanding performance for mid-handicappers seeking to improve their consistency.
Which putters perform best for high-handicap players?
High-handicap golfers should prioritize maximum forgiveness and alignment assistance. The Odyssey 2-Ball Ten and Cobra King Grandsport-35 excel in this category with their high moment of inertia and straightforward alignment systems.
Mallet-style putters generally benefit high-handicappers more than blade styles. The TaylorMade Spider GTX and Cleveland Huntington Beach Soft Premier #11 provide excellent stability and minimized distance loss on mishits.
We've found that high-handicappers often putt better with face-balanced models that reduce unwanted face rotation. Many report immediate improvements with the Ping 2023 Sigma 2 Tyne or the Tour Edge Exotics Wingman.
What makes Scotty Cameron putters stand out among top-rated options?
Scotty Cameron putters distinguish themselves through exceptional craftsmanship and materials. Each putter undergoes rigorous quality control, with precision milling to tolerances tighter than industry standards.
The feel of a Scotty Cameron is distinctive, offering feedback that many touring professionals rely on. Their proprietary soft but responsive face technology delivers consistent roll characteristics across different green speeds.
We appreciate that Scotty Cameron offers customization options beyond most competitors. Their weight adjustment systems allow golfers to fine-tune performance for different green conditions, making them versatile tools for serious players.
How do the latest top-rated putters compare to those of previous years?
The 2024-2025 putter models show significant advances in multi-material construction. Manufacturers now combine aluminum, steel, tungsten, and polymer materials more effectively than previous generations.
Face technology has evolved considerably, with many new putters featuring improved insert materials or milled patterns. These innovations produce more consistent ball speed even when contact occurs away from the sweet spot.
We've observed that alignment systems have become more sophisticated without adding visual clutter. Many new putters incorporate subtle but effective alignment cues that weren't available in models from just 2-3 years ago.
Which mallet putters are favored by experts for the 2024 season?
The Scotty Cameron Phantom X 5.5 has received exceptional praise from professional fitters and instructors. Its blend of stability and toe flow suits a wide range of stroke types.
Odyssey's White Hot OG #7 continues to impress experts with its classic shape and updated insert technology. Many PGA professionals recommend it for its versatility across different green speeds.
We find that the Ping PLD Tyne 4 has gained significant popularity among teaching professionals. Its balance of forgiveness and workability makes it suitable for golfers seeking to develop their putting skills.
What characteristics define the easiest-to-use putters for beginners?
Beginners benefit most from putters with clear alignment features and maximum forgiveness. Models like the Cleveland Huntington Beach Soft 11 and Odyssey Triple Track Ten provide visual guides that simplify the aiming process.
Face-balanced putters typically work well for beginners because they minimize unwanted face rotation. The Ping Sigma 2 Fetch and Wilson Staff Infinite Bucktown offer excellent stability for developing consistent strokes.
We recommend beginners look for putters with larger, more forgiving heads. A higher moment of inertia helps maintain distance control on mishits, building confidence as players develop their skills on the green.