Putter buying guides

Putters: What to Know Before You Buy

Start with stroke fit, aim, and feel before you fall for a putter on looks alone.

Putters: What to Know Before You Buy illustration

Fit the stroke you own

A putter is personal, but it is not magic. Start with how you deliver the face. A strong arc may suit more toe hang; a straighter stroke may prefer a face-balanced shape. Length matters too: if your eyes, shoulders, and hands fight the setup, the prettiest head in the shop will not save you.

What to test first

  • Aim: does the head sit square to your eye?
  • Speed: can you roll 20- and 40-footers close quickly?
  • Start line: do short putts begin where you intend?
  • Comfort: can you repeat the setup without fidgeting?

Buy the roll, not the story

Marketing language is loud. The ball’s roll is quieter and more honest. Test putters on real-length putts before deciding.