How to Find the Right Golf Putter

You can’t choose a putter that suits your putting stroke just by looking at it or watching an advertisement. You have to actually practice putting with a putter to find out if it works with your alignment, vision and stroke. Here’s how to find a putter that works for you.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Find a golf shop with a wide selection of putters and a practice putting area where you can try 10- to 15-foot putts. Select 5 putters with varying designs, including blade, mallet and classic styles.

2. Get 5 golf balls and putt with each putter from 10 to 12 feet. Use your normal alignment and sighting routine, and don’t try to compensate for the way the ball is coming off the putter. You are looking for a putter that gets the ball on line and near the cup with your natural stroke.

3. Pick out the 1 or 2 best putters from the first bunch, then select another 5 putters that appeal to you and repeat the testing procedure. If you happen to find a putter that naturally hits the cup almost every time, your testing procedure is done and you’ve got the right putter. Otherwise, keep eliminating putters until you have 3 to 5 finalists.

4. Evaluate the final group by taking 5 to 10 practice putts with each club, and evaluate the line and distance accuracy of each one. A putter that matches your natural stroke will seem to send the ball to the cup on a line that matches the putt you visualize when you take your practice strokes.