“Should I use a blade or a mallet style putter?”
Back in the day, this was hardly even a question. Most golfers opted for true blades, such as the Wilson 8802 or Titleist Bullseye, or what we now call blade putters, such the Ping Anser or Scotty Cameron Newport.
In recent years, however, more forgiving offerings have flooded the putter market and become an increasingly viable option. Mallet-style putter designs provide higher MOI (moment of inertia), thus reducing the negative effects of off-center hits.
Professionals and amateur golfers alike are choosing to play mallet putters more often than ever before, and there’s a few reasons for that. First is availability. Nearly every putter maker now has a large variety of mallet offerings, providing more options in this category than ever. Also, mallet putters are now being built with different neck/hosel designs so that there’s a variety of toe hang options, as well. This means that mallet putters can now fit a wide range of stroke styles, from straight-back straight-through to a strong arc.
Of course, there are still a number of golfers who opt for the blade-style putters that have been popular for decades. Some choose to use blade putters because that’s what they’re comfortable with, and for others the blade-style is simply a better match for their stroke.
Listen to what Brad Faxon and Brandel Chamblee have to say regarding choice…
4 Comments
I've never used anything but a newport 2 since I was 14. I'll never change maybe I'm just stubborn
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever been told was that you should never base your putting solely on what works for someone else (Tiger, Crenshaw, Spieth, etc.). You can learn from them, but it should be based on entirely 1. What works for you and 2. What feels best to you. It doesn’t matter as long as it’s legal and the ball ends up in the hole.
Excellent Video.. more Brandel Chamblee content!!!
I've done a lot of side by side testing and I don't believe high moi putters perform any better on a mishit. They feel better because they don't twist on impact. I can make putts off the toe of an 8802 easily. It feels awful, but the ball is gone before the face twists open. I settled on a TM Soto, which is a really nice Anser/Newport style putter.