A Guide to Golf Putters

A Guide To Golf Putters

The Putter is unquestionably one of the most important golf clubs used in the sport - a putter can quite literally make or brake the result for a player. It is therefore imperative to select the right putter to suit a player's game.

A golf putter is without question the most individual of all golf clubs, produced in a variety of styles and sizes to meet the requirements and expectations unique to a players own preference. There are many factors to take into consider when purchasing a new golf putter - the following points are intended to provide a brief overview of the key features to be aware of?

The head of the putter and its construction should be considered on how it relates to a players game. If you are beginner to the sport a heavier weighted putter that provides a greater degree of power behind the shot and will also facilitate a smoother delivery. There are three types of putter head most commonly found on today's range of golf putters, these include: blade, peripheral weighted and mallet.

Blade Putters

The oldest and most traditional type of putter head is the blade. Typically a much smaller head compared to contemporary styles. The blade head offers a large degree of confidence to the player - whilst the soft hit produced from this type of putter will suit a majority of greens - especially the faster ones. This type of putter head suits a straight putting stroke.

Peripheral Weighted Putters

Also recognised as the heel-toe weighted putter. A popular choice amongst professional and a small following of amateur players. The peripheral weight putter head is typically larger than a blade putter and is therefore not face balanced; this type of putter is best suited to players with an in-out stroke type.

Mallet Putters

The first true alternative to a blade headed putter, the mallet putter is both larger and heavier - resembling a fairway wood than a traditional putter. This type of design allows for a lower and deeper positioned centre of gravity that is located towards the heel of the putter head to reduce the degree of backspin. An insert is commonly placed on to the face of the putter to induce a soft hit from a large headed putter - this type of putter is traditionally face-balanced and therefore suits a player with a straight-through and back stroke of play.

The face of the putter is equally important and ensures that golf ball rolls optimally and accurately when struck. Milled faces are commonly used on today's range of putters and aim to give the player the perfect putting surface. Depending on the preference of the player an insert-faced putter will produce a softer and firmer feel when struck, whilst anti-skid faced putters - a recent innovation in putter design, promises to reduce excessive friction to deliver fast and accurate shots.

If you're in the market for a new putter or merely contemplating the possibility of taking-up the sport - the Internet provides the richest source of articles, reviews and products on golf putters and golf equipment in general. For the lowest guaranteed prices online search for retailers offering factory direct golf equipment - The Sports HQ for example supplies golf equipment direct from popular brands like Confidence, Prosimmon Golf, Texan Classics, Chicago Golf and Forgan of St. Andrews - in addition to clearance sale promotions on top-brands like Odyssey Golf - the number 1 brand for golf putters.