Alpha Golf

Your putter is the most used club in your bag. Each hole requires your putter at least once (and for most of us twice, if not more!). Let’s take a closer look at the variations and classifications available.

Based on shaft length:

If your aim is to produce quality puts then it’s important to get the right putter length for your height. The minimum length limit is set at 18 inches but the maximum length is your decision.

Standard length- This 33 to 36 inch putter lets your arms hang down and gives you that famous pendulum swing to get the ball rolling towards the cup.

Belly length- This 41-46 inch putter offers three points of contact. It allows you to anchor the putter against your body. Although this putter requires a little more practise, it is easier on the wrist.

Long putters - Ranging between 48 and 52 inches, the long putter is also called the broom-handle for obvious reasons! Normally used by experts, this putter requires a completely different kind of grip. It can be rested near the chin, chest or at the belly button.

Based on design:

Blade - this traditional design features a small head and a flat look and is suitable for most greens. These are ideal for golfers who have a straight putting stroke.

Peripheral weighted - this putter is not face balanced and thus is ideal for golfers with an in to out stroke. It offers more head than the standard blade putter and is used by both amateurs and experts alike.

Mallets - Bigger sized and heavier, the mallets are face balanced and offers a soft hit although the head is large. It helps reduce backspin and would be great for a straight through.

Based on putter faces:

Your putter face material would largely depend on the speed of the greens and the ball that you have selected.

Metal faced - Apart from traditional steel other materials like bronze, copper, brass, aluminium, titanium and zinc are also used. A metal face putter gives you noise feedback so you can actually hear the ‘connection’!

Insert faced - This variety of metal putters has a non-metal insert to ensure a smoother roll and a softer feel. It offers a wide area for pure strikes as weight is added to the toe and the heel.

Groove faced - Missed putts result when the ball skids, slides, hops or spins upon impact. This can be avoided when grooves are placed on the putter face. The ball is gripped by the groves and is lifted so it is ready to roll.

Other classifications:

Putters can also be classified on the bases of shafts and hosels. There are three main varieties- Heel shafted, centre shafted and offset. Further, your choice of putters can be based on the kind of grip that you desire. However, the primary consideration should be your level of comfort. So try a lot of putters, and choose the one that feels the best.

Happy Golfing

This entry was posted on Saturday, May 3rd, 2008 at 6:54 pm and is filed under Club Design. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.