The Best Golf Putters: Types, Top Picks, and Pros Who Use Them
In golf, no club gets used more often than the putter. It’s the ultimate scoring tool, responsible for finishing nearly every hole — and often making or breaking a round. Whether you’re sinking a clutch birdie or saving par, choosing the right putter can dramatically impact your performance.
This guide breaks down the main types of putters, highlights some of the best models available today, and shows which professional golfers trust them.
1. Blade Putters: Classic Feel and Precision
Overview:
Blade putters are the most traditional style. They feature a slim, compact head with most of the weight behind the face. Blade putters are favored by players with an arc-style putting stroke, where the putter swings slightly inside the line on the backswing and through impact.
Advantages:
- Exceptional feel and feedback
- Ideal for faster greens
- Clean, simple look at address
Disadvantages:
- Less forgiving on off-center strikes
- Requires precise stroke mechanics
Popular Models:
- Scotty Cameron Newport 2 – A tour-proven classic known for its buttery feel and precision.
- Ping Anser – One of the most influential designs ever made, setting the standard for modern blades.
Pros Who Use Blade Putters:
- Tiger Woods – Famous for his Scotty Cameron Newport 2 GSS, which has been in his bag for nearly his entire career.
- Jordan Spieth – Also trusts a Scotty Cameron 009 prototype blade.
- Brooks Koepka – Frequently uses a blade-style putter for its clean lines and feel.
2. Mallet Putters: Forgiveness Meets Stability
Overview:
Mallet putters are larger, with more elaborate head shapes that redistribute weight to the perimeter. They’re typically more forgiving and work well for players with a straight-back, straight-through putting stroke.
Advantages:
- High MOI (moment of inertia) for more stability
- Excellent alignment aids
- Forgiving on mishits
Disadvantages:
- Some players find them bulky at address
- Can offer less “feel” than blades
Popular Models:
- TaylorMade Spider X – Known for stability and alignment technology.
- Odyssey White Hot OG Seven – A modern mallet with classic insert feel.
- Scotty Cameron Phantom X – Premium mallets favored by elite players.
Pros Who Use Mallet Putters:
- Rory McIlroy – Uses a TaylorMade Spider X Hydro Blast for consistency on the greens.
- Dustin Johnson – Longtime Spider user, leveraging its high MOI for steady putting.
- Patrick Cantlay – Plays with an Odyssey White Hot OG Seven, trusted for its alignment and roll.
3. Mid-Mallet Putters: A Balanced Blend
Overview:
Mid-mallet putters bridge the gap between blades and mallets. They offer more forgiveness than a blade but retain a more traditional look. Perfect for golfers who want stability without sacrificing too much feel.
Advantages:
- Versatile for different stroke types
- Balanced feel with moderate forgiveness
- Easier alignment than blades but less bulky than full mallets
Disadvantages:
- Doesn’t maximize MOI like a full mallet
- Can feel “in between” for some players
Popular Models:
- Odyssey White Hot Rossie – A long-time favorite mid-mallet design.
- Ping DS72 – A modern shape popular on tour, combining clean lines with slight mallet stability.
Pros Who Use Mid-Mallets:
- Viktor Hovland – Uses a Ping DS72 mid-mallet for its balance and alignment.
- Jon Rahm (early career) – Played with an Odyssey Rossie, demonstrating its versatility.
4. Face-Balanced vs. Toe-Hang Putters
Beyond shape, putters differ in balance, which impacts stroke matching:
- Face-Balanced Putters:
When balanced on a finger, the face points up. Best for straight-back strokes.
Common in mallet and some mid-mallet designs. - Toe-Hang Putters:
The toe points downward when balanced. Best for arced strokes.
Common in blade and some mid-mallet designs.
Matching the putter balance to your stroke is often more important than picking a brand name.
Best Overall Putters in 2025
While “best” depends on personal preference and stroke type, these models consistently rank at the top:
- Scotty Cameron Newport 2 – For purists who crave feel and precision.
- TaylorMade Spider Tour X – For players seeking forgiveness and modern alignment tech.
- Odyssey Ai-One – Odyssey’s latest innovation with AI-designed inserts for consistent roll.
- Ping DS72 – A versatile mid-mallet trusted by top pros.
Final Thoughts
The best putter is the one that fits your stroke, visual preference, and feel. Blade putters reward precision, mallets boost forgiveness, and mid-mallets offer a versatile middle ground. Pay attention to balance (toe-hang vs. face-balanced) and test different models on real greens to find your match.
Even the best players in the world switch putters to find the perfect feel. Whether you channel Tiger’s blade magic or Rory’s mallet consistency, the right putter can be your biggest weapon on the greens.
