What is Putter in Golf? Definition and Meaning

What is the definition of A putter in Golf?

A putter is a specialized type of golf club designed specifically for use on the putting green, the area surrounding a golf course’s hole where the grass is shorter. Unlike traditional golf clubs, which aim to lift the golf ball from the ground and send it into the air, the main purpose of a putter is to help a golfer gently and accurately strike the ball toward the hole, rolling it along the ground from a relatively short distance away.

Putters come in various designs and lengths to suit a golfer’s individual needs and preferences. Factors that can influence a golfer’s choice of putter include the style of the clubhead (e.g., blade or mallet), the length of the shaft (which typically corresponds to golfer’s height), and the specific materials used for the grip and overall construction. It’s important for golfers to understand the nuances of putter design and fitting in order to choose the best putter for their game and improve their performance on the greens.

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Key Takeaways

Putters are specialized golf clubs designed for use on the putting green, focusing on rolling the ball towards the hole.
A variety of putter designs and lengths are available to suit individual golfers’ needs and preferences.
Understanding putter design and fitting can help golfers choose the right club for their game and improve their performance on the greens.

Fundamentals of a Golf Putter

A golf putter is a club specifically designed to make low-speed, short-distance strokes on the putting green. Putters are indispensable tools for golfers, as they are used to guide the ball into the hole with precision and control. In this section, we will discuss the types of putters and the materials used in their construction.

Types of Putters

There are several types of putters, each with unique characteristics to suit individual playing styles and preferences. Some of the most common putter types include:

Blade putters: These have a traditional, slim clubhead design that offers a classic feel. Golfers who seek a simple, no-frills design typically opt for blade putters.
Mallet putters: Featuring a larger clubhead, mallet putters provide more forgiveness on off-center strikes. They also offer enhanced alignment aids to help golfers line up their putts more accurately.
Face-balanced putters: Designed with a balance point at the center of the clubhead’s face, these putters are suited for golfers who prefer a straight-back, straight-through putting stroke.
Toe-balanced putters: Best suited for players who have an arc in their putting stroke, toe-balanced putters have a balance point that favors the toe of the club.

Putter Materials

Putters can be made from a variety of materials, each offering different benefits and performance characteristics. Some common putter materials include:

Stainless steel: A popular choice for putters, stainless steel offers a durable and solid construction. It provides a reliable feel and a consistent response on impact.
Aluminum: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, aluminum putters can deliver a soft feel and enhanced feedback. Golfers seeking a lighter clubhead that still provides good control often choose aluminum.
Brass: Featuring a distinct golden color, brass putters provide a soft feel and consistent performance. They are also valued for their unique and traditional appearance.
Titanium: Known for its lightweight and strong properties, titanium putters offer superior strength-to-weight ratios. This material can be used to create larger clubheads without increasing the overall weight, making them a popular choice for mallet putters.

Each golfer has their individual preferences when it comes to choosing a putter that fits their game. Understanding the different putters types and the materials from which they are made can help golfers make a well-informed decision when selecting their optimal putter.

Understanding Putter Design

Size and Weight

Putters in golf vary in size and weight to cater to different golfer preferences and putting styles. The weight distribution between the head, shaft, and grip influences the overall feel and balance of the putter. Heavier putter heads can provide more stability during the stroke, while lighter heads allow for greater control and feel. Some putters also have adjustable weights that can be modified to suit individual preferences.

The Grip

The choice of grip on a putter is essential for comfort and control during a putting stroke. Grips come in different sizes, shapes, and textures, allowing golfers to find a grip that fits their hand size and putting style. Some common grip types include the traditional pistol grip, which has a tapered shape that narrows from top to bottom, and the oversized grip, which is thicker and helps to reduce wrist movement during the stroke.

Shape and Style

Putters are available in various shapes and styles, each offering different performance characteristics:

Blade putters: These classic putters feature a simple, flat design with a thin, rectangular head. They’re best suited for golfers with a straight putting stroke and provide increased feel and feedback.
Mallet putters: Mallet putters have a larger, more rounded head shape compared to blade putters. They usually have higher Moment of Inertia (MOI), providing increased stability and forgiveness on off-center hits. Mallet putters are generally preferred by golfers with an arcing putting stroke.
Peripheral weighted putters: Also known as heel-toe weighted putters, these designs distribute weight away from the center of the clubhead toward the heel and toe. This increases the MOI and results in more stability throughout the putting stroke.
Center-shafted putters: In these putters, the shaft connects to the center of the clubhead, providing a balanced feel and better alignment for some golfers.

Ultimately, the selection of a putter depends on a golfer’s individual preferences, skill level, and putting style. Trying out various putters and understanding their design characteristics will help golfers find the best fit for their game.

Putter Fitting

Length

The length of a putter is crucial for a golfer’s comfort and performance. It affects the player’s posture, eye position, and distance from the ball. A properly fitted putter allows the golfer to maintain a more consistent stroke. Typical putter lengths range from 32 to 36 inches, but a custom fitting can provide the most accurate measurement for each individual.

Loft

Loft is the angle between the putter face and the vertical plane. This angle plays a significant role in how the ball rolls after it is struck. If the loft is too high, the ball may skid, while a loft that is too low can cause the ball to jump off the putter face. A putter fitting helps determine the ideal loft for a golfer’s stance and playing conditions. Common loft angles range from 2 to 4 degrees.

Lie Angle

The lie angle refers to the angle between the center of the shaft and the ground when the putter is properly positioned at address. It plays a role in the golfer’s ability to strike the ball consistently in the center of the putter face. An incorrect lie angle may lead to mishits and inconsistencies. The ideal lie angle varies for each golfer and can be determined through a putter fitting process. Standard lie angles for putters are typically between 68 and 72 degrees.

Usage and Application of Putters

Putters are highly specialized golf clubs used for making short and low-speed strokes on the green. Their primary function is to roll the ball along the ground with the intention of guiding it into the hole from a relatively short distance. Putters feature a flat face, which is designed to make contact with the ball and provide a smooth roll, minimizing any chances of the ball bouncing or skidding.

There are several types of putters, including blade putters, mallet putters, center-shafted putters, face-balanced putters, toe-weighted putters, and long putters. Each type of putter offers unique features and benefits for players with different preferences and putting styles. For instance, blade putters are generally lighter, while mallet putters have a greater distribution of weight, which can help with stability during the stroke.

In addition to their main purpose of sinking short-range putts, putters can also be utilized in various scenarios on and around the green. Golfers occasionally use putters for chip shots, which involve striking the ball with enough force to lift it slightly off the ground and land it softly on the green. This technique can be advantageous when a golfer is near the green and needs a gentle, controlled shot to avoid overshooting the target.

Golfers may also choose to use a putter from the fringe of the green, depending on their comfort level and confidence in their putting abilities. In these cases, golfers may feel that the consistent rolling action of a putter provides them with more control and a higher chance of success than attempting a chip shot with a wedge.

Putters are essential for golfers of all skill levels, as the ability to efficiently and accurately sink putts can significantly impact a player’s overall score. Whether a golfer is a beginner or a seasoned professional, selecting the appropriate putter and consistently practicing proper putting technique will prove invaluable on the golf course.