A putter is the most used golf club in a single round of golf. Experts agree that an average player uses a putter at least 35 times in a single round of golf.
But what do you think is the best putter for beginners?
We conducted several tests on different putters available in the market: We found the Callaway Odyssey Golf White Hot OG Putter as the best putter for beginners so far. We tested brand-new units for each brand we are glad to announce the results. But you can try other brands and pick the one more appropriate to your taste.
Our Top 10 Picks: Best Putters For Beginners
Best overall: Callaway Odyssey Golf White Hot OG Putter
Best value for money: Wilson Staff Harmonized Golf Putter Men
Best in short putts: Callaway Odyssey DFX Putter
Best blade-style putter: Cleveland Huntington Beach Soft
Best mallet-style putter: Cobra Golf 2021 King Vintage Putters
Best in forgiveness: TaylorMade Spider Tour Black Putter #3
Best milled-face potter: WILSON Infinite Men Golf Putter
Best in Smart technology: Cobra Golf 2021 King 3D Printed Putters
Best for all skill levels: TaylorMade Spider X Putter Hydro Blast Flowneck (#9)
Best in straight putting stroke: Cleveland Golf Frontline Elevado Putter
10 Top Putters for Beginners
1. TaylorMade Spider Tour Black Putter #3
TaylorMade still amazes many golfers: young, old, and veterans or beginners. The mallet-style Spider Tour Putter has been a legend since Dustin Johnson in RCA Heritage in 2018. The Pure Roll insert is one of the putter’s advanced features that give an improved performance to golfers.
Key Features:
- The head weighs just 355 grams for a more well-balanced swing.
- The multi-material putter has a high MOI.
- Its frame is 304 Stainless Steel with a 6061 Aluminum core.
Who should use this product?
Everybody knows the Spider Tour is one of the Tour favorites: But it is also ideal for beginners seeking a more advanced putter as initial equipment. Novices can appreciate the 45-degree insert grooves for an increased top spin and forward roll.
2. Wilson Staff Harmonized Golf Putter, Men, Right-Hand
Our test did prove that the putter is the most used club in a single round of golf. But the Wilson Staff Harmonized Golf Putter, although a cheaper option for beginners, can deliver those putts!
The Staff Harmonized putter may not have the advanced features of premium brands, but it can provide better ball control.
Key Features:
- The Staff Harmonized is a mallet-shaped putter.
- It is lightweight at 400 grams of alloy steel.
- It has Micro injection face inserts improving the feel.
Who should use this product?
Beginner and mid-handicap players struggling with their budget may settle using the Staff Harmonized putter without compromising performance. It is a better alternative to costly putters with a steep price.
3. Callaway Odyssey Golf White Hot OG Putter (Best Overall)
Our test gave us more putts than other clubs using the Callaway Odyssey Golf White Hot OG Putter. It makes sense because the Hot OG Putter is one of the most iconic and played putters in modern times. The White Hot had evolved 20 years of exemplary insert technology. Now, the high price tag seems logical.
Key Features:
- The shaft has Gray DFX Grip for an outstanding feel.
- The mallet-style putter has a two-part urethane insert technology.
- Its fine milling is what pro golfers look for.
Who should use this product?
The White Hot OG Putter is a Tour-quality putter; beginners may invest in it if they can afford the price. It is also recommendable for mid-handicap golfers to maintain their evolving high performance on the golf course.
4. WILSON Infinite Men Golf Putter
If you are looking for a more level-up but pricier Wilson putter, look for the WILSON Infinite Men Golf Putter. The Wilson Infinite might be double the cost of Wilson Staff Harmonized, but it is more convincing for beginners and intermediate players.
The Infinite is one of those putters that are lightweight yet more forgiving on off-center strikes. The price range is still more affordable compared to other premium brands.
Key Features:
- Its double-milled face amplifies steady impact and rolls.
- The putter has parallel and 45-degree sight lines.
- It has an ultra-dark PVD finish.
Who should use this product?
The Wilson Infinite is perfect for golfers with a smooth stroke, more likely beginners and high-handicappers. The putter has an oversized grip that counterbalances the swing of plain-sailing golfers.
5. Callaway Odyssey DFX Putter
A mid-range price putter for beginners, like the Odyssey DFX Putter by Callaway, is one of the best options for starters.
Our tests on this putter show it is more reliable on short-distance putts (about ten feet or nearer). But it also has efficient control over long putts. A golfer’s skill has to do with enhanced performance in the course using the DFX.
Key Features:
- The mallet-shaped DFX has a standard grip.
- It has a soft DFX insert for a smoother feel and roll.
- The oversized pistol and grip befit any player.
Who should use this product?
Beginners and high-handicappers struggling to putt in short distances may rely on the Callaway DFX putter. The mallet-type putter provides a more compelling outcome for less experienced players.
6. Cleveland Huntington Beach Soft 4 Men Right-Hand Putter
A right-handed male golfer wanting a continued game of improvement may rely on the Cleveland Huntington Beach Soft Putter.
This putter has a counterbalanced weight on the club head, enabling consistent putting at least six feet afar. The soft and forgiving feel of the Huntington putter provides all golfers with unique precision in short games.
Key Features:
- It is a blade-type putter in soft 304 Stainless Steel.
- The Huntington carries the Speed Optimized Face Technology (SOFT).
- The Satin color is anti-glare.
Who should use this product?
Golfers seeking the proper weight and feel of a putter should consider the Huntington Beach Soft putter. If they are more inclined to hit a putt too close, this is the putter they should use!
7. Cobra Golf 2021 King Vintage Putters
Do you want a high-tech putter attuning to your smart device, such as a smartphone? The Cobra Golf 2021 King Vintage Putters is the latest Cobra: in its Vintage putter series. It even has an adjustable weighting system, where you can add or subtract 10 to 20 grams.
Key Features:
- The King Vintage has Lamkin Smart Grip with embedded sensors.
- The golf club suits every putting style.
- It features the SIK Aluminum Face Insert for descending loft adjustment.
Who should use this product?
The cutting-edge technology of the Cobra King Vintage Putter may serve beginners and amateurs well. The Lamkin Grip sensor will be able to track their putting data, which they may use to compare with previous actions. The stats are readable on your smart mobile via the Arcos Caddie app.
8. Cobra Golf 2021 King 3D Printed Putters
The Cobra King 3D Printed Putters are part of the Cobra King Printed Series with multi-material construction. Like the Vintage Putters of 2021, the Cobra 3D Printed has the SIK Face Technology and the Lamkin Smart Grip. Its more advanced technology makes beginners, especially gadgets-savvy players, will benefit the most from using the Cobra King 3D putter.
Key Features:
- The structure is a 3D-printed lattice optimizing weight distribution.
- The Lamkin Smart Grip syncs with your smartphone.
- It has forged aluminum with tungsten weight.
Who should use this product?
Young and techy beginners with an ardent desire to learn golf games should use the Cobra King 3D Printed putters. Their sharp mind towards Smartphones may help them adopt different strategies for controlling swings and putt strokes.
9. TaylorMade Spider X Putter Hydro Blast Flowneck (#9)
Whatever ability you have Spider X Putter HydroBlast Flowneck (#9) by TaylorMade may suit you better. The price may make you think twice, but if you need to control the distance with face stability, this is the best putter for you! Moreover, the Spider X putter has the ideal alignment and balanced shots.
Key Features:
- It is one of the most forgiving clubs by TaylorMade.
- The putter has a mallet shape.
- The Flowneck has a 34 inches shaft length.
Who should use this product?
The Hydro Blast Flowneck #9 is a perfect putter for all skill levels. Whether a beginner, an amateur, or a pro: the putter makes the difference. The overall feel of Spider X is admirable, as our tests proved.
10. Cleveland Golf Frontline Elevado Putter
Beginners may still enjoy a mid-range price putter, yet give them added roll, like the Spider X using a Cleveland Elevado Frontline Putter. It might happen with more possibility even if you missed the heel or toe of the putter when hitting the ball. Our tests on Elevado give us more forgiveness and a straighter face because of its two stability wings.
Key Features:
- The Elevado is a mallet-shaped putter with forward weights.
- The SOFT (Speed Optimized Face Technology) feature adjusts the ball speed.
Who should use this product?
Beginners who want to uplift their performance in putting should keep a Cleveland Elevado Putter on their bags. The high level of forgiveness of Elevado comes from its two tungsten inserts on the heel and toe.
What to Consider When Buying A Putter?
1. Mallet vs Blade Putters
Many beginners start with a mallet-shaped putter because of its more forgiving nature. A blade-style putter is better for more experienced golfers because of its accuracy and control.
2. Putter Grips
The best golf grip for beginners is the one that allows them to put their palms and hands onto the club comfortably. It will help them create a square face at impact with the golf ball and the intended curve.
3. Putter Length
The appropriate putter length is directly proportional to your height. Here is the suggested length of putter for golfers depending on their height: Players above 6’4″ and shorter than 5’6” may customize their putters.
| Golfer’s Height | Suggested Putter Length |
| 6’0” to 6’4” | 35 inches |
| 5’9″ to 6″ | 34 inches |
| 5’6″ to 5’9″ | 33 inches |
4. Head Design
We recommend a mallet design head of putters for beginners. Mallet-style putters have a large club head that offers better forgiveness than blade putters.
5. Putter Face Material
A putter face may either contain an insert (like polyurethane) or a milled finished alloy. The insert softens the feel, muting the sounds and amplifying friction.
We recommend a multi-material and milled putter for beginners because it is more forgiving and stable during shots.
6. Feel
Soft-feel face putters are better for beginners. It normalizes the ball speed across the club head’s face. No matter how you hit the putt, it may give you consistent ball speed and distance.
7. Looks
If you are more concerned about the look of your putter, consider the Cobra Golf 2021 King Vintage Putter. We figured out it was the most handsome putter we tested.
8. Alignment tools
One of the best examples of commercial golf putting alignment tools is the EyeLine Golf Putting Alignment Mirror. The portable practice putting trainer set is used outdoors or indoors.
9. Price
More experienced golfers advised beginners to spend less than $200 for a putter. But we suggest considering your financial capability and eagerness to pursue the game. If you plan to play more often, a little bit more spending allows you to use a quality putter while improving your skills.
10. Hosel
The ideal hosel for a beginner depends on their putting stroke, not a personal choice. A double bend hosel, like the Callaway Odyssey Golf White Hot OG Putter, is one of the best options. The double bend is better for golfers who like to take the putter straight back and through.
11. High Moment of Inertia (MOI)
A putter with optimum MOI brings its face square during impact with the ball. Non-delivery of a square face may lead to inconsistent strikes.
Our test did prove that mallet-style putters offer better forgiveness than blade putters. A high MOI mallet putter improves the consistency and accuracy of beginners within the greens.
How We Conduct The Test In Putters ?
Testing a putter is simple: We test each putter five times from different distances, like five, ten, and twenty feet from the cup.
We continued putting from each distance until the golf ball went into the hole. Then, we determined the number of putts from each range and each putter.
FAQs
Our tests showed that the easiest putter to putt with is the Callaway Odyssey Golf White Hot OG Putter. Surely, beginners will also have an easy time using this putter.
The mallet-type putter is more forgiving than the blade-type. Beginners should consider using this putter first and foremost as they hone their skills.
Yes, beginners should use a mallet putter as their initial golf equipment. Its large sweet spot is one of novice golfers’ top weapons in improving their games. The mallet putter is also more stable than a blade putter during impact. It helps neophytes adjust their swing when needed.
Forgiveness is crucial for beginners as they learn the ropes of the game. The mallet-type putters have the needed MOI giving beginners tons of forgiveness.
Yes, starting players can use a blade putter. There are present-day blade putters with high MOI-enhancing forgiveness for beginners.
As a beginner, you should own a personal putter that fits your current ability, although not yet developed. But buy a putter that suits your feel and eyesight.
There are no rules on how much a beginner should invest in a putter. But your investment may go anywhere from $30 to $400 on a brand-new putter. It depends on your budget.
Yes, an offset putter can provide better control over the ball. It may make your shots deliver consistent results.
Our tests show the TaylorMade Spider Tour Black Putter #3 is the most forgiving putter. This mallet-style putter has multi-materials with a proven high MOI.
Conclusion
A putter for beginners is not too hard to find, after all! Male beginners wanting to start with a cheaper putter can rely on the Wilson Staff Harmonized Golf Putter. It is the least expensive on our lists, but the putter offers beginners a more forgiving option.
Our top pick for the best putter for beginners is the Callaway Odyssey Golf White Hot OG Putter. The White Hot OG Putter comes in various designs, but all are mallet-type. The price also varies as the design varies. So, you can choose the perfect one suiting your budget and necessity.
Matt Stevens is the founder of Golfrough.com. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf since he was four years old. Having experienced every high and low golf has to offer, his writing helps the average golfer avoid the mistakes he has made in 28-years on the course.