Best Golf Putters 2024: Buyer's Guide and things you need to know

There have been many brilliant golf putters released in 2024 which have a variety of technological features to improve your game.

Whether it is the shape of the face, the angle of the neck or the weight of the putter, there are several elements that you need to consider when purchasing a new golf putter.

After recently testing out the best golf drivers for 2024, we have been getting our hands dirty with the best putters in the game.

WE TRIED TO FIND THE BEST GOLF PUTTER OF 2024

We have reviewed several different putters from the likes of TaylorMade, Odyssey, Cobra, PING and Cleveland Golf, assessing their strengths and weaknesses.

Now you may prefer a putter with a heavy head, which guides your stroke or you may want a club with a thin head and an angled neck to help with your alignment.

We aim to provide a comprehensive guide to the best putters of 2024. We state each of their best traits and areas we believe need improvement, and we also outline which putter will suit your game depending on your preferences and ability. 

Best Golf Putters 2024

The latest putters deliver forgiveness, consistent roll and a sweet connection and this is why they are some of the most expensive golf clubs on the market. 

But can you put a price on holing more putts and consequently shooting lower scores? That decision likely depends on how seriously you take the sport. 

Here’s a selection of what we consider to be the very best golf putters in 2024: 

L.A.B Golf DF3

Price: £539

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Pros:

• The most forgiving putter in 2024
• Hugely confidence-inspiring
• Great customisable options

Cons:

• Very expensive and takes some getting used

Arguably the hottest putter in the world right now, the L.A.B Gold DF3 is an absolute game changer. Featuring L.A.B Golf's patented Lie Angle Balance technology, this putter generates zero torque, allowing the face to remain square throughout the entire stroke.

The result os this tech almost entirely eliminates poor strikes, making putting seem almost automatic once you've picked the correct line and speed.

The high MOI design might not look the best dat behind the ball, however it certainly does its job. From the heel or toe, there is virtually zero loss in accuracy and speed, meaning more putts stay on line and get loser to the hole.

In terms of feel, the DF3 is remarkably soft at impact considering the size of its head, and thanks to the substantial deep grooves, it also creates a satisfying muted noise when striking the ball.

Due to the centre shaft and automatic forward press, this putter does take some getting used to, but once you''e got it playing ball, it's guaranteed to help you putt better.

Coming in at over £500 this putter is the most expensive on this list, however the performance certainly justifies the high price point.

READ OUR FULL L.A.B GOLF DF3 PUTTER REVIEW

Odyssey Ai-ONE Jailbird Cruiser

Price: £299

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Pros: 

• Offers fantastic stability
• Unique construction promotes a simplified putting stroke
• Premium looks and feel round out what is one of our favourite putters of 2024

Cons: 

• Additional weight and length may not suit every golfer

The Ai-ONE Jailbird Cruiser by Odyssey has caught attention as one of this year's most intriguing putters, already embraced by PGA Tour players like Wyndham Clark and Rickie Fowler. Evolving from the popular Jailbird Versa, this model incorporates Ai-ONE technology for enhanced performance.

Featuring a 380-gram head, 38-inch shaft, and oversized 17-inch grip, the Jailbird Cruiser offers stability and consistency on the greens, catering to players of all skill levels. Its distinctive design, with a large footprint and contrasting blue and white colours, may not suit traditionalists but boasts premium touches and a visually appealing sole.

The putter's feel benefits from Odyssey's renowned white hot insert, offering a soft sensation and muted sound upon impact. Despite its weight and length, the Jailbird Cruiser promotes a stable putting stroke, minimising wrist action and encouraging a natural shoulder turn for improved accuracy and consistency, especially on mid-range putts.

Thanks to the Ai-insert, the putter delivers forgiveness, yielding consistent roll even on off-centre strikes, reducing missed putts and instilling confidence. While not universally suitable, its unique construction and performance merits consideration for those seeking to bring down their scores on the putting surface.

For prospective buyers, it's advisable to test the putter firsthand at a pro shop to ensure compatibility with your putting style before making a purchase. If stability and consistent ball roll are challenges, the Jailbird Cruiser could offer a solution worth exploring, potentially transforming your performance on the greens.

READ OUR FULL ODYSSEY AI_ONE JAILBIRD CRUISER REVIEW

PXG Allan Putter

Price: £429

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Pros:

• Incredibly forgiving
• Very easy to line up
• Produces a smooth and consistent roll

Cons:

• Unusual look at address may take some getting used to

Much like the L.A.B DF3 at the top of this list, PXG's Allan putter is designed to generate zero torque so that the face remains square to target throughout the stroke.

Utilising an S hosel, this putter gives the illusion of a centre shafted putter, whereas in reality the shaft actually enters the head nearer the heel. 

Featuring PXG's S-COR polymer injected construction and milled pyramid face pattern, this putter rolls the ball oh so pure. 

Thanks to the zero torque design and high MOI shape this putter is incredibly forgiving and out of the toe or heel there is almost no loss in speed or quality of roll. 

The single sight line on the modest sized head is ideal for lining up your putts, and on every stroke you are met with a muted sound and feel.

One of the most stable and forgiving putters we've tested in 2024, the Allan is a big step in the right direction for PXG and one you should certainly consider testing if you struggle to maintain a consistent putting stroke.

READ OUR FULL PXG ALLAN PUTTER REVIEW

Odyssey Ai-ONE Quare to Square Jailbird

Price: £249

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Pros:

• A forgiving, stable model from Odyssey which promotes consistent roll across the face that can benefit a lot of golfers and not break the bank

Cons:

• Low torque is an unorthodox design, so you'll need to give it some time to ingrain into your game 
• Would like more custom fitting options.

Odyssey has ventured into the low/zero torque market with its Square 2 Square range, including the Jailbird, Number 7, and Double Wide models. These putters aim to maintain a square face throughout the stroke, promoting consistency and reducing putts per round. While not entirely torque-free, Odyssey notes that true zero torque isn’t present in competitor models either.

The Square 2 Square Jailbird features a centre-shafted design with 3.3° shaft lean, positioning hands ideally at address. Its unusual appearance may require adjustment, but the soft, consistent Ai-ONE insert delivers excellent roll and minimises three-putts. The premium Navy Blue PVD finish enhances its appeal.

Performance-wise, the Jailbird excels in stability and confidence, particularly on short putts, though its lightweight head may require custom adjustments for optimal feel. This design caters to golfers with straighter strokes, but Odyssey encourages individual testing to match personal putting styles.

At £249, the Square 2 Square range offers an affordable entry into low-torque technology, making it accessible to a wider audience. However, proper custom fitting is crucial for maximising its benefits. Overall, the Jailbird is a solid option for those seeking a modern, stable putter without overspending.

READ OUR FULL ODYSSEY AI ONE SQUARE TO SQUARE JAILBIRD REVIEW HERE

Bettinardi BB-1W

Price: £439

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Pros:

• Beautiful design
• Fantastic feel
• One of the most forgiving blade putters we've tested

Cons: 

• Sound at impact is high pitched and metallic

The Bettinardi BB-1W putter is visually striking with its elegant PVD black finish and subtle blue detailing. Its compact profile, featuring a wider-than-traditional blade design, makes ball alignment easy. The minimalist branding and unique weight text enhance its aesthetic appeal.

Performance-wise, the BB-1W's additional depth offers confidence. Its milled face provides a firm feel and excellent feedback, although the high-pitched metallic sound on impact might not appeal to everyone.

On the practice green, the BB-1W impressed with its stability and consistency. The putter’s solid weight and stable head helps in finding the middle of the face, and it retains speed and roll remarkably well on off-centre hits, making it one of the more forgiving blade-style putters tested this year.

The BB-1W’s look, feel, and performance are top-notch. Priced at £439, it is a premium product worth considering for those willing to invest in a high-quality putter. 

The only negative we could draw from our review was the sound at impact, but as always that is personal preference, so we would always recommend testing it for yourself before purchase. 

READ OUR FULL BETTINARDI BB-!W PUTTER REVIEW

Odyssey Ai-ONE 7 CH Putter

Price: £289

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Pros: 

• Ai insert provides an incredibly consistent roll from across the face
• Modern aesthetic looks fantastic
• White Hot insert provides a lovely soft feel

Cons:

• No notable cons

Odyssey's Ai-ONE putters claim an impressive 21% increase in accuracy over traditional milled putters, backed by artificial intelligence and Callaway's supercomputing technology. The Ai-designed insert features variable thickness for optimised ball speed control and loss of speed on off-centre strikes. Tour players Jon Rahm and Sam Burns have already embraced the new Ai-ONE range.

The Ai-ONE's White Hot insert provides a soft yet responsive impact that former users of White Hot putters will love. Aesthetically, the CH 7 model introduces a Panlite window for a view of the insert's construction, which is a unique added detail, while the navy blue PVD Finish adds a striking visual element.

In terms of performance, the putter demonstrated remarkable forgiveness and consistency. Testing from various distances and strike points revealed tight groupings and consistent roll, emphasising the putter's ability to salvage poor strikes. While verifying the claimed 21% accuracy increase may be challenging, the putter's forgiveness and performance make it a compelling choice, especially for golfers aiming to reduce three putts. If you seek improved putting consistency, the Ai-ONE series warrants serious consideration.

READ OUR FULL ODYSSEY Ai-ONE 7 CH REVIEW

TearDrop TD-7 

Price: £239.99

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Pros:

• A great looking putter
• Very easy to align and maintain a stable stroke
• Excellent value for a premium putter

Cons: 

• Lack of neck options

One of the best performers of 2024, the TearDrop TD-7 has been a firm favourite in the GolfMagic office this year. 

The simple black and white mallet design is clean, effective, and instills confidence set behind the ball thanks to its forgiving profile and three alignment lines, which make setting the ball on your target line a simple task. 

The face produces a soft feel and muted sound at impact and the forgiveness on offer from across the face is also top notch thanks to the high MOI design. 

Delivering a smooth and consistent roll, the TD-7 is one of the easiest putter to plug and play on this list, and thanks to it's balanced weighting, stable head and premium construction, it's one of our top picks for 2024. 

READ OUR FULL TEARDROP TD-7 PUTTER REVIEW

Bettinardi INOVAI 10.0

Price: £399

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Pros:

• Premium feel at impact
• Super forgiving design,
• Looks great behind the ball and in hand

Cons:

Cobra King Vintage Cuda

Price: £229

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Pros: 

• TPE face insert produces a lovely soft feeling at impact
• large head provides plenty of forgiveness
• Descending Loft Technology maintains a consistent roll

Cons:

Not our favourite looking putter at address

The Cobra King Vintage Cuda putter delivers remarkable performance and forgiveness, catering to golfers of various skill levels. While its design may not be groundbreaking, the gunmetal grey finish with accents of white and orange offers a pleasing aesthetic.

 Featuring three alignment lines and a chevron step for ball centering, it provides practical aids for accurate putting. The PEBAX TPE insert ensures a soft feel at impact, complemented by subtle feedback across the face. 

Despite its vintage-inspired soft feel, its performance stands out, especially with its Descending Loft Technology (DLT) ensuring consistent ball roll, even on off-center strikes. During testing, the Cuda outperformed competitors in terms of putts holed, thanks to its forgiveness and DLT. 

The DLT's four planes of loft increments prevent skidding or hopping, providing a smooth roll even with imperfect hand positions. This putter's performance earns it high praise, making it a top contender for best putter of 2024. 

If you prioritize performance over aesthetics and seek a mallet-style putter at a reasonable price, the Cobra King Vintage Cuda deserves serious consideration. Despite Cobra's reputation not primarily lying in putters, this model showcases the brand's advancements in the category.

READ OUR FULL COBRA KING VINTAGE CUDA REVIEW

TaylorMade TP Reserve M47

Price: £379

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Pros:

• Stunning premium milled construction
• Super soft feel at impact
• True roll across the face
• Quality leather head cover

Cons:

• Compact head not the most confidence-inspiring at address.

The TaylorMade TP Reserve M47 Putter offers a delightful design and flawless feel. Featuring a milled 303 stainless steel construction, precision-milled face grooves, and precision weighting, the putter delivers a pure roll with outstanding feel off the face. 

Offering a buttery soft sensation when struck out the middle, we did receive a reassuring amount of feedback from toe and heel strikes, which helps you adjust your stroke where necessary.

We particularly enjoyed using the M47 on downhill delicate putts. Due to the putter's weight, you feel like you just need to breathe on a downhill putt in order to get it to the hole. While we did struggle slightly more with longer putts, that's probably more down to our putting ability than it is the putter itself. 

In terms of looks, the M47 ticked a lot of boxes. The compact blade length and premium milled detailing combine perfectly with a beautiful brushed steel sole plate which oozes sophistication and class. 

At £379, the M47 doesn't come cheap, but if you are a putting purist who prioritises the premium fell on offer from a milled putter, then this could be just the one for you.

READ OUR FULL TAYLORMADE TP RESRVE M47 PUTTER REVIEW

PXG Battle Ready II Blackjack 

Price: £349

Pros:

• Superb silver and black design
• Outstanding level of customisation on offer
• Thin face provides excellent feel and sound

Cons:

• Skull design headcover may not suit every golfer's taste

Inspired by PXG's iconic 0311 irons, the new Battle Ready II range is injected with a lightweight polymer that was engineered to enhance MOI while reducing vibrations for improved sound and feel.

Featuring precision interchangeable weighting and hosel customisation, the new range can be fine-tuned to perfectly suit any golfer's stroke.

The Blackjack is one of the higher MOI models in the range, with weight distributed to the perimeter of the head for increased forgiveness. The result? A beautifully balanced putter that produces a soft feel off the face with reduced vibrations and a muted yet satisfying noise.

The single alignment line on the crown of the putter provides a simple yet effective visual aid for lining up your putts, and the two-tone silver and black construction looks superb sat behind the ball.

Remarkably stable through the stroke, we particularly enjoyed the solid feel you get at takeaway, which helped us maintain a consistent and straight roll.

Performing well throughout the fitting and on the course, the Blackjack is an excellent putter that can easily go head-to-head with the most established putter brands on the market.

READ OUR FULL PXG BATTLE READY II BLACKJACK PUTTER REVIEW

L.A.B Golf Link.1 Putter

Price: £479

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Pros:

• Feels very soft off the face
• Incredible forgiveness for a blade design
• Excellent custom-fitting options

Cons:

• Costs as much as one month's rent

L.A.B Golf's LINK.1 putter utilises Lie Angle Balance technology to ensure the putter face stays square throughout the stroke without any need for manipulation from the hands. 

This allows a simple rock of the shoulders to generate a strong and stable stroke for a consistent strike off the putter's face.

Crafted from 100% CNC-milled 303 stainless steel, it offers a soft and premium feel at impact, with contact producing a subdued but satisfying noise.

The LINK.1 introduces a traditional Anser-like profile, expanding the brand's design range.

The putter's appearance blends classic heel-toe weighting with modern details, featuring a centerline shaft, thin topline, and sleek weight configuration.

Offering excellent levels of forgiveness, the zero-torque design keeps the head incredibly stable through impact, resulting in excellent offline dispersion even from toe or heel strikes. Performing particularly well on short putts, the weight and design promote a very repeatable stroke that delivers excellent performance.

While the price at £479 is steep, the LINK.1 is an attractive investment for serious golfers seeking enhanced putting precision and forgiveness.

The brand's virtual online fitting also accommodates worldwide customisation based on a 30-second video analysis of the player's stroke, with an array of customisable options available, you can build your putter to suit your stroke and style perfectly.

READ OUR FULL L.A.B GOLF LINK.1 REVIEW

• Oversized alignment aid won't appeal to everyone

The Cobra King Grandsport-35 3D Printed Putter defies traditional expectations by offering remarkable forgiveness, making it suitable for golfers of all skill levels despite its blade profile. 

Its modern design features a gunmetal grey finish with orange accents, framing the ball nicely and instilling confidence at address. While the thick alignment aid may not suit everyone's preference, the overall aesthetics, feel, and sound of the putter are commendable. 

The SuperStroke Zenergy Pistol grip adds to its premium feel. Tested on challenging greens, the Grandsport-35 demonstrated exceptional stability and forgiveness, even with off-center strikes, thanks to its enlarged head and advanced Descending Loft Technology. 

Its stability and consistent roll make it akin to a larger mallet, offering benefits for lag putting and short putts alike. With its blend of forgiveness and blade profile, it's poised to be a popular choice among golfers in 2024. 

If you desire the profile of a blade putter but seek added forgiveness, the Cobra King Grandsport-35 is worth considering. Its improved aesthetics and premium features make it a compelling option for upgrading your putter game this year.

READ OUR FULL COBRA KING GRANDSPORT-35 3D PRINTED PUTTER REVIEW

Golfyr Premier Maker 3 

Price: £562

Pros: 

• Very confidence inspiring profile
• Large head delivers bags of forgiveness
• Weight is very well balanced

Cons:

• Very expensive
• Headcover is a touch underwhelming
• Hollow acoustics could take some getting used to

The Golfyr Premier Maker 3 putter stands out with its bold design featuring a large carbon fiber head and modern aesthetics. Initially polarising, its unconventional appearance quickly grows on us after a few putts. The deep and tall head, crafted entirely from carbon fibre, exudes confidence when addressing the ball. 

The crown's full carbon finish, complemented by three alignment lines, aids in framing the ball for improved accuracy. While the design may not appeal to those preferring a more traditional profile, it garners appreciation for its modernity and clean branding.

Despite initial expectations of a lively bounce, the putter offers a muted sensation upon impact, attributed to internal weighting that enlarges the sweet spot. However, the resulting loud and metallic sound upon striking the ball may be off-putting for some users, deviating from the softer acoustics typically associated with premium putters like those from Odyssey and Scotty Cameron.

Performance-wise, the Maker 3 impresses with its consistent roll and forgiveness, even on off-centre strikes. Despite its large profile, it allows users to maintain line and length well, contributing to improved accuracy on the greens. The drop in performance from sub-optimal strikes is minimal, a testament to the meticulous design and engineering invested in the putter.

While the Maker 3 delivers commendable performance and boasts distinctive aesthetics, its premium price tag may deter some buyers. While it's a top performer in its class, there are alternative options available at lower price points. However, for those seeking a unique and high-performing mallet putter, the Maker 3 is certainly worth considering.

READ OUR FULL GOLFYR PREMIER MAKER 3 REVIEW

TaylorMade Spider Tour

Price: £349

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Pros:

• High MOI design offers bags of forgiveness
• New gun metal grey colourway looks slick
• TPU insert provides a nice soft feel

Cons:

• Quite a hefty price tag
• Not a huge amount has changed since the original Spider Tour was released

The revamped TaylorMade Spider Tour putter features a sleek new silver finish but maintains its iconic design. Despite its reputation with top players like Jason Day, this putter remains versatile for golfers of all skill levels. The Spider Tour's large head and clear alignment aid instill confidence, making centering the ball to the target effortless. The new Gunmetal PVD finish complements the putter's look, providing a more subdued and appealing color palette.

The blue sole plate with Spider detailing and TaylorMade branding adds to its aesthetics. The TPU Pure Roll insert offers a soft feel at impact, providing feedback on off-center hits. The Spider Tour's subdued impact sensation allows for better distance control.

In terms of performance, it excels in line and length control, even on long putts. The high MOI head ensures accuracy and distance retention on suboptimal strokes. The alignment aid shines on shorter putts, making squaring the ball to the target effortless.

Overall, the Spider Tour impresses with its looks, feel, and performance. It's a go-to option for those seeking a high MOI putter that inspires confidence.

If you're in search of a reliable putter with a classic design, the TaylorMade Spider Tour is a worthy choice, suitable for golfers of all skill levels looking to enhance their putting game.

READ OUR FULL TAYLORMADE SPIDER TOUR REVIEW

Cleveland Frontline Elite Cero

Price: £249

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Pros:

• Head shape and alignment aids instil confidence at address
• Nice soft feel off the face
• Beautiful matte black finish

Cons:

• We prefer a heavier head, but this is amendable with the changeable sole weights.

Designed for increased forgiveness, the Cleveland Frontline Elite Cero features a forward-placed CG, Tungsten SOFT face insert, adjustable sole weights, and 2135 alignment technology. The putter is engineered to help golfers hit straighter putts with consistent roll-out thanks to a strong stable face at impact.

The putter's matte black finish and clear alignment aid offer a sleek, high-contrast look, while the hollowed-out mallet design features additional diagonal lines to help centre the ball at address.

We really liked the look of the head sat behind the ball, and we were equally impressed with how it performed in testing. The face stayed square through impact, with off-centre strikes only missing the target by a fine margin. 

Providing a soft feel off the face, the ball rolls nicely with a smooth and consistent path, thanks to the forward-place CG and SOFT Tungsten insert. 

Offering excellent forgiveness with a best-in-class alignment aid, the putter's performance and aesthetics make it a valuable addition to any golfer's bag.

READ OUR FULL CLEVELAND FRONTLINE ELITE CERO PUTTER REVIEW

Mati Putters

Price: €300

Pros: 

• Stylish and hand produced in Italy
• Nicely weighted and good alignment 
• Consistently firm but pleasant feel off face

Cons:

• Towards top end for price
• Other putters are a tad more forgiving

No doubt a relatively new name in the golf equipment industry to many of you, Mati Putters was born 10 years ago by the brainchild of Seliano Brambilla. The name Mati comes from Seliano's daughter's name, Matilde. 

Mati Putters, which are R&A and USGA approved, are milled from solid blocks of SS303 steel and aluminium, and by choice of Seliano, it is Face balanced putters that are preferred in the range. This means the putter will have a face that faces upwards when you balance the shaft on your finger. It also means the centre of gravity is directly below the axis of the shaft. 

The two putters we favoured from the new Mati Putters range were the Yoroi and Synchro in their fresh blue versions. 

For a putter brand that we had never previously come across, the appearance of both of these flatsticks instantly appealed to us over the ball.

Looks are often a personal preference of course, but we think the blue finish is really neat, and it matches perfectly with the block of grey and subtle white alignment line. 

When it comes to feel off of both of these Mati Putters, we noted a consistently firm but pleasant feel off the face.

This was to be expected though, especially given all of the Mati Putters in the line take shape from a block of AISI 303 steel where more than two kilos of material have been milled to reduce them to the final 350 grams of the Syncho and 370 grams of the Yoroi. 

When it comes to forgiveness and performance, the Mati Putters do a fair job at helping you hole more putts. 

The Yoroi we found to be the much more forgiving of the two putters in our test, but the Synchro certainly ran it close. 

READ OUR FULL MATI PUTTERS REVIEW 

Cleveland HB Soft 2 Model 11 Putter

Price: £139

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Pros: 

• Clean aesthetics
• Plenty of forgiveness from across the face
• Distance control on point from the get-go

Cons:

• High-pitched metallic noise at impact

Designed with speed-optimised face technology and stroke-specific design, the new HB Soft range from Cleveland features a number of different models, but our favourite is the 11, which features a classic fang design. 

This putter has been specifically engineered in order to provide golfers with truer strikes and a more consistent swing feel, and straight out of the gate, we found it incredibly easy to put with. 

Distance control and accuracy were great from the get-go, and we found that, especially when lag putting from distance, this putter provided a really stable and consistent roll from across the face. 

While performance and forgiveness are undoubtedly where this putter excels, sadly, in the feel and sound department, it didn't rate quite as highly as other models on this list. 

At impact from across the face, this putter creates quite a loud metallic pingy noise that we found to be a touch distracting, while the feel produced is also considerably firmer than we would typically like.

In terms of aesthetics, this putter has a very clean overall finish with a minimalist design on the sole that ranks as one of the best on this list. 

Overall, this putter looks and performs great, but it's let down slightly by the feel and sound on offer. 

Coming in at only £139, it's also one of the cheaper options on the market, offering excellent value for money. 

READ OUR FULL CLEVELAND HB SOFT PUTTER REVIEW

IB Sweet Spot Putter

Price: £349

Pros: 

• Focuses the mind on every putt
• Excellent for short putts
• Premium weight and construction

Cons:

• Struggled to utilise the putter effectively on longer putts
• Zero forgiveness on offer

The IB Sweet Spot putter, created by Ivan Ballesteros, nephew of Seve Ballesteros, stands out with its unique design.

Its small head demands expert precision, making it suitable mainly for skilled golfers. The putter's distinctive appearance and heavy head contribute to a solid feel upon impact. However, its minimal forgiveness poses a challenge, requiring consistent contact to be utilised effectively

Paradoxically, this lack of forgiveness fosters intense concentration, aiding in eliminating distractions and improving focus on shorter putts. Nonetheless, long-range putting proves more difficult due to control and distance issues.

While the IB Sweet Spot putter offers a unique approach to putting, its effectiveness varies depending on the player's skill level and preferences. Despite its drawbacks, the putter excels in short-range putting and may appeal to players seeking a tool to enhance their focus and mental clarity on the green.

READ OUR FULL IB SWEET SPOT REVIEW

5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GOLF PUTTERS

Grips

The grip of your putter is one of the most important parts of the club. Your hands need to be able to control the clubface and the length and width of the grip will have a significant effect on this.

SuperStroke offers a wide range of grips and often specialises in thick designs which wrap around the top of the shaft. Thick grips take a stronghold of the putter and you will feel more dominance over the club face. A thick grip can increase the effortlessness of your putting stroke.

A thinner grip could be found with the likes of Golf Pride, Lamkin or Winn. A thinner grip can help your hands and fingers connect more intimately with the shaft. If you are unsure of what grip to use on your putter, you can book a custom fitting.

Head

One of the first things you will notice about a putter is the size and the design of the head. From mallets to pick-me-ups and from two-balls to bladed heads, there is a vast choice of putter heads that you can choose from.

The Sik Golf Pro C-Series Armlock and the TaylorMade Spider GT putters have large, forgiving heads which can help with your stroke consistency. As there is more weight behind the clubface, you don’t have to do as much work to return the club to the ball.

The Odyssey Tri-Hot 5k putter is an example of a club with a thin, bladed head which many golfers prefer to mallet heads. Much like many things in golf, the type of head is a matter of personal preference.

Length of shaft

When you get custom fitted for your putter, you can choose from a wide range of shaft lengths. The traditional length of a putter is between 32 inches and 36 inches. This length is used by most golfers.

However, many golfers also use belly putters which are between 41 inches and 46 inches. Belly putters are longer than traditional putters and although they are uncommon, this length of the shaft is available.

Longer putters between 48 inches and 52 inches, also known as broom-handle putters, are very rare. Long putters would require a completely different type of grip. Players such as Adam Scott have been seen using long putters on the PGA Tour with their left hand at the top of the club and their right hand in the middle of the shaft.

Neck/hosel

The designs of putter necks have evolved over the years. As you look down at your putter when you address the ball, you need to be pleased with the look of the neck above the head.

Types of hosel such as plumber-neck, flare-tip, long hosel, slant neck and centre-shaft are examples of what you find when you go and purchase your new putter. This is also another feature that you should discuss during a custom fitting session.

This subtle change in the configuration of the club can have a significant difference in the way you connect with the ball and the way you swing the putter. As you can see by the image we have used above, each brand uses several different hosel designs.

Alignment

Whatever putter you choose to buy, whether it is a Sik Golf or an Odyssey Toulon putter, it will come with an alignment guide on the top of the club head. This helps with finding the middle of the golf ball when you make the connection.

This alignment aid can be a dot or a line and some putters don’t come with any type of alignment aid. Like many of these elements I have listed above, the type of alignment aid, or whether you even want an alignment aid, is your personal choice.

The TaylorMade Spider GT and the Evnroll Zero putters both have similar white lines which help you to find a good strike on your golf ball. This is a popular design and this is commonly used on most putters you will see.

What is a Mallet Putter?

A mallet putter is a putter with a large head shape. They have additional strength in the back of the club which helps with the consistency of your stroke and confidence when you look over the ball.

Mallet putters help with the effortlessness of your putting stroke. With the added weight at the bottom of the club, the face is less likely to deviate from a true line and you don’t need to do as much work to get the club face straight as you connect with the ball.

Mallet putters are commonly used in both professional and amateur games and this is because they offer enhanced performance benefits such as increased forgiveness and stability.

This type of putter is better for beginner golfers. At the start of your golf career, you want stability and steadiness and this is the biggest strength of a mallet putter. Golf beginners should establish a consistent strike with their putter and this is more likely with a mallet putter as opposed to a blade putter.

But many of the world’s best players on the PGA Tour and LIV Golf Tour use a mallet putter, even Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson, so mallet putters are certainly for everyone out there.

What is a Blade Putter?

A blade putter has a more traditional look and feel. As you strike the ball, you will feel a harder connection from the face and you are more responsible for the strike and roll you get on your ball.

Blade putters have narrow heads, far smaller than that of a mallet putter. Known as the ‘player’s putter’, a blade putter allows you to have more feel and control over your ball. A mallet putter does a lot of the work for you and arguably separates the feel of the ball from your hands.

If you have a blade putter in your bag, this must be more precise with your putting stroke and it stimulates you to find the middle of the clubface regularly. The alignment aid may be smaller on a blade putter, but this encourages you to use your feel and control to putt well.

Any golfer can use a blade putter, but as it is known as the ‘player’s putter’, it is suited to lower handicappers who back their short game and distance control. Tiger Woods has always used a blade putter during his PGA Tour career, for example.

Putting is very much a personal preference though, so there is no right or wrong putter when it comes to choosing a blade or a mallet. That choice is solely down to what feels best for you. 

How we test golf putters

GolfMagic Equipment Editor Alex Lodge tests each putter by using them for a prolonged period. Around a month’s use allows him to assess how well each club performs on the green.

In our putter equipment reviews, Alex uses each club from a variety of positions on the green, hitting putts from both long and short ranges to test the overall feel of the club.

After using the putter for about a month, Alex gets used to the grip of the club, the weight of the head and the alignment technology at address. All of these elements are part of our thorough testing process.

Using the putters on a variety of different greens and a variety of different contours to ensure a fair test, Alex received a well-rounded outlook on how each of the putters performs on several different terrains.

We have reviewed the performance of both mallet and blade putters in 2024. 

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