Last Updated on April 29, 2023 by Deb
Golf is a sport that requires a lot of skill and practice, especially when it comes to putting. For beginners, finding the right putter can make a big difference in their ability to sink putts and improve their overall game. One type of putter that has gained popularity in recent years is the mallet putter. Unlike traditional blade putters, mallet putters have a larger, more forgiving head design that can help beginners with their alignment and stability. In this article, we will explore what is a mallet putter with the benefits of using a mallet putter for beginners, and also how this type of putter can help improve their putting accuracy and confidence on the greens.
Table of Contents
- 1 What is a mallet putter?
- 1.1 How to use a mallet putter?
- 1.2 Can a mallet putter improve your putting?
- 1.3 What are the benefits of using a mallet putter?
- 1.4 How does a mallet putter differ from a blade putter?
- 1.5 What are the features of a mallet putter?
- 1.6 Can a mallet putter help with alignment?
- 1.7 How to choose the right mallet putter for you?
- 1.8 What are the different types of mallet putters?
- 1.9 How to maintain a mallet putter?
- 1.10 How to putt with a mallet putter?
- 1.11 FAQs
- 1.11.1 What is a mid-mallet putter?
- 1.11.2 What is the point of a mallet putter?
- 1.11.3 Is it easier to putt it with a mallet?
- 1.11.4 What putter does Tiger Woods use?
- 1.11.5 What putter does Rory McIlroy use?
- 1.11.6 What is Justin Thoma’s putter?
- 1.11.7 What is Dustin Johnson’s putter?
- 1.11.8 Did Tiger Woods ever use a Nike putter?
- 1.11.9 What putter is Sergio Garcia using?
- 1.11.10 What is Xander Schauffele putter?
- 1.11.11 What putter did Raymond Floyd use?
- 1.11.12 What is the best mallet brand?
- 1.11.13 Are mallets hard to play?
- 1.12 Toe Hang VS. Face Balanced Putters
What is a mallet putter?
A mallet putter is a type of golf putter that has a larger and more complex head design than traditional blade putters. The head of a mallet putter is often rounded or more symmetrical and can range in size from small to oversized. Mallet putters can also feature various alignment aids, such as lines or dots, to help golfers with their aim and setup. The weight distribution of a mallet putter is also different from a blade putter, with more weight being located toward the heel and toe of the putter head, resulting in a higher moment of inertia (MOI). This higher MOI provides more stability and forgiveness on off-center hits, making mallet putters a popular choice for golfers who struggle with consistent ball striking. Overall, mallet putters offer a unique combination of design elements that can help golfers of all levels improve their putting accuracy and confidence on the greens.
How to use a mallet putter?
Using a mallet putter is similar to using any other type of golf putter, but some specific techniques can help golfers get the most out of their mallet putter. Here are some tips for using a mallet putter effectively:
- Grip the putter correctly: Hold the putter with a light grip pressure, and ensure that your hands are placed in a neutral position on the grip. This will help you maintain control and feel throughout the putting stroke.
- Set up with the ball in the center of the face: Because mallet putters have a larger sweet spot, it’s important to position the ball in the center of the putter face to get the most consistent results.
- Use the alignment aids: Many mallet putters feature alignment aids such as lines or dots on the head. Take advantage of these aids to help you aim correctly and set up consistently.
- Use a pendulum motion: A smooth, pendulum-like stroke is ideal for using a mallet putter. Keep your wrists quiet and use your shoulders and arms to swing the putter back and through the ball.
- Follow through: After making contact with the ball, continue the putter head on a smooth, accelerating path toward the target. This will help you maintain a consistent stroke and roll the ball smoothly toward the hole.
Overall, using a mallet putter requires a consistent setup and stroke, but the forgiving design of the putter can help golfers of all levels achieve better results on the greens. With practice and patience, a mallet putter can be a valuable tool for improving your putting game.
Related: How To Grip A Golf Club?
Can a mallet putter improve your putting?
Yes, a mallet putter can improve your putting in several ways. The unique design of a mallet putter can offer several benefits that can help golfers of all levels improve their putting performance. Here are some ways that a mallet putter can help improve your putting:
- Forgiveness on off-center hits: Mallet putters typically have a larger sweet spot and a higher moment of inertia (MOI) than blade putters. This means that they are more forgiving on off-center hits, which can help you maintain accuracy and distance control on mis-hits.
- Alignment aids: Many mallet putters feature alignment aids such as lines or dots on the head. These aids can help you aim correctly and consistently, leading to more accurate putts.
- Stability: The weight distribution of a mallet putter is often more evenly distributed than a blade putter, which can provide more stability and control during the putting stroke.
- Distance control: Mallet putters can also help with distance control, as the larger head size can create a softer feel and better feedback on longer putts.
Overall, a mallet putter can be a valuable tool for golfers looking to improve their putting performance. With the forgiveness, stability, and alignment aids offered by a mallet putter, golfers of all levels can benefit from this type of putter and see improvements in their putting accuracy and consistency.
What are the benefits of using a mallet putter?
Using a mallet putter can offer several benefits to golfers of all levels. Here are some of the main benefits of using a mallet putter:
- Forgiveness: Mallet putters typically have a larger sweet spot and a higher moment of inertia (MOI) than blade putters. This means that they are more forgiving on off-center hits, which can help you maintain accuracy and distance control on mis-hits.
- Stability: The weight distribution of a mallet putter is often more evenly distributed than a blade putter, which can provide more stability and control during the putting stroke.
- Alignment aids: Many mallet putters feature alignment aids such as lines or dots on the head. These aids can help you aim correctly and consistently, leading to more accurate putts.
- Distance control: Mallet putters can also help with distance control, as the larger head size can create a softer feel and better feedback on longer putts.
- Improved confidence: With the forgiveness, stability, and alignment aids offered by a mallet putter, golfers may feel more confident in their putting stroke and more likely to sink putts.
Overall, using a mallet putter can help golfers of all levels improve their putting accuracy, consistency, and confidence on the greens. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, a mallet putter can be a valuable tool in your golf bag.
How does a mallet putter differ from a blade putter?
A mallet putter differs from a blade putter in several ways. Here are some of the main differences between the two types of putters:
- Head design: Mallet putters typically have a larger, more complex head design than blade putters. The head of a mallet putter can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from a simple rectangle to a more elaborate, multi-material design.
- Weight distribution: The weight distribution of a mallet putter is often more evenly distributed than a blade putter. This can provide more stability and control during the putting stroke.
- Forgiveness: Mallet putters typically have a larger sweet spot and a higher moment of inertia (MOI) than blade putters. This means that they are more forgiving on off-center hits, which can help maintain accuracy and distance control on mis-hits.
- Alignment aids: Many mallet putters feature alignment aids such as lines or dots on the head. These aids can help you aim correctly and consistently, leading to more accurate putts.
- Sound and feel: Mallet putters often have a softer feel and quieter sound at impact compared to blade putters.
Overall, a mallet putter can provide a golfer with more forgiveness, stability, and alignment aids than a blade putter. While both types of putters can be effective for different golfers, the unique design and features of a mallet putter can make it a valuable tool for golfers of all levels looking to improve their putting performance.
What are the features of a mallet putter?
Mallet putters come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they typically have the following features:
- Head design: The head of a mallet putter is typically larger and more complex than a blade putter. The shape of the head can vary greatly, but it often includes a combination of straight edges, curved lines, and cutouts. The head is usually made of a lightweight material such as aluminum or carbon fiber, but some models may feature heavier materials to help with weight distribution.
- Weight distribution: The weight of a mallet putter is typically distributed more evenly throughout the head compared to a blade putter. This can provide more stability and control during the putting stroke.
- Alignment aids: Many mallet putters feature alignment aids such as lines or dots on the head. These aids can help you aim correctly and consistently, leading to more accurate putts.
- Face insert: Some mallet putters have a face insert that is made of a softer material than the rest of the putter head. This can create a more forgiving feel and improve distance control.
- Hosel design: Mallet putters can have various hosel designs, including face-balanced, heel-toe-balanced, and center-shafted. The hosel design can affect the balance and feel of the putter.
- Grip: The grip of a mallet putter can vary, but it is often larger and more comfortable than the grip of a blade putter. A larger grip can help stabilize the hands during the putting stroke.
Overall, a mallet putter can offer a variety of features that can help improve putting performance, including forgiveness, stability, alignment aids, and a comfortable grip. The unique design and features of a mallet putter can make it a valuable tool for golfers of all levels.
Can a mallet putter help with alignment?
Yes, a mallet putter can help with alignment. Many mallet putters feature alignment aids such as lines, dots, or shapes on the head of the putter. These aids can help you line up your putt correctly and consistently, leading to more accurate putts.
The alignment aids on a mallet putter can also help with visualizing the intended line of the putt. This can be especially helpful for golfers who struggle with aiming or have difficulty visualizing the correct line on the green. By using the alignment aids on a mallet putter, golfers can improve their aim and develop a more consistent putting stroke.
In addition to the alignment aids, the larger head of a mallet putter can also help with alignment. The larger size can provide more surface area to line up the putter face to the ball, which can help with accuracy and consistency.
Overall, a mallet putter can be an effective tool for golfers who struggle with alignment on the green. The alignment aids and larger head sizes can help improve accuracy, consistency, and confidence when putting.
How to choose the right mallet putter for you?
Choosing the right mallet putter is important for improving your putting performance. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a mallet putter:
- Head design: Mallet putters come in a variety of head designs, each with its benefits and drawbacks. Look for a design that fits your personal preference and putting style. Some golfers prefer a more simple, streamlined head design, while others may prefer a more complex or unique design.
- Weight distribution: Consider the weight distribution of the putter. A more evenly distributed weight can provide more stability and control during the putting stroke.
- Alignment aids: Look for a mallet putter with alignment aids that fit your personal preference. Some golfers prefer lines or dots on the head, while others may prefer a more complex alignment system.
- Face insert: Consider whether you prefer a mallet putter with a face insert or a solid metal face. A face insert can provide a softer feel and improve forgiveness on off-center hits, while a solid metal face may provide a more consistent feel.
- Hosel design: Look for a hosel design that fits your putting stroke. A face-balanced hosel may be best for a straight-back, straight-through stroke, while a heel-toe balanced hosel may be better for a slight arc stroke.
- Grip: Choose a grip that fits your personal preference and feels comfortable in your hands. A larger grip can help stabilize the hands during the putting stroke.
- Budget: Mallet putters come in a range of prices, so consider your budget when choosing a putter.
Overall, it is important to try out different mallet putters to find one that feels comfortable and fits your putting style. Experiment with different head designs, weight distributions, alignment aids, face inserts, hosel designs, and grips to find the right mallet putter for you.
What are the different types of mallet putters?
There are several types of mallet putters available on the market, each with its unique design and features. Here are some of the most common types of mallet putters:
- Face-Balanced: These putters have a larger head with a heavier weight towards the back of the club head. This design provides more stability and control for golfers who have a straight-back, straight-through putting stroke.
- Toe-Weighted: These putters have a larger head with a heavier weight towards the toe of the clubhead. This design is ideal for golfers who have an arcing putting stroke and need a putter that can help them square the clubface at impact.
- Center-Shafted: These putters have the shaft positioned in the center of the club head. This design provides a more balanced feel and can be ideal for golfers who prefer a face-balanced putter.
- Progressive: These putters have a unique design that combines different weight distribution and alignment features throughout the club head. This design can provide a versatile and customizable option for golfers looking for a mallet putter that can adapt to their putting stroke and preferences.
- High-MOI: These putters have a larger head and a more evenly distributed weight, which increases the club’s Moment of Inertia (MOI). This design provides more stability and forgiveness on off-center hits, which can be helpful for golfers who struggle with consistency on the greens.
- Counterbalanced: These putters have a heavier weight in the grip or shaft, which can help golfers achieve a smoother putting stroke with less wrist action.
Overall, each type of mallet putter offers its unique benefits and features, so it’s important to try out different types to find the one that works best for you.
How to maintain a mallet putter?
Maintaining your mallet putter is important to ensure it performs at its best on the greens. Here are some tips for maintaining your mallet putter:
- Clean the clubhead: After each round or practice session, use a soft cloth or brush to clean the clubhead of your mallet putter. This will help prevent dirt and debris from building up and potentially affecting the club’s performance.
- Check for damage: Regularly inspect your mallet putter for any signs of damage, such as dents or cracks in the clubhead or shaft. If you notice any damage, take your putter to a professional club repair shop to have it repaired or replaced.
- Store your putter properly: Store your mallet putter in a dry, cool place, away from extreme temperatures or moisture. Avoid leaving it in the trunk of your car, as this can cause damage to the clubhead or grip.
- Protect the clubhead: Consider using a headcover to protect the clubhead of your mallet putter from scratches and dings during transport or storage.
- Check the grip: Over time, the grip of your mallet putter can become worn or slick, which can affect your ability to grip the club properly. Check the grip regularly and replace it if necessary.
- Regrip when needed: If your grip becomes worn or slick, consider regripping your mallet putter. A new grip can provide better traction and improve your overall feel and control during the putting stroke.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your mallet putter performs at its best and lasts for years to come.
Related: How To Get Better At Golf?
How to putt with a mallet putter?
Here are some steps to follow when putting with a mallet putter:
- Set up your stance: Position your feet shoulder-width apart and align your body towards your intended target line. Ensure that your eyes are directly over the ball and your shoulders are square to the target.
- Grip the putter: Hold the grip of your mallet putter with both hands, using a light grip pressure. Your lead hand should be placed on top of the grip with your fingers wrapped around the handle, while your trail hand should be placed below the lead hand with your fingers interlocked.
- Address the ball: Place the ball in the center of the clubface and align the putter head square to your intended target line. Ensure that your hands are positioned slightly ahead of the ball at the address.
- Take your backswing: Keep your wrists firm and use your shoulders to initiate the backswing. Take the putter back along your intended target line, keeping the clubhead low and close to the ground.
- Follow through: As you swing the putter forward, keep your eyes focused on the ball and maintain a smooth, even tempo. Allow the putter to swing freely towards the target, following through with your stroke.
- Finish the stroke: After making contact with the ball, hold your finish position for a few seconds to ensure that the ball rolls smoothly toward the target.
Remember, every golfer is different, and the key to putting with a mallet putter is to find a stroke that works best for you. Practice putting green and experiment with different grips, stances, and stroke techniques to find the one that helps you achieve your best results.
FAQs
What is a mid-mallet putter?
A mid-mallet putter is a type of golf putter that is a hybrid between a blade putter and a mallet putter. It has a larger head than a traditional blade putter, but a smaller head than a typical mallet putter. The club head of a mid-mallet putter is usually pear-shaped, with a small center section and larger wings that provide added stability and forgiveness on off-center strikes.
These putters typically feature a shaft that is slightly longer than a blade putter, but shorter than a mallet putter. They also have a sightline or alignment aid on the top of the club head, which helps golfers line up their putts more accurately.
They are a popular choice among golfers who want a putter that offers both stability and feel. They are also versatile enough to be used on a variety of putting surfaces, including fast and slow greens.
What is the point of a mallet putter?
The point of a mallet putter is to provide more stability and forgiveness on off-center hits. The larger head helps to increase the moment of inertia (MOI) of the club, which makes it more resistant to twisting or turning during the stroke. This can help golfers make more accurate putts, particularly on longer putts where distance control is critical.
Mallet putters also often have alignment aids built into the head, which can help golfers line up their putts more accurately. Additionally, some mallet putters have a larger sweet spot, which can make it easier to achieve consistent contact with the ball.
Ultimately, the point of a mallet putter is to give golfers a tool that can help them make more consistent putts, reduce the number of three-putts, and lower their scores on the green.
Is it easier to putt it with a mallet?
Whether or not it’s easier to putt with a mallet putter depends on the individual golfer and their preferences. Some golfers may find that the larger, heavier head of a mallet putter provides more stability and makes it easier to make solid contact with the ball, resulting in more accurate putts. Other golfers may prefer the feel and feedback of a smaller, traditional blade putter.
Golfers need to try out different putters and experiment with different styles to find the one that works best for them. This may involve testing different putters on the practice green, getting a putter fitting, or seeking advice from a golf professional. Ultimately, the best putter for a golfer is the one that gives them confidence and allows them to make consistent putts.
What putter does Tiger Woods use?
Tiger Woods has used several different putters throughout his career, but one of the most famous is his Scotty Cameron Newport 2 GSS putter. This putter is made by Titleist and has a classic blade-style design with a small head and a thin top line. The GSS stands for German Stainless Steel, which is a high-quality material used in the construction of the putter.
Woods has used variations of the Scotty Cameron Newport 2 putter for many years, including during many of his major championships wins. He has also experimented with other putters at different times in his career, including mallet-style putters and other blade-style putters.
It’s worth noting that professional golfers often change putters and other clubs based on course conditions, personal preferences, and other factors, so the putter that Woods uses in a particular tournament or event may vary.
What putter does Rory McIlroy use?
Rory McIlroy currently uses a TaylorMade Spider X Hydro Blast putter. This putter has a mallet-style head with a high moment of inertia (MOI) for increased stability and forgiveness on off-center hits. The Hydro Blast finish gives the putter a sleek and clean appearance. The Spider X putter has been popular among professional golfers for several years due to its performance and alignment features.
McIlroy has used several different putters throughout his career, including blade-style putters and other mallet-style putters. In recent years, however, he has tended to use mallet-style putters with high MOI, which can help him maintain a consistent stroke and improve his accuracy on the green. Like many professional golfers, McIlroy may experiment with different putters and adjust his equipment based on course conditions and personal preferences.
What is Justin Thoma’s putter?
Justin Thomas was using a Titleist Scotty Cameron X5 putter. This putter has a mallet-style head with a short slant neck and a single alignment line. Thomas has also used other putters throughout his career, including the Scotty Cameron Newport 2 GSS, which is the same model of putter that Tiger Woods has used for many years. However, golfers may change putters over time based on their personal preferences and other factors, so the putter Thomas is currently using may have changed since then.
What is Dustin Johnson’s putter?
Dustin Johnson has used several different putters throughout his career, like a TaylorMade Spider Limited Itsy Bitsy putter. This putter has a mallet-style head with a high moment of inertia (MOI) for increased stability and forgiveness on off-center hits. The putter also features a single white alignment line to help Johnson line up his putts more accurately.
Johnson has used variations of the TaylorMade Spider putter for several years and has had great success with it, including winning the 2020 Masters Tournament. Like many professional golfers, he may experiment with different putters and adjust his equipment based on course conditions and personal preferences.
Did Tiger Woods ever use a Nike putter?
Yes, Tiger Woods used a Nike Method putter for several years during his career. He began using the Nike Method putter in 2010 and used various models of the putter until Nike stopped producing golf equipment in 2016.
The Nike Method putter was a mallet-style putter with a grooved face that was designed to promote a more consistent roll on the ball. Woods had great success with the Nike Method putter, including winning several tournaments and major championships, such as the 2012 U.S. Open.
After Nike stopped producing golf equipment, Woods switched to using other putters, including the Scotty Cameron Newport 2 GSS putter that he had used earlier in his career. However, he has continued to experiment with different putters and adjust his equipment based on course conditions and personal preferences.
What putter is Sergio Garcia using?
Sergio Garcia was using a Scotty Cameron Phantom X 5.5 putter. This putter has a mallet-style head with a high moment of inertia (MOI) for increased stability and forgiveness on off-center hits. The putter also features a single alignment line to help Garcia line up his putts more accurately.
Garcia has used various putters throughout his career, including blade-style putters and other mallet-style putters. He has also worked closely with his putting coach, Phil Kenyon, to refine his putting stroke and find the right putter for his game. Like many professional golfers, Garcia may experiment with different putters and adjust his equipment based on course conditions and personal preferences.
What is Xander Schauffele putter?
Xander Schauffele was using an Odyssey O-Works Red 7S putter. This putter has a mallet-style head with a high moment of inertia (MOI) for increased stability and forgiveness on off-center hits. The putter also features a unique fang design with two white alignment lines to help Schauffele line up his putts more accurately.
Schauffele has used several different putters throughout his career but has tended to favor mallet-style putters with high MOI, which can help him maintain a consistent stroke and improve his accuracy on the green. He has also worked closely with his putting coach, Derek Uyeda, to refine his putting stroke and find the right putter for his game. Like many professional golfers, Schauffele may experiment with different putters and adjust his equipment based on course conditions and personal preferences.
What putter did Raymond Floyd use?
Raymond Floyd used a variety of putters throughout his career, but he is perhaps best known for using a custom-made Bullseye putter. The Bullseye putter is a blade-style putter with a circular cutout in the back of the club head, which helps to redistribute weight and increase the putter’s moment of inertia (MOI). The Bullseye putter was originally produced by the Acushnet Company, which also makes Titleist golf equipment, and was popularized in the 1970s and 1980s by players like Floyd and Jack Nicklaus.
Floyd won four major championships and numerous other tournaments during his career and was widely regarded as one of the best putters in the game. He was known for his smooth, rhythmic putting stroke and his ability to hole clutch putts under pressure. While he used the Bullseye putter for much of his career, he also experimented with other putters at times, including a blade-style putter made by Scotty Cameron.
What is the best mallet brand?
Many reputable golf equipment manufacturers produce high-quality mallet putters, including Odyssey, Scotty Cameron, TaylorMade, Ping, and many others. The best way to determine which mallet putter brand is right for you is to try out different putters and see which one feels most comfortable and provides the best results for your putting stroke. You may also want to consult with a professional fitter or coach who can help you select the right putter for your game.
Are mallets hard to play?
Mallet putters are generally not considered more difficult to play than other types of putters, such as blade-style putters. Many golfers find that mallet putters are easier to play due to their larger clubhead and high moment of inertia (MOI), which can help to stabilize the putter through impact and reduce the effects of off-center hits.
However, like any type of golf club, mallet putters require some practice and adjustment to get used to. Golfers may need to experiment with different shaft lengths, grip styles, and alignment aids to find the right combination that works best for their putting stroke and preferences. Additionally, golfers should practice regularly to develop their putting skills and build confidence with their mallet putter. With practice and patience, golfers of all skill levels can learn to play mallet putters effectively and improve their putting performance.
Toe Hang VS. Face Balanced Putters
Conclusion
Mallet putters offer several benefits for beginners who are looking to improve their putting performance. Mallet putters have larger clubheads and high moment of inertia (MOI), which can help to stabilize the putter through impact and reduce the effects of off-center hits. They also often have alignment aids and visual cues that can help golfers line up their putts more accurately. Additionally, many mallet putters are designed with soft inserts or face technologies that provide a better feel and feedback for golfers, which can help them develop their putting touch and control. Overall, mallet putters are a great option for beginners who are looking to build their confidence on the green and improve their putting game.