Golf can often be a game of patience. All the little tweaks, all the swing practice, the greens practice, the mishits, the slices, the shanks, the sand traps…all these things take time and can be frustrating. But nailing that drive or getting that perfect chip makes it all worth it.
With enough time, practice, and no shortage of patience, you’ll bring your handicap down. But if you’re a high handicapper, fret not — there are clubs made just for you and your range, so put down that golf magazine and read this instead.
As a high handicap, you’ll likely want to know about the best putters for high handicappers that make the golf ball go the distance. That’s just what we’re here to discuss.
Being a high handicapper means you have to make your shots count if you want to have a performance you can be proud of and increase your score. The best game often comes from having your heart really in it — and good equipment.
Putting well is one of the best ways to bring down your handicap and cut unnecessary strokes off your handicap, like Tiger Woods. The short game is one aspect of golf that high handicappers often struggle with, and putting is no exception. No putting, no golf. Having the right blade putter for your own style and comfort is one of the best things you can do to improve your game. But there are tons of these out there, and choosing one can be tricky — and that’s why we’re here. So, check out our top 7 top putters for just for you below.
- S7K Standing – Nice Balance and Alignment
- TaylorMade Golf Spider X – Great Balance and Soft Face Time
- Odyssey Stroke Lab Versa – Looks and Feels Great
- Tour Edge Male HP Series – Great Putter for the Price
- Odyssey Hot Pro 2.0 – Very Soft on the Ball and Easy to Hit
- Cleveland Golf Huntington Beach #1 – Great Shape, Weight and Feel
- Ray Cook Silver Ray SR500 – Center Shaft Helps Me Aim Better
Quick Overview – Top 3 to Slash Strokes off your Handicap Scores
- S7K Standing – Simplicity and functionality are some of the plus points here. Everything from the visual design to the feedback and control is planned well. It’s a solid standalone putter for those who like to squeeze every bit of performance from their putt.
- TaylorMade Golf Spider X – Well-crafted and accurate to boot, this one offers all the benefits you would get from a premium putter. It gives you great advantages on the course. Barring the price tag, it’s a solid recommendation and an ideal putter for high handicap golfers.
- Odyssey Stroke Lab Versa – This is a solid piece of equipment that’s been revamped to offer more improvements. Versatility and solid performance are a major standout here. It has a great redesigned shaft and inserts to provide a superb putting experience and will increase your confidence.
7 Best Putters for High Handicappers 2023
When it comes to finding one for yourself, things might not be straightforward. There’s a lot to consider and there are simply too many choices. You might find yourself getting swamped with choice. But don’t worry. We’ll list some of the top putters you can buy. This will help you narrow down your choices.
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1 S7K Standing – Nice Balance & Alignment
This model is a standing putter that gives good accuracy. It’s designed to help you find your footing on the fairway. You can line your shots well and read the putting greens, allowing you to guide the golf ball with gentle precision.
The great thing about this golf club or iron is that it’s standalone. What this means is that it doesn’t need support to stand up. You can have it propped up on its own. This putter will easily stay upright on sloped surfaces as well.
What’s more, it has helpful guidelines painted on it. There are three of them down the middle right where the ball meets the putter. This makes it more than suitable to line it up with the ball. It’s incredibly helpful to have on the course.
The Good
There’s a lot about the S7K Standing Putter that’s worth writing about. First off, its center of gravity sits pretty low. What that means is that you’ll get it to stand without any additional support. For high handicappers, this is ideal as well as the grip for your hands.
This one is made out of first-class crafted 431 stainless steel. This not only speaks to solid build quality but also makes it look premium.
The Bad
Perhaps the biggest issue with the S7K Standing Putter is its inability to adjust. Golfers often have a tough time getting a custom fit. This makes it harder for a lot of those who don’t like the default feel. It definitely makes it hard to get used to for beginners.
Pros
- Has a premium design and feel
- Available for both left and right-handed golfers
- Great control and feedback for lie angles
Cons
- Makes unpleasant sound on striking
The S7K Standing Putter is a decent enough starting point for a putter. Not only does it feel solid, but it performs well too. It may not suit everyone’s tastes, but if you get used to its look and feel, it can be a good option.
2 TaylorMade Golf Spider X – Great Balance & Soft Face Time
The Spider X is a semi-professional insert putter on the market from TaylorMade. It is designed to provide optimum stability and alignment for putting cleek purposes. It pairs up well with any enthusiastic high handicapping.
Right off the bat, you’ll notice that the Spider X comes with many options. You can have your preference of shaft length for 33, 34, or 35 inches. On top of choosing between left and right versions, you can also choose from Navy Blue or Dakota Copper colors.
Another big standout for this product is the True Path alignment system. TaylorMade has balanced the weight of the putter to optimize strokes. This means that you’ve got a better chance of hitting the sweet spot each time.
The Good
The best feature worth noting for high handicappers is the putter’s insert. TaylorMade has tweaked the size and MOI of the clubface. This means that high handicap players will find their shots to be more forgiving or have more forgiveness.
That’s not all that’s changed here, either. The grooves have also been revamped to reduce backspin to help with the ball speed. The insert also has more depth to create a better feel and sound feedback.
The Bad
There’s not a lot worth complaining about on the TaylorMade Spider X model. For the most part, this putter is designed with great care and expertise, but if there is one issue, it’s the number on the price tag. While the quality justifies it, paying up for putters isn’t for everyone.
Pros
- Plenty of options to choose from
- Excellent design, quality, and attention to detail
- Good look and feel
Cons
- The price is a bit hefty
There’s not a lot to say about Spider X except that it’s solid. This one feels like it was crafted from the ground up with perfection in mind. That’s why it’s not surprising to see it used professionally. It might be pricey but well worth what you’re getting for it as a putter for high handicappers.
3 Odyssey Stroke Lab Versa – Looks & Feels Great
The Stroke Lab Versa is the latest models from Odyssey’s R&D line of putters. It is a reimagining of what it takes to make a putter great. Odyssey has put in a lot of time to make the Versa feel consistent and perform well. Luckily, it might have achieved just that.
The Odyssey Stroke Lab Versa has a composite shaft made out of steel and graphite. This ends up translating into a shaft that’s 40 grams lighter than normal. But that’s not all. It also feels much more refined and easier to control.
It comes in a variety of head styles to suit your needs as a player. This one also has options for either a pistol grip or an oversized one.
The Good
The Stroke Lab Versa has a redesigned shaft that helps you putt better. Shots can be made instinctually thanks to the enhanced feel. You don’t even have to put much effort into your swing to get the speed you desire. When you do, the shaft does half the work for you.
Odyssey has also redesigned the insert for this putter. Previously, this one had a very soft and cushioned feel. The tradeoff for this was an unsatisfying sound on strike. This has been overhauled and you get satisfying audible feedback now.
The Bad
There aren’t a lot of negatives for the Stroke Lab Versa. The only thing people find an issue with is appearance. The two-tone muted color scheme puts off some. For others, it’s a struggle to see where the golf ball lines up against it.
Pros
- The shaft feels smooth to use
- Easy to control
- Soft feel with good audible feedback
Cons
- Colors can be a bit dull
The Stroke Lab Versa checks all the boxes. Visual appeal might be a bit of a letdown to some, but it’s not that big of an issue. If you can get past it, this is a solid putter to get.
4 Tour Edge Male HP Series – Great for the Price
The Tour Edge Red 10 is designed to be an insert putter. It provides great performance without breaking the bank. It is designed for maximum shot accuracy and comfort. This makes it a breeze to play with a high handicap.
The Tour Edge Red 10 has a lot of design features to curb less-than-optimal performance. You can find things like micro-grooves on the face to prevent skidding. The result can be seen in the form of clean ball travel. Even on off-center strikes, there is tons of stability and feedback.
The Good
Tour Edge has put in the work to make this look iconic yet inoffensive. There’s nothing unnecessary about the design of the putter. It has clean looks with clear markings for your putting. Plus, the physical design makes sure that performance is consistent.
The padded insert on this putter gives your ball a soft launch. Your putts end up giving a gentle attack with no power loss. This doesn’t ruin the ball’s trajectory or movement. As an added effect, you don’t get irksome sounds.
The Bad
Unfortunately, the one area where this falls behind is the looks department. The paint job isn’t too well done, which is pretty apparent. This has a general cheap look to it from afar. Some people also have had trouble reading the markings of it.
Pros
- Solid putter for the price point
- Stabilized and consistent performance
- Easy to handle
Cons
- Cheap looks
- The grip isn’t for everyone
Overall, the Tour Edge Red 10 seems to perform well. It is an easy one to use and allows you to get some good performance. It may not look like a high-tier professional up close, but it does perform like one. For its $$ price tag, that’s fine for most people.
5 Odyssey Hot Pro 2.0 – Very Soft on the Ball & Easy Contact
The Odyssey Hot Pro 2.0 is an insert that is designed for consistency. It’s inspired by the likes of professional pieces of equipment seen on tour. It even meets the rigorous standards of professional golfers. This makes it a shoo-in for versatility, performance, and feel.
The Odyssey Hot Pro 2.0 is a direct update to the older Hot Pro. Odyssey has gone even more strict on tolerance with this design. This advanced quality control and fine-tuning have resulted in something really solid. This means that you are getting laser-sharp accuracy with this putter.
This one comes in a variety of head shapes. You can have your preferred one whether you’re looking for more MOI or a better feel. You can even pick your shaft length from the standard lengths.
The Good
Odyssey has spent a good amount of time developing Hot Pro 2.0. One of the most major noticeable differences is the insert. It has developed a multi-layered insert that is soft and feels nicer. It also delivers a near consistent hit to the ball every time.
The appearance of this is also something to marvel at. It features a professional Gun Metal PVD finish on the shaft. This gives it a premium look and feels with no glare. It also helps reduce slip and increases its longevity.
The Bad
Most of the negatives for the Odyssey come from alignment. Many people don’t find the lie angle for this putter comfortable and have commented that it feels closer to upright putters. If you like upright, this won’t be a big issue.
Pros
- Consistent sound, feel, and ball attack
- Feels soft without power compromise
- Amazing PVD finish
Cons
- Lie angle feels a little different
At the end of the day, the Odyssey Hot Pro 2.0 is a solid recommendation. It performs decently and is very accurate. Top handicappers will have a good time getting some good use out of this putter for their game.
6 Cleveland Golf Huntington Beach #1 – Great Shape, Weight & Feel
The Cleveland Golf Huntington Beach #1 is a milled putter from its new line. It’s a blade-style putter with a plumber’s neck hosel. It is designed to keep different playing styles in mind and thankfully, you aren’t left out.
One thing that you will notice about this one is its clean design. The head has very clean rounded lines, which help hit the ball in the sweet spot.
From every angle, this one invokes a premium look and feel. Not only is it a looker, but it also feels great in your hand. Very few come with such a complete package.
The Good
The construction of this one is by far its strongest point. It is made out of 304 stainless steel, which feels sturdy and solid. The head is designed with a diamond-milled face. The feel is unique when you hit the ball with it dead on.
Everything about the visuals of this putter shouts excellence. The paint and branding on the head are kept to a minimum, so it doesn’t feel gaudy or cluttered like other putters out there.
The Bad
Oddly enough, the feel can also be this putter’s biggest drawback. While the soft feel is pleasing to some, for others, it’s not. Some people might find this putter’s insert to soften the hit too much.
This isn’t to say that it feels off-putting. When you start to putt with it, it still feels solid. However, if you’re used to having touch feedback to guide your shots, it can easily throw you off your game.
Pros
- Great clean headlines
- Simplified classy look
- Softened impact on hit
Cons
- Feels too soft or dead to some people
If you want to have a putter that looks like a keeper, this is a good bet. It’s a putter with solid construction and a good feel. With a reasonable price tag to boot, it’s worth checking out.
7 Ray Cook Golf Silver Ray SR500 – Center Shaft Helps Aim Better
The Ray Cook Silver Ray SRS500 is an affordable putter for professionals. It is widely recognized for its top-of-the-line consistency, accuracy, and alignment. It offers a major advantage for just about any situation.
Featuring a 70-degree lie with a 3-degree loft, this putter feels good to play with. People have noted that its great angle alignment makes it feel accurate. It even rivals high-end putters in this aspect. It has cemented its place as a popular affordable putter.
The alignment for this putter is a huge plus point. The weight is biased towards the head with a good offset. You will feel better lined up to make shots this way and there’s very little chance of going astray.
The Good
From a design standpoint, the putter really hits the mark. The Silver Ray SR500 features a mid-sized paddle-style grip. The paint is carefully chosen to highlight the tones with the markings. Combined with a non-glossy finish, this really gives off the right feel.
What’s more, you have your choice of looks. There are 5 different color options depending on how vibrant or muted you want your putter to appear. This helps the alignment feel even better with the markings.
The Bad
Unfortunately, the paint on the head tends to come off. All it takes is a few days of bad weather to make the paint peel. You can also chip it off if you hit it the wrong way. It’s a big letdown for a putter that otherwise looks great.
Pros
- Alignment feels on point almost always
- Easily legible markings
- Good weight offset
Cons
- Paint tends to peel off
This putter is a good choice for a high handicapping budget. It’s a good enough starting point for getting your bearings and unless you want something top of the line, it does what it does pretty well.
Buyer’s Guide
Before making your purchase, you should know what to look for in a putter. There are different aspects that separate them. These can help you narrow down your choices and, ultimately, give you a good reference point to jump off.
Head Shape
They come in many different shapes and sizes. Their head shapes can make a significant difference. Some are purely for visual preferences, while others provide a tactical advantage. This makes some of them the top putters for mid handicappers, while others are the top for low handicappers.
Shaft Length
Shaft length is important because it affects how a putter is handled. Longer shafts might be hard for shorter people to control. Likewise, taller folks might have trouble with a shorter shaft.
It’s also a personal preference as to which one you like. Most standard shaft lengths tend to be 33, 34, or 35 inches. The 33- 35 inch putters are known as the belly putters.
The Loft
The loft is the angle of the putter head. It can be anywhere between 2 to 4 degrees on average. The angle of the loft affects how the ball behaves when you hit it and gives you a larger sweet spot.
Experienced players will be able to tell if the loft is accurate, but it might take a few games before a beginner knows for sure. That’s why it’s important to know your putter’s loft.
Lie Angle
Lie angle is another important aspect to look for. It tells you the angle between the shaft’s center and sole. This angle will make the putter less or more comfortable depending on how it fits in with your body.
It factors into your perception when you are lining up the shots or hitting them. Deceptive lie angles can often end up throwing you off your game. This is why it’s so important to get the lie angle right.
You might find a certain lie angle comfortable while finding others uncomfortable. It’s something that demands some investigating as everyone’s preferences differ.
Weight
Weight factors in a lot when choosing putters. Everything from the head weight to the shaft weight is important. It will affect where your strokes naturally line up.
If you are used to a certain weight offset, it might be hard to get used to anything else. Always make sure to look at the putter weight offset when you’re choosing.
Budget
Obviously, higher quality will have an increase in price and vice versa. Your ultimate buying choices will hinge on your budget.
If you’re a high handicapper, you likely have prior experience. You may already have basic or beginner putters. It might be worth spending a little more to get better putters. Consider getting a professional or semi-professional putter to get the best value.
Material
Materials can affect the looks, performance, and even the feel. That’s why they’re an important aspect to consider. They come in materials like stainless steel, copper, zinc, and aluminum.
They can have a great effect on your overall experience. Some of the materials will last longer than others. Some might rust less, cost less, or weigh less than others.
Similarly, the material of the head also makes a difference. Metal putters might react differently to hits than insert putters.
Which Putter Will Work For You?
FAQs
If you’ve never bought putters before, you may have a lot of questions. We’ll be looking at some of the most commonly asked ones below. This will give you a good idea about your buying options so you can buy your putters.
✅ How Do You Pick a Good Putter?
Ultimately, a good putter is one that you personally like. It’s all about your preferences. Something may sound good on paper but disappointing when you head to the course. So, the key to choosing a good putter is finding what you like. Look for technical aspects that you seem to prefer. You can also try different putters to see what you end up liking.
✅ Are Mallet Putters More Forgiving?
Most players contend that mallets can be a little forgiving when it comes to putting. Generally, this seems to be the case in practice. Due to the unique way a mallet putter shifts its weight, it can provide major benefits. The biggest one is the lack of the need to be too precise. You will find that the ball direction and roll will be a bit more forgiving when compared to blade heads.
✅ What Putter Does Tiger Woods Use?
Tiger Woods has experimented with different putters in his career. He has used putters from the likes of Nike, TaylorMade, Ping, and Odyssey, but his loyalty has always remained to Scotty Cameron.
Throughout the years, he has always stuck with Scotty Cameron’s putters and technology. He started using its Newport 2 GSS in 1999. To this day, it remains the most used putter in his career. He still frequently keeps it in this bag and uses it. Did you know that Karsten Solheim was the first person to apply the scientific principles to a golf club
Top 3 For Swings Below 90 MPH
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THIODOON Golf putters for Men and Women 2 Pack Two-Way Kids Putter Mini Golf Putter... | Check Price On Amazon | |
| 2 |
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Pinemeadow Golf Men's PGX Putter (Right Hand) , White, 34" | 2,167 Reviews | Check Price On Amazon |
| 3 |
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Pinemeadow Golf PGX SL Putter (Men's Right Hand) | 1,272 Reviews | Check Price On Amazon |
Conclusion
By now, you should have a good idea about the best putters for a higher handicap. If you’re looking for the best of the best, the TaylorMade Golf Spider X is a safe bet. It’s well designed from every key aspect with only a minor visual flaw.
If your budget stretches a bit thin, you can opt for the Ray Cook Silver Ray SR500. It isn’t priced as high as its glamourous counterparts, yet it offers the same performance and builds quality for cheap. For high handicappers on a budget, it’s the ideal putter.
Last update on 2023-06-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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