Mallet putters have come a long way in recent years. Once associated with golfers who struggled on the greens, mallet putters are now highly regarded for their distinct advantages over blade-style putters. One significant advantage of mallets is the additional space they provide for club designers to create effective alignment aids and designs, making it easier for golfers to aim the face accurately. Additionally, mallet putters tend to have a higher moment of inertia (MOI) than blades, resulting in less wobbling on mis-hit putts and better ball control on the intended line.
A decade ago, the breakthrough for mallet putters came when manufacturers started offering models with toe hang, catering to golfers who make an arced putting stroke. Previously, most mallet putters were face balanced, suited to golfers with a straight stroke. As a result, mallet putters with different hosel configurations and neck designs gained popularity among professionals and recreational golfers. Today, the list of golfers using mallet putters includes big names like Scottie Scheffler, Jon Rahm, and Rory McIlroy.
To find the best-matching putter for your stroke and game, consider working with a custom fitter. Factors to take into account include length, loft, lie angle, and balance. Several popular mallet putters available in pro shops and golf specialty stores include the Cobra 3D Printed Agera, L.A.B. Golf DF3, and Odyssey Ai ONE Jailbird Cruiser. These putters offer unique features such as enhanced alignment aids, a weighting and balance system to keep the face square at impact, and adjustable sole weights for improved distance control.
Brands like Ping and Scotty Cameron have also introduced mallet putters with elite levels of feel and precision. The Ping PLD DS72 series, inspired by player feedback, offers high-quality milled stainless steel putters with customizable options. Scotty Cameron’s Phantom X line features mallet putters designed to enhance alignment and aim while providing the sound and feel characteristic of the brand’s popular blade putters. Additionally, PXG’s Allan putter is specifically crafted to reduce face rotation on putts and increase stability and consistency through a unique S-shaped hosel design.
For golfers seeking classic shapes with a soft feel, Wilson’s MT22 putters are worth considering. These putters feature precision milling of 304 stainless steel to offer excellent consistency from club to club. Whether you prefer high-tech designs with AI-enhanced inserts or traditional milled putters, there is a mallet putter available for every type of golfer. Consider working with a custom fitter to find the best match for your putting stroke, helping you improve your performance on the greens and sink more putts with confidence.
