The Best Budget Putter of 2025: A Dive into the Wilson Infinite Buckingham
When it comes to golf gear, one hot topic always seems to surface: performance versus price. You know the drill—you’re at the course or hanging out with your buddies and someone pipes up, “I rock a Tour Edge driver because I can’t stomach the price tag of that fancy Callaway Triple Diamond.” For many golfers, it’s not just about how well a club performs; it’s about getting the best bang for your buck.
But what if I told you that some of the best-performing gear doesn’t have to break the bank? Imagine if a budget-friendly putter could actually outperform those pricey models. Sounds unreal, right? Well, that’s exactly what went down during the 2025 Best Mallet Putter Testing. The $129 Wilson Infinite Buckingham didn’t just hold its own in the lineup; it clinched the title of best mallet putter! Let’s dive into why this budget option is creating waves in the golfing community.
The 2025 Champion: Wilson Infinite Buckingham
We took a deep dive into our new PuttView Handicap system to put various putters through their paces in 2025. The lower the PuttView score, the better the performance—think of it as a golf handicap but for your putter. Here’s how the Wilson Infinite Buckingham fared from different distances:
- Overall Score: -6.6
- Short Putts (5ft): -6.1
- Medium Putts (10ft): -9.2 (2nd best of all putters)
- Long Putts (20ft): -9.0
- Price: $129.99
What’s remarkable about the Infinite Buckingham is that it shined brightest exactly where it counts—short and medium putts. Even though some testers had mixed feelings about its sound and aesthetics, they couldn’t argue with the results. One tester bluntly stated, “The ball went in the hole. Not the prettiest putter, but it sure does the job.”
Scotty Cameron vs. Wilson Infinite Buckingham
Now, let’s talk about the big guns. The Scotty Cameron Phantom 7 is a household name and often synonymous with high-quality performance. It didn’t do too shabby in our tests either, scoring -11 on long putts. But where it fell short was on shorter distances—only managing a -2.3 at 10 feet.
That’s where our budget champ, the Infinite Buckingham, made its mark. In the crucial short and medium distances, it consistently outperformed not only Scotty Cameron but most competitors across the board. Now, don’t get me wrong—Scotty Cameron putters have a loyal following for good reasons, like craftsmanship and brand prestige. But if your main goal is sinking putts without breaking the bank, Wilson just dropped a game-changer into the mix.
Image Credit: MyGolfSpy
Choosing the Right Putter: What’s Your Vibe?
If you’re in the market for a new putter, my go-to advice is to get fitted. Every golfer’s stroke is unique, so what works for one guy might not work for another. That said, here are some quick pointers based on our findings to help you get started:
- Grab the Wilson Infinite Buckingham if you want killer performance without a heart-stopping price. Don’t let its looks or sound steer you away; focus on what really matters: getting that little white ball in the hole.
- Stick with the Scotty Cameron Phantom 7 if you’re loyal to the brand, dig the aesthetic, or just want that tour-tested vibe.
This conversation isn’t about “cheap versus premium.” It’s about finding the right fit for your golfing style, and sometimes, the best-performing putter is the one that costs the least.
Image Credit: MyGolfSpy
The Power of the PuttView Score
So, what exactly is the PuttView score, and why should you care? This year, we used PuttView, a nifty system that tracks putts at various distances and provides a “handicap-style” score.
Here’s the rundown:
- Negative numbers mean better performance. The lower the score, the more potential strokes that putter can save you compared to the field.
- Scores for putts are categorized as short (5ft), medium (10ft), and long (20ft).
- This approach allows us to pinpoint where each putter really excels.
The Infinite Buckingham’s standout score of -9.2 for medium-range putts is particularly telling; this is the distance where most golfers gain or lose strokes.
Wrap-Up: Changing the Game
The 2025 Most Wanted Mallet Test delivered some jaw-dropping results. Golfers now have concrete evidence that you don’t have to plunk down a premium price to snag a high-performing putter. For those who prioritize strokes gained over brand loyalty, this is a victory worth celebrating. The Wilson Infinite Buckingham proves that sometimes, the smartest choice doesn’t have a fancy logo on it.
In summary, the debate of performance against price rages on, but in this instance, the winner is clear. Whether you lean toward affordability or brand prestige, maybe it’s time to reconsider your go-to putter. After all, sinking putts is what it’s all about!
Did you enjoy this deep dive into which mallet putter might suit your golf style? For more insights and reviews, make sure to keep checking back on our site—you won’t want to miss what’s next!
