Hello everyone! Sarah Chen here, your instruction editor for The Daily Duffer. Today, we’re diving into a fascinating aspect of putting technology that’s gaining serious traction: zero-torque putters. As a teaching professional, I’ve seen firsthand how the right equipment can truly transform a player’s confidence and performance on the greens. And let’s be honest, putting is where scores are made and lost.
Zero-torque putters are designed to minimize twisting of the putter head on off-center strikes, leading to a much more stable and consistent roll. PXG, for example, is truly committing to this technology. They initially introduced the Allan ZT in summer 2024, and with the addition of their new Hot Rod ZT, they now boast five models in their lineup.
But what does “zero-torque” really mean for your game, and how can a putter like the new PXG Hot Rod ZT help you sink more putts? Let’s break it down.
Understanding Torque and Your Putting Stroke
Every time you strike a putt slightly off the sweet spot, the putter head wants to twist. This twisting, or “torque,” causes the ball to veer off-line and lose speed, leading to missed putts and frustrating three-putts. Traditional putters, even well-designed ones, can’t completely eliminate this. Zero-torque putters are engineered specifically to resist this twisting, keeping the putter face square through impact, even on less-than-perfect strikes.
Think of it this way: when you’re under pressure, your stroke might not always be perfect. A zero-torque putter acts like a built-in safety net, giving you a wider margin for error. It’s about stability, forgiveness, and ultimately, confidence.
The PXG Hot Rod ZT is a prime example of this engineering. It features a high-MOI (Moment of Inertia) mallet design with a milled 6061 aluminum body. This isn’t just for looks; this precision milling allows PXG engineers to strategically place weight for maximum performance. Underneath that sleek exterior, you’ll find concealed tungsten weights working in harmony with four movable sole weights.
“Every detail of Hot Rod ZT was shaped around confidence, both visually and through impact,” said Matt Andrews, PXG Design Engineer. “From the way the mallet frames the ball to the sound and feel off the face, we focused on creating a putter that looks stable, feels stable, and performs exactly the way players expect when it matters most.”
This focus on stability and confidence is exactly what I emphasize with my students! When you stand over a crucial putt feeling like your putter will deliver a consistent roll, regardless of minor imperfections in your stroke, that’s a huge mental advantage.
Technology You Can Feel (and See!)
What makes a putter like the Hot Rod ZT different from its predecessors, even within PXG’s own zero-torque lineup? Previously, PXG used an S hosel to achieve balance. The new Hot Rod ZT utilizes an offset hosel that emerges from the center of the clubhead. This changes the look and how the putter sets up, making it familiar to many who have explored the zero-torque space.
PXG has also engineered in forward shaft lean, which, combined with the added 6 degrees of loft on the putter face, is designed to play like a more traditional 3-degree putter. The face features PXG’s Pyramid Milled Face Pattern, which not only assists with consistent roll but also provides a pleasant, soft feel at impact. This combination of shaft lean, face loft, and face milling aims to deliver more consistent launch conditions and roll, ensuring your ball starts on its intended line and maintains speed.
Key Specs and Customization
For those of you who appreciate the details, here are some key specs for the PXG Hot Rod ZT:
- Head Weight: 375g (adjustable from 345g – 415g with sole weights)
- Loft: 6 degrees
- Lie: 70 degrees
- Price: $449.99
The ability to customize the head weight with those four movable sole weights is fantastic. In my teaching experience, finding that perfect swing weight and feel for your stroke can noticeably improve your tempo and consistency. You can also choose between a standard steel shaft or PXG’s multi-material M16 putter shaft, which is stiffer and designed for even lower torque. And with two different sight line options and various grip choices (including slanted designs like the Slant 1.5R to aid natural address), you can truly personalize this putter to your preference.
“From the way the mallet frames the ball to the sound and feel off the face, we focused on creating a putter that looks stable, feels stable, and performs exactly the way players expect when it matters most.”
Drills to Maximize Your Zero-Torque Putter (or any Putter!)
While a zero-torque putter offers built-in forgiveness, a solid stroke will always yield the best results. Here are a couple of drills to help you get the most out of your putter’s stability:
The “Gate Drill” with Off-Center Strikes:
Setup: Place two tees slightly wider than your putter head, forming a “gate” about 6 inches in front of your ball. Place another tee directly behind the ball, ensuring your putter clears it during the backstroke.
Execution: The goal here isn’t just to make the putt, but to observe your putter face on slight mishits. Intentionally try to hit a few putts slightly towards the toe and then slightly towards the heel. With a zero-torque putter, you should notice less twisting and the ball holding its line better compared to a less forgiving putter. This teaches you to trust the technology.
Why it works: This drill highlights the forgiveness characteristic of zero-torque putters. It builds confidence by showing you that even when your strike isn’t perfect, the putter helps keep the ball on track. It also reinforces good path through the gate.
The “Pendulum Trust” Drill:
Setup: Find a flat, 5-foot putt. Place a ball marker directly behind the hole.
Execution: Focus solely on making a pure, smooth pendulum swing with your putter. Don’t look at the result initially. Just trust your hands and the stability of the putter to send the ball on its line. Hit 10 putts in a row, focusing only on the rhythm and path of your stroke. If you’re using a zero-torque putter, you’ll find that even if your strike isn’t dead center, the ball still has a good chance of going in.
Why it works: This drill emphasizes stroke mechanics over outcome, which is crucial for consistency. With the added stability of a zero-torque putter, you can truly focus on your pendulum stroke, knowing the putter will do its job even if your contact isn’t always immaculate. This builds trust in both your stroke and your equipment.
“Combining the shaft lean, face loft, and Pyramid Milled Face will deliver more consistent launch conditions and roll.”
In My Experience…
I tell my students all the time that putting is a confidence game. When you step onto the green with a putter designed to forgive your imperfections and help you roll the ball more consistently, that confidence soars. Zero-torque putters are not a magic bullet, but they are a fantastic tool to help you achieve greater consistency and lower scores. If you’re struggling with twisting or inconsistent contact on your putts, exploring options like the PXG Hot Rod ZT could be a game-changer for you.
Remember, the goal is always to have fun and improve! Keep practicing, stay positive, and embrace the technology that helps you enjoy this wonderful game even more. See you on the greens!
