Performance Golf SQ Putter Review: The Face-Down Game Changer
50 Words or Less
Hey golfers! If you’re on the hunt for a putter that’s different from the usual suspects, check out the Performance Golf SQ Putter. It’s unique with its face-down balance and quirky grip. Lightweight and definitely worth a look if you love larger grips!
Buy the Performance Golf SQ Putter HERE
Introduction
So, what’s the scoop in 2025? Almost everyone and their dog is rolling out zero torque putters—think L.A.B Golf’s OZ.1 or Odyssey’s Ai-ONE Square. But wait, hold your horses! Performance Golf is shaking things up with their face-down SQ Putter. Does this different approach actually work? Let’s dive in and see if the SQ putter can help you sink more putts on the green!
Looks That Impress
First off, the Performance Golf SQ Putter comes in two distinct shapes. You’ve got the SQ-1, a classic blade design, and the SQ-5, which is a fang-style mallet. Both are dressed in a sleek silver finish and sport a simple black alignment line on the flange—easy peasy for lining up your shots. Also, they feature snazzy red and black branding on the sole and inside the cavity for that extra pop.
Now, let’s talk about the SQ-1. Its biggest standout feature? The shaft placement, which isn’t your average top-line insertion but plugs right into the shoulder. Sure, unconventional neck placements are coming in hot lately, but this one has a nice rounded back edge and an interesting cut-out on the flange.
One thing worth noting: you get a basic black headcover with a Velcro closure. While it serves its purpose, it feels a tad flimsy. For a putter priced around $189, a little extra love in this department would’ve gone a long way!
Sound & Feel
When I first hit the Performance Golf SQ Putter, I felt a bit lost. I was specifically trying to gauge the feel, but it was like I was swinging a feather. The ball feels super light on the face—definitely something to adjust to, especially if you usually play with heavier putters.
And the impact sound? Think mellow “thud.” That quiet feedback made me second-guess my stroke quality, particularly on shorter putts. If you love a tangible feel and sound to connect with your strikes, you might want to approach with caution.
Performance & Tech
Performance Golf makes some hefty claims about the SQ Putter, promising a “straighter stroke and square face at impact” that’ll help you eliminate those pesky three-putts. They call it Straighter Stroke Technology, which supposedly “locks the face square.”
What’s really unique? This putter balances face down, which isn’t something you see every day. Many putters, especially zero torque ones, balance toe up, but this guy takes a different route. And paired with the Patented Dual Pistol grip—which is rotated 90 degrees clockwise—we’re in uncharted territory. This grip felt somewhat familiar, reminding me of the Palmbird grip turned to the side.
Getting the Right Feel
Now, I have to be real here. I didn’t quite get the sense of what the face was doing throughout my swing. Part of that might be due to the really lightweight design—my unit came in at D0, while my usual putters sit in the high Ds. Don’t get me wrong, lighter isn’t inherently bad, but in this case, it threw me off.
However, when I shifted my approach, gripping the putter gently and allowing my shoulders to do the work, I found success on short putts. Most of my shots were on point, just slightly left or right of the target line, which is better than some experiences I’ve had with other putters.
Long-Distance Struggles
But when it came time for those long putts, things got a bit dicey. That lack of face feel and lower forgiveness made me struggle more than I’d like. It’s not like this putter is all bad, but it doesn’t offer the face tech or multiple materials you usually find in high-performance models designed for greater forgiveness. Missing the sweet spot meant short shots, and that’s a bummer.
Oh, and just a heads-up: as of now, there are no customization options available. The SQ putter is only offered in a right-hand version at 34.5 inches tall with a 3-degree loft. The more upright lie angle is part of what’s said to help lock your hands into a better position, keeping your putter path straighter.
Conclusion
All in all, the Performance Golf SQ Putter is an intriguing mix of light swing weight, a unique grip, and that unorthodox face-down balance. While it didn’t completely blow my mind, mixing it up might be just what you need for your game! Plus, with a 365-day money-back guarantee, you can give the SQ Putter a shot without breaking the bank.
So, what do you think? Are you ready to switch things up and give the Performance Golf SQ Putter a whirl?
