The Shift from Blade to Mallet Putters on the PGA Tour: An In-Depth Look at 2025’s Top Performers
In 2025, the world of professional golf witnessed a notable shift in putting styles on the PGA Tour. Interestingly, out of the top-10 putters, only one player opted for a blade-style putter, marking a significant departure from traditional preferences. This trend reflects an ongoing evolution in equipment choices among today’s elite golfers.
The Decline of Blade Putters in Professional Golf
The shift from blade to mallet putters has continued to gain momentum, both on the PGA Tour and across international circuits. According to the recent equipment survey conducted by the DP World Tour surveying group, SMS on Tour, blade usage among players on the European Tour fell to just 18.4 percent in 2025, a drop of four percent from the previous year.
While some might hope that bladed designs would see a resurgence, evidence suggests that the trend toward mallets is equally pronounced on the PGA Tour, where research shows minimal increase in blade usage. Throughout the season, only Harry Hall employed a blade putter, specifically the Odyssey O-Works 1W model, while other top contenders favored more modern styles.
Analyzing the Leaders in Strokes Gained: Putting
Conventional wisdom suggests that players who excel in putting would frequently gravitate toward blade putters, known for their precision and traditional aesthetics. However, data from the 2025 PGA Tour’s Strokes Gained: Putting rankings reveals otherwise.
Harry Hall, despite his success, was the only player in the top ranking to use a blade putter. Traditionalists even debated whether this particular model truly fits the definition of a blade due to its wide-body design. Meanwhile, Ben Griffin, who initially drew attention for his blade usage, switched to a mallet and subsequently clinched victory at the World Wide Technology Championship using the Spider putter— a member of the most successful putter family of the season.
Top Performers: The Best Putters of 2025
Sam Burns (.983) – Odyssey Ai-One #7 SB
Sam Burns emerged as the top performer in putting with a strokes gained average of .983. His choice of the Odyssey Ai-One #7 SB not only showcases his skill but also highlights the incremental gains associated with mallet putters.Taylor Montgomery (.917) – TaylorMade Spider Ghost S
Taylor Montgomery followed closely behind with a strokes gained average of .917 utilizing the TaylorMade Spider Ghost S. Known for its impressive stability, this mallet has proven advantageous for Montgomery’s game throughout various tournament settings.Harry Hall (.881) – Odyssey O-Works 1W
Despite the ongoing shift, Harry Hall maintained his place in the rankings using the Odyssey O-Works 1W. The debate surrounding blade vs. mallet is unlikely to overshadow Hall’s impressive technique and competitive edge.Denny McCarthy (.679) – Odyssey O-Works R-Line
Utilizing the Odyssey O-Works R-Line, McCarthy exemplified resilience and adaptability, solidifying the mallet style’s dominance in competitive play.Nico Echavarria (.666) – Odyssey Tri-Hot 5K No. 7
Echavarria’s performance using the Tri-Hot 5K No. 7 reaffirms the trend; golfers favoring mallet putters continue to make notable impacts on their games.Garrick Higgo (.661) – L.A.B. Golf OZ.1i
Sleeping under the radar, Garrick Higgo employed the L.A.B. Golf OZ.1i, noted for its innovative construction that promotes a natural stroke and enhances stability.Cameron Young (.642) – Scotty Cameron Phantom 9.5R Tour Prototype
Cameron Young’s reliance on the Scotty Cameron Phantom 9.5R exemplifies the fusion of tradition and innovation, combining meticulous design with cutting-edge technology.Sam Ryder (.626) – TaylorMade Spider Tour Red
Sam Ryder embraced the TaylorMade Spider Tour Red, a mallet that provides optimal visual alignment through its unique design.Rory McIlroy (.597) – TaylorMade Spider Tour X (Torched)
Renowned for his consistent putting prowess, Rory McIlroy choose the TaylorMade Spider Tour X—an excellent example of how modern aesthetics can complement traditional skills.- Ben Griffin (.583) – TaylorMade Spider
After switching mid-season to the mallet style, Griffin demonstrated the effectiveness that such putters provide, topped off by his subsequent victory at the World Wide Technology Championship.
The Conclusion: Understanding the Evolution
The 2025 PGA Tour season is a testament to the changing dynamics within golf, particularly regarding putting equipment. The data reflects an ongoing preference shift away from traditional blade putters to more forgiving and technologically advanced mallet designs, catering to the modern golfer’s need for enhanced performance and accuracy.
As mallet putters dominate the rankings, traditionalists may find themselves pondering the future viability of blade designs. With elite golfers continuing to embrace mallet putters, the trend signifies a broader acceptance of adaptability and innovation in the sport—an exciting evolution moving forward in the world of professional golf.
