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Some players would resume the art of golfing merely by the phrase: “It's all in the putt”.
In any given round of golf, placing the ball into the hole (a.k.a putting, if you're a novice) makes up around 40% of the strokes. Therefore, the importance of holding the right putter in your hand is emphasized at every turn.
Yet, the question of choosing the 'best' putter pops up from time to time. Personal preferences, such as weight, become a crucial factor that determines the right putter. There is a vivid dichotomy in the golfing community when it comes to light versus heavy putters, with strong proponents on either side.
Let's give a closer look at that!
Putter Weight: Impact and Trends
Understanding the importance of putter weight directly affects your putting performance, swinging from control to accuracy.
Although there is no empirical evidence that the weight of your putter significantly influences your performance, trends in the golf market have illustrated a consistent increase in the average weight of putters over the last few decades, as said by mygolfspy.com.
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When we talk about putter weight, we generally refer to light putters as those weighing less than 300 grams, with heavy putters tipping the scales at well above this number, with some even reaching a hefty 400 grams.
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Trends in average putter weight
The average weight of golf putters has been increasing in recent decades. This trend is a response to certain adjustments in the game and the continuous pursuit to enhance player performance.
Many factors have contributed to heavier putters becoming popular. One key element is the shift in the speed of greens. Over the past few decades, greens have become significantly faster. Heavier putters offer greater control and stability when dealing with swift greens, helping players prevent overshooting the hole.
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Additionally, the trend towards larger mallet-style heads has also contributed to the increase in putter weight. Larger heads distribute more weight around the perimeter of the putter, reducing the tendency for the putter face to twist on off-center hits and offering a larger sweet spot, which leads to increased consistency and accuracy.
Manufacturers and the modern golf
Manufacturers are also incorporating advanced technology and materials into their putters, such as adjustable weighting systems, high-density tungsten, and multi-material designs. These advancements often increase the weight of the putter but also offer the player more precision and control, which is the ultimate goal.
Some of the key benefits manufacturers hope to achieve with heavier putters include improved balance and smoother strokes, enhanced feel and feedback, greater consistency and accuracy, and better distance control.
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Prominent brands like TaylorMade, Scotty Cameron, and Odyssey have led the way in this trend, offering a range of heavy putters designed to help players navigate the challenges of the modern golf course.
Despite the increasing trend towards heavier putters, it’s crucial to remember that the 'right' putter weight is subjective and varies based on individual preference, putting style, and comfort level.
Not all golfers benefit from a heavier putter, and the key is to find what works best for your unique style and game goals.
Pros and Cons: Heavy vs Light Putters
Here's a summary of the downsides and advantages of light putters and heavy putters:
Pros and cons of heavy putters
- Excellent stability during shorter putts
- Lower degree of feel due to their heft
- Restricted putter head movement and rotation, leading to consistency in performance
Pros and cons of light putters
- Lends itself better for longer putts, making it easier to hit the golf ball since it isn’t as heavy
- Better sense of feel, giving you a clear perception of your swing and contact
- Enhanced putter head movement and rotation which could be beneficial for longer putts but might backfire on short putts.
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The Green Speed Factor
The common adage says, “light putters are for slow greens, and heavy putters are for fast greens.”
But this, like every adage, has sparked controversy among professional players. Some believe the entirely opposite to be true as we can see in online forums such as golfwrx.com.
The belief that light putters are for slow greens, and heavy putters are for fast greens, is essentially based on two factors: the distance you need to cover and the control you have during the putt.
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For slow greens that require more aggressive, longer strokes, it is argued that a lighter putter is necessary. The rationale is that with a lighter putter, it's easier to generate the needed power to cover the greater distance without causing an overly aggressive stroke, which could lead to a loss of control.
On the other hand, fast greens require shorter, controlled strokes to accurately guide the ball into the hole. For this, it’s believed that a heavy putter is your best bet. The added weight provides better stability, making it easier to control the distance the ball travels with a gentler stroke.
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However, as with many things in the dynamic world of golf, this notion is not universally accepted. Some players argue that a heavier putter can work better on slow greens. Their argument is based on the premise that a heavier putter can better maintain a smooth, consistent stroke, which can be advantageous when a stronger swing is needed for slower greens.
In contrast, those that lean towards lighter putters on fast greens argue that having a lighter putter allows for better feel and touch, which is much needed to manage the speed of fast greens. Thus, they assert that a lighter putt allows them to more accurately judge the strength required in their stroke.
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It is necessary to consider personal comfort, style, and skill level when applying any of these beliefs. Ultimately, the best solution may be to experiment with a range of putters under various conditions to see what works best for you. While the weight of your putter can certainly influence your game, it never outweighs personal feel and experience. You're always your best coach.
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Savor Tour Design Blade Putter RH
A masterclass in design and functionality, this light putter offers great control, a fantastic feel, and a sleek look to make an outstanding impression on the green.
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Northern Spirit Putter with Oversized Grip
This heavy putter is designed specifically for players who prefer stability over anything else. The oversized grip offers unmatched control and consistency in every putt.
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Cleveland Frontline Elevado Putter
When indecision strikes, balance triumphs. The weight-forward design of this putter gives stability like a heavy putter and the feel of a light putter, making it an excellent middle ground.
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Final Thoughts
Choosing the perfect putter you would like to swing in the game depends a lot on personal preferences. It’s your comfort that will impact the game the most. While some golfers might feel in control with a heavy putter and its stabilizing effect on short putts, others might prefer the tactile feel and flexibility that a light putter brings to the greens.
Also, remember that there are no strict rules that a heavy or light putter will outperform the other on fast or slow greens. At the end of the day, experimenting with different golf club putters at Just Golf Stuff may help you better understand your comfort zone and select the perfect putter that feels just right. Your best golf game is right around the corner.