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By: Brian Neufeld, GolfTourney.com Contributor
Tiger Woods made headlines this week by switching putters before the PGA Championship in San Francisco. While professionals make gear changes frequently it can be hard to know when to make the switch as an amateur. Many of us find a putter we like and hold on for dear life even if its technology is decades behind. Today, we will look at some reasons to consider making a putter change and what to look for when buying a new one.
When To Switch Putters
If your putting game has been struggling for a while or you’ve had a recent run of bad results on the greens, you won’t find a better time to make a switch. Short game success often comes from confidence and if you haven’t been performing well with your current putter testing out some newer ones is in your best interest. If you have frequent mishits or struggle with speed control you should also consider a new flat stick. Today’s putters are made with better materials and often have larger sweet spots than the putters of old. Don’t get too hung up on the grip of the putters you try as they are easily replaceable with something more comfortable.
What To Look For In A New Putter
Obviously, comfort and confidence are key in selecting a new putter. You need to find one that is an appropriate length for your stance and one that feels good in your hands. Head style is totally up to your personal preference. Some people like blade styles while others like heads that rival their driver in size. The right style is the style you like the best. Make sure to spend time with several styles before you make a purchase. Most pro shops will let you demo clubs before purchase and it’s important to spend time on the practice green and the golf course with your demo putter. The more time you spend learning the club before you buy the quicker you should find success with it after purchase.
Selecting a putter is entirely personal preference and the number of options on the market reflects that. There is no magic wand when it comes to putters. The putter that makes you feel most confident and that you can perform with consistently is the best one for you. With improvements in materials and technology, it might be time to kiss that putter you’ve had since the 90’s goodbye. Your short game will thank you.
About the Author: Brian Neufeld
Brian Neufeld’s background includes more than 15 years of experience in golf course management, specializing in agronomy. Brian uses his knowledge of the game and best practices in turf sustention to create informative pieces for GolfTourney.com’s readers.
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