Putter

Putter with insert

2010 Women's British Open – Stacy Lewis (12)

Putter is a type of golf club used primarily on the golf green to roll the golf ball into the hole. A putter is distinguished from the other types of golf clubs (such as irons, woods, and wedges) by its specialized design for making short and low-speed strokes with the intention of rolling the ball into the hole from a short distance away. Putters are used in the sport of golf to complete the final strokes of a hole, hence they play a crucial role in a golfer's game, particularly in scoring.

Design and Features

Putters have a flat, low-profile, and usually a wide clubhead. The design of the clubhead varies widely in shape, size, and weight, accommodating different putting styles and preferences. The face of the putter is either perpendicular to the ground or has a slight loft, not exceeding a few degrees, to lift the ball out of any depression it has made and start it rolling on the green's surface.

The length of a putter's shaft also varies, with traditional lengths being about 34 to 35 inches, though some golfers prefer longer or shorter shafts for comfort and stability. Additionally, putters may feature alignment aids on the clubhead to help golfers aim their putts more accurately.

Types of Putters

Putters can be broadly categorized into several types based on their head design and balance:

1. Blade Putters: These are traditional, narrow putters with a simple design. They are favored by players who have a straight putting stroke.

2. Mallet Putters: These putters have a larger head, providing more stability through the stroke. They are suitable for players with an arc in their putting stroke.

3. Peripheral Weighted Putters: These combine elements of both blade and mallet designs, offering a compromise between the two styles.

4. Belly Putters and Long Putters: These putters have longer shafts and are anchored against the body for stability. However, the use of anchoring techniques has been restricted by golf's governing bodies since 2016.

Putting Technique

The technique for using a putter is different from that of other golf clubs due to the precision required in putting. Golfers typically adopt a stance with their eyes directly over the ball to improve accuracy and control. The putting stroke is a smooth, pendulum-like motion with minimal wrist action, designed to ensure that the clubface contacts the ball squarely for a straight roll.

Regulations

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A) and the United States Golf Association (USGA) set the rules governing the design and use of putters. These rules specify the permissible dimensions, shape, and features of putters to ensure fair play. Notably, the rules that prohibited the anchoring of long putters to the body were introduced in 2016, affecting golfers who used this technique for stability during their putt.

Cultural Impact

Putters have a unique place in golf culture, with some models becoming legendary among players and enthusiasts. The design and effectiveness of a putter can significantly influence a golfer's performance on the green, making the choice of putter a personal and often strategic decision. Famous putters, such as those used by professional golfers to win major championships, are celebrated and can become highly sought after by collectors.