34 replies to this topic

[Evan B.]

So, I have been playing golf for about a year and can legitimately say putting is the worst aspect of my game. The last round I played I shot a 93, 40 of which were putts. Now I am curious as to how much of a difference does a high quality putter make. The putter I currently have is from my brothers old golf bag which he spent a total of $100 on all 12 clubs. The set was a matching set if that gives you an idea of how cheap they were. It is also worth noting that the putter itself has been quite beat up and abused over the years. The paint on the face is chipping off and there are scratches and dents all over it. I have included some pictures below.








I am curious because I am currently in a debate as to whether I should get wedges(I dont have any) or a new putter. My misses with this putter are usually in distance. I never miss by a long shot right or left and most of my misses right or left come from misreading the green. Almost every putt that I miss is from hitting either to long or short which often leaves me with another couple feet. I guess what I am really asking is do nicer putters that also typically weigh more allow you to feel the distances you are going to hit better? I often feel like I'm shooting in the dark with this putter when it comes to power.

Also, interesting side story, I had the chance to play at a course out of state last year that had the absolute fastest greens I have ever played. I didnt have my clubs with me and had to rent some. The putter that came in the set I rented was one of the Mizuno Bettinardi models. After a few putts on the practice green and a few holes learning the speed of the greens(these where way faster than anything i had encountered before or after), I had one of the best putting days I have ever had. To this day that putter has been one of the nicest putters I have ever tried.

[GatorNate11]

If you don't have ANY wedges, then buy them first. Work on your putting until you save up enough money to buy a new one. I hate to tell you, but if you're a bad putter, you'll be a bad putter with the most expensive one you can find.

[Sean2]

The price of the putter won't make a difference.

That's pretty good scoring for only playing a year, with no wedges and 40 putts.

[Buzzkill]

Evan B., on 02 May 2012 - 11:24 PM, said:

So, I have been playing golf for about a year and can legitimately say putting is the worst aspect of my game. The last round I played I shot a 93, 40 of which were putts. Now I am curious as to how much of a difference does a high quality putter make. The putter I currently have is from my brothers old golf bag which he spent a total of $100 on all 12 clubs. The set was a matching set if that gives you an idea of how cheap they were. It is also worth noting that the putter itself has been quite beat up and abused over the years. The paint on the face is chipping off and there are scratches and dents all over it. I have included some pictures below.

I am curious because I am currently in a debate as to whether I should get wedges(I dont have any) or a new putter. My misses with this putter are usually in distance. I never miss by a long shot right or left and most of my misses right or left come from misreading the green. Almost every putt that I miss is from hitting either to long or short which often leaves me with another couple feet. I guess what I am really asking is do nicer putters that also typically weigh more allow you to feel the distances you are going to hit better? I often feel like I'm shooting in the dark with this putter when it comes to power.

Also, interesting side story, I had the chance to play at a course out of state last year that had the absolute fastest greens I have ever played. I didnt have my clubs with me and had to rent some. The putter that came in the set I rented was one of the Mizuno Bettinardi models. After a few putts on the practice green and a few holes learning the speed of the greens(these where way faster than anything i had encountered before or after), I had one of the best putting days I have ever had. To this day that putter has been one of the nicest putters I have ever tried.

I'd get some wedges first and the putter can wait.  A more expensive putter isn't going to be any better but a putter with a head style that looks good to you is the key.  It could be a $50 or $500 putter - just matters what appearance/style appeals to your liking.

[Evan B.]

Thanks for the replies, I guess I should've stated that i know a new putter won't just automatically cut the strokes off. I was more curious if the putters made out of better materials allowed for you to feel the distance you're hitting the ball better. I have some putts where I feel like i am just tapping the ball and it goes flying to the hole and either rims or skips out because it was to hard and other putts where i feel like im hitting hard enough to make it there and maybe beyond the hole and I'll end up short. You guys are right though, wedges are something i regularly wish I had. I should also note that round mentioned had 6 girs in the first 9 holes for a 43. It was a very good woods and decent irons day just bad bad putts. Again, thanks for the advice.

[Buzzkill]

Evan B., on 02 May 2012 - 11:58 PM, said:

Thanks for the replies, I guess I should've stated that i know a new putter won't just automatically cut the strokes off. I was more curious if the putters made out of better materials allowed for you to feel the distance you're hitting the ball better. I have some putts where I feel like i am just tapping the ball and it goes flying to the hole and either rims or skips out because it was to hard and other putts where i feel like im hitting hard enough to make it there and maybe beyond the hole and I'll end up short. You guys are right though, wedges are something i regularly wish I had. I should also note that round mentioned had 6 girs in the first 9 holes for a 43. It was a very good woods and decent irons day just bad bad putts. Again, thanks for the advice.

I've played with 40+ putters.  Mallets, blades, Scotty Cameron, Cleveland, Miura, Ram, Ping, etc... with different inserts, head material and they all perform the same for me.  Sure some felt different than others but they weren't any better though.  Just find a style that is pleasing to your eyes.

[MrParr1Noid]

Buy a new putter...putting is one of the most important aspects pertaining to the game of golf.  Hand made's work good too.   All kidding aside, to myself, the putter is the most important club in my bag.  

You can listen to all the other posters in this thread but my contention is that they're all wrong...   Forget the new wedges, and focus on your putting while attaining a renewed interest in a new putter, and your  putting.   It will change your game forever..  My opinion..

[Mudguard]

You can literally putt with anything. Price makes very little difference. About the only caveat to that is the 8802, Napa style of putter, they are very difficult to use. There is no reason to have so many putts unless you're playing Augusta for the first time. If you have an hour to practice a week, you could spend the whole time putting and it would do more to your score than anything else. No one, barring those with the spiys, should have more than 36 putts a round.

Of course, if you look down at a putter and think, what a heinous blob of shite, you probably won't make that many putts. But I wouldn't walk out and drop $600 on a Scotty just yet.

[danattherock]

Evan B., on 02 May 2012 - 11:24 PM, said:

. Now I am curious as to how much of a difference does a high quality putter make.

A 'high quality' putter won't make a difference. We buy $300-500+ putters because we like putters. Much like buying a nice car. A less expensive car will still be reliable and get you to work, yet some folks buy high end cars. You work hard for your money, nothing wrong with it. With putters, the important thing is a putter that suits your stroke. For me personally, they do tend to be pricey, Yamada's and Scotty Cameron Tei3's are my favorites. The feel of these putters is what I like about them. The feedback, the feel, the touch I get, whatever you want to call it. It is perfect (for me). I can roll 20-30 footers up to 1-2' from the hole very consistently. Can't say the same with the other 20 putters or so I own. It is a preference. It chooses you, you don't choose it. The price of the putter has nothing to do with it. Some folks like harder stainless putters, some like synthetic soft inserts, some (like me) prefer a softer putter of metal (copper and softer carbon). Trial and error is the only way. But the price will have little to do with it in my opinion. Like other aspects of golf, it is almost always a archer, not arrow issue.





-Dan

[StevenF]

Go to the local golf store and just try them all.   Plenty of quality putters under $100.  Ping and Cleveland make a variety of styles and are very affordable.  You could get a decent set of wedges and a putter for under $200.

If you're interested I have a scratch 60* lob wedge with a raw face you can have. $20 to cover shipping and paypal and its yours.  It's not pretty but it will work.

Edited by MrParr1Noid, 03 May 2012 - 09:54 AM.
Have you bothered to read The Rules? Do So..

[scotchblade]

Learn how to read greens and develop a sense for speed.  See how the two work together.  Work on your stroke and alignment.

You need practice, not a putter.

[BrianMcG]

You can play beautiful music on a cheap $200 Yamaha guitar, but the feel and tone of a Martin D28 can't be beat.

You can get to work in a 10 year old Honda Civic, but taking some twisties in a Porsche 911 is better than sex.

You could get drunk off a bottle of Boones, but a nice single malt Scotch is what I would rather have.

You can wake up in the morning to instant coffee. But a nice espresso with fresh beans is much more enjoyable.

We all make choices on the stuff we buy and use. I think life is too short for cheap guitars, Civics, cheap wine, bad coffee, and crappy putters.

[StevenF]

BrianMcG, on 03 May 2012 - 08:28 AM, said:

You can play beautiful music on a cheap $200 Yamaha guitar, but the feel and tone of a Martin D28 can't be beat.

You can get to work in a 10 year old Honda Civic, but taking some twisties in a Porsche 911 is better than sex.

You could get drunk off a bottle of Boones, but a nice single malt Scotch is what I would rather have.

You can wake up in the morning to instant coffee. But a nice espresso with fresh beans is much more enjoyable.

We all make choices on the stuff we buy and use. I think life is too short for cheap guitars, Civics, cheap wine, bad coffee, and crappy putters.

I like your style.

[jokerusn]

I'm going to take a different approach here than others.  Find a head STYLE you like and seem to putt well with.  Then find either a used Ping cast putter (stainless, MgBz, etc) or Cleveland Classic in that shape.  Both are high quality but low price.  Putters don't have to be pricey to be quality.  You can get a used Ping  stainless putter that is VERY high quality for under $20 on ebay, and  it'll last a hell of a lot longer than the putter you currently use (and are still seen on tour).  Then use some extra money to get yourself a decent sand wedge - look at getting a lightly used wedge that you won't be heartbroken if you nick a rock or something.  Playing well from 100yds and in is the quickest way to lower your scores.  I dropped 5 strokes just from practicing my short game and putting.  IMO, you need both.  You don't need to pay a ton for both but you do need both to play better.

[hebron1427]

BrianMcG, on 03 May 2012 - 08:28 AM, said:

You can play beautiful music on a cheap $200 Yamaha guitar, but the feel and tone of a Martin D28 can't be beat.

You can get to work in a 10 year old Honda Civic, but taking some twisties in a Porsche 911 is better than sex.

You could get drunk off a bottle of Boones, but a nice single malt Scotch is what I would rather have.

You can wake up in the morning to instant coffee. But a nice espresso with fresh beans is much more enjoyable.

We all make choices on the stuff we buy and use. I think life is too short for cheap guitars, Civics, cheap wine, bad coffee, and crappy putters.

unless you don't have the money for all that expensive crap, in which case you'll do just fine with the "cheaper" stuff.

putters are not like drivers. the technology hasn't really changed much in the last 50 or so years (at least not on "blade-style" putters--high MOI putters are another story, but you have to be willing to use a mallet, which I find yuck). old drivers are clearly missing out on larger heads, more finely tuned CORs, better shafts. you swing a putter less than 10 mph on almost any stroke. there's nothing special or magical that's going to happen by buying a newer putter. the one you have is made on the same principles that the $280 one i have is made on. i got mine the way i want it (mostly looks)--that's why it cost so much. it doesn't functionally do anything that your putter doesn't already do. learn how to use that putter properly and you'll be able to use any putter properly. buying a new putter won't solve anything, and wasting your money buying a club you already have when you're clearly missing essential clubs in your bag seems foolish to me.

[RRFireblade]

Theres virtually no performance to gain in a putter.

However, some really cheap putters can be detrimental depending on how cheap. Sometimes theyre odd weights (super light or heavy). Sometimes the pot metal is so cheap and the design so flawed its hard to get 2 putts to come off the face the same way twice. The feedback can be so vague or misleading that you don't know what happened after the stroke.  

Now I don't know if this the case with yours but it could be, and if it is then even a "decent" cheap putter may actually be some improvement.

Now of course,  a wedge also could come in pretty handy as well.

[MrParr1Noid]

When ever I've had a cheap putter all dented and dinged up...my scoring averages  go way up.   Guys would make fun of my old, cheap, beat up putter and that just wrecks my self image and confidence......   BUT THEN !   I pull out my trusty new shiny Ghost'd One, AND?  I scoff at them as I roll in everything from everywhere. .  

Remember, it only costs a nickel more to go first class...

p.s.  There are no right nor wrong opinions on what other's should do with their time and money (putters or wedges)  but they should chose wisely as to whom they chose to listen and take advice from...

[jeffalbert]

I would say go to the store and find one you like.  You shouldn't have a problem putting together a good couple wedges and a putter for far less than $200...

[Evan B.]

Your points are all interesting although the points made today seem to bring the debate back into question. I would also like to point out that the 40 putt day was an extreme for me I just happen to mention it because it was the last round I played and everything else was going so well that day. Typically I putt in the 36-38 putts per day. I have a whole lot of 2 putts almost never get a 1 putt and then a couple 3 putts. Since summer is upon us and I dont have summer classes this year I have already started to devise a schedule for me to work on my game with lots of range time. Thankfully the range I play at has some really nice putting greens to practice on also. I think I am going to go to the pro shop at said range and see if I can demo a few putters and do a putter to putter test with my putter and see if there is a noticeable difference between my putts with each type of putter.

[PAPA PIP]

One of the best ways to reduce putts per round is hit it closer to the hole with your approaches. Wedges first kind sir.

If you feel like weight is the issue with your putter you can always mess around with lead tape.

One of the best putters I have used was out of a full set like that.

[avgjoe]

at this point your golfing 'career', I think practice and experience are going to make much more of a difference than any club

Edited by avgjoe, 03 May 2012 - 12:16 PM.

[tdog4]

PAPA PIP, on 03 May 2012 - 11:27 AM, said:

One of the best ways to reduce putts per round is hit it closer to the hole with your approaches. Wedges first kind sir.

If you feel like weight is the issue with your putter you can always mess around with lead tape.

One of the best putters I have used was out of a full set like that.

THIS!!!!!!   Look at the best putters you know and they all have one thing in common.  Hitting it closer to the hole with the scoring wedges.  Get at least one wedge before changing putters and report back.  
tdog4

[tdog4]

PAPA PIP, on 03 May 2012 - 11:27 AM, said:

One of the best ways to reduce putts per round is hit it closer to the hole with your approaches. Wedges first kind sir.

If you feel like weight is the issue with your putter you can always mess around with lead tape.

One of the best putters I have used was out of a full set like that.

THIS!!!!!!   Look at the best putters you know and they all have one thing in common.  Hitting it closer to the hole with the scoring wedges.  Get at least one wedge before changing putters and report back.  
tdog4

[jreed]

Reading your post the thing that jumped out at me was that your misses are mostly in distance.  In this case, I definitely think finding yourself a new putter may help your game.  That's not saying you need to buy the most expensive putter because that doesn't matter, but I have found that I can control my speed and distance so much better with certain putters.

[danattherock]

jreed, on 03 May 2012 - 01:24 PM, said:

Reading your post the thing that jumped out at me was that your misses are mostly in distance.  In this case, I definitely think finding yourself a new putter may help your game.  That's not saying you need to buy the most expensive putter because that doesn't matter, but I have found that I can control my speed and distance so much better with certain putters.

My thought is that he is likely breaking his wrist in the putting stroke. Nothing will destroy distance control faster than a wristy motion. Learn to keep that left wrist flat if you are not already doing so. Simply put, you can't breakdown the wrist the same way each time.

Another common issue, going too far back in the back stroke, then decelerating on the way to the ball. Back stroke should be shorter than the follow through and the putter should hit the ball while accelerating. You can more consistently do this than gauge the amount of deceleration. Wrist break down, bad. Long back stroke and deceleration, bad. I see these two faults more commonly than any others. Worked them out of my own game and my putting improved drastically, especially as it relates to distance control.


As for putters, you clearly want one. Just go for it man. My suggestion, pick up a Ping or Cleveland for about $90 and practice, practice, practice. Dropping $300 in a putter will leave a bad taste in your mouth if you are not working on your actual putting stroke, stance, ball position, eye position in relationship over ball, etc... Archer, not arrow. But your putter looks like a dud. Get you a decent flat stick.


If you like soft feel, consider an older Ping BeCu anser or Pal2 on Ebay. Heinenkugels is the guys Ebay name, and forum name here, he sells near mint/mint BeCu Ping putters. I bought 4 from him recently. For under $100 in many cases, they blow the socks off most the putters you will find in a golf shop. Very solid, but soft feeling putters.


Oh, and read this....

http://www.golfwrx.c...e-your-putting/




-Dan

[hebron1427]

danattherock, on 03 May 2012 - 01:43 PM, said:

jreed, on 03 May 2012 - 01:24 PM, said:

Reading your post the thing that jumped out at me was that your misses are mostly in distance.  In this case, I definitely think finding yourself a new putter may help your game.  That's not saying you need to buy the most expensive putter because that doesn't matter, but I have found that I can control my speed and distance so much better with certain putters.

My thought is that he is likely breaking his wrist in the putting stroke. Nothing will destroy distance control faster than a wristy motion. Learn to keep that left wrist flat if you are not already doing so. Simply put, you can't breakdown the wrist the same way each time.

Another common issue, going too far back in the back stroke, then decelerating on the way to the ball. Back stroke should be shorter than the follow through and the putter should hit the ball while accelerating. You can more consistently do this than gauge the amount of deceleration. Wrist break down, bad. Long back stroke and deceleration, bad. I see these two faults more commonly than any others. Worked them out of my own game and my putting improved drastically, especially as it relates to distance control.


As for putters, you clearly want one. Just go for it man. My suggestion, pick up a Ping or Cleveland for about $90 and practice, practice, practice. Dropping $300 in a putter will leave a bad taste in your mouth if you are not working on your actual putting stroke, stance, ball position, eye position in relationship over ball, etc... Archer, not arrow. But your putter looks like a dud. Get you a decent flat stick.


If you like soft feel, consider an older Ping BeCu anser or Pal2 on Ebay. Heinenkugels is the guys Ebay name, and forum name here, he sells near mint/mint BeCu Ping putters. I bought 4 from him recently. For under $100 in many cases, they blow the socks off most the putters you will find in a golf shop. Very solid, but soft feeling putters.


Oh, and read this....

http://www.golfwrx.c...e-your-putting/




-Dan

dan, what did you think of "The Can't Miss?"

[danattherock]

Have not used it yet.



Long story short, game is getting better in last 2 months. Shot in the 90's for 20 years off and on, casual, beer, golf...


During this time, shot in the 80's about 5-6 times, often 87-89 and on pretty easy courses.


Shot in the 80's like 7 of last 9 rounds, three times (including this morning) I shot 81!


Shot an 89 at Tot Hill Farm (7th hardest course in the US) the other day.

http://www.golfdiges...astoughest_0703


Putting is the best part of my game. Scared to tinker with it at the moment.


Looking forward to using the Can't Miss soon. Rave reviews.




-Dan

Edited by danattherock, 03 May 2012 - 02:44 PM.

[moocherpix]

BrianMcG, on 03 May 2012 - 08:28 AM, said:

You can play beautiful music on a cheap $200 Yamaha guitar, but the feel and tone of a Martin D28 can't be beat.

You can get to work in a 10 year old Honda Civic, but taking some twisties in a Porsche 911 is better than sex.

You could get drunk off a bottle of Boones, but a nice single malt Scotch is what I would rather have.

You can wake up in the morning to instant coffee. But a nice espresso with fresh beans is much more enjoyable.

We all make choices on the stuff we buy and use. I think life is too short for cheap guitars, Civics, cheap wine, bad coffee, and crappy putters.

Please take this reply as it was intended.  BIG GRIN on my face and warmth in my redneck heart.
I think you are speaking from a very white collar side and I have to toss out my blue collar side.
First, I don't play guitar, but have a close friend who won a Fender custom made to his every wish.......spend the money on the guitar, it is worth every dime.
Second one, I'll take the Porsche over the Honda, but have to say that either you are doing the sex wrong or with the wrong person.  Drive fast, but .............. I have to stop there.
Third is the one that really screamed inside my head, "BOONES FARM!  Now THERE's a name from my past!"  I have to say that I'd take the BF over the malt scotch, 99 out of 100 days.  I have to toss in one day that I might have company in town that I'd feel obligated to drink the stuffy booze with.
As for the instant over espresso, I am still blown away that there are suckers on this planet that think $5 for a cup of coffee, no matter how much whipped cream or what have you is on it, is a good deal.  Give me the hot water and two scoops of instant and I am on the road.
All said in good fun and I think it takes both kinds to make this world go around.
As for the putter, find a STYLE you like that you putt decent with at the golf shop and keep the investment low for a while.  IF you wind up loving the game like we do, THEN make a decision on whether you want to be a YAMADA-, CAMERON-, BETTINARDI- or any of those type of buyers, or if you want to get something like a milled Cleveland Classic and save $200-500.  
Nobody should judge you based on your putter, but they will.  Me?  Heck no!  Roll what puts the ball in the hole and the snobs can be damned!
WOW!  Now THAT felt good!
Nick

PS, MrParr1Noid.  I noticed that you left the text in the post about giving away the Scratch wedge for its honest value.  Well done!  I think that you saw the true spirit in that post was to help out the original poster and not to turn a profit.  Kudos to you for that.

[Evan B.]

So I played another round today and again putted fairly badly. I had 3 3 putts 1 1putt and the rest were twos and it was only a 9 hole round. Danattherock, you are right on the decelerating thing, I caught myself doing it on several occasions today but i know i dont break the wrist because i spent a lot of time last year breaking that habit. I also noticed on approach shots where Im within 100 yards i was still averaging about 10-15' from the hole so wedges that i knew the distances on and could have maybe done a full swing on would have helped a lot. I am also thinking about starting to take some lessons soon too seeing as I have some kinks to work out. I play a lot of golf and I know if i could get my putting in order I would be consistently in the high 80's and If i wasnt regularly 20+ when i get a gir I wouldn't be hitting bogies and if I had wedges I was comfortable with it would make up and downs more regular. Thanks again for the advice.

[indyvai]

10-15 ft inside 100 yards is good.  Not sure how that's happening w/o wedges...

Get a putter fitting...