Are Expensive Golf Putters Worth It

Are Expensive Golf Putters Worth It?

If you’re in the market for a new putter, you might be wondering just what sets them apart and why such a difference between expensive and cheaper options?

Do you spend more money to invest in an expensive golf putter or you can go with a cheap option and be just as happy?

This is a pretty common question for golf putters and plenty of other items out there.

Name brands often cost quite a bit more and sometimes the price really is worth it.

For us, the newest putters are likely to cost the most and some of them will be worth the investment. For most people however, you can find an older model of some exceptional putters for a mid range price and this will probably be your best option.

But the question is, will you be just as happy with a cheap/mid-range golf putter or not?

To Pay or Not to Pay?

When it comes down to it, how can you possibly know if the cheap golf putter is really as great as the expensive golf putter?

You will find answers that go both ways. Check out this video from Golf Monthly that put some of both types of golf putters to the test for comparison!

The problem is that prices continue to increase for some of the top-notch and most popular golf equipment out there. The creators use resources like technology and research to create new and intuitive products and this leads to rising costs.

But is it really worth it? That’s what we’re here to dig into!

Expensive Putter Characteristics

Technology has changed so much about clubs and putters in recent years.

There was a time when all putters were made to a basic standard. The materials or the design might change but each putter had a shaft and a blade and there really was minimal difference across the board.

That time is no longer.

Here’s the thing. A putter can only change so much but now, there are different types of putters. You have the traditional blade putter or you can choose from something like a mallet putter instead.

As technology advances, both of these putters can be altered with various inserts and adjustments, according to Golfers Hacks. Now, even more recently, the putter head can even have the weight adjusted.

All of these details lead to customization. With that in mind, when you purchase an expensive putter, you’re paying for the customization.

Cheap Vs. Expensive Putters

Expensive putters are almost always customized. While you can certainly drop a lot of money on a putter that isn’t customized, you’re generally going to be in control of some of the details.

People pay for the putter head, they pay for the shaft, they pay for the grip, and they pay for the brand.

The thing is, a lot of people put more money into other clubs and then just buy the cheap putter. But what if this is backwards?

Have you ever thought about the fact that the putter is actually the club you will use the most? Busted Wing shared it like this on a Reddit Forum. You’re using your putter at least 1-2 times for each hole that you play. Sometimes, you might use it 3-4 times on a hole!

We’re not saying a cheap putter isn’t up to the task. It very well might be. One response to this particular forum is that you shouldn’t worry about the price tag but rather worry about choosing a putter that feels good in your hand and works for you. Sometimes the price tag is irrelevant.

The real key is to find a quality putter that you can hit with consistently. For you, that might be a cheap putter and for your favorite golfing buddy, it might be a pricey putter instead.

So what’s the difference really?

The biggest difference you are going to find in the prices is the materials that are used. The more expensive golf putters are made with more expensive materials – usually the best of the best materials when you consider it.

 

In What Ways Will An Expensive Putter Affect Your Game?

This is really the heart of the matter. It’s a question that shouldn’t be taken lightly.

If you are of the mindset that paying more for a putter is going to help your game, then it probably will.

Let’s be honest – your game might be improved just because that $300 putter makes you more confident about your putting abilities.

Golf Link says it like this. You can find many cheaper golf clubs that have materials and construction very similar or at least comparable to those higher-end and far more expensive options.

This is not always the case but it’s certainly something to be aware of as you might be able to load up for much cheaper than you’re thinking.

So will purchasing an expensive putter really improve your putting game? The broken down answer is probably not. Sure, it could potentially be a putter better suited to you but chances are you will find similar characteristics in a cheaper putter as well.

Now, with that in mind, experienced putters do often find value in purchasing more expensive putters or clubs. In most cases, they are looking for the absolutely best quality for the money and they fall into an elite category that benefits from the cost.

As a beginner, you probably will not notice a substantial difference in your game from purchasing an expensive putter. In this case, lessons may be a better place to spend your money.

On the other hand, a professional or elite player should use more expensive materials as they have higher expectations and needs from their clubs.

 

Pros And Cons Of An Expensive Putter

As with anything in life, there are pros and cons to buying an expensive putter.

Pros:

• Better Materials
• More Consistency
• Better Connection
• More Likely To Produce Success
• Can Instill Confidence In The Player

Cons:

• Costs More
• No Guarantee Of Success Just Because It’s Expensive
• Price Might Be Down To It Being The Newest Model
• Still Need To Address Other Factors

 

Other Factors To Consider

As with anything, there are other factors to consider than simply just the price.

In order to get a putter that is perfectly suited to your game, you need to consider these other factors.

Putter Type

There are plenty of different putter types available to choice from.

The simple and standard blade, the mallet putter, the belly putter and many more.

Finding the best type for you is likely going to come with experience and trying out the different variations.

 

Loft 

The loft of the putter is it’s angle from the ground, a higher loft will suit someone who hits the early on the swing.

The dynamic loft is the loft at impact and the typical loft we see is between 2 and 4 degrees.

Offset

Offset is how far behind the shaft the face of the putter lies.

Practicing with different offset’s will give you an idea if you need some offset in your otter or not.

Weight

Depending on your strength, stature and swing, you will need different weights of putter.

A heavier putter offer more control and a lighter putter might feel better.

Again it is a matter of personal preference.

 

Toe Hang

Toe Hang is how the Axis of the clubs compares to the head of the putter.

More toe hang is likely to suit better players while less toe hang will most likely suit beginners and high handicappers.

 

Should I Get A Putter Fitting?

If you have no idea what type of putter will suit your game, a fitting for a putter with your local golf pro is highly recommended.

Not only will that be able to make a recommendation on all aspects of the putter you need but you will also get to try out a ton of different variations and a fitting is highly recommend by us.

 

Should Beginners & High Handicappers Use Expensive Putters?

You certainly can use an expensive putter as a beginner or a high handicapper but you may want to hold off.

Expensive putters really are the best of the best but typically in these situations, it’s not your club or your putter that needs to be upgraded but rather your skills and your practice.

It’s pretty normal as a beginner to need to practice more to improve your game.

The same philosophy is at play here.

A beginner or a high handicapper can certainly use expensive putters and clubs but at that point, they don’t really need to spend those dollars.

They do want a good quality putter to learn with but they don’t necessarily need to buy the most expensive putter out there and can probably start with something fairly cheap.

On the same note, if you’re a beginner or a high handicapper and you’re considering dropping extra money on an expensive putter you might want to consider investing in lessons rather than an expensive putter.

Do your research and find a quality putter that you don’t have to spend as much on.

 

What About A Low Handicapper?

If anyone is going to benefit from more expensive putters, it is going to be a low handicapper or perhaps someone who plays in professional games, leagues, and tournaments.

More expensive putters are better suited to players in situations like this for a competition but that doesn’t mean you can’t find exceptional performance and better value in a mid priced putter.

 

Best Expensive Putter – TaylorMade Spider EX Putter Single Bend

There are few more famous names in the world of putters than the Taylormade Spider and it should come as no surprise that it is one of our favorite expensive putters.

This model is a mallet putter sporting 3 degrees of loft. it has a smooth roll insert that ensures a consistently smooth stroke.

Tungsten perimeter weighting adds to the stability, develops a low CG and promotes a higher MOI on this excellent putter.

Pros

• Tried And Tested Brand
• Built For Consistency
• Premium Materials
• Highly Reviewed

Cons

• Expensive
• Doesn’t Guarantee Putting Success

Overall Score: 95/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

 

Best Mid Price Putter – TaylorMade Golf TP Patina Ardmore Putter 2

If you want a better priced putter with a lot of the same technology, the TP Patina Ardmore 2 from Taylormade is a great option for less than $200.

It has the same face insert for smooth consistency, 1 degree of loft and adjustable weighting in the head to ensure a custom performance.

Pros

• Premium Quality
• Will Suit Most Players
• Pure Roll Insert
• Lightweight, Uniflex Shaft
• Under $200

Cons

• Not As Well Made As The Spider EX
• Wont Suit The Best Players

Overall Score: 94/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

 

Best Cheap Putter – Cleveland Golf HB Soft Premier

If you are looking for something cheap and cheerful at around the $150 mark, the Huffington Beach Blade putter from Cleveland is an excellent choice.

You get a speed optimized milled face on this excellent putter that offers a smooth and consistent stroke.

Pros

• Great Value
• Precision Milled Face
• Looks Amazing With Satin Finish
• Forgiving On Off Center Shots
• Reputable Brand
• Soft Feel With Grip Options

Cons

• Blade Style Mightn’t Suit Everyone
• Hard To Fault For The Price.

Overall Score: 94/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

 

Conclusion

Are expensive golf putters worth it? The answer is both yes and no. For most people, the mid level, top brand putter is likely to be just as good.

Expensive putters are made with the best materials out there and they are typically worth the money.

At the same time, it doesn’t mean that every player needs to purchase the most expensive putters to play a good game.

Before you spend the money, consider how the putter feels and fits in your hand and to your putt, and then work from there.

What’s your favorite putter?