Best Blade Putters 2023
As we edge deeper into 2023, it’s the perfect time for golfers everywhere to reassess their equipment, especially the all-important putter. This essential piece of gear can make or break your game on the green, and that’s why we’ve prepared this comprehensive review of the best blade putters 2023 has to offer.
Our selection includes the Scotty Cameron Super Select Newport putter, Cleveland HB Soft Milled 4, Odyssey Tri Hot 5k Double Wide, Cleveland HB Soft Milled 4, Ping PLD Anser 2, and Wilson Staff Model BL 22.
Each of these standout putters brings unique features and advantages to the table, promising to enhance control, improve alignment, and boost confidence when it matters most.
Best Blade Putters 2023
Scotty Cameron Super Select Newport putter
When has anyone’s first impressions of a Scotty Cameron been at all bad? This putter screams extreme quality as soon as you get your eyes on it, and then that feeling is backed up when you first get it in your hands. I think the new I-Beam neck design looks great, and I personally prefer the silver dots on the back of the head compared to classic red.
I love that Scotty Cameron don’t overdesign the putters and keep them really simple. The blade putters look great and have done for many years, so there’s no point in making changes for change’s sake.
There are some subtle differences between this year’s Super Select model and last year’s Special Select. The new I-Beam neck design has allowed them to save weight and move it closer to the head’s perimeter, making it more forgiving.
The cavity dots on the back of the face have also had a slight upgrade; they’re now larger, meaning there is less weight in the centre of the putter and more near the edges. This doesn’t really sound like an upgrade, but as amateurs are not the most consistent ball strikers, it’s actually a good deal.
I had great fun testing the new Newport. I was practically skipping around the green at the Titleist Performance Centre at Woburn, knocking in 5 and 6-footers for fun. I don’t often think about the sound a putter strike makes, but everything about it was brilliant.
PROS
- It’s a Scotty Cameron
- Remarkably forgiving on off-centre hits
- The silver dots give it a quality feel
CONS
- There are no downsides
- RELATED: Read our full Scotty Cameron Super Select Newport Putter Review
More info: Titleist website
Cleveland HB Soft Milled 4 Putter
Once you take the headcover off the putter, it’s stunning. All of the lines are really clean and square you making you feel you can align it to anything, which is not something you get a lot from a blade putter.
The big story with the new HB Soft Milled line is the precision design and build. Cleveland are trying to make the production process more efficient, so are only milling the face and back of the putter, which reduces waste and cost, so that savings can then be passed to the golfer.
The face milling pattern is a specific design that is closer together in the centre and gets progressively wider away from the centre, is designed to equalize ball speed for good and bad strikes. As blades are generally less forgiving than a mallet, this is great news.
I find it really easy to line up with the edges of the putter being so straight and square, so my short putting has been pretty reliable. I also find that the putter feels really well-balanced. The weight of the head somehow feels perfectly matched up with the weight of the shaft and grip, and it just swings really well.
Cleveland says this putter head shape is designed for a player with a slight arc stroke. I have never particularly bought into the idea that one putter head will suit one type of stroke, but I do understand the points they make. This is a great putter, and I think you shouldn’t be put off trying or using it just because you may not have a slight arc.
PROS
- Looks amazing at address
- Option for a shaft upgrade
- The putter feels really balanced when lag putting
CONS
- The head cover feels cheap
- RELATED: Read our full Cleveland HB Soft Milled 4 Putter Review
More information: Cleveland Website
Odyssey Tri Hot 5k Double Wide Putter
Right out of the gate, I love this putter. What’s not to like? There’s the White Hot insert that we know performs so well, the stroke lab shaft, which is stiffer than before for more stability, and a newly designed grip which feels fantastic.
The whole design of the putter has a super high-quality feel to it. You can even buy different material removable weights for the sole to change the balance and swing weight of the putter, which is a brilliant option for golfers.
The big story with the new Odyssey Tri hot 5k putters is how forgiving they are. Odyssey have positioned massive amounts of tungsten at the front of the putter in the toe and the heel to move the CG forwards and improve levels of forgiveness.
If you are a player that loves this blade design but wants that face balance technology to suit your stroke, Odyssey have released the Triple Wide Tri Hot 5k putter, which has a double bend neck and will service your needs perfectly.
PROS
- Very square behind the ball
- Forward centre of gravity feels solid at impact
- High MOI means miss hits perform really well
CONS
- None!
- RELATED: Read our full Odyssey Tri Hot 5k Double Wide Putter Review
More info: Callaway Website
Ping PLD Anser 2 Putter
Like me, blade putter fans will have seen this flat stick in the pro shop or from afar and wonder if this putter is worth the money. Getting it in my hands, I immediately know it is worth every penny.
The Ping PLD putter I received is the 34-inch Anser 2 in satin finish designed for a stroke with a slight arc. It differs from the Anser with a slightly longer and narrower profile and sharper corners but shares its clean square lines. The white centre alignment line is quite narrow but looks very good. It is also available in a matte black finish.
The Ping PLD milled putter review started on the putting green at my home club Sand Moor in North Leeds, with some lengthy lag putting. I really liked how nicely balanced the putter felt in my hands at address and in the swing.
After a few putts adjusting to the feel, my pace control was really good with the putter. This could be thanks to the deep AMP aggressive milling pattern on the face, which helps the ball roll quicker and more consistently.
This putter might feel expensive compared to the other putters in Ping’s lineup this year, but what you are getting with the PLD (which stands for putting lab design) is real quality. A solid block of forged 303 stainless steel requires more than four hours of milling time.
PROS
- Might just be the best-looking blade putter
- Great feel
- The ball rolls nicely off the face
CONS
- Quite pricey
- RELATED: Read our full Ping PLD Anser 2 Putter Review
More information: PING
Wilson Staff Model BL22 putter
This putter feels special. When you take the head cover off, and get a view of the precision milling, you get a feel for how much thought has been put into designing it. The design is so clean and elegant you almost don’t want to hit putts with it, but rather hang it above the fireplace at home.
Building a blade putter is harder than you think, as there will always be an army of traditionalists looking to critique what you put out there. The traditionalists are going to have a very hard time finding anything wrong with the BL22.
Once I had gotten over how nice the BL22 is to look at, I started hitting some short putts with it. I found it really easy to line up as all the lines and details of the putter sit very square. I vary between using a line on the ball and not, and either way I found it easy to point at the hole and knocked a lot of short ones in.
Moving onto longer putts and I felt like the forged 304 stainless steel head was quite soft, and I didn’t feel like the ball was coming off too fast which is sometimes what I see with heavier-headed putters. The face has quite an aggressive milling which is supposed to help get a better roll on the putts.
You won’t very easily find a better-looking blade putter on the market, and it’s more reasonably priced than the other brands in this same market. If you’re looking to update or upgrade your blade you absolutely must give this a go, you will not be disappointed.
PROS
- Beautifully shaped
- Clean and not over branded
- Feedback from the putter is top notch
CONS
- The grip doesn’t feel to match the quality of the rest of the putter.
- RELATED: Read our full Wilson Staff Model BL22 Putter review | National Club Golfer
More info: Wilson Website
In conclusion, the Scotty Cameron Super Select Newport putter, Cleveland HB Soft Milled 4, Odyssey Tri Hot 5k Double Wide, Cleveland HB Soft Milled 4, Ping PLD Anser 2, and Wilson Staff Model BL 22 stand as the top contenders for the best putters in 2023.
Each of the best blade putters 2023 showcases superior design, impressive performance, and unique features that are sure to help you lower your scores. The perfect putter depends on your individual style and preferences, but rest assured, these models offer a diverse range to choose from.
Remember, a successful putt often means the difference between victory and defeat, so investing in the right putter could be your ticket to triumph on the greens in the coming year.
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Nicola Slater
Nicola recently graduated from Stirling University where she studied Sports Studies, she wrote her dissertation on barriers to participation for women in golf.
Nicola plays her golf at Hickleton and she currently plays off +3. Having played for Yorkshire Ladies and has represented England at junior and senior level, she will soon be beginning her professional career on LETAS.
