What putter is right for you? We all know that feeling when we see a new putter and we just fall in love with it – or, indeed, it inspires an equal degree of loathing and disgust. These are extremely powerful sensations which don’t seem to change no matter what the stats are or which pros we’ve seen using them. We all know deep down when we see The One.
Outside of golf this is a well known principle. In the military, spacecraft design, or in any area where the equipment user must have complete confidence in the kit, a huge amount of research goes into how it looks, sounds, and feels. The designers recognise that there are millions of circuits in our brains that kick into action whenever we see a new object, design, or even a person.
Historically these circuits ensured our safety so have lingered on when they really have no place in a 21st century world. They drive our subconscious brain in much more powerful ways than most of us realise.
Psychologists call this the Anticipated Level of Confidence (ALC ). When it is high, users will be drawn to that design and will utilise it to its full potential.
A recent study found that the putter was one of the few clubs that created a high level of confidence in golfers. This may not surprise you as we hit far more shots with the putter than any other club. Technically putting is also the easiest of the swing movements required, so gives the average player much more opportunity for success.
When looking at the relationship players had with their putter in detail, a complex picture began to emerge. Putter choice actually depended on personality type.
Putter personality types
1. Sensor Thinkers (ST)
The more traditional types who will prefer classic designs and colour patterns. An engineer’s dream as they love the hard data. Will be much more comfortable with the traditional brands and tend to be very loyal customers.
