It is the year’s most personal test. More than any other club in the bag, we have intimate relationships with our putters. What looks just right to one golfer is an immediate ‘no no’ to the next. So which ones did our testers fall for?
The methodology
We conducted the test at Moor Allerton Golf Club on the outskirts of Leeds. Equipment brands were invited to send in a range of their latest putters of all shapes and sizes so our testers could choose the ones they liked the best. We asked our testers to try the putters they were most drawn towards, based on the following criteria…
Key factors
– Looks
– Sound and feel
– Alignment
– Forgiveness
– Quality of components
– Value for money
The Testers
Dan Murphy
Handicap: 3
“I’ve been a compact mallet kind of guy for longer than I’d care to admit. Putting is more about feel than science to me.”
James Whitaker
Handicap: Pro
“I’ve never used anything other than a blade putter. The furthest away from an Anser shape was a Zing as a junior.”
Pete Chippindale
Handicap: 12
“A putter has got to help you get the right strike. My current model is a Scotty Cameron Fastback mallet.”
Chris Peel
Handicap: 14
“I’m very much used to a traditonal putter. I’ve had the same Ping Anser in the bag for several years now.”
The Winners
Gold:
Scotty Cameron Newport 2
Odyssey Metal X Milled 330
Silver:
Ping Karsten TR Zing
Scotty Cameron GoLO 3
Rife General
Ping Ketsch
Bronze:
Odyssey Versa Jailbird
TaylorMade Daddy Long Legs
The best of the rest:
Scotty Cameron Select Fastback
Lynx Boom Boom CGP1
Yonex EZone XP
Rife Barbados 2.0
MD Golf Superstrong #5
Wilson Staff Vizor Level 2
Ping Scottsdale TR Senita
Benross Casino Arizona
Cleveland Smart Square
Scotty Cameron Futura X
Odyssey Versa Sabertooth
Odyssey Tank 2-Ball
Tour Edge DG Tour Proto
Mizuno MP-A304
Yes Donna
Benross Casino California
TaylorMade White Smoke DA-62
Ping Anser Milled
MD Golf Superstrong #2
Nike Method Modern Classic