The Case for Mallet style Putters
Mallet style putters have become the best-selling putters right now, because of the excellent stability they give you while putting . A mallet putter is extremely balanced, has a bigger head than traditional putters, and generally are heavier than a blade-style putter.
Mallet putters also boast a higher MOI than traditional putters. What this means is that the putter’s head will twist less on an off-center hit, so the ball stays on a truer line and doesn’t lose as much of it’s speed than when struck by a blade putter. Mallet type putters typically include highly visible alignment systems that aid in lining up short putts with ease . Some of the most innovative designs are the Odyssey putters, especially their new White Hot XG line of mallet putters.
Due to the added mass and higher MOI, mallet putters fell very solid, even on less than optimal contact. If you are used to putting with a blade style putter, you may be surprised at how easy it is to hit the ball solidly and how little effort is needed. It will take some practice to prevent the ball from racing past the hole .
Many purists feel that a blade putter offers more feel during the putting stroke. However other golfers feel the extreme MOI of mallet patters offers considerable feel, even on lengthy putts or those tough “touch” putts. One of the most important aspects of touch putts is getting the ball started on the correct line, and high MOI mallet putters do that job perfectly.
An area where mallet putters show their stuff is on short putts under 10 feet. These are the putts that really count in pro golfing circles . The more of this length putt you make during a round, the better your score will be . And all of the features of mallet style putters - heavy weight , extreme MOI and great alignment aids - give you a better chance to make more short putts that can salvage a bad round .
Mallet style putters work best with a mecahnical, pendulum style putting stroke. Even if your style is a bit deifferent than that, it doesn’t mean a mallet putter is not for you . But it can deprive you of all the game improvement features mallet putters provide. If you aren’t willing to change your style , you may want to demo some the newer model putters.
New Mallet designs might seem rather funky , but there are still quite a few with a fairly traditional look. If you can put up with the large, geometric shapes of some of the mallet-style putters (like the Odyssey Sabertooth putter ), you will find them to be a benefit to your golf game. If you prefer a less exotic look, some of the simpler mallet style putters may help your putting game more.
A lot of people have been switching to higher MOI mallet-style putters for the last several years now . Maybe it’s time for you to give them a try , too .
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