Best Putter for Beginners & High Handicappers

The most appealing part of the best putter for beginners and high handicappers is that it combines both forgiveness and feel. Because if you go to see, beginners and high handicappers are not entirely the same type of golfers. The latter are sometimes far more experienced than the former. Nevertheless, they can and do use the same kind of golf clubs.

And that’s because top brands know how to design highly functional, practical, and versatile equipment. Meaning they understand the importance of hitting two birds with one stone. Therefore, the rise of not only putters but also wedges for both beginners and high handicappers.

Now let’s get into the top choices that have been shortlisted based on all important factors – user feedback, pricing, technology, and more below…

Before that, let’s go through the best of the best options really quickly!

Factors That Play A Major Role When Choosing A Putter

1. Mallet vs. Blade Putter

The traditional kind is the blade putter of course, with a simple structure BUT it’s one that doesn’t make the golf club very forgiving on mis-hits. Therefore, not the best choice for beginners.

In that case, the better option is a mallet putter, which, even though heavier in comparison to the blade, seems perfect for the straight back, straight through putting approach of newbies.

If you Google the benefits of a mallet putter, you’ll come face to face with the truth that many blade-style putter users make the switch to mallet precisely because of its ability to hand out more forgiveness as well as greater stability, control, and roll.

2. Forgiveness

Yes, there’s a separate section dedicated to forgiveness because that’s how important IT is to golfers like beginners and high handicappers.

If you’re a golfer breaking 90, choosing the most forgiving putter should be your top priority. It’s the most effective approach to correcting your not-so-perfect shots. Thus, paving the way for lowering your golf scores with more confidence.

So what are the specific design/technology elements that maximize forgiveness? Firstly, mallet putters are automatically more forgiving (already discussed before this). Then there’s the putter MOI, which certainly should be high to produce the least amount of twist on mis-hits.

3. Length

More often than not, the standard length is between 33 inches and 35 inches. But then this isn’t set in stone. Meaning you can adjust the length depending on your particular alignment and posture. If the length is wrong even by the slightest measurement, your green performance bears the brunt for it.

4. Weight

If shaft length matters, then so does the weight of the shaft. Needless to say, lightweight shafts have always been advocated for beginners, high handicappers, seniors, and also women golfers with a slower swing speed.

So does the same rule apply to putters as well? I don’t see why not. BUT then the shaft length and weight are supposed to work together. For example, simply reducing the length of the shaft on your putter that’s too long does more damage than good to your putting performance.

On that note, what’s the ideal weight of a putter? It’s between 340 grams and 350 grams. Although modern putters weigh around 400 grams for paving the way for increased speed in greens.

Keep in mind that lightweight putters work the best in the case of longer putts. But then controlling ball direction becomes a problem here. On the other hand, heavier putters are good for short distances.

5. Alignment and Looks

How can you judge any putter’s effectiveness? With the help of alignment! How the putter sits behind your golf ball and how it squares up to your target line are the two crucial factors in terms of alignment.

Every top-rated putter features alignment dots, lines, etc., so you can produce the most accurate stroke by hitting the golf ball in the right direction. But then golfers have preferences. For instance, long, big alignment lines that span across the whole face of the club or something like that.

If you’re a high-handicap golfer, you absolutely need to properly square up your putter to the intended target. All in all, no matter how big or small the alignment markings, their sole purpose is to create a square set-up at address. Once this happens, just see how many more putts you sink!

6. Feel (Face Inserts)

Putter face inserts are proof of the fact that technology in golf clubs is constantly improving. There are all types of inserts, and each one comes with its own set of pros and cons.

So what are the best choices for beginners and high handicappers alike? Softer inserts for sure because they’re not only softer but also lighter in comparison to metal (i.e. milled face putters). So the weight distribution takes place outside the putter clubhead, which just translates into a far less twisting action often produced by off-center shots.

On the other hand, you also have golfers who prefer more bounce, roll, and feedback.

7. Grip

The majority of putters are designed with a grip that tapers down. But that doesn’t mean you too should choose such a grip. Maybe you prefer a much thicker or longer grip for more comfort. So it all depends on what your putting style and grip preferences are.

Nevertheless, the option of counterbalanced grips is very useful as it adds greater weight below your hands to prevent the hinging of your wrists while putting.

8. Balance Point

So there are face-balanced putters and toe-balanced putters. The correct one for you depends on what your putting stroke looks like.

If it’s straight back, straight through, then go with a face-balanced putter. But if your stroke has a more pronounced arc, nothing works better than a toe-hang putter at such times.

Best Putters for Beginner & High Handicappers

1. Odyssey Hot Pro 2.0 Putter

Shaft Material	Steel
Shaft Length	33 inches
Loft	34 degrees
Lie Angle	70 degrees
Grip Type	Putter

Let me kickstart the reviews section with a putter that appeals to both inexperienced and experienced golfers. All thanks to the unique design of the golf club, which I’m certainly going to delve into right away.

First off, the Odyssey Hot Pro 2.0 features a well-engineered White Hot insert. And this particular feature or technology delivers consistent performance, sound, and feel. Top that off with laser milling, and you have a magical putter equipped with a tight, high tolerance level.

Even high tolerance like this performs the task of improving consistency and performance. Then there’s the deliberate weight placement of heel/toe to minimize to the least the ill-effect often produced by mis-hits. In short, maximum forgiveness is indeed a HUGE deal in this case. It also makes the putter a lot more responsive at impact.

And let’s not forget about the extremely useful top alignment aid that also promotes putting stroke consistency. Hot Pro 2.0 may not the best-looking putter out there but it’s still very well-received among those golfers who demand a better feel (the pros) and greater forgiveness (the noobs).

If you’re still confused, then find out which Odyssey putter is the most suitable for you…

2. Cleveland Golf Huntington Beach #1 Golf Putter

Shaft Material	Steel
Shaft Length	34 inches
Loft	3 degrees
Lie Angle	70 degrees
Grip Type	Putter

That’s the thing about milled putters – they provide golfers with a greater level of feedback or feel. But then if you want to understand this Cleveland putter better, you have to dive deeper into its technology and design traits.

Cleveland Golf Huntington Beach #1 features a traditional i.e. Tour-proven putter shape that’s suitable for both amateur and professional golfers. No doubt, there’s a precision-milled face that performs the job of softening the feel and increasing the friction. In simple words, it gives you a more genuine and consistent roll.

The brand now uses 304 stainless steel instead of 17-4 stainless steel. The former, even though considered to be a hard metal, is certainly softer in comparison to the latter. And this is better because it delivers a very dense, consistent sensation at impact without the unwanted harshness

It’s a very straightforward, traditional plumber’s neck blade putter that squares the golf ball during address, so you, being a high handicapper or beginner, can putt with more confidence.

Likewise, these types of golfers are also the most likely to appreciate the light overall clubhead weight, which is something golfers used to heavier weights might not appreciate so much. But golf lover Michael Lewis Hudson certainly does…

3. Pinemeadow Golf Men’s PGX Putter

Shaft Material	Steel
Shaft Length	34 inches
Loft	3 degrees
Lie Angle	70 degrees
Grip Type	Putter

How do I know it’s the best for high handicappers? Simply because Pinemeadow PGX is a mallet-style putter. That’s the perfect choice for every mid-handicap to high-handicap golfer who struggles with blade putters. At the same time, mallet putters are much more affordable too.

So let’s find out what the sound, feel, and appearance are like. Pinemeadow PGX features a precise, contrast white finish that facilitates better alignment. So you can produce a proper putting stroke with more confidence.

As for the sound, don’t expect a click. But then, at the same time, the putter is not too clunky either. Since it’s a mallet putter, you can look forward to a slightly stronger feel during impact.

And it’s only logical to worry about forgiveness in an entry-level putter. In the concerned area, Pinemeadow PGX eliminates your struggles with alignment in the form of providing aiming lines that cover the whole top of the head. So if your putting stroke is straight back, straight through, this putter is specifically made for you.

4. Wilson Infinite Men’s Golf Putter

Shaft Material	Steel
Shaft Length	34 inches
Loft	3 degrees
Lie Angle	71 degrees
Grip Type	Putter

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with switching to a mallet-style putter from a blade design. In fact, it happens very commonly because mallet putters like Wilson Infinite are well-engineered for promoting consistent distance control, roll, and impact. After all, the current one does have a double-milled clubface just for that.

Moreover, the brand’s exclusive counterbalanced technology takes complete care of producing a more controlled, smoother putting stroke. And it does so by shifting the point of balance closer to your hands.

Once you learn how to avoid crowding the ball in order to get the flat bottom to run parallel to your swing posture and the ground, the putter will do wonders for you. The perpendicular and parallel sight lines, no doubt, simplify alignment, no matter your skills as a golfer.

On top of that, there’s the glare-free dark PVD finish that further accentuates those sight lines. The moral of the story – inside 20, you’re bound to feel a lot more confident about hitting your line.

Here’s Wilson Staff’s Infinite Putter Collection…

5. Odyssey Red Ball Putter

Shaft Material	Steel
Shaft Length	35 inches
Loft	3 degrees
Lie Angle	70 degrees
Grip Type	Putter

Distinct Red Ball means incredibly easy clubface alignment to your target line on each putt. This putter by none other than Odyssey once again compels you, a beginner or high handicapper, to line up your putts more consistently to boost putting performance. Plus, the clubface delivers good sound and feel, which definitely helps with distance control.

I remember the first time I heard of the Odyssey Red Ball Putter. I immediately wanted to take it out for a test run. And what I noticed instantly is that scoping the Red Ball was incredibly easy.

Thanks to the Versa paint, aiming is also not a difficult task. Just don’t get too hung up on perfecting the Red Ball. Otherwise, you’re most likely to end up wrecking the aim altogether.

But what’s undeniable is just how extremely forgiving the putter really is. Meaning you can hit just about anywhere near the clubface center and still expect the ball to get the closest to the intended target on your line.

One last thing – unfortunately, feedback is very little because of the stable clubhead and firm insert. But then I think the Red Ball aspect of the whole design makes up for all existing and potential drawbacks.

6. TaylorMade 2018 Spider Interactive Putter

Shaft Material	Steel
Shaft Length	35 inches
Loft	3 degrees
Lie Angle	70 degrees
Grip Type	Putter

This is TaylorMade’s Smart Putter – meaning it’s incorporated with Smart technology for serving a host of highly advanced functions. For example, the TaylorMade Spider Interactive Putter lets you monitor your putting practice to improve performance.

Using its Blast Motion sensor and free app, you can get access to metrics such as stroke length, rotation speed, tempo, and timing.

There are 4 different hosels you can choose from. Center Shaft and Double Bend for straight back, straight through strokes, and Plumber’s Neck and Small Slant for the arching stroke.

Moving on, let’s not forget that this is a spider putter. And spider putters are the best for generating greater roll. They’re the most suitable for golfers who demand a ton of forgiveness from their golf clubs, be it driver or putter.

304 stainless steel means a lightweight body, thus perfect for weaker-skilled golfers. And stainless steel combines with aluminum to produce perimeter weighting, which boosts MOI and stability.

Then there’s the brand’s phenomenal Pure Roll insert that enhances forward roll, distance control, and directional accuracy. In short, you get to sink a greater number of putts. So the ultimate goal is surely met!

7. Autopilot S7K Standing Putter

Shaft Material	Steel
Shaft Length	34.5 inches
Loft	3 degrees
Lie Angle	72 degrees
Grip Type	Putter

First and foremost, let’s talk about the whole concept of a standing putter, which, in this case, is suitable for both men and women golfers by the way. So the benefits of a standing putter – aim it, step back to check the alignment and adjust if required, and then take your shot with more confidence, thus greater chances of success.

PGA golf professional Rick Shiels elaborates more on this…

However, the drawbacks include slowing down your pace of play, which, if you’re a slower player, is already below the mark. And then there’s also the undeniable truth that your aim, no matter what, just doesn’t look “right” from your address position.

But then beginners and even high handicappers appreciate the level of forgiveness it hands out in the case of mis-hits. The putter, no doubt, swings naturally, so you can hit your lines accurately. Along with sinking more putts, reducing round-destroying 3-putts, eliminating yips, and more such unfavorable putting consequences.

8. Odyssey Golf 2021 White Hot OG Putter

Shaft Material	Steel
Shaft Length	33 inches
Loft	3 degrees
Lie Angle	70 degrees
Grip Type	Putter

Around 20 years after the launch of Odyssey’s original White Hot Putter comes the White Hot OG Putter. The former, no doubt, is still a favorite among so many Tour-grade players. So it isn’t surprising to see the same White Hot clubface insert in a different model now – one that’s equipped with a more stable, stiffer, and counterbalanced Stroke Lab shaft.

This re-creation of the classic design means both performance and aesthetic improvements. Even in terms of feel and sound, you know nothing has been compromised with the solid, soft signature feel.

But then, performance-wise, how is this Tour-popular putter a suitable choice for beginners and high handicappers alike? It delivers a high level of forgiveness and stability that slow-swing players demand. This is a part of the #7 design, which also features prongs that behave like natural sight lines for better alignment.

By the way, #7 is the Short Slant Neck hosel or the Double Bend Neck hosel. Of course, there are more head shapes in case you’re a more skilled/experienced high handicapper.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When Should I Use Offset Putters?

Do you know what an offset putter does in the first place? It places the golf club further away from its shaft, so your hands are placed more forward across the putting stroke. Thus, preventing the possibility of speeding up through impact.

At the same time, this offset shaft compels the hands to keep moving. Many amateur and beginner golfers often stop the hands at impact. But the offset design keeps them moving for creating a smoother, more open and naturally flowing stroke for better ball contact.

Now you probably understand why putters that don’t have an integrated offset aren’t recommended for entry-level golfers.

What Putter Is the Most Forgiving?

That would be a mallet putter, simply because of its high MOI. More often than not, with perimeter weighting too, these high-MOI putters maximize forgiveness on putts that are poorly struck.

What Is the Best Putter for High Handicappers?

Once again, putters with high MOI are the best choice for both high handicappers and beginners. They work in both situations – straight back, straight through and arc putting strokes.

With higher MOI, even if you end up missing the putter sweet spot, the golf ball still gets pretty close to your target line.

What Is the Most Beginner-Friendly Putter Grip?

There’s no “best” type of grip for beginners. Rather it depends on your hand size and the kind of grip you make. For instance, golfers that practice the claw grip and have small hands are bound to use a grip that’s different from those with a conventional grip and large hands.

With the death grip style, there’s excessive pressure in the forearms. And this, obviously, is not good as it messes with the backswing as well as follow-through. So focus more on a soft-feel grip to eliminate the tension.

In terms of grip size (standard, mid-size, jumbo, and fatso), larger is not always the right solution, although it does minimize unwanted wrist activity. Instead, move up gradually (one size at a time) if your grip size is standard and you want to reap the benefits of a jumbo or fatso grip.

The consensus is that you should pick fatter grips if your putts are all over the place while mid-size or slimmer grips are perfect for putts that go more toward the right.

Then grip type also matters. For example, there’s the normal putter grip and the more advanced Super Stroke grip. So get to decide based on how comfortable the grip feels in those hands.

What Putter Is the Easiest to Line Up?

More specifically, it’s this Odyssey Red Ball Putter. Simply because it features a clear-cut Red Ball that’s placed within the putter scope for easy alignment of the clubface to your target line. And then it combines with the high-contrast Versa black/white framing to further simplify and improve alignment.

Finally, The End Is Here!

Now it’s time for you to choose the most suitable golf putter depending on your golfing skills, style, and preferences. As a beginner, it’s only natural to postpone or underestimate the process of getting better at putting. It is a common mistake after all. But remember that 30-percent to 40-percent of your strokes are produced by the putter.

Short game performance is just as equally, if not more, important than the long game. So it’s time you find the perfect (more or less) putter to ultimately sink more putts with more confidence. Irrespective of your golf handicap, swing, experience, etc.

Related Articles

• Best Heavy Putters That Increase MOI to Sink More Putts