Luke is an avid weekend-warrior golfer from the East Coast who plays golf more than he cares to admit.
The 3 best putters for high handicappers in 2023 are:
- PXG GEN2 Operator
- SCOTTY CAMERON PHANTOM X12
- Odyssey’s 2-Ball Ten
We highly recommend the Odyssey’s 2-Ball Ten over the others because of the powerful alignment aids (as depicted by the 2-Ball feature), Awesome compliment to further line up using Callaway Triple Track balls, and the club is a mallet putter with a forgiving face that’s not too heavy.
Not everyone may appreciate the two ball strategic feature on the Odyssey so we’ll compare pro’s and con’s of the other two putters in this guide.
PXG Gen 2 Operator
The Operator putter is designed to be extremely forgiving and can be customized to fit an individual’s stroke style. It is made from aircraft grade aluminum and features a raised t-shaped structure and wide front-to-back, high-contrast stripe for easy alignment. There are 5 sole weights that can be adjusted to change the feel of the putter.
Pros:
The Gen 2 Operator Putter is designed to provide even more forgiveness and customization, with a Variable Face Technology that helps optimize ball speeds and gives golfers the ability to fine-tune launch conditions.
- putter also still features an aircraft grade aluminum body
- raised t-shaped structure
- wide front-to-back high-contrast stripe for easy alignment
- 5 sole weights made out of tungsten that can be adjusted to change the feel of the putter
- The face is designed to offset speed typically experienced during a putt mishit
Cons
The PXG Gen 2 Operator does come with a few drawbacks. It is quite expensive, making it out of reach for some golfers. Additionally, the sole weights are not easy to adjust, so it can be difficult to get the putter feeling just how you want it.
Reported Features of the PXG Gen 2 include:
- Extremely High MOI
- Exceptionally Forgiving
- Easy to Align
- Outstanding Sound & Feel
- Fine Tuning for Miss Tendency
- Extremely Consistent
- Wide Range of Head Mass Adjustability
At the end of the day, this putter may not be best for a high handicap golfer at least out of the gates. Although not necessarily a con, this putter does require a high level of skill and experience in order to maximize its effectiveness.
SCOTTY CAMERON PHANTOM X12
The Scotty Cameron Phantom X12 comes in a close second place as a reliable and recommended putter for high handicap golfers.
Why do golfers spring for this putter?
The Phantom X12 putter features a refined sole design, perfect balance and stability, a 303 stainless steel face-sole construction for improved sound and feel, an adjustable insert system for weight customization, and more.
It is available in heel shafted versions of 33″, 34″ and 35″ models with a circular depth grip for comfort and to help maintain control during the stroke. The unique shape helps golfers align their eyes directly over the ball at address, providing more consistency with their shots.
Pros
- Refined sole design for improved accuracy on shots
- Perfect balance and stability to maintain control during the stroke
- 303 stainless steel face-sole construction for improved sound and feel
- Adjustable insert system for weight customization to suit individual preferences
- Unique shape helps golfers align their eyes directly over the ball at address
- Available in heel shafted versions of 33″, 34″ and 35″ models
- Circular depth grip for comfort and better control
Cons?
- Price is higher than some other putters on the market
- Shorter shaft option of 33″ may not be suitable for taller golfers
- No loft adjustability, making it more difficult to control shots from uneven lies but if you’re a weekend golfer you can always just foot wedge it into an ideal ball lie!
Putters and high handicappers FAQ
Now that you have undoubtedly selected your putter of choice – let’s see how you can use it best.
How to putt well with a high handicap?
- Practice a consistent stroke length with a consistent tempo
- Focus on the target line and aim to keep the putter head square to that line throughout the stroke
- Focus on keeping your eyes over the ball at address
- Take practice swings to get a feel for how much force is needed and how far back you should take your putter
- Concentrate on the follow-through and make sure the putter continues moving forward after contact with the ball
What are 3 drills to practice consistent tempo with my putter?
- Practice with a metronome to stay in rhythm and create a consistent tempo.
- Swing your putter back and through while counting aloud or using a mantra, such as “slow back, fast through”
- Take practice strokes while trying to keep the same speed throughout the swing
What is the best putter for an average weekend handicap golfer?
Generally, it depends on the individual’s preferences and abilities. However, some of the best putters for average golfers include the Odyssey White Hot 2-Ball Putter, the Scotty Cameron Studio Select Kombi S Putter, and the Cleveland Classic XL Custom Crystal Putter.
The average golfer needs a putter that fits their individual preferences and provides them with maximum accuracy. Putters come in many shapes, sizes, weights, and designs, so it is important to try out a few different ones and find the one that works best for you.
To ensure the best results, test different putters on the practice green first before taking them onto the course.
Guide to selecting a good putter for golfers
- Identify your skill level and putting style: Are you a beginner, amateur or experienced golfer? Are you an ‘arc’ or ‘straight line’ putter?
- Research different types of putters: Compare materials, shapes, lengths, flexibilities, weight and designs.
- Take into account your budget: Set a price limit that suits your wallet.
- Find a local golf store to try some out: Choose a store that has knowledgeable staff who can help advise you on different putters and styles.
- Try out the different putters: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different putters – learn how they feel in your hands, the way they move through the ball and what type of contact you make when putting.
- Make sure the length is correct: The putter should come up to just below your chin when standing upright with it held at its bottom shaft-end in front of you.
- Try lining up shots with each putter : See if the head of each one helps keep your eyes over the ball as you set up shot after shot – this is especially important for those players using a straight-line stroke style to judging accuracy with each model is also important before making a final selection
- Consider consistency and accuracy : Often more important than having superior touch on short range shots is being able to consistently hit the mark from mid-range distances (20 feet)
- Think about weighting preferences : Putters come in a variety of weights – many people prefer heavy ones for more stability while others may find them uncomfortable
- Select the best option for you: Once you have considered all factors such as style, consistency, accuracy and weight; decide on which one will work best for you personally!
