The Case for Mallet style Putters
Mallet putters are getting a lot of attention right now, because of the increased stability this type of putter gives to the golfer during the putting stroke. A mallet putter is extremely balanced, has a bigger putting head than blade type putters, and almost always have more mass than a regular putter.
Mallet style putters also are higher in their MOI than traditional putters. This means that the putterhead will twist less on an off-center hit, so the ball stays on a truer line and loses less of it’s speed than when struck by a normal putter. Mallet type putters typically include highly visible alignment systems that help you aim short putts easily. Some of the most helpful 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 normally use a blade style putter, you may be surprised at how easy it is to strike the ball solidly and how little force is needed. It will take some practice but you will get used to it rather quickly.
A few advanced golfers feel that a conventional putter offers more feel on long putts . However other golfers feel the extreme MOI of mallet patters contributes considerable feel, even on long putts or those tough downhill 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.
One of the places where mallet putters really shine is on short putts under 8 feet. These are the money putts in pro golfing circles . The more of this length putt you make during a round, you are sure to lower your handicap . And all of the features of mallet type putters - more mass , higher MOI and easy-to-use alignment aids - will help you make more of those testy 4-8 footers that can salvage a bad round of golf.
Mallet putters work best with a no-frills , straight back, straight through putting stroke. If you use a different style , it doesn’t mean a mallet putter is not for you . But it can deprive you of all the design benefits mallet putters provide. But if you putt with a longer, arcing swing, you may want to look at some the newer high MOI blade putters.
Some of the Mallet designs can seem rather weird , but there are still quite a few with a traditional look. If you can handle the large, geometric shapes of some of the newer-style mallet putters (like the Odyssey Sabertooth putter ), you will find them to be a benefit to your golf game. If you prefer a more traditional look, some of the more traditional mallet putters may help your putting game more.
A lot of people have been switching to heavier mallet putters for the last several years now . Maybe it’s time for you to try one out .
