Updated January 9, 2025. This article was thoroughly audited by multiple golf experts and coaches for its accuracy. You can read more about our rigorous testing protocol here.
Center-shafted putters offer true roll and improved accuracy for amateur golfers looking to find a soft feel and more consistency to their putts.
These specially made putters typically have a mallet design and larger putter heads to balance and reduce impact twisting.
Each center-shafted putter on our list offers golfers the ability to improve their putting with a minimal learning curve, great for amateurs who want to spend their time on the course and not the practice green.
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Table of Contents
Best Center Shafted Putters 2025
Wilson Staff Model CS22 Putter
Best Center-Shafted Putter for High Handicappers
Specifications
- Head: Mallet
- Loft: 3.5 degrees
- Length: 34, 35 inches
- Head Weight: 350 grams
Pros
- Interchangeable sole weighting
- Softer stainless steel body delivers a nice feel
- Precision milled face offers forgiveness
Cons
- Smaller blade forces consistent contact
The Wilson Staff Model CS22 Putter offers a blend of classic design and modern performance.
This center-shafted putter boasts a stainless steel mallet-head that will appeal to traditionalists while incorporating innovative modern features.
The milled 304 stainless steel construction provides a soft yet solid feel at impact, offering excellent feedback on each putt. The precision milling extends across the entire face, creating a consistent roll and improved distance control.
Wilson’s counterbalanced technology shifts weight towards the grip, promoting a smoother, more stable stroke. This feature is particularly beneficial for golfers battling inconsistency or the yips.
Alignment is made easier with the CS22’s ball-width guidelines across the top with a contrasting black color that stands out against the silver steel.
While it may lack some of the flashier technologies of premium brands, the Wilson Staff Model CS22 delivers reliable performance at a more accessible price point for a center-shafted putter.
It’s an excellent choice for mid and high handicappers seeking a no-frills, center-shafted option that performs consistently on the greens.
TaylorMade Spider GTX Center Shaft Putter
Best Center-Shafted Putter for Mid Handicappers
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Specifications
- Head: Mallet
- Loft: 2.5 degrees
- Length: 34, 35 inches
- Head Weight: 365 grams
Pros
- Lightweight feel with exceptional stability
- Pure Roll2 Insert delivers smooth performance
- Impressive long-range distance control
Cons
- Larger head does require more precision ball striking
The TaylorMade Spider GTX Silver Center Shaft putter is an excellent choice for amateur golfers seeking improved stability and consistency on the greens.
The head features a high-MOI design with a premium Pure Roll2 insert for soft feel and smooth roll.
But what really sets it apart is the True Path alignment system with a unique silver center shaft. With the center shaft design, the putter frames the ball perfectly while promoting better face angle control through the stroke.
Amateurs will find aligning putts and keeping the face square much easier.
The Spider GTX center shaft makes it easier for amateurs to stroke putts on the intended target line by minimizing twisting at impact.
With its innovative alignment system and counterbalanced design that caters to an amateur’s swing, the Spider GTX is ideal for golfers seeking more consistency in their long-range game.
Titleist Scotty Cameron 2024 Phantom 5S Putter
Best Center-Shafted Putter for Low Handicappers
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Specifications
- Head: Mallet
- Loft: 3.5 degrees
- Length: 33-35 inches
- Head Weight: 345-365 grams
Pros
- Outstanding craftsmanship with adjustable weighting
- Tour-inspired design provides a soft feel
- Impressive accuracy from various distances
Cons
- Expensive price point, ideal for serious golfers
The Titleist Scotty Cameron 2024 Phantom 5S Putter is a testament to precision engineering and refined aesthetics.
This center-shafted mallet combines Scotty Cameron’s legendary craftsmanship with cutting-edge design features.
The putter’s stainless steel and aluminum body is complemented by strategically placed weights in the sole, optimizing balance and increasing MOI for improved stability through the stroke.
The milled face features the company’s new “Dual-Milled” technology, promoting a soft yet responsive feel and consistent roll throughout testing.
When evaluating the appearance of the putter, it’s hard to deny that the Phantom 5S is a true standout. Its sleek lines and premium Platinum finish exudes confidence, while the bold alignment features aid in a consistent setup.
The center-shafted design promotes a face-balanced feel, benefiting players with a straight-back-straight-through stroke looking for consistency.
While the price point may be steep, the Phantom 5S delivers exceptional performance with unmatched accuracy.
For low handicappers and serious golfers seeking a premium center-shafted option, this Scotty Cameron putter is very hard to beat.
LAB Golf DF3 Custom Broomstick Putter
Best Center-Shafted Broomstick Putter
Specifications
- Head: Mallet
- Loft: 3 degrees
- Length: 45 inches
- Head Weight: 345-365 grams
Pros
- Highly accurate with milled sweet spot
- Customized weight port for ideal feel
- Smooth, dependable forward roll
Cons
- Costly price point
The LAB Golf DF3 Custom Broomstick Putter is a game-changer for serious golfers seeking stability and consistency on the green.
This center-shafted putter features LAB’s innovative Lie Angle Balance technology, dramatically reducing twisting during the stroke and promoting repeatable contact, which you can depend upon.
The broomstick design, while unconventional, offers exceptional control for those who struggle with traditional putters.
Its length allows for a pendulum-like motion, minimizing wrist action and encouraging a smooth, consistent stroke with high MOI.
The DF3’s face insert provides a soft yet responsive feel, translating to excellent distance control. Alignment is a breeze thanks to the distinct sightline and overall head shape.
While the unique appearance may not appeal to traditionalists, the performance benefits are undeniable. After a few dozen putts, the putter definitely increased our confidence and improved our overall putting stats.
For players battling the yips or seeking a fresh approach to their short game, the LAB Golf DF3 Custom Broomstick Putter is certainly worth considering, even with the high price point.
Bettinardi INOVAI 6.0 CTR Putter
Best Luxury Center-Shafted Putter
Specifications
- Head: Mallet
- Loft: 3 degrees
- Length: 32-36 inches
- Head Weight: 358 grams
Pros
- F.I.T. face milling delivers incredible touch from anywhere on the green
- Soft insert helps with responsiveness
- Winged mallet shape helps with stability and accuracy
Cons
- Expensive price point, best for serious golfers
The best center-shafted putter for golfers looking for a high-quality model is the Bettinardi INOVAI 6.0 CTR.
Ideal for advanced and professional golfers, the INOVAI 6.0 CTR is a classically built center-shafted putter that offers premium performance.
The best feature of the Bettinardi putter is the F.I.T. technology. The feature concerns the CNC milled face with the soft insert that provides an exceptional feel and touch.
The winged mallet design provides stability throughout the putting stroke. One of the big reasons the putter has a high MOI is the balanced winged mallet that keeps the putter square through the impact zone.
Great for straight-back, straight-through strokes, the putter delivers smooth performance with impressive accuracy.
The putter features the company’s patented stainless steel shaft that fits well into the head for a seamless transition that doesn’t feel weak or rattled. Instead, golfers can expect that the craftsmanship shines through on each putt.
Yes, the putter is expensive, rivaling the cost of what you’d find with a Scotty Cameron model. But the price is justified by the performance. For a higher-end mallet putter, you’ll struggle to find a better-made putter than the INOVAI 6.0.
Cleveland Huntington Beach Soft 10.5 Putter
Best Value Center Shafted Putter for Mid Handicappers
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Specifications
- Head: Mallet
- Loft: 3 degrees
- Length: 34, 35 inches
- Head Weight: 365 grams
Pros
- Dual-milled face offers superior performance
- Face balanced design keeps the ball rolling smoothly
- Softer feel with the stainless steel body
Cons
- Plain design doesn’t have the bells and whistles of modern mallets
Cleveland Huntington Beach Soft 10.5 putter is the best mallet option on our list. The center-shafted putter has a large sloped mallet-style head that offers stability and reliability on long and short putts.
The high MOI putter won’t twist in your hand, a great feature that too many golfers don’t seek out when buying a new center-shafted putter.
The Optimized Speed Face Technology delivers consistent distance, even on off-center strikes.
One of the most forgiving putters you’ll find at this price point, the Huntington Beach Soft 10.5 features a stainless steel shaft that keeps your hands level with the face for smooth contact.
What’s wonderful about the Huntington Beach line of putters is that it offers exceptional value to weekend warriors. For a very affordable price, this putter will last years and provide dynamic performance.
The Huntington Beach putter line, including the Soft 10.5, also offers a soft CNC-milled face that delivers an incredible touch.
From inside 20 feet, the putter’s stability shines by increasing accuracy and giving you the chance to make more putts that other golfers will miss with an inferior putter.
A great putter that makes putting easy, the Cleveland Huntington Beach Soft 10.5 is a real winner.
Pinemeadow Golf Site 2 Putter
Best Center-Shafted Putter for Beginners
Specifications
- Head: Mallet
- Loft: 3 degrees
- Length: 33-35 inches
- Head Weight: 345 grams
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Wide high-contrast alignment guide
- Solid forgiveness on off-center strikes
Cons
- No face milling causes lack of feel
The Pinemeadow Golf Site 2 putter is a great budget-friendly option for golfers looking for a well-made, consistent mallet option.
As soon as I picked it up, I was impressed by the weight and quality feel of the putter head. The clean white finish frames the ball cleanly at address. For golfers struggling with their consistency, the Site 2’s alignment guide helps produce a more reliable roll.
During my time with the Site 2, I found the putter delivered a nice smooth stroke and good distance control on the greens. The face seems very forgiving even on mishits.
For me, the putter’s consistency can improve the putting of beginners and high handicappers.
Considering the inexpensive price of around $50, this putter exceeded my expectations.
If you’re a beginner or casual golfer on a budget, I recommend taking a closer look at the Pinemeadow Site 2 mallet due to its solidly reliable performance.
Ray Cook SR550 Putter
Best Budget Center Shafted Putter
Specifications
- Head: Mallet
- Loft: 3 degrees
- Length: 34, 35 inches
- Head Weight: 365 grams
Pros
- Solid balance with winged head shape
- High MOI with impressive forgiveness
- Excellent accuracy from short ranges
Cons
- Doesn’t have the craftsmanship of a top-tier putter
Our top choice for golfers on a budget that need a center-shafted putter is the Ray Cook SR550. Known for their value-conscious putters, Ray Cook designed the SR550 to offer power with a deft touch on lag putts from distances over 50 feet.
On the face of the putter, Ray Cook milled the center for a better feel and response. The lack of an insert does disappoint, but it is not unexpected for a putter at this price point.
If you value keeping the price low over high-tech features, then the Ray Cook SR550 remains a great place to start.
The face-balanced mallet putter offers strength from long distances with the softness and consistency that golfers of all skill levels crave.
The SR550 provides a solid forward roll for mid-range putts that stays along your target line, allowing you to easily finish holes with short par efforts.
Accompanying the putter is a full head cover that protects the putter as you ride in the cart, a great accessory that keeps the nicks and scratches off the finish.
Made for high handicappers or the beginning golfer just getting started, the Ray Cook SR550 might not carry the sophistication of other center-shafted putters, but for the lower price, it remains difficult to find a better putter that meets these specifications.
How We Tested the Center Shafter Putters
As seasoned golf coaches with over 40 years of combined experience, we approach putter testing with a keen eye for detail and performance.
When we begin our process of finding the top center-shafted putters, we are looking for exceptional performance with dynamic craftsmanship.
Our evaluation process for center-shafted putters begins by examining the specifications of each model.
We look at each putter’s build quality, materials, and overall design. We examine the weight distribution, grip comfort, and visual alignment aids.
Next, we take the putters to the practice green for extensive putting sessions. We test each putter from a variety of distances and from the same break situations you will find during a regular round.
When testing, we’re paying close attention to feel, feedback, and consistency.
To ensure objective results, we use a monitor to measure factors like face angle at impact, stroke path, and ball roll.
Our testing isn’t limited to the practice green as we also take these putters out for multiple rounds on different courses to evaluate their performance under real playing conditions.
Finally, we enter our lab to discuss our findings, compare notes, and debate the merits of each center-shafted putter.
Our final rankings and awards reflect a consensus based on performance, feel, consistency, and value for money.
How to Choose the Right Center Shafted Putter
Length
Most centers shafted putters offer lengths ranging from 33 to 35 inches. That may not seem like much of a difference for most golfers, but the length of a putter shaft can be a huge problem if it creates an out-of-sync stroke on the green.
A short putter could create a hunched-over stance for tall golfers that prevents the player from smoothly returning the flatstick to the golf ball.
Finding the right shaft length may take some trial and error, but finding a comfortable length that encourages a smooth stroke that provides consistency on the putting surface is crucial.
Price
Putters can vary wildly in price based upon the quality of the club and how it performs on the green.
Low price putters typically start around $30. These putters can provide consistent roll and touch, but golfers should expect that the club is made from cheap materials and may not last long.
Mid-range putters cost anywhere from $75-$200. These putters provide the most value for their performance. In this range, golfers will find well-made putters with an assortment of great features.
Most pros typically carry Scotty Cameron putters on the PGA Tour. These high-end putters routinely cost between $300-$500 but deliver outstanding performance.
Blade vs Mallet Putters
Blade putters offer an elongated face with a low profile that rarely rises above the midpoint of a golf ball. Blade putters are lightweight and offer premium control for golfers who like putting on an arc.
A high-end blade putter provides consistent distance on lag putts with heel and toe balancing.
Mallet putters are larger and heavier than blade versions. Mallets offer more distance control and are great for golfers who like a straight-back, straight-forward putting stroke. A well-crafted mallet putter offers golfers premium performance with a smooth roll.
Both putters provide tour-proven shapes and designs that appeal to amateurs and professional golfers alike.
Milled or Insert
Another big choice golfers must make is between a milled face or face insert-driven hitting area.
A milled face means the company used a machine to mill the face, creating a textured surface that offers softness and distance control. In addition, a milled face will have a crisscrossed look that increases friction on the golf ball for a better roll.
A face insert is typically made from a composite material that is added to the face as a strip directly onto the center of the hitting area of the putter. Benefits of face inserts include enhanced softness and improved feel with excellent distance control.
Offset
Every putter offers an offset to help the golfer get a clean line of sight on the golf ball. Golfers can misread a putt due to visual perception issues caused by the putter’s face.
The hope of offset is to remove those perception faults by providing a clear view of the golf ball so that golfers can visualize the putting line.
Some golfers prefer more offset with their putter, typically playing with a gooseneck putting shaft. The curved shaft allows the face to be behind the shaft’s path to the golf ball, allowing better consistency with a straight-back, straight-forward putting stroke.
Check our detailed guide: How to Choose a Putter
Questions & Answers
Why choose a center shafted putter?
A center shafted putter provides many benefits to golfers struggling with consistency in their putting game.
A center-shaft putter works best with a straight-back, straight-forward stroke with the head moving as if it is on a pendulum. Golfers who prefer to be directly over the golf ball at the address will also find a center-shafted putter to provide a pleasing experience.
By not putting with an arc motion, the golfer reduces the possibility of not returning the putter to square at impact. Golfers offer a better chance of the putter staying on the intended putting line by going straight back and straight through.
Who should play a center shafted putter?
Center-shafted putters are ideal for golfers who need to simplify their stroke. Since the straight-back, straight-forward stroke works best with these putters, golfers struggling to find consistency with an arc stroke should try this putter with the straight stroke.
With a broader, rounded head, a center-shafted putter is great for beginners and high handicappers that lack distance control on longer lag putts. This style of mallet putter is heavier, providing consistent distance that helps make sure you minimize the length of par putts.
A center-shafted putter should be considered by any level of golfer looking for a forward-facing center of gravity that delivers solid impact.
What does a putter offset do?
Offset is when the leading edge of a putter’s shaft is ahead of the face when the golfer addresses the golf ball.
With the ball sitting further back in the stance, the golfer’s hands must stay ahead of the golf ball during the putting stroke. Most pros feel the forward press of the hands helps provide stability throughout the stroke.
Center-shafted putters offer very little offset. Since the shaft goes into the center of the head near the face, there’s no room for offset.
This design could turn away golfers who prefer offset to their putters, but the clean approach could offer unseen benefits for golfers needing serious help on the greens.
What is a face balanced putter?
A face-balanced putter has a head that is balanced from heel to toe. This means that if you held the putter in your hand, it would balance flat on your palm with the shaft sticking at an angle, like at address.
The face of a face balanced putter is parallel to the ground to help the golfer prevent skidding and skipping after impact is made onto the golf ball.
The face of this style putter closes and opens far less when a golfer uses a straight-back, straight-forward putting stroke. Golfers who like to putt with an arc that moves inside and finishes square should avoid a putter balanced along the face.
How often do I replace putter technology?
Golfers usually keep their putters for many years. Replacing a putter is generally done because the golfer has lost confidence in the club. While new putters offer new technology, there’s not as big a difference from old to new, like woods and irons.
That said, a new putter, like a Ray Cook model, can work wonders for golfers struggling to find consistency on the green.
A new center-shafted putter that’s face-balanced can provide golfers a tool to unlock their struggles on the green. This style of high-end, high-quality putter offers clean weight distribution and lie angle for a direct line of sight to the golf ball.
Conclusion
My choice for the best center-shafted putter, the TaylorMade Spider GTX, delivers solid all-around performance with unmatched balance that works great with a straight-back stroke.
The putter has several worthwhile features including the company’s Pure Roll2 insert. The insert, made from high-grade urethane, offers a softness that offers touch when dealing with tough side-to-side breakers.
I also really liked how TaylorMade set up the alignment line with this putter. At address, the wide light gray bar provides a nice visualization for the eyes to help you line up, not just the center point, but the entire ball to the face.
A great putter for golfers that want a top-tier center-shafted model, the Spider GTX remains one of the most capable and affordable.