Updated March 29, 2023. This article was thoroughly audited by multiple golf experts and coaches for its accuracy. You can read more about our rigorous testing protocol here.
The best putters of all time have several common characteristics. These putters are well-crafted, balanced, and reduce the skidding and hopping that causes putts to move away from your intended target line.
All eight putters on our list of the best putters of all time utilize either a milled face or soft insert to create touch and smooth roll. When you use one of these putters on the green, you’ll quickly discover what craftsmanship can provide your game.
From distance control to solid feel, each of the top putters on our list is an instant upgrade to your bag and will help you recover your stroke.
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Last updated on 2023-03-28. The links are affiliate links. Product images are served from Amazon Product Advertising API.
Table of Contents
Best Putters of All Time
- Best Overall: Odyssey Stroke Lab Triple Track
- Best Feel: Odyssey Works
- Best Face Performance: Odyssey Stroke Lab Black
- Most Accurate: Seemore FGP Black Mallet Putter
- Best Mallet: TaylorMade Spider X
- Best 2-Ball: Odyssey EXO
- Best Balanced: Cleveland Frontline Elevado
- Best Premium: Scotty Cameron Special Select Newport
Odyssey Stroke Lab Triple Track
Best Putter Overall
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PROS
- Triple Track alignment guide utilizes tested methods for more consistency
- Firmer feel with White Hot Micro insert along the face for exceptional heel-toe balance
- Among the best face-balanced putters on the market
CONS
- Triple Track outlines are busy and possibly distracting
- Compact club head requires precision and consistency, little forgiveness
From Odyssey comes our choice for the top putter of all time, the Stroke Lab Triple Track. Available in different shapes and styles, the Triple Track series is an absolute revelation for players needing a face-balanced option with a forward-facing center of gravity.
What’s great about the Triple Track alignment design is that it allows the golfer to visualize the ball’s path to the hole. Rather than second-guessing the line, the Triple Track gives an alignment guide with the same width as the ball. Over time, players will find that the Stroke Lab delivers more consistency on putt after putt.
Another highlight of the Triple Track putter is the White Hot Pro insert that runs the length of the face. Other inserts are compact and offer a tight sweet spot, but with these Odyssey putters, the insert allows a longer hitting area with boosted forgiveness.
The microhinge star hitting area provides a firmer feel at impact, which is excellent for players who like enhanced touch.
Also worth noting, the lighter shaft redistributes weight to the head’s perimeter for better heel-toe balance and higher MOI that reduces twisting.
With an elaborately functional design and a first-rate alignment guide, the Stroke Lab Triple Track is delightful to play.
Odyssey Works
Best Feel Putter
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PROS
- Microhinge hitting area offers softness with outstanding touch on longer putts
- Toe hang allows for arc putting path that advanced players prefer
- Clean black matte look with pistol grip option for ergonomic holding
CONS
- Simple look with no adjustable features such as weighting
- Studded insert provides an odd feel at times
For feel, there is no better putter on the market than the Odyssey Works. Available in several styles, including 2-Ball, the Works series delivers top-notch design and excellent consistency that will keep your putt along your intended putting line.
The microhinge insert is one of the biggest reasons the Works putter provides such outstanding performance. This addition to the hitting area provides instant feedback that pros love to see in their flatstick. The soft feel of the microhinge helps you find the touch you need on moderate to long putts.
Each putter in the Works series has a comfortable weight, including the mallets available in the product line. Rather than struggling with the heft, you’ll find that the Works putter has a clean black finish and a tour-design shape that sparkles on the putting surface.
If you are a fan of toe hang design and enjoy using an arcing putting path that runs from inside to an outside finish, then the Works series is a wonderful option for your golf game and holds a deserved place among the top putters of all time.
Odyssey Stroke Lab Black
Best Face Performance Putter
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PROS
- First-rate black finish gives the putter a clean, professional look
- Two sole weights keep face-balanced through the putt’s finish
- Microhinge hitting area offers the softness and feel that most modern flatsticks don’t have
CONS
- Lightweight design may turn away players that want more heft
- Futuristic appearance won’t win over any classic putter fans
Another addition from Odyssey to our list of the top putters of all time is the Stroke Lab Works putter. These putters hold a design with one thing in mind; to help the golfer make more putts. And we’re happy to report that these golf putters are more than capable of rising to the challenge and creating more consistency along the target line.
The Black series of putters have a center of gravity located toward the face for quicker roll. The heel-toe balance is also worth mentioning as it keeps the face square through the impact zone of the Black putter.
The putter also comes with two stationary weights that reside underneath the head. Each weight creates heel-toe balance for higher MOI and better contact, reducing the skipping and hopping that plagues a lesser putter.
The best feature of the Black putter is the microhinge insert. This soft hitting area offers a pleasing sound with a firm feel that keeps a putt tight along the intended path. The insert’s wide length also offers great forgiveness, primarily from the putter’s well-crafted balance and moderate head weight.
From a cosmetic standpoint, the Black model offers a sleek finish that blends in well with your current club set.
Seemore FGP Black Mallet Putter
Most Accurate Putter
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PROS
- Face-balanced for smooth execution and reduced twisting
- Precision milled face provides exceptional feel and response
- RST Alignment System offers stunning accuracy on long distance putts
CONS
- Strange design with center shaft does need adjustment time
- Leans a bit on the heavy side, making it tougher to master on longer putts
From the longtime putter makers, Seemore, comes their most popular model, the FGP Black Mallet. With a unique head design, this putter is one of the best for improving accuracy on mid-range and long distance putts.
The face is precision milled for a better feel and tighter response on putt after putt. This face-balanced putter naturally returns the face to square at impact, whether you prefer a straight-back takeaway or an arcing stroke.
Easily the highlight of this gorgeously-designed mallet putter is the RifleScope Technology, or RST, alignment system. The goal of the good folks at Seemore is to have the golfer line up their putt correctly every time.
The RST provides a single line atop the face and its rear overhang, plus two lines along the head of the putter that measure the width of the golf ball. Much like Odyssey’s 2-ball design, the RST offers a clear visualization for the golfer where their ball is headed, allowing them to line their putter and body accordingly for more accurate attempts.
The putter has four different shaft length options running from 33 inches to 36 inches.
A delightful putter that holds a special place for many experienced golfers, the FGP Black Mallet from Seemore is a dynamic flatstick, well worth its cost.
TaylorMade Spider X
Best Mallet Putter
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PROS
- Anchored with rear swing weight for better stability on a long putt
- Great for straight-back, straight-through putting style
- Wonderfully soft feeling along the hitting area of the putter at impact
CONS
- One of the larger heads we’ve seen on a mallet putter
- Best for straight-back takeaways to minimize twisting
Another delightful putter from TaylorMade is the Spider X. This mallet-style putter offers a wide hitting zone with a stylish design that creates a smooth putt time and time again.
The highlight of the Spider X and one of the big reasons why you see this putter on Sunday on the PGA Tour is the steel frame that reduces twisting and increases MOI. Although it holds a mallet-style design, the center of gravity is actually close to the face for a better roll without skidding or skipping.
On top of the putter, a true path alignment system provides a clear look at the putt’s path. As with a large-headed putter, the wide stripe helps visualize the width of the golf ball for a clear line of sight to the cup. The stripe also reduces the time needed to line up the putt, saving you time on the green.
Two rear weights anchor the head and help increase feeling and stability throughout the golf putter face. The face-balanced approach of the Spider X, along with excellent heel-toe balance aided by the two weights is unmatched in a putter of this quality.
A long time favorite of pros and amateurs alike, the TaylorMade Spider X is one of the best mallets of all time.
Odyssey EXO
Best 2-Ball Putter
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PROS
- Clean polished finish gives the EXO one professional looking appearance
- Lightweight shaft design saves weight for smoother heel-toe balance
- White Hot inserts provide microhinge technology for an immediate forward roll
CONS
- High price point leaves putter to just frequent golfers
- Only available in mallet options, no blade-style putters
If you are in the market for a top-of-the-market 2-Ball putter, the Odyssey EXO series presents the best-looking version of the longtime popular flatstick. The alignment guide behind the face is outfitted in a slick black that contrasts nicely with the copper exterior of the EXO putter.
The putter’s MOI registers extremely high and you’ll be pleased to know that you won’t need to worry about the club twisting during the takeaway and return to the impact zone. Instead, the EXO putter keeps the hitting area square for a consistent rolling experience unmatched by its competitors.
The White Hot insert covering most of the putter’s face offers a firmer feel than other comparable inserts. For a golfer who wants more control over the speed of their attempts on the green, the insert provides a wonderful response to help judge the green’s surface.
Another homerun by Odyssey, the EXO series ranks among the best putters on the market today with various options and styles to choose from. Each putter in the series delivers outstanding performance with unmatched quality that does not fade over time.
Cleveland Frontline Elevado
Best Balanced Putter
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PROS
- Marvelous one stripe alignment guide on top of the head offers a clear line for putts
- Compact but delicate putter face design provides greater accuracy for your short game
- Face balanced with two peripheral weights that bookend the soft hitting area
CONS
- Plays much heavier than it looks, needs time to dial-in longer putts
- Tungsten insert makes a clicking sound at impact
From the expert designers at Cleveland comes one of their best creations, the Frontline Elevado. This putter has it all; consistency, feel, functional design, and accuracy. Across the putter’s face, Cleveland has maximized the center of gravity for straighter rolls that find the cup with more frequency.
The putter face maintains balance with the help of the two weights stationed on both sides of the insert. The compact insert helps the ball stay centered for better accuracy and a smooth rolling rotation with each putt.
The putter also creates exceptional alignment using the company’s patented 2135 technology. Although the single stripe might not seem like much, the head’s flared wing design provides an excellent tool to keep the putter behind the ball for more center strikes.
For a premium putter, the Frontline Elevado is also quite affordable for the average amateur looking to upgrade their game.
The Frontline Elevado’s head shape design is the show’s real star, providing an exceptional balance that is anchored throughout the putter’s natural motion.
Great for golfers who like taking the putter straight-back and straight-through, the Frontline Elevado is a testament to how fine craftsmanship can help create marvelously consistent golf putts.
Scotty Cameron Special Select Newport
Best Premium Putter
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PROS
- Milled hitting area provides incredible feeling and feedback after impact
- Performance balanced weighting gives golfers smoother stroke
- Refined plumbing neck increases performance with better alignment and sightline
CONS
- Additional weights add more money to a high price point
- Very expensive for casual players
If you’ve ever played with a Scotty Cameron putter, you know why this brand is highly regarded among professional golfers like Tiger Woods. The company’s latest creation, the Special Select Newport, offers a blade-style putter with a stainless steel body that produces exquisite distance control and a great feel of the hole on each putt.
The highlights of this Scotty Cameron putter include a refined plumbing neck that offers a better sightline to the ball, a milled putter head made from stainless steel that provides a great soft feel and feedback, and performance balanced weighting increases stability throughout the putt.
The Special Select Newport does not utilize inserts instead of relying on an expertly milled hitting area. Within 15 feet of the hole, you definitely see and understand the remarkable craftsmanship of this milling. The ball simply finds a reliable and smooth roll that stays along the target line with each putt.
Two sole-anchored weights enhance balance across the hitting area, excellent for an impact that drifts toward the toe for more forgiveness. The putter may seem soft for golfers that aren’t accustomed to the Scotty Cameron design, but the putter delivers across the board improvement on long and moderate putts.
Also worth noting, the weight of this Scotty Cameron model deserves praise as it offers a lightweight and soft feeling that helps golfers smoothly impact the golf ball.
A great putter that is beyond worthy of its accolades, the Scotty Cameron Special Select Newport putter is a worthy addition alongside the top putters of all time.
History of Putters
Early Putters
Early putters were made of wood and commonly called the “putting cleek” among 16th century golfers. Typically made from hardwood such as beech, the clubs also had shafts made from ash or hazel.
Since the early golf ball was made from a leather pouch filled with feathers, the putter had to take shape and the heft of a regular club to power the ball toward the hole. A putter from this era was made from wood primarily to save the delicate golf balls from splitting open, although irons were made with an actual iron.
19th Century Putters
In the 19th century, golf club makers adjusted a putter due to the introduction of a new golf ball. Gone was the leather and feathers, and instead, a ball made from the rubbery sap of a tropical tree was used to mold golf balls.
The balls were far more durable than previous versions, so golfers could now use iron headed clubs to strike the golf ball. Maintaining the wooden shaft, an iron-based putter took on a similar shape to the putters we use today.
A putter from this era typically used brass with a thin head and a sheepskin grip to help stabilize the club.
Modern Putters
The modern putter began to take shape in the 1930s with the arrival of golfer Bobby Jones. The Grand Slam winner utilized the help of Spalding to create a short putter with 8 degrees of loft. This putter was improved upon in the 1950s by Ping and its founder Karsten Solheim. His Anser putter, still available today, became a sensation with professional golfers for the next several decades due to the putter’s soft feel and distance control.
Today’s putters lean far more on technological advancements in their design, specifically with the innovation of high MOI that helps prevent twisting through the ball.
What’s the Best Putter for You?
Low Handicappers
The Scotty Cameron Newport putter is the best choice for low handicappers looking for one of the top putters of all time. The elegance and detail of the Newport have carried golfers over the past few decades and provided the preferred putter for major title winners, including legends of the links like Tiger Woods.
The Newport offers premium face milling with a soft feel along the putter’s hitting area that can help maintain a high level game of golf for the advanced golfer.
Over the years, the Newport and its brother, the Scotty Cameron Super Fly, have evolved. The latest version of these clubs has installed sole weights that help stabilize and increase the MOI of the club to prevent twisting. For golfers looking to dramatically improve their short game and stroke, the Newport is the cream of the crop and well worth the additional cost.
Mid Handicappers
For mid handicappers, the Odyssey White Hot Pro 2.0 is the best putter for their game (It’s also the best putter for ladies. With a sleek black finish, the White Hot Pro series has long stood for premium golf performance and is one of the best putters for increasing consistency.
The star of the show for the White Hot Pro series is the insert on the putter. Offering exceptional feeling and the pleasing head weight of the White Hot Pro, the hitting area is a first-rate addition to the putter.
The putter is also heel-toe balanced, allowing players to arc their stroke closer to the ball for a better alignment line and a crisper finish to each putt.
There are several varieties of the Odyssey White Hot Pro series, from blade putters to modified large-headed versions, giving players plenty of options for finding the right style for their game.
High Handicappers
The Odyssey 2-Ball Putter has stood the test of time since its inception in the mid-1990s. The putter offers several wonderful highlights, but the 2-ball design provides a special alignment guide that helps pros and amateurs visualize the putt.
The enlarged head of the Odyssey 2-Ball is excellent for players who like a straight-back, straight-through putting stroke. With an oversized grip, beginners and high handicappers can prevent twisting during the stroke with the 2-Ball putter.
Even on shots that drift toward the toe, the 2-Ball’s design offers terrific forgiveness to keep putts along the intended putting path for better accuracy and consistency.
Check our detailed guide: How to Choose a Putter
Characteristics of Golf Putters
Hosel
The hosel of the putter is where the shaft and head come together to form a bond. Different types of hotels, from plumber’s neck to double bend, offer a unique perspective to the ball and allow a golfer to stand further over the ball for a better sightline. The hosel can also create a toe hang that opens the face allowing for an arc-like stroke.
Grip
Putters have three types of grips; pistol, standard, and oversized. The pistol grip is more ergonomic and easier to hold for players with small hands. A standard grip is moderate in size and provides a traditional feel without ergonomic shaping. Finally, an oversized grip has become popular among pros and increases MOI by reducing twisting during the stroke.
Shaft Length
Most putters have a shaft that measures 33-35 inches in length. For taller weekend warriors, a 35-inch shaft can allow the arms to hang comfortably without bending the elbows. A 33-inch shaft can help get the hitting area closer to the ball for better sightlines for shorter players.
Milled Face
Putters with a milled face take the stainless steel and grind the material to create a consistent roll and softer feel. On off-center strikes, a milled face can provide forgiveness by maintaining putt speed and reducing the vibration. The design of a milled hitting area helps increase the playability of a putter for mid and high handicappers.
Inserts
Players can expect a soft feel with more vibration dampening when a putter uses one of many different inserts available on the face. While some pros prefer milling on the hitting area of their putters, others like soft inserts that provide more touch and feedback. The design of inserts is typically compact to absorb the ball’s impact without causing it to hop or bounce along the putting path for better accuracy.
Types of Putters
Blade Putter
A blade-style putter has a slender head like a knife blade. Since the putter is long and thin, golfers need more muscle to power the ball to the hole, but many players prefer this style of flatstick because it allows for more control.
A blade-style putter offers golfers the opportunity to use an arc stroke, like Bobby Locke, that goes inside on the backswing and then comes back to center when hitting the ball. The design of this style of putter offers excellent distance and speed control but doesn’t have the heft of a mallet-style putter.
Since the blade offers a slight head, a sturdy shaft keeps the putter together and aligned throughout the stroke.
Mallet Putter
A mallet putter has a large head and rounded shape. This putter style offers more stability and a heavier weight when compared to a blade-style putter. Much like a mallet in croquet, these putters have a similar look and heft that keeps the head grounded and low during the stroke.
Mallet putters give golfers a propulsive forward roll that can get out of control if the player uses too much strength to power the ball. Since this putter style is heavier and well-balanced, golfers can use a straight-back, straight-through stroke to minimize the potential for wayward putts.
The face of the larger putter is usually more compact than a blade-style putter, forcing pros and amateurs to focus on accurate contact.
Greatest Putters of All Time
If you want to know who are the greatest putters of all time, Brad Faxon has you covered! Here’s his top 10 list.
Hope this doesn’t get me in trouble…. pic.twitter.com/wuG5ENlNWT
— Brad Faxon (@BradFaxon) May 5, 2021
- Tiger Woods
- Ben Crenshaw
- Seve Ballesteros
- Tom Watson
- Bobby Locke
- Jack Nicklaus
- Jose Maria Olazabal
- Billy Casper
- Bobby Jones
- Rory McIlroy
Final Thoughts
A well-made putter is absolutely vital to lowering scores and achieving the overall goals for your golf game.
Our top choice for this list, the Callaway Stroke Lab Triple Track Putter, offers soft inserts, a premium and unmatched alignment guide along the top of the head, and a firmer feel that keeps you in control of your stroke.
As you can see, each of the best putters of all time offers outstanding performance along with some of the best roll characteristics ever created for a flatstick. From the utilization of soft carbon steel, marvelous face milling, and vibration dampening, these putters work overtime to bring consistency to your putting game.
We also recommend you check our guide on How to Improve Your Putting.