Without any doubt whatsoever, putting is the most critical golf skill that needs to be acquired to become, not only proficient in putting, but to be a good/low handicapper. Yet, after all is said and done, all the articles written, usage endorsements paid to pros, putting is the most elusive skill for a golfer to acquire.
With the advent of the anchor ban beginning January 1, 2016, both anchor-based players and manufacturers have had to make alternative plans to ensure the new rule is covered. Voila, the Counter Balanced Putter.
In a nutshell, heavy, counterbalanced putters are designed to slow a player’s hands during the stroke and provide belly putter-like stability. The counter balanced feature actually allows the golfer to realize the advanced stabilization benefits of a longer and heavier putter without feeling like the putter is too long or too heavy. To get the full counterbalancing effect, golfers should select a putter that allows them to comfortably hold the club with an inch or two of the grip above their hands. The weight of the counter balanced putter will also lengthen and smooth out your putting stroke eliminating path loops and producing a more consistent swing path and swing length in the backswing and forward swing. It is a simple principle of biomechanics that makes perfect sense.
The hallmark of the counterbalanced putter is balance. Additional weight is added to the head and that weight is balanced by more weight in the butt end of the putter. This is accomplished by using combinations of heavier grips, a heavier shaft, a longer shaft, weight screws (Tank Cruiser) or dense materials inside the shaft.
Counter balanced putters are not entirely new. The “pioneer” of this movement, Stephen Boccierri, has always been a proponent and introduced the Heavy Putter in 2008.
The purpose of counterbalanced putters is to move the overall balance point of the club closer to the hands of the player. This weighting technique boosts the putter’s MOI (moment of inertia) so that the putter swings and feels more stable. Counter balance or “heavy feeling putters”, reduce hand and wrist action, resulting in a pendulum stroke. A pendulum stroke results in a more consistent swing path, and precise distance and directional control. In addition, by using your larger muscles during the putting stroke, you will consistently align the club face more accurately at impact, resulting in putts that start on their intended target line more often.
Deciding which counter balanced putter you need is, of course, knowing whether your stroke arcs more than it is of the straight-back/straight type will also be of utmost importance, as blades are ideal for arc swings and mallets for the latter style.
Take advantage of all the new technical breakthroughs in materials and designs for putters. Find out what works for you, then enjoy the great game of golf to its fullest. The more you know about your putting game the better off you will be in purchasing a putter.
Golf is more fun when you are the best putter that you can be, whatever the technique employed and the putter used.
Recently, we tested these putters that can improve both one’s putting and enjoyment in a remarkably short time:
SeeMore Counter-Balanced SB1
Zach Johnson’s favorite putter company has also entered the counter-balanced putter arena with two 100% milled 6061 Aircraft Aluminum models; the SB1 and SB2.
All are large mallets that offer tremendous game improvement options for any player looking at oversize mallets. The putters offer the tried and tested alignment benefits of RifleScope Technology (RST).
The SB1 is more precise, providing better set up and alignment aid than other putters in this category. Weights are installed in the putter head bringing the head weight to 360g.
Counter balanced putters are custom built at SeeMore’s Tennessee factory with a minimum of 25 grams of extra weight added to the putter head, in the form of a pure milled internal hosel. This also allows for any time customization of lie or loft, as needed.
The extra head weight and the extra weight of the longer and heavier shaft is all balanced out by the fact that the special 18 inch grip weighs 125 grams. An Allen wrench to remove weights is supplied. Black Satin or Platinum finishes are available.
Optimal length typically 3 inches longer than standard, averaging from 36 to 39 inches and lies of 68° – 74°. SeeMore can build a counter balanced design in any length based on the golfer desire.
This putter was the most highly rated of all the counter balanced putters tested.
$290.00 www.seemore.com
Scotty Cameron Futura X Dual Balance
With the new Futura X Dual Balance putter, one goes from the Stone Age to New Age. Featuring a specially placed balanced bar, with deep heel-toe weights and perimeter weighting under the face, for a smooth stroke from start to finish. This has been Adam Scott’s putter of choice and the reason for his putting proficiency of late
Precision milled from high-grade 6061 aluminum, the Futura X Dual Balance head utilizes a heavy stainless center section and stainless heel and toe to deliver a precise counterbalance with an extra 50 grams in the head and a 50-gram weight in the shaft. The overall head weight is 400 grams, 50 grams heavier than the standard Futura X.
The Dual Balance has a heavier-than-standard 400-gram putter head that is balanced with a 50-gram weight in the butt section of the grip. The combination of this, the putter’s 38-inch length, and it’s 15-inch grip reduces hand action.
Featuring a “Frozen Titanium” finish that helps reduce glare, two black sightlines, red cherry-dot weights in the sole and balance bar, a loft of 3.5°, a 70° lie and a double bend shaft, this new Scotty Cameron makes this is a marvelous counter balanced putter.
The putter provides minimum toe flow through, aka perimeter stability, the stroke from these four stainless heel-toe weights in the head, two 20-gram weights on the rear balance bar and two 10-gram sole weights in the front corners of the putter.
The putter has with a center of gravity creates a feeling of unmatched stability, while still providing a solid feel and maximum forgiveness on off-center hits. The mid-milled face texture draws a crisp sound from the aluminum face and body.
The standard length of Dual Balance is 38 inches, three inches longer than the standard length of a conventional putter. This is to keep the 50-gram weight above the golfer’s hands while putting.
The large diameter Cameron Flat Front Winn grip has a colored section at the top that indicates the proper hand placement at 35 inches. The 15-inch grip length also allows for multiple hand placement options, depending on the player’s preference.
The putter is available in 1″ lengths from 36-40″ and with Custom Loft +/-1° Custom Lie +/-2°.on special order.
This putter was rated as one of the two counter balanced putters as being the best feeling and most accurate, the other being the SeeMore SB 1 described below.
$399.99 www.scottycameron.com
As an aside, the above putting training aid, carrying only Scotty’s name, but no model number and used by many pros, is only available at certain retailers for $70.00. It is not available on line.
This putting aid will definitely improve your putting stroke by specifically training you to keep the putter face square.
Simply align and anchor the gates at the center of the hole on a straight putt, place 4 tees slightly wider than the width of your own putter and start practicing like the pros.
Odyssey Tank Cruiser V-Line Putter
The newest putter from the #1 putter manufacturer is going to grab major market share for counter balanced putters – period.
Following last year’s introduction of the Tank model with its 400-gram head and 30 to 40 grams of additional weight beneath the top of the grip and a heavy shaft, Tour player’s input suggested to Odyssey that a slightly different version was needed. The Odyssey Tank Cruiser was born – think Tank Lite!
Tank Cruiser is one of the most technological counterbalanced putters in golf.
You’re getting adjustable weighting in the head (to customize feel) AND at the counterbalance level (to customize stability) from a putter that’s driven by Tour feedback.
Thanks to the adjustable head weight screws that go into the heel and toe of the sole (10g, 15g, 20g) , these allow you to adjust the head weight of the four Cruiser models to 365g, 375g or 385g.
The counterbalance weights (5g, 15g, 30g) let you to dial in your putter balance so that it’s exactly how you want it to feel.
Golfers also can change the weight at the top of the 15-inch SuperStroke grip (67 grams) by affixing a 5-, 15- or 30-gram plug.
What’s great about this adjustability is that the player can dial up or down the counterbalancing effect to make transitioning into this type of putter a lot easier.
The Tank Cruiser uses the Tour Proven White Hot Insert and the hottest grip on Tour, the SuperStroke. FYI, about 80% of the players on the Tour who use an Odyssey putter prefer the White Hot face insert primarily because of its combination of sound and feel.
A new longer version of the SuperStroke Grip, with Odyssey branding is also available.
Four models: the Tank Cruiser #1 is a heel-toe weighted blade. The Tank Cruiser 330, Tank Cruiser #7, and Tank Cruiser V-Line are mid-size mallets. Each Cruiser will be available in 35- and 38-inch lengths.
$249.00 www.odysseygolf.com
Bettinardi BB55
This master of his domain, Bobby Bettinardi, putter craftsman, has just introduced his latest creation — the BB55.
This high quality putter, looks good, feels great and has a handsome matte finish. Bettinardi is the choice of players such as Freddy Couples, Matt Kuchar, Brian Gay, J.B. Holmes, Jaco van Zyl, Darren Fichardt and Eduardo Molinari.
The Bettinardi counterbalance models, 3 in total, all classic designs, are offered as another alternative to the anchored putting stroke. The purpose of the counterbalanced putters is to move the overall balance point of the club closer to the hands of the player. The weight is added by extending the shaft and grip by 3 inches which adds 42 additional grams.
The putter head’s weight is then increased by the same amount, 42 grams to 395 grams, in essence countering the weight on each end of the putter. This weighting technique boosts the club’s overall moment of inertia (MOI), so that it swings and feels more stable than ever.
The three models available in counterbalance are the BB1 for traditionalists, the BB32 for mallet lovers, and for those looking for the most forgiving head, I suggest the BB55, a distinctive MOI putter.
This 395 grams (head weight) Champagne Bronze Anodized putter includes a specially fitted red, white and blue leather head cover. The BB55 CB’s stock size is 38 inches with a 17-inch custom Winn grip weighing 135 grams.
Each of the putters feature Bettinardi’s F.I.T. (Feel Impact Technology) face, a face-milling pattern that removes about 45 percent of the face material from the impact area on the putter face to soften the feel at impact.
They’re available in right- and left-handed models at $349.99 each.
PING’s Scottsdale TR Senita B Putter
Looking for a putter that provides great feel and distance control? Looking for a putter that offers consistent impact and response, making for repeatable speeds?
Look no further, as this is one of PING’s best putters ever produced!
BTW, Scottsdale TR putters are named for the true roll they provide as the result of PING’s innovative new variable-depth-groove technology. Grooves are deepest in the centre and gradually get shallower toward the perimeter, so as to equalize ball speeds for exceptional distance control on putts struck on the centre, heel or toe.
The Senita B putter combines an alignment head shape and counter balanced grip to provide golfers with a smooth, pendulum-like stroke. The putter has a17-inch grip and 50-gram weight to counter-balance the 400-gram head. Standard length is 38″ but 36″ and 36″ lengths are available.
What exemplifies the advantage of this 400 gram head- weighted putter, is its ability of the face to get the ball moving quickly and true. Dialing in distance, both on long and short putts, is very easy.
With its white sight line running the entire length of the non- glare black PVD finished head and forming a “T”, aiming is a cinch. It feels like “I can’t miss with this putter”.
The light weight aluminum 6061 face insert sounds and feels similar to a traditional steel.
Its understated elegance and simplicity of design push this high MOI (moment of inertia) mallet putter into a class of its own. The putter is available with labels to identify your stroke pattern – straight, slight arc and straight arc.
$199.95 www.pinggolf.com
Boccieri Golf EL Series
Also a devotee, if not one of the pioneers of the counter- balance movement, Steve Boccieri of Heavy Putter fame, has introduced his newest creation, the EL Series.
The EL Series showcases 16 models with different heads. EL stands for extended length, and these new putters are available in finished lengths of 36, 38 and 40 inches.
Each of the EL Series has a 175-gram counterweight, along with a 17-inch grip, is designed to mimic the steadiness and repeatability of belly putters – without anchoring.
The EL Series includes a variety of putters – besides the 16 head styles, there are two head weights (Mid and Heavy) and three finishes (satin, black and bronze). Putters in the EL Series come with a 175-gram counterweight along with a 17-inch grip. Total weight is 865 grams for the Mid-Weight putters and 930 grams for the Heavy-Weight models.
The philosophy behind these clubs is to provide belly-like stability in the grip section of the putter. While the putters are not designed to be anchored against the belly or the body, the weighting is intended to mimic the steadiness and repeatability of belly putters.
Steve’s other current project, introduced in 2012 at the PGA Show in Orlando, is a putter grip that effectively creates a counterbalance .
Having used these grips since 2012, I can tell you that compared to a regular grip club, I feel more solid and accurate shots emanating from using these grips.
The grip is made of dense rubber and has a heavy tungsten weight imbedded in the grip cap. Called the Secret Grip Putter Grip – to accompany the Secret Grip for full-swing clubs – it weighs 155 grams. By comparison, most conventional putter grips weigh between 50 and 60 grams. The Secret Grip Putter Grip will sell for $25.
$169.99 www.boccierigolf.com
TaylorMade Ghost Spider Si
This is TaylorMade’s newest high- performance, high-MOI Counterbalance putter.
Selling with the USP (Unique Selling Proposition) of ultimate combination of extreme stability (over 6,000 MOI) and simple alignment (contrasting black/white colors on crown); TaylorMade has a potential winner on its hands.
The large 380-gram head coupled with a 15-inch, 130-gram counterbalanced grip helps promote exceptional stability, control and feel.
With the MOI in traditional blade and mallet putter ranges from 3500-4500, the Ghost Spider Si has an MOI of more than 6000 allowing the putter head to be more resistant to twisting at impact and helps protect ball speed and distance-control on off-center hits.
Aesthetically, the white putter head contrasts nicely with the green to promote additional alignment benefits.
The PureRoll Surlyn insert promotes soft-yet-solid feel and a smooth roll straight off the face.
The Ghost Spider Si, which debuted at the Humana Challenge, has been played on a weekly basis by a number of Tour professionals including Rory Sabbatini, Fred Funk, Retief Goosen and Lucas Glover.
The Spider Si putter is offered with either a 35″ or 38″ shaft. As with all counter balanced putters, players should grip the club as they would a normal-length putter, with 2 or 3 inches of the butt-end of the grip extended above their hands, which provides the maximum benefit of counterbalancing.
The 38-inch length is engineered for players who normally play a 35-inch length, while the 35-inch model is built for the player who favors a 33-inch length. Players who favor a 34-inch length can choose between either 35 or 38 inches.
$229.99
I have also chosen to include 4 of the newest and great performers in standard putters:
Bridgestone True Balance Putter – the “counter” to counter-balanced putters
With the USGA’s ban on anchored putting methods expected to go into effect in 2016, equipment manufacturers started pumping out new counter balanced putter models last year that featured a heavier grip and shaft that increased the MOI (moment of inertia) of the entire club, making it more stable than a traditional putter.
While counterbalancing is a solution to the anchor ban, Bridgestone believes it also has a viable option with its “counter” counter balanced putter line. As opposed to adding more weight to the grip and shaft, Bridgestone flipped the script and went with a lighter shaft and grip that adds more feel to the head and promotes a square face at impact.
This stainless steel headed putter has a dual layered grooved insert which we found to deliver a very impressive combination of feel and roll performance. The putter head swings more freely and naturally squares up to the target, eliminating the most common miss of short putts.
The True Balance’s actual balance point is less than 5″ from sole and provides incredible feel and connection to the putter head, improving speed and distance control and naturally “gates” through the stroke and squares to the target, eliminating the most common miss of short and right
The attention getting yellow grip is made from EVA foam — the same lightweight foam material you typically find in the sole of tennis shoes — and weighs just 20 grams, while the graphite shaft comes in at a feathery 35 grams.
The ultra-light package also allows the club to stand on its own when you place it at address. Along with the lightweight shaft, the putter head weighs 360 grams and is made from 304 stainless steel that contains a dual-layered grooved polymer inserts that promote a smooth roll.
True Balance putters are available in a blade and face-balanced mallet for $199. Steel-shafted versions will also be available, including a double-bend mallet (TD-02), for $149.00.
Yes! Putter “Milly”
Yellow seems to be the new white for balls, grips and putters!
The Yes! Golf TA Milly Mallet Putter has an unmistakable look! You will always be able to identify your putter.
The “Milly” is from the Yes Golf True Alignment lineup.
The Yes! Golf TA Milly Mallet Putter is a 370-gram, mid-size mallet that features tungsten weights in the heel and toe that boost MOI and add stability on off-center strikes.
Also, the yellow polymer encases a 304 stainless steel C-Groove insert that’s been proven to improve golf putter ball-roll performance and consistency. The floating face created by the C-Groove insert imbedded inside the polymer enhances the rebound effect, which allows the ball to come off faster than it would with a standard stainless steel putter.
No matter how a golfer holds their hands at address, the addition of a True Alignment bar on the sole of the putter allows the face to sit square. Furthermore, the high contrast optic yellow and black colors help players frame the ball, highlight the path to roll and helps you set up more accurately and consistently. The new “Floating face” Co-Molded Poly Propylene/304 C-Groove 4.0 “Floating” Insert improves dwell time on the face improving ball roll and feel giving you more control over the pace of your putts.
The “Milly” and the “Donna” are the two models offered in the True Alignment line. The Milly is a 370-gram, mid-size mallet that features tungsten weights in the heel and toe that boost MOI and add stability on off-center hits. Donna is a 365-gram, heel-toe weighted blade.
$179.00 www.yesgolf.com
Fisher Putters
Since 1993 Dr. Dale Fisher has been building and selling putters. His new Fisher Golf’s patented Kevflex insert putters are unique.
The Kevflex insert caresses the golf ball eliminating the six inches of error introduced by a conventional putter. The insert is softer than a golf ball and has less dimple deflection than any other insert used in putters today. Fisher Putters are also known for their technology, handcrafted construction and performance.
Although Fisher Golf has licensed many major manufacturer’s under their patents, including Callaway and Titleist, they do not license their Kevflex insert material to any other golf company. Fisher Golf has nine patents related to their proprietary polymer inserts and over thirteen patents related to their putters.
Fisher’s new Riviera II and III putter models both have 370 gram head weights, 3.5° loft and 71° lie angles. The Riviera II features a double bend shaft while the Riviera III uses a center shaft.
Fisher Golf offers a 30-day money back guarantee which is always soothing and a definite call to action.
Most importantly, the feel is really outstanding which a direct result of the Kevflex technology.
There are distinct reasons why Kevflex inserts will roll a golf ball better than metal faced putters (a one hundred year old technology) and mass produced injection molded plastic putters. There are three traits that contribute to the “Pure Roll Technology” of Kevflex inserts:
The most dramatic performance aspect is the traction upon striking the ball that produces the instant roll. You can see it by simply gliding a golf ball across the face of a Fisher putter on the perfectly smooth insert. It grips the ball and rolls it with virtually no contact.
Secondly, and just as important is the effect the Kevflex inserts have upon golf ball dimples. Any uneven surface introduces error. A lumpy green, grooves on your putter face, dimples on a golf ball all create directional error. Few golfers enjoy putting with hard golf balls because tests have shown that hard dimples create the most directional error when putting because they do not give. Your sense that they don’t putt well is a fact. How they feel is another drawback. Kevflex inserts are softer than a golf ball and are both USGA and R & A conforming.
The golf ball literally goes into the putter face and minimizes the error dimples cause. This error is called, “dimple deflection.” The combination of these first two traits of traction for a consistent roll that eliminates hopping and skidding and the elimination of dimple deflection are the explanation why Fisher putters have less than an inch dispersion (total error both to the right and left) on putts of ten feet. This half inch of error either way far surpasses either metal or plastic/polymer mass produced that averaged 2.5 inches either way or five inches total dispersion on a ten foot putt. Cal Poly Pomona’s engineering department conducted a robot putter test on consistent flooring material to make this determination. Cal Poly produced a 400 page study to support Fisher’s claims.
Third, and the basis for good putting- distance control, ther softer insert allows for a more forgiving stroke. You have a larger margin of error on slippery downhill putts and distance control on longer putts.
Because Fisher’s inserts are softer than the golf ball, you will feel the ball longer (clubface contact time nearly doubles) and develop muscle memory of how hard to hit putts. You will have to give up the clicking noise associated with the collision of ball and putter common to most golfers. Fisher has optimized the head weight at 370 grams to combine with their Kevflex insert to make an easier pendulum swing and better control. The midsize pistol grip provides easier access to your major muscles needed for a smooth pendulum swing. Standard size grips are not easy to putt with and promote more hand tension.
The most dramatic performance aspect is the traction upon striking the ball that produces the instant roll. You can see it by simply gliding a golf ball across the face of a Fisher putter on the perfectly smooth insert. It grips the ball and rolls it with virtually no contact.
So, if you are looking for a new putter that performs and feels marvelous, try one of Fisher’s putters with Kevflex.
$169.95 www.fishergolf.com
Now that you have the latest information on the best putters available today, there are no excuses to blame the equipment.
Practice keeping your head perfectly still and wait to hear the ball drop. Focus on distance and speed. Get the ball to the hole. Have fun, stay positive and enjoy putting!
Barry Lotz, J.D., Ph.D. is the director of the Professional Golf Teachers Association of America. He is a member of the Golf Writers Association of America, the California Golf Writers Association, and serves both as a Consultant and Mediator to the golf industry. He is also the author of numerous books, including “333 Best Web Sites for Golfers”, “How to Build Business Relationships through Golf” which is in the Top Ten Golf Business Book’s bestseller list. His latest book,” The Right Mind for Golf”, released last year, is now in its 4th printing.
He can be reached at www.pgtaa.com or drlotz@cbsgolf.net
I recently was examining swing sequences of some of the greatest players in history. Knowing that some of these players favored a draw as their standard shot while others preferred a fade, I sought to identify swing features within each group that would explain their respective ball-flight tendencies. Something profound emerged that I think will benefit all golfers, especially those cursed with a wicked slice.