Heel Shafted Putter

When it comes to putting in golf, the putter you choose can make a big difference in your game. One type of putter that you might consider is the heel-shafted putter. In this article, we’ll explore what a heel-shafted putter is, its benefits, and how to choose the right one for you.

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What is a Heel-Shafted Putter?

A heel-shafted putter is a type of putter that has the shaft attached to the heel of the clubhead, as opposed to the center or the toe. This design places more weight toward the heel, which can help golfers who have a tendency to miss putts to the left.

Benefits of Heel-Shafted Putter

One of the primary benefits of a heel-shafted putter is that it can help golfers who tend to miss putts to the left. The extra weight on the heel helps to keep the putter face from turning over as much during the stroke, which can reduce the amount of side spin on the ball and keep it on target. Additionally, a heel-shafted putter can provide better stability and balance, making it easier to maintain a consistent stroke.

Choosing the Right Heel-Shafted Putter

If you’re considering a heel-shafted putter, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the right one for you:

  1. Length: The length of the putter is an important factor to consider. Make sure to choose a putter that fits your height and putting style. A putter that is too short or too long can affect your stance and posture, which can in turn affect your stroke.
  2. Head Design: There are several head designs available for heel-shafted putters. Some have a blade-style head, while others have a mallet-style head. The choice will largely depend on your personal preference and putting style.
  3. Weight: The weight of the putter is another important consideration. Heavier putters can provide more stability and control, but may be more difficult to control for golfers with slower swing speeds. Lighter putters may be easier to control but may not provide as much stability.
  4. Grip: The grip of the putter is also important. Make sure to choose a grip that feels comfortable in your hands and provides the right amount of traction.

Heel-Shafted Putter Techniques

While a heel-shafted putter can provide benefits for golfers, it’s important to keep in mind that technique is also a key factor in putting success. Here are some techniques to keep in mind when using a heel-shafted putter:

  1. Alignment: One of the most important factors in putting success is proper alignment. Make sure to align the putter face with the target line and square to the ball.
  2. Grip Pressure: Grip pressure is another important factor in putting success. Too much pressure can result in a tense stroke, while too little pressure can result in a lack of control. Find a grip pressure that feels comfortable and allows you to maintain a consistent stroke.
  3. Eye Position: The position of your eyes can also affect your putting stroke. Make sure your eyes are directly over the ball, as this can help you to see the line more clearly and make a more accurate stroke.
  4. Stroke Path: The path of your putting stroke is also important. With a heel-shafted putter, it’s important to keep the putter head square to the target line throughout the stroke, as the weight toward the heel can cause the face to close if not properly aligned.

Heel-Shafted Putter Brands

There are several golf club manufacturers that offer heel-shafted putters, including:

  1. Scotty Cameron: Scotty Cameron putters are known for their high-quality craftsmanship and precision. They offer several heel-shafted putters, including the Select Newport and the Select Newport 2.
  2. Odyssey: Odyssey putters are designed to provide golfers with a great feel and accuracy on the greens. They offer several heel-shafted putters, including the O-Works Red 2-Ball and the White Hot Pro 2.0.
  3. TaylorMade: TaylorMade putters are designed to provide golfers with distance control and accuracy. They offer several heel-shafted putters, including the Spider Tour Platinum and the TP Patina Del Monte.

Maintenance and Care for Heel-Shafted Putter

Proper maintenance and care can help to extend the life of your heel-shafted putter and keep it performing at its best. Here are some tips for maintaining and caring for your putter:

  1. Clean after Use: After using your putter, wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris. This will help to prevent rust and corrosion and keep the club looking like new.
  2. Store Properly: When not in use, store your putter in a cool, dry place to prevent damage. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, as this can cause warping or damage to the clubhead.
  3. Check Grip: Over time, the grip on your putter may become worn or damaged. Check the grip regularly and replace it if necessary to maintain proper traction and control.
  4. Check Loft and Lie: The loft and lie of your putter can affect your stroke and accuracy. Check these measurements periodically and adjust if necessary to ensure the putter is properly aligned.
  5. Check Shaft for Damage: Check the shaft of your putter for any signs of damage, such as cracks or bends. If you notice any damage, take the club to a professional for repair or replacement.

Popular Heel Shafted Putters

BrandModelLoftLength (in)Head Weight (g)
TaylorMadeSpider Tour Diamond35355
OdysseyWhite Hot Pro 2.0 #134350
PingSigma 2 Valor 40035365
TitleistScotty Cameron Select Newport 23.5°34350
ClevelandHuntington Beach SOFT #1135370
MizunoM-Craft III34355
BettinardiQueen B 833355
Wilson StaffInfinite West Loop35355
EvnrollER2 MidBlade34370
CallawayOdyssey Triple Track 2-Ball Blade35365

Pros and Cons of Heel Shafted Putters

ProsCons
More face-balanced, providing straighter puttsLess suited for players with an arc stroke
Improved alignment aids with the heel-shafted hoselMay not suit those who prefer a center-shafted design
More forgiveness on off-center hitsHeavier hosel can make it harder to swing consistently
Can suit players with a straight-back straight-through strokeNot as versatile for different putting styles
More common among traditional blade-style puttersMay not provide enough feel for some players

Heel-Shafted Putter Fitting Guidelines

FactorSuggested Range
Lie Angle68° to 72°
LengthBased on player height
Loft2° to 5°
Head Weight330g to 375g
Grip SizeBased on player preference

Notable Heel-Shafted Putter Users on the PGA Tour

PlayerPutter ModelMajor Wins
Tiger WoodsScotty Cameron Newport 2 GSS15
Phil MickelsonOdyssey White Hot XG #96
Jordan SpiethScotty Cameron 009 Prototype3
Dustin JohnsonTaylorMade Spider Tour Black2
Rory McIlroyOdyssey White Hot Pro #34
Justin RoseTaylorMade Spider Tour Red1
Jason DayTaylorMade Spider Tour Black1
Sergio GarciaOdyssey White Hot XG #71
Adam ScottScotty Cameron by Titleist Futura X Prototype1
Bryson DeChambeauSIK Golf Prototype1

Heel-Shafted Putter Technology Features

FeatureDescription
Heel-shafted hoselHosel located at the heel of the putter head
Face-balanced designPutter head designed to balance the clubface perpendicular to the ground

Conclusion

A heel-shafted putter can be a great choice for golfers who struggle with missing putts to the left. By providing more weight toward the heel, this type of putter can help to reduce side spin and improve accuracy. When choosing a heel-shafted putter, consider factors such as length, head design, weight, and grip to find the one that works best for you.

Author

  • Ray Barnes

    Ray Barnes, our Senior Staff Writer and a Golf Analyst with a PhD in Sports Analytics, is a beacon of insight in the golfing world. With a deep understanding of the sport's nuances, statistical analysis, and a talent for demystifying complexities, he provides in-depth analysis and captivating narratives that engage golf enthusiasts worldwide.

    Ray@thegolfmine.com Ray Barnes

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