Golf is a sport that has been around for centuries and is played by millions of people around the world. Over the years, various equipment and techniques have been developed to improve the performance of golfers. One such development is the macro putter. In this article, we will explore what a macro putter is, how it works, and its benefits.
What is a Macro Putter?
A macro putter is a putter that is larger and heavier than a standard putter. It is designed to make putting easier for golfers by increasing the sweet spot on the putter face and improving stability. The macro putter typically has a larger grip and a longer shaft than a standard putter, which allows golfers to grip the putter with both hands and have a more stable stroke.
How Does a Macro Putter Work?
The macro putter works by providing golfers with a larger and more stable platform to make their putting stroke. The larger head of the putter provides a larger sweet spot, which means that even if golfers don’t hit the ball perfectly, they are more likely to get a good roll. The increased stability of the macro putter also helps golfers keep the putter on line, which reduces the chances of missing the putt to the left or right.
Benefits of Using a Macro Putter
Using a macro putter can offer several benefits to golfers. Some of these benefits include:
- Increased Forgiveness – The larger sweet spot on a macro putter makes it easier for golfers to hit putts cleanly, even if they don’t strike the ball perfectly. This increased forgiveness can lead to fewer missed putts and a lower score.
- Improved Stability – The longer shaft and larger grip on a macro putter provide golfers with a more stable platform to make their putting stroke. This increased stability can help golfers keep the putter on line, which can reduce the chances of missing the putt to the left or right.
- Better Distance Control – The larger head of a macro putter can help golfers control the distance of their putts more effectively. This is because the larger sweet spot and increased stability can help golfers strike the ball more consistently, which can lead to more accurate distance control.
- Increased Confidence – Using a macro putter can help golfers feel more confident on the greens. This increased confidence can lead to better putting performance and a lower score.
Types of Macro Putters
There are several types of macro putters available on the market. Some of the most popular types include:
- Belly Putters – Belly putters are longer than standard putters and are designed to be anchored against the golfer’s stomach. This provides extra stability and can help golfers make a more consistent putting stroke.
- Long Putters – Long putters are even longer than belly putters and are designed to be anchored against the golfer’s chest. This provides even more stability than a belly putter and can be especially helpful for golfers who struggle with the yips or other putting-related issues.
- Mallet Putters – Mallet putters are a type of macro putter that have a larger head than a standard putter. This increased size provides a larger sweet spot and can help golfers strike the ball more consistently.
- Two-Ball Putters – Two-ball putters are a type of mallet putter that have two small balls on the back of the putter head. These balls are designed to help golfers align their putts more effectively and can be especially helpful for golfers who struggle with alignment.
Who Should Use a Macro Putter?
While a macro putter can be helpful for golfers of all skill levels, it is especially beneficial for golfers who struggle with putting. This can include golfers who have trouble with alignment, golfers who struggle with distance control, or golfers who have a tendency to miss putts to the left or right.
It is important to note that using a macro putter is not a magic solution to all putting problems. Golfers still need to practice and develop good putting habits to improve their performance on the greens.
Choosing the Right Macro Putter
When choosing a macro putter, there are several factors to consider. Some of these factors include:
- Length – Macro putters come in a variety of lengths, so it is important to choose a length that feels comfortable for you. Consider factors such as your height, arm length, and putting stance when choosing a putter length.
- Weight – Macro putters are typically heavier than standard putters, but the weight can vary depending on the type of putter. It is important to choose a weight that feels comfortable for you and that allows you to make a smooth, consistent putting stroke.
- Head Shape – Macro putters come in a variety of head shapes, including mallets, blades, and hybrids. It is important to choose a head shape that feels comfortable for you and that allows you to align your putts effectively.
- Grip – The grip on a macro putter is typically larger than a standard putter grip. It is important to choose a grip that feels comfortable for you and that allows you to grip the putter effectively.
- Price – Macro putters can range in price from less than $50 to several hundred dollars. It is important to consider your budget when choosing a putter and to look for a putter that offers good value for your money.
Macro Putter Specifications
| Brand | Model | Length (in) | Head Weight (g) | Loft (deg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Odyssey | Stroke Lab 2-Ball Fang | 36 | 365 | 3 |
| TaylorMade | Spider EX | 34, 35 | 355, 370 | 2.5 |
| Cleveland | Frontline Elevado | 35 | 355 | 3 |
| Scotty Cameron | Futura 5MB | 34, 35 | 350 | 3.5 |
| PING | Sigma 2 Valor | 35 | 365 | 3 |
Top Macro Putter Players
| Player Name | Brand | Model | Length (in) | Head Weight (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryson DeChambeau | SIK Golf | Armlock Prototype | 40 | 500 |
| Matt Kuchar | Bettinardi | Kuchar Model 1 | 37 | 400 |
| Bernhard Langer | Odyssey | White Hot 2-Ball | 36 | 385 |
| Kevin Kisner | Odyssey | Stroke Lab Seven | 35 | 365 |
| Justin Rose | Axis 1 | Rose Prototype | 34 | 400 |
Macro Putter Face Technology
| Brand | Model | Face Technology | Description | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TaylorMade | Spider EX | Pure Roll 2.0 | Grooves designed to reduce skidding and improve roll | Consistent ball speed and distance control |
| Odyssey | Stroke Lab 2-Ball Fang | White Hot Microhinge | Microhinges embedded in the face to create a more immediate forward roll | Reduced backspin and improved accuracy |
| Scotty Cameron | Futura 5MB | Multi-Material | Face insert made from aluminum and vibration-dampening material for improved feel | Better feedback and more consistency |
| PING | Sigma 2 Valor | Dual-Durometer | Face insert made from two materials with different hardness levels to improve speed and feel | Enhanced distance control and better feel |
| Cleveland | Frontline Elevado | Speed Optimized Face | Milled face pattern designed to produce consistent ball speed across the entire face | Improved accuracy on off-center hits |
Macro Putter Grip Options
| Brand | Model | Grip | Description | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Odyssey | Stroke Lab 2-Ball Fang | Oversized Grip | Larger grip size for improved stability and reduced hand pressure | Reduced grip tension and improved consistency |
| TaylorMade | Spider EX | SuperStroke Pistol GTR 1.0 | Pistol-shaped grip with a flat top and tapered bottom for a comfortable feel | Better grip pressure and improved control |
| Cleveland | Frontline Elevado | Lamkin SinkFit Straight | Straight grip shape with a rubber compound designed to reduce torque and improve feel | Enhanced comfort and consistency |
| Scotty Cameron | Futura 5MB | Matador Select | High-quality rubber grip with a tacky feel for improved grip pressure | Reduced grip tension and better feel |
| PING | Sigma 2 Valor | PP60 | Pistol-shaped grip with a soft, tacky feel for improved grip pressure | Better control and reduced grip tension |
Conclusion
The macro putter is a useful tool for golfers who struggle with putting. Its larger size, increased stability, and larger sweet spot can help golfers make more putts and feel more confident on the greens. If you are struggling with your putting, it may be worth considering a macro putter as a potential solution to your problem.
