What is a mallet putter

A mallet putter is a type of golf club specifically designed for putting. It is distinguished by its unique clubhead shape, which is typically larger and more intricate compared to the traditional blade-style putter. Mallet putters have gained popularity among golfers of all skill levels due to their design features and benefits that can help improve putting performance.

Rangefinder on Discount

1. Mallet Putter Design

Mallet putters are characterized by a clubhead design that resembles a mallet, hence the name. The clubhead is generally more massive and often features various shapes and alignment aids on the top, helping golfers align their putts more accurately. The larger head size provides a larger sweet spot, which can be forgiving for off-center hits.

2. Alignment Aids

One of the significant advantages of mallet putters is the incorporation of alignment aids. These aids can include lines, dots, or other visual cues on the clubhead’s top surface. Golfers use these features to line up their putts more accurately, ensuring that the putter face is square to the target line. This design element can promote better accuracy and consistency in putting.

3. MOI (Moment of Inertia)

Mallet putters typically have a higher Moment of Inertia (MOI) compared to blade putters. MOI refers to the clubhead’s resistance to twisting upon impact with the golf ball. A higher MOI can help minimize the negative effects of mishits, such as twisting or turning the face, resulting in more consistent rolls.

4. Counterbalance Options

Many mallet putters offer counterbalance options. Counterbalance putters have extra weight in the grip or the clubhead to promote stability and reduce unwanted wrist action during the putting stroke. This feature can be especially beneficial for golfers looking to maintain a smoother, controlled stroke.

5. Hosel Styles

Mallet putters come in various hosel styles, including center-shafted and heel-shafted designs. The choice of hosel style can affect the balance of the putter and the golfer’s preference for alignment and feel. Center-shafted mallet putters have the shaft in the center of the clubhead, while heel-shafted putters have the shaft connected to the heel.

6. Face Insert Materials

The face insert of a mallet putter can vary in material composition. Common materials include metal, polymer, or a combination of both. Each material provides a different feel and sound upon impact with the golf ball. Golfers often select a face insert material that matches their personal preferences for feedback and sound.

7. Customization

Like other golf clubs, mallet putters can be customized to fit a golfer’s specific preferences. This can include adjustments to the club’s length, lie angle, grip type, and even the choice of counterbalance weights. Customization can help golfers optimize their putting performance to suit their individual stroke tendencies.

8. Mallet Putter Benefits

Mallet putters offer several benefits to golfers:

  • Alignment: The alignment aids on mallet putters make it easier to line up putts accurately.
  • Forgiveness: The larger sweet spot and higher MOI make mallet putters forgiving on mishits.
  • Stability: Counterbalance options and higher MOI promote a stable putting stroke.
  • Customization: Golfers can tailor mallet putters to their unique preferences.

9. Types of Mallet Putters

Mallet putters come in various subtypes, each with its unique design features:

  • Face-Balanced Mallets: These putters have a face that points directly upward when balanced on a finger. They are well-suited for golfers with straight-back, straight-through putting strokes.
  • Toe-Hang Mallets: These putters have a face that points slightly downward when balanced. They are better for golfers with arcing putting strokes.
  • High MOI Mallets: These mallet putters are engineered for maximum forgiveness, often with large, multi-material clubheads to increase MOI even further.
  • Mid-Mallets: A compromise between blade and mallet putters, mid-mallets offer a balance of size and alignment features.

10. Mallet Putter vs. Blade Putter

Choosing between a mallet putter and a blade putter is a matter of personal preference and putting style:

  • Mallet Putter: Ideal for golfers who prioritize alignment aids, forgiveness on mishits, and a stable putting stroke.
  • Blade Putter: Preferred by golfers who value a traditional, compact design and have a more consistent putting stroke.

11. Maintenance and Care

Proper maintenance of your mallet putter can prolong its lifespan and performance. Here are some tips:

  • Clean the clubface: After each round, clean the clubface to remove dirt, grass, and debris that can affect ball contact.
  • Check alignment aids: Periodically inspect the alignment aids to ensure they are still in good condition and correctly positioned.
  • Grip maintenance: Replace the grip when it becomes worn or slippery to maintain a secure hold during your putting stroke.
  • Storage: Store your putter in a cool, dry place, and consider using a headcover to protect the clubhead from dings and scratches.

12. Professional Fitting

For golfers serious about improving their putting, professional club fitting is essential. A club fitter can assess your putting stroke, posture, and preferences to recommend the ideal mallet putter specifications, including length, lie angle, and grip size. Custom-fitted mallet putters can provide the best possible performance.

Mallet Putter Types

TypeDescriptionHead DesignBalancePros and Cons
Blade MalletCompact designCompactSlightly heelGood feel, less forgiveness
Perimeter WeightWeight distributed on edgesWideBalancedForgiving, stability
Face BalancedStraight face balanceWideNeutralConsistent stroke
Toe Hang MalletToe hangs slightlyWideToe-heavyArc-style stroke
Center ShaftedCenter shaft attachmentWideBalancedEnhanced alignment
Hybrid MalletCombination of stylesVariableVariesVersatile, customizable
CounterbalancedExtra weight in grip or shaftWideVariesReduced hand movement
High MOI MalletHigh Moment of Inertia (MOI)WideBalancedStability on mishits
Insert MalletInsert material in the faceWideBalancedEnhanced feel, feedback
Hollow Body MalletCavity-back designWideBalancedForgiveness, distance

Mallet Putter Materials

MaterialDescriptionAdvantagesDisadvantagesExamples
Stainless SteelDurable, classic lookCorrosion-resistantCan be heavyOdyssey White Hot
AluminumLightweight, soft feelReduced weightLess feedbackTaylorMade Spider X
Carbon SteelSoft, responsive feelEnhanced feedbackProne to rustScotty Cameron Phantom X
CompositeMix of materialsCustomizable propertiesMay feel less traditionalEvnroll ER Series
Multi-MaterialCombination of materialsBalanced performanceCan be expensivePing Sigma 2 Tyne 4

Mallet Putter Alignment Aids

Alignment AidDescriptionBenefitsExamples
SightlinesLines or dots on the crown to aid alignmentClear visual referenceOdyssey Stroke Lab Triple Track
Alignment DotsDots or circles for aiming accuracySimplifies setupTaylorMade Truss TM1
T-shaped AlignmentT-shaped top lines for easy square alignmentConsistent aimCleveland Frontline Elevado CBX
Parallel LinesParallel lines along the crown for symmetryImproved aimPing Sigma 2 Valor 400
High Contrast PaintBright colors or patterns for visibilityEnhanced focusOdyssey Triple Track 2-Ball

Mallet Putter Grips

Grip MaterialDescriptionTextureSizeAdvantages
RubberSoft and tackyTextured surfaceVarious sizesGood feel, shock absorption
SyntheticDurable and weather-resistantSmooth surfaceVarious sizesLong-lasting, low maintenance
LeatherPremium look and feelTextured surfaceVarious sizesEnhanced grip, traditional
OversizedLarger diameter for stabilityTextured surfaceVarious sizesReduced wrist movement
CounterbalanceExtra weight in grip or shaftTextured surfaceVarious sizesReduced hand movement

Mallet Putter Brands

BrandDescriptionNotable ModelsKey FeaturesTour Usage
Scotty CameronPremium puttersNewport, FuturaPrecision craftsmanshipUsed by many pros
OdysseyLeading in innovationStroke Lab, O-WorksInnovative designsPopular on PGA Tour
TaylorMadeCutting-edge technologySpider, TP PatinaAdjustable featuresTrusted by top players
PingConsistency and performanceSigma 2, Vault 2.0Custom-fit optionsStrong tour presence
ClevelandFocus on alignmentFrontline, HuntingtonProprietary technologiesIncreasing popularity

In conclusion, mallet putters are a valuable tool for golfers looking to enhance their putting performance. Their unique design features, alignment aids, forgiveness, and customization options make them a popular choice on the greens. However, the choice between a mallet putter and a blade putter ultimately comes down to individual preference and putting style. To make an informed decision, consider trying out different putters and, if possible, consult with a professional club fitter for a personalized recommendation.

What is a mallet putter

Author

  • Grace Kaufman

    Grace Kaufman, our Creative Director and a Golf Course Design Specialist, brings a touch of creativity and visual flair to The Golf Mine. With a keen eye for design and a deep understanding of course layout, she ensures that our content not only informs but also engages and inspires. Grace's innovative approach, combined with her specialization in golf course design, enhances the overall experience for our readers, making our blog more than just words on a screen.

    grace@thegolfmine.com Grace Kaufman Grace

Leave a Comment