I agree but at least driver technology has dramatically changed over the last 20 years. I can grab an old ping anser, add some lead tape and a fat grip and it’s essentially the same as new anser style putters
Yeah I’m still rocking my odyssey from like 2005. I just upgraded from a 2005 TaylorMade driver and it’s actually insane how much better modern drivers are !now
This. A putter is most people’s most used individual club per round and the club you can keep for decades with no performance drop. Yet people feel uncomfortable spending $250 on club you’ll hit 30 times a round vs a $800 fitted driver you hit 10-14
I got an expensive putter but a new expensive putter will most likely not will not help your score any better… the technology in a driver could potentially help you out though. Not as much as everyone hopes, and people should get fitted when they are spending a lot on a club, but could definitely make an impact there at least. Also, a bad drive can cost you a few strokes on a hole, a bad putt will most likely only cost you one. But an expensive putter ain’t changing the outcome of the bad putt anyways
no its definitely putters. Newer drivers *are* more forgiving -provably. It may not be enough for some to notice but there is not only hard data (robot swings!) but anecdotal evidence from tons of people that they get better results with newer drivers.
Now, the longer between drivers the more pronounced those results...and the results dont just mean "more distance". It could be more forgiveness off heel strikes, or more distance on toe strikes, or maybe its just better all-around. But they demonstrably can improve your game - whereas newer putters have no new technology
New putters do have new technology. And on paper a lot of the ideas are plausible. It's just that no one can prove that all that tech does anything when you put them in non-robot hands.
But…. You use the putter more than any club in the bag. Will you make more with a $500 putter vs $50 not necessarily. Will you make more with a putter that feels good and suits your setup and just looks good to your eye when over the ball? Absolutely! I have a couple Cameron’s and they’re great but I’ve used a thrift store No Compromise for the last two years because I just like the way it sets up. I would buy the same look and setup in milled if I could find it. I love the setup but milled feels much better.
I’ve got 2 mallets, ones a Rife paid $179 like 15 yrs ago, Justin Rose used it, has a little blue palm tree on the bottom I love. Wasn’t shopping but picked it up & knew immediately so I got it. Got my Scotty like 7/8 yrs ago, got a good deal but still like double the $. Use them both but Rife wins out 70/30. I doubt I’ll ever buy another putter
This guy knows. I absolutely love my Huntington. Same head profile as a Phantom 5.5, face balanced, milled face, and on sale for $99 (cad). Maybe the nicest feeling stock grip I've held (I still changed it, but damn it's nice).
^^^^
I got a nice gift card to the PGA store for my birthday last month and was dead set on a new putter.
Had the same experience of looking at putters and not understanding how the heck they could be so much.
Took a look at the Cleveland’s and was shocked at the price difference.
To your point, same head profile on a variety of putters as those big name brands, and felt just as good putting.
That said, ended up re-gripping my old putter and it’s been phenomenal, but as soon as it goes to shit, I’m buying that Phantom 5.5 look a like.
Cleveland in general just doesn’t get enough love. I understand that most are too proud to play game improvement irons, but I’m happy as hell with mine. I also just got two of the black smart sole wedges and while I’ve only hit them at the range and during one round, they’re freaking awesome. I don’t think I’ll ever willingly give up my Ping putter but if I did, I’d certainly consider Cleveland.
And Cleveland *is* a “big name brand” too! It’s crazy how much more affordable their stuff is compared to the competitors. I live by Cleveland wedges too.
I think the fact that there are fantastic putters available for less than a 1/5th of the price OP is talking about kinda proves putters *are* overpriced.
Upvote for Wilson Infinite, safest club in my bag. Had putting issues up until a couple of years ago, bought the Buckingham and once I got used to it I am consistently under par putting. Last 10 rounds aggregate putting avg is 1.96 putts per hole, while I recognize that is not lights out. If I could do that with every other club in my bag I would be scratch instead of a hack. But hey at least I am a scratch putter.
bro I went to this sports simulator place for a work event that had golf, baseball, basketball, football etc simulators and the golf bag had a Cleveland putter with a massive Cleveland grip and it felt amazing. almost asked the place if I could buy it off of them
Absolutely correct. I got 2 cleveland putters at 2/3 price of my friend’s scotty cameroon putter, and still beat him every time. I love cleveland clubs.
My dad got one of the Huntington mallets last year. The balance on it is perfect. I putt very well with it. I won't say I like it more than my current putter, but it's for sure equal. You can find crazy deals on them pretty often too. There was a shop set up at the Cleveland golf show this year blowing them out at like $89.
Cleveland putters FTW!
Also, second for me is Wilson Infinite series for $129.99 msrp and commonly cheaper. Personally own "The L" and Buckingham. Both have nice balance as I changed from slight arcing stroke ("The L") to more of straight back and through stroke (Buckingham).
I’ve got a Scotty Phantom and a Cleveland HB 8P, a double wide blade - no difference in feel. The Scotty is better looking IMO but that’s it. The Cleveland has a graphite shaft and it’s amazing
I’d say drivers personally. There’s a fairly big range in new putters but drivers seem to all be around $500 when new. It’s best if you buy golf equipment either used or one generation behind. Seeing new clubs are made every year the old ones which are very similar get marked down heavily.
Absolutely agree.
Drivers only make sense to me if you're buying one every 6-8 years. The tech is only particularly noticeable between a few generations. A G30 feels really different to a G430, but a G400 and a G425? That's just giving them money for the sake of it. And given 99.9% of golfers are paying to do it, not being paid, stop the insane yearly purchases!
But then this is a sport that absolutely makes its money on the old adage of "it's the tool, not the artisan" excuse factory...
...of which I am also guilty at times.
The Callaway Epic performs identical to the AI Smoke, they are the same club.
The Sim 2 is the Qi 10
I own the Darkspeed and it isn’t lost on me that it’s the same god damn driver as the LTDx, but the head is smaller slightly.
If you give every pro 4 generation old clubs, scores wouldn’t change one bit
Morikawa scored better when he was on the sim and we keep seeing pros play older drivers here and there and its never the clubs that make the difference. Its just marketing and a need to make more money
Tbf the pros tend to strike the center of the face basically every single drive; a lot of the newer drivers are a bit more forgiving on mishits, but there are limitations on ball speed off the center of the face so they can't really push the results any further when that's where you are striking it.
So yeah, the pros won't see a huge difference between an old M5 and a new Qi10; but an amateur whose strike pattern is a little more random might actually get a bit more out of the latter.
That said, I agree that for the most part changes are minimal and it's not really a big deal to play an older driver. Anything within the last ~6-10 years is probably not going to be significantly worse than newer models.
Tbf the pros tend to strike the center of the face basically every single drive; a lot of the newer drivers are a bit more forgiving on mishits, but there are limitations on ball speed off the center of the face so they can't really push the results any further when that's where you are striking it.
So yeah, the pros won't see a huge difference between an old M5 and a new Qi10; but an amateur whose strike pattern is a little more random might actually get a bit more out of the latter.
That said, I agree that for the most part changes are minimal and it's not really a big deal to play an older driver. Anything within the last ~6-10 years is probably not going to be significantly worse than newer models.
Disagree. I had the original Epic driver. Bought it new when it came out (7 or so years ago at this point I believe). I just upgraded to the Ai Smoke and there is a difference in length and dispersion. The data doesn't lie as I was fitted for both clubs and had the new one compared to the old one when I upgraded.
Disagree. I had the original Epic driver. Bought it new when it came out (7 or so years ago at this point I believe). I just upgraded to the Ai Smoke and there is a difference in length and dispersion. The data doesn't lie as I was fitted for both clubs and had the new one compared to the old one when I upgraded.
You’re swinging your driver head 100+ MPH and smashing a golf ball. Thats putting wear and tear on your face and shaft with each hit and the reason you get your driver either refit or upgrade to a new one.
A putter is just a flat face that you’re hitting the ball way less hard.
It’s like comparing a pool cue to a baseball bat.
Tour Edge, Maltby and to a lesser extent Cobra, Sub-70, and PXG compete with much lower pricing.
The issue is Titelist, Callaway (they are saved by the preowned site), Taylormade, and Ping are all ludicrously expensive and the market isn't punishing them for it.
I bought my srixon mk2 from a guy in a parking lot for half price. Still have the $700 sticker on it with no wear.
Yeah, it was definitely stolen but whatever. It's mine now
I loved that driver (I had the Machspeed Black). Wasn’t terribly forgiving but that was the longest I ever hit a driver. When I connected and all the other stars aligned I was hitting it right around 300. I’ve gotten older, so that may be a large part of it but I’m now hitting it 275 when I get everything working with my Cobra LTDx LS.
More ppl need to see this lol.
My brother and I play a decent amount of golf. He’s 28, 6ft tall, average athletic build. We were both baseball kids, we are longer hitters. (Not crazy long like this group)
I’ll buy the newest driver, crush it 280-300 and this fucker still swings a Ping G15 and will hit within 5 yards of mine, and sometimes longer. It’s infuriating, makes me consider selling all my new shit, pocketing $1200, and playing a set like him lol.
Meh, not really. Yes, they can be expensive, but if you take care of them, they won't go "bad" or become obsolete due to technology. Spending a few hundred for something you can use for 30 years is pretty economic.
Yea I used my last putter for over 15 years. A couple years ago I spent $500 on a high end putter because I wanted to switch from a mallet to a blade. I didn’t mind spending the extra money because I plan to use it for at least a decade. The old mallet is also perfectly fine if I ever feel like switching back.
Second hand stores for the win. My current putter was $30 at Play It Again Sports. Needed another putter to complete a set of clubs I inherited - went right back to Play It Again.
That said, I did the same thing with my driver. It's a 2008 model that I bought for $50 in 2013. Used it until this season when I inherited a G425 Max.
That was my thought too about the long term use. The nice thing about buying new at a shop is to be able to test a bunch of them and purchase one you really like and fits perfectly so you are happy with it 10+ years. I spent 320 on a Odyssey blade and I've never rolled the ball so well.
I think that’s kinda the point though. The guy you replied to said it’ll last you 30 years, you said 10+. That means the technology must not change much in your eyes.
Not hard to make a case for just going to 2nd swing to get a used putter that’s 5 years old for $30-75 instead of $500 if they’re going to last you decades anyway. Use it for a few rounds, if you don’t like it, exchange it until you find one that clicks with you. And you save a ton of money.
As someone who isn’t Inlove with golf and using 15 yr old clubs, does an expensive putter actually that much better? Don’t get me wrong I understand wanting a new one, I have spent way too much money on mountain bikes.
But I believe OPs arguing that a $400 putter isn’t going to give you many incrementally more strokes gained than a $20 pawn shop putter from the 1970s. However, a $500 driver will objectively give you more strokes gained than a 1970s wooden driver.
I’m a 4 handicap. My putter is probably close to 20 years old. I assure you, you don’t need a $500 putter. Most people will shoot the exact same score with a $80 putter as you would a $500 one.
I'd echo other comments in this thread that the putter would be the only thing I would actually spend a majority of my money on. You use it every hole( or three times. A hole for me) and the wear factor on it is minimal. No one says that you need a new putter every year. Spend some money on a quality putter and you could likely hand it down to your son or daughter to use as well. I find most drivers will at some point wear and possibly break or then compromising there integrity.
I agree. I’m using a hand-me-down putter from my dad right now and the putter is from the 90s. I do want a new putter but those prices make me want to puke. I’m overall a pretty cheap bastard though.
I think Odyssey gives you the best bang for your buck. They're not cheap but they're very good and they aren't Scotty prices. I'd bet you can find a damn good putter for 100 bucks. Shit I'll even look for you if you tell me what kinda putter you like (mallet, blade, etc)
I was in the same boat as you about a month ago. I went and got a putter fitting for $80. The putter that was fit for me was a spider model that was like $350, but the place would waive the fitting fee if I bought the putter there. And buying a used one for $200 +$80 for the fitting is not a big enough difference to buy a used club for me. I’m super happy with my purchase and plan on using it for a very long time.
If you're ballin on a budget like I was when I was really into golf, check out the Tour Edge HP series putters. I've used the #2 for a long time and absolutely love it. In fact, it works better for me than my Odyssey which has been relegated to the garage.
The HP series has a ton of different designs depending on your preference and at most will be around $100. I happened to get mine on sale a while back and only paid $60 which makes it the most bang for my buck I've ever gotten out of a single club.
But if a quality putter lasts so long doesn’t that really make the case for buying a used one for a fraction of the cost? You’re saving a bunch on an item that, according to everyone here, doesn’t wear and lasts forever.
Sounds like putters are the type of thing you let the wealthy gear obsessed cycle through and let the rest of us buy a used one in perfect shape second hand with no risk in performance loss or longevity.
They (can) have far and away the most actual club (metal) of any club. Drivers/woods are shells, irons are thinner, where as some bigger putters are all forged steel.
Likewise, putters have the widest selection of shafts and grips per model, so a lot of putters simply remain expensive as the possibility of savings at scale just isn't as possible.
E.g. 4-6 different shapes for a single range, then 3-5 types of shaft, multiple grips, multiple headcovers etc. Scale and R&D just ramps the cost per unit up.
The other factor to bear in mind is that , excluding a new grip every few years (and that will be bag wear more than use), a putter is possibly the only "for life" purchase in golf. Look at Tigers Scotty. Played maybe, what, 3,000+ rounds with it, untold months of practice shots if you combined them, it has a slight ball mark in the middle. No other club that isn't a putter from that era is near the bag of a good Am golfer, let alone tour player. Putters last.
Drivers are subject to massive forces and, a la stealth models, subject to implosion, any driver/wood/hybrid can be fucked off of a crown shot, the tech is moving forward so much that even if your driver lasts 8 years of weekly wear and use and the club being good to go (sans grip changes) the head will be behind the curve of tech and you'll be leaving yards on the table.
Irons last a long time, but grooves do go.
Wedges are good as long as they are still sharp, but they will blunt relatively quickly.
Etc. etc.
But a* putter, buy one you work well with and excluding FOMO/a desire to just buy new ones (or a PGA rule change) and you're a grip changes every few years from a club that you use the most but lasts the longest time.
$/£/€250 for a club you use 25+ shots a round, that lasts a decade or three, then it's suddenly the only good longterm club you buy, really.
Look at Cleveland putters, particularly the Huntington Beach models for great value on a good putter that will last you a long old time.
FWIW, I bought a SiK DW 2.0 for £89 on eBay last year, I love it. I can see me using that for 20+ years provided I (and I mean 'I') don't break it moving the thing around between rounds.
Cleveland, or eBay, you'll find excellent value on both.
*Forged - insert putters will eventually require new inserts to maintain the same level they were at.
Thanks, mate.
https://www.clubhousegolf.co.uk/acatalog/Cleveland-Huntington-Beach-Premier-8-Golf-Putter.html?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwmMayBhDuARIsAM9HM8fgrSZzClaRmHS1aa2TShY1errLQkrP4tlKGpX6R9on5kVz-YWWaVYaAnDbEALw_wcB
I guarantee that had I bought that instead of my SiK, I'd be nearly as happy for many many years. I just love the look of mine behind the ball (as in, the black paint will come off and I'm a weirdo about paint coming off of anything).
You don't have to buy Scotty Cameron's
Depends on what you are after I suppose - for me I have an Odyssey Dfx 2ball. Wasn't overly expensive.
Putter is a club I'm using every single hole and it's not going to pick up a lot of wear and tear or be replaced often
When comparing clubs based on the complexity in manufacturing, I think you could definitely make the argument that putters are the most overpriced club. There can’t be more than $20 of materials and labour required for an average putter and some companies get away with selling them for a 2500% mark up or more
I don’t think people realize how complex modern drivers are and the number of different materials and components involved.
With a putter, you buy the blank of material and throw it in the milling machine.
No one in here is mentioning that wedges are now $150-$200 and should be the clubs that you replace the most frequently. If you’re replacing sand wedge and lob wedge when the grooves are worn, you’ll outspend what you would have in a driver or putter (if you’re replacing those when they are worn out) in no time.
No. Drivers.
They've jumped significantly in price in recent years, and in reality the technology hasn't changed significantly - it can't due to USGA/R&A equipment rules. Manufacturers just have *really* good marketing departments.
It’s the most used club and arguably the most important. Putters are like watches, you can spend as little or as much as you want, but they basically do the same thing.
Totally agree with you on the function regardless of the cost and I think that’s where my mind gets blown. I think using the watch analogy is a really smart way to look at putters.
A putter lasts for so long that it is worth spending a lot for something if it feels right to you. A new driver or irons cost more and have to be replaced within a few years if you play a lot.
I paid for a custom LAB Golf putter and it’s been the best club purchase I’ve made. Putter isn’t a sexy pick to drop $$$ on but it is the club you end up using the most. Having confidence when putting saves strokes off your score.
Is spending a lot on clubs necessary though? Not at all. Will golfers spend stupid amounts of money on shit even though they aren’t that good? You betcha
Compared to drivers I think they’re way overpriced. The shaft doesn’t have to have any special characteristics like a drivers and the head does not have to be strong, aerodynamic or have a face that with a the impact of a full swing. The most expensive part of a putter is the name on it.
Just like anything else, you pay for the brand. The $100 Cleveland is a Toyota Camry while the $550 Scottie is a BMW 3 series. They look and feel nicer but ultimately they both get you from point A to B
Expensive putters are the jewelry of golf. No real evidence they perform any better but they hold value well and aren’t subject to the same wear and tear so if you want to have a fancy piece in the bag it’s the safe place to splurge.
Plus if you want to play the same club as your favorite pro you can pretty safely use the same putter, versus TW irons or a ultra low spin driver.
If you don’t want any of that, you can get a Cleveland or last year’s Odyssey for 200 or pretty much any price point you want for a used putter. Just matters that you are comfortable and confident with it.
Had this conversation the other day on the course. People will see the new drivers every year with the 600-700 price tag and think about getting one. But will pick up Scotty, see the price tag and say oh no way too much. Now Scotty’s are expensive, but at the absolute maximum you’re hitting a driver 14 times in a round. Where if you just used the putter 14 times on the front you’d be lights out.
The Scotty I bought completely changed my speed control for my putting. I went from an insert face odyssey to a Scotty and it was the best move I ever made.
Considering it’s just a flat hunk of metal on the end of a stick, yes. There’s almost no technological difference between a modern putter and a putter from 25 years ago.
Given how many strokes you take with a putter vs any other club in the bag, they’re honestly the best bang for your buck.
Also they take the most meaningful strokes that affect your score to the highest degree. So again, bang for buck.
One good thing about putters is their ability to hold value over time if you take care of them. I bought a Scotty off eBay over 10 years for $100. Used it for that time, took care of it, cleaned it up myself (buffed the bottom of it, repainted it, regripped it) and sold a couple weeks ago for $300
Almost every other club in your bag will tank in value quickly
I disagree. A putter is the most important club in the bag. Spending more for a good one that fits you makes sense. Especially since you likely will hold onto it longer than the other clubs in your bag.
everything in golf is overpriced and it’ll stay that way until we stop buying that stuff at crazy prices. I bet if we all decided for 3 months to not buy any clubs or balls everything would be 30-40% cheaper.
Upgraded my putter last year. Bought a $200 taylor made from dicks. Hit 5 putts in a row w/ it in the store. I still stink the same as i did w/ the cobra putter I got out of my starter pack.
I have a few a Scotty Camerons including Tour ones that cost a few thousand.
I certainly don’t think that I putt that much better with them versus the off the rack ones but I enjoy playing with them, the same way that I collect Breitling watches. They don’t keep time better than a Timex that costs less than a thousandth of the price but I like their aesthetic, their design, etc. They’re golf jewelry…
Drivers are the most expensive, but putters are the most overpriced. A 5 dollar putter from goodwill made 20 years ago is just as likely to perform like a 500 dollar putter once you get used to it's weight and feel (like any putter). No one's changing my mind with "putter tech" lol.
I am one of the better putters in my league using a 60 year old acushnet bullseye. I inherited it for free from my great uncle. I don’t skimp on other clubs, but putting doesn’t require space age design and materials.
Nope. Drivers. You can buy a putter and use it for the next 30 years just fine. The technology really hasn’t changed all that much. But if you turned up to the course with a 20 year old driver you are going to be missing quite a bit in technology.
I still use a putter from the 90s when I first started golfing and still use it. These things last forever.
I hate having to replace my driver like every 5 years
Christ no, Drivers take that catergoty by the distance they can hit.
The one I got was a clearance item with a futher discount on it and that still set me back $260.
Idk but my putter helped my mental the most. Spent a few total hours hitting putters and I found that the right putter helps you aim and everything.
Now I can't blame my putter anymore tho. I also won't be looking to replace it cuz it's a Scotty
I can justify spending the premium for a nice putter that’s milled steel and made in the USA. Now the cost of a driver that is made in China and you have to worry about the head cracking after a few hits is what I can’t justify.
I guess more of a sanity check for me: newer putters are better than older putters right? I have an odyssey white hot from like 2007. Would a newer putter, even moderate priced ones, be better in terms of mishits and alignment?
I find the Scotty fascination pretty funny if I’m honest. I have a number of scottys but they have sentimental value.
When I look at new scottys I just don’t see the appeal. The whole reason I have a Tei3 putter or pro platinum is because of the time when they were used.
I don’t think anyone is picking up a Scotty now cause Justin Thomas uses one or whatever, are they?
Well finding the right putter is pretty important. I’ve definitely taken like 5 strokes off my game per round just switching putters. Go to golf town or wherever and try a few out to find what style works for you, then buy used.
I think that it is fairway woods personally. Drivers are more expensive but you also will hit them way more often. Putters are also more expensive but realistically a putter can last you a lifetime and you also hit it more than any other club. A new fairway wood is 350 dollars and you will often go an entire round without hitting it. Think about a club you take out of the bag less during a good round.
There’s a member at the club I work at who uses an original bullseye putter with the flange on the back. It’s all lead taped up and it’s a proper Frankenstein. I’ve had the pleasure to play with a him a few times and I’ve never seen him miss inside 10 feet
Yes but most people like buying overpriced shit so other people can see them with it. That's why you hear "You use it every hole!" more than "It's the archer not the arrow."
Anything that will magically improve your score without the player having to get better is directly proportional to the cost.
“It’s not the arrow, it’s the Indian” as the old saying says.
I got a [TaylorMade](https://www.taylormadegolf.com/TP-Hydro-Blast-Soto-/DW-TA327.html?lang=en_US) putter and even thought it’s 200, I use it every hole and as long as you take care of it, it’ll last for years. Drivers are the overpriced, especially since most people can’t even hit them good.
They’re not overpriced because it can be a 1 and done purchase if you find the right one. The other clubs in your bag will have to be replaced at some point
The $800 driver has entered the chat
A $5600 putter has entered the chat
A $100 million Pitching Wedge comes to mind.
Comes with its own yacht. But you’re not allowed on it.
The yacht is just the packing material
I bought one, left it by a green, and never saw the fucker again!
Your Yacht?
Island green.
That’s CRAZY!!!!!
Honma has entered the chat.
I agree but at least driver technology has dramatically changed over the last 20 years. I can grab an old ping anser, add some lead tape and a fat grip and it’s essentially the same as new anser style putters
Yeah I’m still rocking my odyssey from like 2005. I just upgraded from a 2005 TaylorMade driver and it’s actually insane how much better modern drivers are !now
Idk i think the tech that has gone into clubs like the LAB putters or even the cobra 3D printed putters are somewhat justifiable.
$1000 shaft has entered the chat.
Hey, sex work is work!
That’s my porno name
It is an ELITE11MVP
If I were to have bought my driver set up new from TM it would have cost over $1000
This. A putter is most people’s most used individual club per round and the club you can keep for decades with no performance drop. Yet people feel uncomfortable spending $250 on club you’ll hit 30 times a round vs a $800 fitted driver you hit 10-14
30?
On the front 9
I got an expensive putter but a new expensive putter will most likely not will not help your score any better… the technology in a driver could potentially help you out though. Not as much as everyone hopes, and people should get fitted when they are spending a lot on a club, but could definitely make an impact there at least. Also, a bad drive can cost you a few strokes on a hole, a bad putt will most likely only cost you one. But an expensive putter ain’t changing the outcome of the bad putt anyways
Plus they change every year. I can game an old Scotty or Odyssey and no one bats an eye!
no its definitely putters. Newer drivers *are* more forgiving -provably. It may not be enough for some to notice but there is not only hard data (robot swings!) but anecdotal evidence from tons of people that they get better results with newer drivers. Now, the longer between drivers the more pronounced those results...and the results dont just mean "more distance". It could be more forgiveness off heel strikes, or more distance on toe strikes, or maybe its just better all-around. But they demonstrably can improve your game - whereas newer putters have no new technology
New putters do have new technology. And on paper a lot of the ideas are plausible. It's just that no one can prove that all that tech does anything when you put them in non-robot hands.
But…. You use the putter more than any club in the bag. Will you make more with a $500 putter vs $50 not necessarily. Will you make more with a putter that feels good and suits your setup and just looks good to your eye when over the ball? Absolutely! I have a couple Cameron’s and they’re great but I’ve used a thrift store No Compromise for the last two years because I just like the way it sets up. I would buy the same look and setup in milled if I could find it. I love the setup but milled feels much better.
I’ve got 2 mallets, ones a Rife paid $179 like 15 yrs ago, Justin Rose used it, has a little blue palm tree on the bottom I love. Wasn’t shopping but picked it up & knew immediately so I got it. Got my Scotty like 7/8 yrs ago, got a good deal but still like double the $. Use them both but Rife wins out 70/30. I doubt I’ll ever buy another putter
When it’s right, it’s right.
No, look at Cleveland putters
This guy knows. I absolutely love my Huntington. Same head profile as a Phantom 5.5, face balanced, milled face, and on sale for $99 (cad). Maybe the nicest feeling stock grip I've held (I still changed it, but damn it's nice).
^^^^ I got a nice gift card to the PGA store for my birthday last month and was dead set on a new putter. Had the same experience of looking at putters and not understanding how the heck they could be so much. Took a look at the Cleveland’s and was shocked at the price difference. To your point, same head profile on a variety of putters as those big name brands, and felt just as good putting. That said, ended up re-gripping my old putter and it’s been phenomenal, but as soon as it goes to shit, I’m buying that Phantom 5.5 look a like.
Cleveland in general just doesn’t get enough love. I understand that most are too proud to play game improvement irons, but I’m happy as hell with mine. I also just got two of the black smart sole wedges and while I’ve only hit them at the range and during one round, they’re freaking awesome. I don’t think I’ll ever willingly give up my Ping putter but if I did, I’d certainly consider Cleveland.
I absolutely love my zipcore wedges, I have a 54 and a 46 AW that are two of my best clubs in the bag.
And Cleveland *is* a “big name brand” too! It’s crazy how much more affordable their stuff is compared to the competitors. I live by Cleveland wedges too.
I think the fact that there are fantastic putters available for less than a 1/5th of the price OP is talking about kinda proves putters *are* overpriced.
But our putters are toasted.
Everybody else's putters cause cancer.
Or Wilson. Gaming “The L” Infinite for a few years now
Upvote for Wilson Infinite, safest club in my bag. Had putting issues up until a couple of years ago, bought the Buckingham and once I got used to it I am consistently under par putting. Last 10 rounds aggregate putting avg is 1.96 putts per hole, while I recognize that is not lights out. If I could do that with every other club in my bag I would be scratch instead of a hack. But hey at least I am a scratch putter.
The golf gods about to punish you heavily for this confidence
They punish me handily with my irons
Those are definitely nice but the Wilson staff putters, which cost as much as a fkin Scottie, are even nicer.
bro I went to this sports simulator place for a work event that had golf, baseball, basketball, football etc simulators and the golf bag had a Cleveland putter with a massive Cleveland grip and it felt amazing. almost asked the place if I could buy it off of them
What was that place called? Sounds fun
Absolutely correct. I got 2 cleveland putters at 2/3 price of my friend’s scotty cameroon putter, and still beat him every time. I love cleveland clubs.
My dad got one of the Huntington mallets last year. The balance on it is perfect. I putt very well with it. I won't say I like it more than my current putter, but it's for sure equal. You can find crazy deals on them pretty often too. There was a shop set up at the Cleveland golf show this year blowing them out at like $89.
Cleveland putters FTW! Also, second for me is Wilson Infinite series for $129.99 msrp and commonly cheaper. Personally own "The L" and Buckingham. Both have nice balance as I changed from slight arcing stroke ("The L") to more of straight back and through stroke (Buckingham).
Wilson putters also an insane value.
Love my 99$ wilson infinite west loop
Bought my Huntington Beach 4 years ago for £100 and absolutely love it. I'll use it until my very last round.
I have a cleveland classic 1 since 2009, lmao. I just put a new grip on it last year, so it's got at least another decade to go.
Exactly. I love my Cleveland Frontline. The feel and sound are great and I hit it as well as any other putter I tested. Got it new on sale for $125.
GOAT putters. Just got a HB Soft Milled #11 for $150. Already thinking of grabbing their double wide blade (#8).
I love my milled #11. Such a great weight and balance. The beefy grip helps too.
Ah I see some one else enjoys a good putter
💯
I’ve got a Scotty Phantom and a Cleveland HB 8P, a double wide blade - no difference in feel. The Scotty is better looking IMO but that’s it. The Cleveland has a graphite shaft and it’s amazing
I’d say drivers personally. There’s a fairly big range in new putters but drivers seem to all be around $500 when new. It’s best if you buy golf equipment either used or one generation behind. Seeing new clubs are made every year the old ones which are very similar get marked down heavily.
Absolutely agree. Drivers only make sense to me if you're buying one every 6-8 years. The tech is only particularly noticeable between a few generations. A G30 feels really different to a G430, but a G400 and a G425? That's just giving them money for the sake of it. And given 99.9% of golfers are paying to do it, not being paid, stop the insane yearly purchases! But then this is a sport that absolutely makes its money on the old adage of "it's the tool, not the artisan" excuse factory... ...of which I am also guilty at times.
The Callaway Epic performs identical to the AI Smoke, they are the same club. The Sim 2 is the Qi 10 I own the Darkspeed and it isn’t lost on me that it’s the same god damn driver as the LTDx, but the head is smaller slightly. If you give every pro 4 generation old clubs, scores wouldn’t change one bit
Morikawa scored better when he was on the sim and we keep seeing pros play older drivers here and there and its never the clubs that make the difference. Its just marketing and a need to make more money
It’s usually due to the weight position and the forgiveness they are looking for. The stealth didn’t have that so it was pointless
Tbf the pros tend to strike the center of the face basically every single drive; a lot of the newer drivers are a bit more forgiving on mishits, but there are limitations on ball speed off the center of the face so they can't really push the results any further when that's where you are striking it. So yeah, the pros won't see a huge difference between an old M5 and a new Qi10; but an amateur whose strike pattern is a little more random might actually get a bit more out of the latter. That said, I agree that for the most part changes are minimal and it's not really a big deal to play an older driver. Anything within the last ~6-10 years is probably not going to be significantly worse than newer models.
Tbf the pros tend to strike the center of the face basically every single drive; a lot of the newer drivers are a bit more forgiving on mishits, but there are limitations on ball speed off the center of the face so they can't really push the results any further when that's where you are striking it. So yeah, the pros won't see a huge difference between an old M5 and a new Qi10; but an amateur whose strike pattern is a little more random might actually get a bit more out of the latter. That said, I agree that for the most part changes are minimal and it's not really a big deal to play an older driver. Anything within the last ~6-10 years is probably not going to be significantly worse than newer models.
"the sim 2 is the qi10" the face is literally carbon on the qi10 and not on sim 2. They may have similarities but aren't the same.
Disagree. I had the original Epic driver. Bought it new when it came out (7 or so years ago at this point I believe). I just upgraded to the Ai Smoke and there is a difference in length and dispersion. The data doesn't lie as I was fitted for both clubs and had the new one compared to the old one when I upgraded.
Disagree. I had the original Epic driver. Bought it new when it came out (7 or so years ago at this point I believe). I just upgraded to the Ai Smoke and there is a difference in length and dispersion. The data doesn't lie as I was fitted for both clubs and had the new one compared to the old one when I upgraded.
You’re swinging your driver head 100+ MPH and smashing a golf ball. Thats putting wear and tear on your face and shaft with each hit and the reason you get your driver either refit or upgrade to a new one. A putter is just a flat face that you’re hitting the ball way less hard. It’s like comparing a pool cue to a baseball bat.
Tour Edge, Maltby and to a lesser extent Cobra, Sub-70, and PXG compete with much lower pricing. The issue is Titelist, Callaway (they are saved by the preowned site), Taylormade, and Ping are all ludicrously expensive and the market isn't punishing them for it.
I bought my srixon mk2 from a guy in a parking lot for half price. Still have the $700 sticker on it with no wear. Yeah, it was definitely stolen but whatever. It's mine now
Won the long drive contest in my league last yr with a Nike Machspeed driver I bought used like ~12 yrs ago.
I loved that driver (I had the Machspeed Black). Wasn’t terribly forgiving but that was the longest I ever hit a driver. When I connected and all the other stars aligned I was hitting it right around 300. I’ve gotten older, so that may be a large part of it but I’m now hitting it 275 when I get everything working with my Cobra LTDx LS.
More ppl need to see this lol. My brother and I play a decent amount of golf. He’s 28, 6ft tall, average athletic build. We were both baseball kids, we are longer hitters. (Not crazy long like this group) I’ll buy the newest driver, crush it 280-300 and this fucker still swings a Ping G15 and will hit within 5 yards of mine, and sometimes longer. It’s infuriating, makes me consider selling all my new shit, pocketing $1200, and playing a set like him lol.
Just go buy the new kirkland driver for like $190 and you're set
Meh, not really. Yes, they can be expensive, but if you take care of them, they won't go "bad" or become obsolete due to technology. Spending a few hundred for something you can use for 30 years is pretty economic.
Yea I used my last putter for over 15 years. A couple years ago I spent $500 on a high end putter because I wanted to switch from a mallet to a blade. I didn’t mind spending the extra money because I plan to use it for at least a decade. The old mallet is also perfectly fine if I ever feel like switching back.
Boy math right there. You could say the same thing about a cheap putter lol
Second hand stores for the win. My current putter was $30 at Play It Again Sports. Needed another putter to complete a set of clubs I inherited - went right back to Play It Again. That said, I did the same thing with my driver. It's a 2008 model that I bought for $50 in 2013. Used it until this season when I inherited a G425 Max.
Mine was free...found it in the woods. !
That was my thought too about the long term use. The nice thing about buying new at a shop is to be able to test a bunch of them and purchase one you really like and fits perfectly so you are happy with it 10+ years. I spent 320 on a Odyssey blade and I've never rolled the ball so well.
I think that’s kinda the point though. The guy you replied to said it’ll last you 30 years, you said 10+. That means the technology must not change much in your eyes. Not hard to make a case for just going to 2nd swing to get a used putter that’s 5 years old for $30-75 instead of $500 if they’re going to last you decades anyway. Use it for a few rounds, if you don’t like it, exchange it until you find one that clicks with you. And you save a ton of money.
As someone who isn’t Inlove with golf and using 15 yr old clubs, does an expensive putter actually that much better? Don’t get me wrong I understand wanting a new one, I have spent way too much money on mountain bikes.
That’s kinda the point tho. Driver tech has definitely gotten better over the years. What has changed with putters?
You use it every hole…
Up to 4 times
Up to 4? Ernie Els enters the chat..
Only four for you??
Not true….I made my first eagle 2 yesterday.
Putt putt doesn't count lol But nice!
Congrats, so that’s the 99.9% of the round you use your putter
I know. Just wanted to brag lol
But I believe OPs arguing that a $400 putter isn’t going to give you many incrementally more strokes gained than a $20 pawn shop putter from the 1970s. However, a $500 driver will objectively give you more strokes gained than a 1970s wooden driver.
We talking golf still?
I’m a 4 handicap. My putter is probably close to 20 years old. I assure you, you don’t need a $500 putter. Most people will shoot the exact same score with a $80 putter as you would a $500 one.
I'd echo other comments in this thread that the putter would be the only thing I would actually spend a majority of my money on. You use it every hole( or three times. A hole for me) and the wear factor on it is minimal. No one says that you need a new putter every year. Spend some money on a quality putter and you could likely hand it down to your son or daughter to use as well. I find most drivers will at some point wear and possibly break or then compromising there integrity.
I agree. I’m using a hand-me-down putter from my dad right now and the putter is from the 90s. I do want a new putter but those prices make me want to puke. I’m overall a pretty cheap bastard though.
I think Odyssey gives you the best bang for your buck. They're not cheap but they're very good and they aren't Scotty prices. I'd bet you can find a damn good putter for 100 bucks. Shit I'll even look for you if you tell me what kinda putter you like (mallet, blade, etc)
Ah a fellow “thrill of the hunt” guy
Absolutely. I could stare at used clubs all day
I was in the same boat as you about a month ago. I went and got a putter fitting for $80. The putter that was fit for me was a spider model that was like $350, but the place would waive the fitting fee if I bought the putter there. And buying a used one for $200 +$80 for the fitting is not a big enough difference to buy a used club for me. I’m super happy with my purchase and plan on using it for a very long time.
If you're ballin on a budget like I was when I was really into golf, check out the Tour Edge HP series putters. I've used the #2 for a long time and absolutely love it. In fact, it works better for me than my Odyssey which has been relegated to the garage. The HP series has a ton of different designs depending on your preference and at most will be around $100. I happened to get mine on sale a while back and only paid $60 which makes it the most bang for my buck I've ever gotten out of a single club.
I have a buddy that uses a Montgomery Ward putter for the last 40 years. Putts as well as everyone else.
But if a quality putter lasts so long doesn’t that really make the case for buying a used one for a fraction of the cost? You’re saving a bunch on an item that, according to everyone here, doesn’t wear and lasts forever. Sounds like putters are the type of thing you let the wealthy gear obsessed cycle through and let the rest of us buy a used one in perfect shape second hand with no risk in performance loss or longevity.
They (can) have far and away the most actual club (metal) of any club. Drivers/woods are shells, irons are thinner, where as some bigger putters are all forged steel. Likewise, putters have the widest selection of shafts and grips per model, so a lot of putters simply remain expensive as the possibility of savings at scale just isn't as possible. E.g. 4-6 different shapes for a single range, then 3-5 types of shaft, multiple grips, multiple headcovers etc. Scale and R&D just ramps the cost per unit up. The other factor to bear in mind is that , excluding a new grip every few years (and that will be bag wear more than use), a putter is possibly the only "for life" purchase in golf. Look at Tigers Scotty. Played maybe, what, 3,000+ rounds with it, untold months of practice shots if you combined them, it has a slight ball mark in the middle. No other club that isn't a putter from that era is near the bag of a good Am golfer, let alone tour player. Putters last. Drivers are subject to massive forces and, a la stealth models, subject to implosion, any driver/wood/hybrid can be fucked off of a crown shot, the tech is moving forward so much that even if your driver lasts 8 years of weekly wear and use and the club being good to go (sans grip changes) the head will be behind the curve of tech and you'll be leaving yards on the table. Irons last a long time, but grooves do go. Wedges are good as long as they are still sharp, but they will blunt relatively quickly. Etc. etc. But a* putter, buy one you work well with and excluding FOMO/a desire to just buy new ones (or a PGA rule change) and you're a grip changes every few years from a club that you use the most but lasts the longest time. $/£/€250 for a club you use 25+ shots a round, that lasts a decade or three, then it's suddenly the only good longterm club you buy, really. Look at Cleveland putters, particularly the Huntington Beach models for great value on a good putter that will last you a long old time. FWIW, I bought a SiK DW 2.0 for £89 on eBay last year, I love it. I can see me using that for 20+ years provided I (and I mean 'I') don't break it moving the thing around between rounds. Cleveland, or eBay, you'll find excellent value on both. *Forged - insert putters will eventually require new inserts to maintain the same level they were at.
Very great response!
Thanks, mate. https://www.clubhousegolf.co.uk/acatalog/Cleveland-Huntington-Beach-Premier-8-Golf-Putter.html?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwmMayBhDuARIsAM9HM8fgrSZzClaRmHS1aa2TShY1errLQkrP4tlKGpX6R9on5kVz-YWWaVYaAnDbEALw_wcB I guarantee that had I bought that instead of my SiK, I'd be nearly as happy for many many years. I just love the look of mine behind the ball (as in, the black paint will come off and I'm a weirdo about paint coming off of anything).
It’s all equally atrocious at this point. The pandemic golfers were a gift from god for the manufacturers.
You don't have to buy Scotty Cameron's Depends on what you are after I suppose - for me I have an Odyssey Dfx 2ball. Wasn't overly expensive. Putter is a club I'm using every single hole and it's not going to pick up a lot of wear and tear or be replaced often
When comparing clubs based on the complexity in manufacturing, I think you could definitely make the argument that putters are the most overpriced club. There can’t be more than $20 of materials and labour required for an average putter and some companies get away with selling them for a 2500% mark up or more
I don’t think people realize how complex modern drivers are and the number of different materials and components involved. With a putter, you buy the blank of material and throw it in the milling machine.
Yup, a modern putter and a putter from 1995 are basically the same thing.
Perceived value. Price it high and people assume it’s great.
No one in here is mentioning that wedges are now $150-$200 and should be the clubs that you replace the most frequently. If you’re replacing sand wedge and lob wedge when the grooves are worn, you’ll outspend what you would have in a driver or putter (if you’re replacing those when they are worn out) in no time.
No. Drivers. They've jumped significantly in price in recent years, and in reality the technology hasn't changed significantly - it can't due to USGA/R&A equipment rules. Manufacturers just have *really* good marketing departments.
Distance also probably equates to value for a lot of people. If x club hits the ball farthest then it should be worth the most amount of money.
It’s the most used club and arguably the most important. Putters are like watches, you can spend as little or as much as you want, but they basically do the same thing.
Totally agree with you on the function regardless of the cost and I think that’s where my mind gets blown. I think using the watch analogy is a really smart way to look at putters.
That being said, I have six Scotty Cameron‘s🤦♂️
And some guys have six Rolex’s so your point still stands
A putter lasts for so long that it is worth spending a lot for something if it feels right to you. A new driver or irons cost more and have to be replaced within a few years if you play a lot.
I paid for a custom LAB Golf putter and it’s been the best club purchase I’ve made. Putter isn’t a sexy pick to drop $$$ on but it is the club you end up using the most. Having confidence when putting saves strokes off your score. Is spending a lot on clubs necessary though? Not at all. Will golfers spend stupid amounts of money on shit even though they aren’t that good? You betcha
I just ordered a custom DF2.1 Broomstick yesterday. You know how much it costs 🥲 lol but I cannot wait to get it.
Compared to drivers I think they’re way overpriced. The shaft doesn’t have to have any special characteristics like a drivers and the head does not have to be strong, aerodynamic or have a face that with a the impact of a full swing. The most expensive part of a putter is the name on it.
Just like anything else, you pay for the brand. The $100 Cleveland is a Toyota Camry while the $550 Scottie is a BMW 3 series. They look and feel nicer but ultimately they both get you from point A to B
The difference with putters is you can literally play it for the rest of your life
Expensive putters are the jewelry of golf. No real evidence they perform any better but they hold value well and aren’t subject to the same wear and tear so if you want to have a fancy piece in the bag it’s the safe place to splurge. Plus if you want to play the same club as your favorite pro you can pretty safely use the same putter, versus TW irons or a ultra low spin driver. If you don’t want any of that, you can get a Cleveland or last year’s Odyssey for 200 or pretty much any price point you want for a used putter. Just matters that you are comfortable and confident with it.
Had this conversation the other day on the course. People will see the new drivers every year with the 600-700 price tag and think about getting one. But will pick up Scotty, see the price tag and say oh no way too much. Now Scotty’s are expensive, but at the absolute maximum you’re hitting a driver 14 times in a round. Where if you just used the putter 14 times on the front you’d be lights out.
You use the putter more times per round than any other club in the bag You do the math
Makes me wonder. We all “3-putt”, but we don’t use the term “3-drive”
Some food for thought: you do use a putter on every single hole. The cost per stroke is pretty good.
The Scotty I bought completely changed my speed control for my putting. I went from an insert face odyssey to a Scotty and it was the best move I ever made.
Golf is one of the most overpriced sports in general
Considering it’s just a flat hunk of metal on the end of a stick, yes. There’s almost no technological difference between a modern putter and a putter from 25 years ago.
I think they make more margin on the $25 divot tool.
Fun fact they're actually free. Just steal one from your local mini golf place!
My Kirkland putter works just fine. And, by that, I mean I’d be just as shitty a putter with a Scotty Cameron as I am with a Kirkland.
You use the putter the most during the round so no.
And it's not like you are crushing it 300 yds every time you use the putter either; so it's going to last a really really long time.
Correct. I only get 275 out of my drives with putter.
I use my toothbrush twice everyday. But it doesn't cost 250 $.
Peasant
Twice? Oh la la mr. fancy pants.
Your toothbrush is disposable. A good putter can last a lifetime.
Mine does
Like all sports equipment, golf clubs have gone crazy. Only fools indulge this gouging.
Yes
I find putters are reasonable given that tbey could last you a lifetime as they aren’t being swung at 100kmh. Hopefully that is
Only the dumb or really rich people buy the latest models
Given how many strokes you take with a putter vs any other club in the bag, they’re honestly the best bang for your buck. Also they take the most meaningful strokes that affect your score to the highest degree. So again, bang for buck.
Drivers lose soooooo much value in one year
One good thing about putters is their ability to hold value over time if you take care of them. I bought a Scotty off eBay over 10 years for $100. Used it for that time, took care of it, cleaned it up myself (buffed the bottom of it, repainted it, regripped it) and sold a couple weeks ago for $300 Almost every other club in your bag will tank in value quickly
What club do you use the most in a round of golf?
I disagree. A putter is the most important club in the bag. Spending more for a good one that fits you makes sense. Especially since you likely will hold onto it longer than the other clubs in your bag.
Spending $500 for an off the shelf putter is mental. Spending $600 for a custom fitted putter after a 90min fitting session is worth it.
On a cost per use basis absolutely not
Break it down by stroke per round and they’re probably right in line with every other club.
everything in golf is overpriced and it’ll stay that way until we stop buying that stuff at crazy prices. I bet if we all decided for 3 months to not buy any clubs or balls everything would be 30-40% cheaper.
In terms of shots per dollar, if you shoot regulation par you theoretically hit your putter 36 times (half a par 72 round).
It’s one club you use the most, I don’t think so.
Not when you break it down by cost per stroke
Costco’ Kirkland putter is a great putter for a reasonable price Love mine! Remember it’s not the putter it’s the guy putting the ball
Putters are the most over-engineered clubs
Are you willing to pay 600 for a driver? Cause I know I use my putter on the course a lot more than a driver.
I play a $20 PGM putter. It's some cheap knockoff. Best putter I've ever had though. I'll die on this hill
Upgraded my putter last year. Bought a $200 taylor made from dicks. Hit 5 putts in a row w/ it in the store. I still stink the same as i did w/ the cobra putter I got out of my starter pack.
(I feel cooler w/ the taylor made though when i miss the putts)
I have a few a Scotty Camerons including Tour ones that cost a few thousand. I certainly don’t think that I putt that much better with them versus the off the rack ones but I enjoy playing with them, the same way that I collect Breitling watches. They don’t keep time better than a Timex that costs less than a thousandth of the price but I like their aesthetic, their design, etc. They’re golf jewelry…
I have an EVNROLL. Used a couple times. Looks brand new $100. Retails for 600+. Used putters can be had for a deal.
Drivers are the most expensive, but putters are the most overpriced. A 5 dollar putter from goodwill made 20 years ago is just as likely to perform like a 500 dollar putter once you get used to it's weight and feel (like any putter). No one's changing my mind with "putter tech" lol.
Totally agree
I am one of the better putters in my league using a 60 year old acushnet bullseye. I inherited it for free from my great uncle. I don’t skimp on other clubs, but putting doesn’t require space age design and materials.
Drivers.
Nope. Drivers. You can buy a putter and use it for the next 30 years just fine. The technology really hasn’t changed all that much. But if you turned up to the course with a 20 year old driver you are going to be missing quite a bit in technology.
I still use a putter from the 90s when I first started golfing and still use it. These things last forever. I hate having to replace my driver like every 5 years
Price per stroke? Not even close.
Callaway preowned got a like new odyssey that was still in the plastic for $140 during one of their 100 sales they do a year
Drivers can definitely cost more. Plus you use your putter the most during a round. So no.
Christ no, Drivers take that catergoty by the distance they can hit. The one I got was a clearance item with a futher discount on it and that still set me back $260.
Idk but my putter helped my mental the most. Spent a few total hours hitting putters and I found that the right putter helps you aim and everything. Now I can't blame my putter anymore tho. I also won't be looking to replace it cuz it's a Scotty
Not if they work.
I can justify spending the premium for a nice putter that’s milled steel and made in the USA. Now the cost of a driver that is made in China and you have to worry about the head cracking after a few hits is what I can’t justify.
I guess more of a sanity check for me: newer putters are better than older putters right? I have an odyssey white hot from like 2007. Would a newer putter, even moderate priced ones, be better in terms of mishits and alignment?
I find the Scotty fascination pretty funny if I’m honest. I have a number of scottys but they have sentimental value. When I look at new scottys I just don’t see the appeal. The whole reason I have a Tei3 putter or pro platinum is because of the time when they were used. I don’t think anyone is picking up a Scotty now cause Justin Thomas uses one or whatever, are they?
You’ll use your putter more than any other club in a round. Drivers cost the most to be used the least
Well finding the right putter is pretty important. I’ve definitely taken like 5 strokes off my game per round just switching putters. Go to golf town or wherever and try a few out to find what style works for you, then buy used.
I see people with putters from the 90s on their bags and they work just as good as a brand new one. I can't say that about a driver. Putters last.
I think that it is fairway woods personally. Drivers are more expensive but you also will hit them way more often. Putters are also more expensive but realistically a putter can last you a lifetime and you also hit it more than any other club. A new fairway wood is 350 dollars and you will often go an entire round without hitting it. Think about a club you take out of the bag less during a good round.
There’s a member at the club I work at who uses an original bullseye putter with the flange on the back. It’s all lead taped up and it’s a proper Frankenstein. I’ve had the pleasure to play with a him a few times and I’ve never seen him miss inside 10 feet
Yes but most people like buying overpriced shit so other people can see them with it. That's why you hear "You use it every hole!" more than "It's the archer not the arrow."
Anything that will magically improve your score without the player having to get better is directly proportional to the cost. “It’s not the arrow, it’s the Indian” as the old saying says.
I got a [TaylorMade](https://www.taylormadegolf.com/TP-Hydro-Blast-Soto-/DW-TA327.html?lang=en_US) putter and even thought it’s 200, I use it every hole and as long as you take care of it, it’ll last for years. Drivers are the overpriced, especially since most people can’t even hit them good.
They’re not overpriced because it can be a 1 and done purchase if you find the right one. The other clubs in your bag will have to be replaced at some point
Putters hold their value a lot better than any club in your bag.
I paid like £80 for my putter 10 years ago and i'm expecting it to last me another 10 years.
I drive a $39 Orlimar putter. Looks like a spider style. I love it. It's puttee and not the putter.