About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the putter, which I purchased with my own money in August of 2022.

My take

I typically spend most of my practice time on the range and tend to ignore the putting green, but the Cleveland HB Soft #4 putter has changed my practice habits, and my game is showing continued signs of improvement. The putter’s soft and forgiving feel and the counterbalanced weight in the clubhead have me consistently making putts within 6 feet—a great putter for all levels of golfer.

About the club I own

• Model: 2022 Cleveland HB Soft #4
• Shape: Blade
• Hosel Neck: Hosel
• Balance Point: Moderate
• Shaft Length: 35”
• Grip Type: Huntington Beach Soft Pistol (Lamkin)
• Finish: Satin

About me

• Average Score: 83
• Handicap: 8
• Experience: 30+ of playing golf
• Right/Left-Handed: Right
• Stroke Type: Slight Arc
• Golf Ball Used: Srixon Z-Star
• Height: 6’1”

Test conditions

• When I bought the putter: August 2022
• Days tested: 15
• Where I’ve used it: Hawaii Prince Golf Club Practice Green
• Weather and Wind Conditions: Sunny and warm
• Green Speed: 9
• Grass Type: Bermuda

How it performs

What I was looking for

I was looking to upgrade my current putters, a mallet, and an old Ping Anser 4. The mallet was a cheap off-brand with poor weighting. The Ping Anser 4 is a good putter but was a much older model. I knew the technology and design of current blade putters would assist in improving my game and chop down some strokes.

Why I chose this club

I really loved the weight and feel. The putter feels evenly weighted when stroked. It delivers a solid roll, and the milled face is forgiving even upon poor ball contact. The diamond-patterned aesthetics of the putter's face are very appealing. I tested the Kirkland putter and a Ping PLD that my playing partners carry in their bags. I also tested the Odyssey Rossie OG at my local golf shop. For me, I choose putter based on feel and value. The ball rolled with a consistent line on the greens and the putter's face is super forgiving. Retailing for $150, the value is immense for a milled putter of this quality.

What I love about it

• Face Feel: Nice and soft. The diamond milled pattern gives it more friction at contact producing a soft feel and delivering an unadulterated roll.
• Forgiveness: There’s definitely an expanded sweet spot. Cleveland refers to it as “Speed Optimized Face Technology” and is designed for consistent ball speeds off the clubface, even on poorly hit putts.
• Weight: The putter head is 345 grams. The perfect putter weight is said to be 350 grams. It feels well balanced with the stroke with a soft feel at contact.
• Alignment: The putter is meant for players with a slight arc in their putting stroke.
• Length: I ordered a 35” length per my height, which is 6’1”, and it’s a perfect fit for my frame and putting stance.
• Aesthetic Appeal: The diamond pattern milled clubface with the blue Cleveland logo on the heel gives the putter a clean aesthetic. The royal blue grip is a refreshing change from the standard black grips on most putters.
• Grip Feel: I play midsize grips throughout my bag, and the stock Lamkin grip feels consistent in size with the rest of my clubs. It has a firm, smooth feel.
• Customization: Shaft length is available in 33”, 34”, and 35” for righties. For lefties, 34” and 35” shaft lengths are available.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Other: Some golfers may prefer other color grip options when ordering. The Lamkin HB Soft Pistol in royal blue is the stock grip. Ask a Curated Expert for possible grip customizations when ordering.

Best Putt or Round with this Putter

My putting is especially consistent since I put the Cleveland HB Soft #4 in my bag. The first noticeable improvement was my lag putting, and I often leave myself with tap-ins after a 20+ footer. Also, I’m putting lights out from within six feet, saving pars, and draining a few birdies.

Value for the money vs. other options

The value is unreal here. At $150, it’s a greater value than buying a Kirkland putter at Costco with a stainless face and only available with a 34.5” shaft. Most big-name brand milled putters are priced well above $200. The milled pattern clubface shows immense craftsmanship for a putter at this price point.

Final verdict

Since moving to the Cleveland HB Soft #4, my putting is more consistent, and I am shaving strokes off my rounds. My stroke is improving, the ball is rolling consistently in the greens, and I’m spending much more time on the practice green due to the confidence this putter has given me, and I am no longer intimidated by lag putts. The Cleveland HB Soft #4 putter is my new favorite club in my bag.