About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the putter, which I tested six times in July of 2023.

My take

The Cleveland HB Soft Milled #14 Putter is a great option for golfers seeking extra forgiveness and exceptional feel from, what in my opinion, is the most important club in the bag. It has a large mallet shape, is easy to align, and is a feel-based putter. The #14 is heavier-weighted to help inconsistencies within the putting stroke. This is a putter that does not take time to dial in, and will be the best fit for golfers looking to see immediate improvement with their putting.

About the club I tested

• Model: 2020 Cleveland HB Soft Milled #14 Putter
• Shape: Mallet
• Hosel Neck: Single Bend
• Shaft Length: 35”
• Finish: Satin

About me

• Average Score: 75
• Handicap: 1.5
• Experience: A decade of playing golf
• Right/Left-Handed: Right-Handed
• Stroke Type: Straight back, straight through
• Golf Ball Used: Bridgestone Tour B XS
• Height: 6’4”

Test conditions

• When I tested the putter: Most recently, July 2023
• Days tested: Tested approximately six times in-store and at my local course
• Where I’ve used it: Used mostly on practice greens
• Weather and Wind Conditions: Indoor and outdoor putting greens, no wind
• Green Speed: Quick greens

How it performs

What I was looking for

I was looking for an extremely forgiving putter that felt natural and looked traditional. I have never fully committed to a forgiving putter before, so one that is easy to use was on my radar.

Why I chose to test this club

I have always been impressed by Cleveland’s Huntington line. I like this club for the weight, face feel, price point, and consistency. I am considering buying it as a gift for my loved ones. However, I am also considering other forgiving, high moment of inertia putters at a higher price point, mostly Bettinardi’s Inovai series for something more premium.

What I love about it

• Face Feel: Firm face feel. The ball comes off the face nicely and is easy to control. It’s easy to tell where the ball is struck on the face, which allows me to self correct quicker.
• Forgiveness: The putter is very forgiving with consistent distances, even on shots struck outside the center of the face. It’s large in profile, which I find to be a confidence builder. It does not have as deep of a face compared to other mallet options on the market. If a golfer tends to hit up on the ball excessively, there might be better options out there for them.
• Weight: The putter is heavy without causing loss of control or being a burden on the hands. However, it will be too heavy for golfers wanting more of a blade feel.
• Alignment: It’s easy to align, and looks great at address. This enables me to spend less time aligning putts and more time making them.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Great overall look from shape and face milling to the satin finish. I find that this putter does not disappoint looks-wise. However, it might be too large for golfers wanting a smaller profile or blade look.
• Balance: The heavier weighted feel really makes it seem like the putter is doing more of the work and allows for more of a natural feel.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Feel: Golfers will not get the feel of blade putters or smaller profile putters from this club, which some may not like. Counterbalanced grips have become popular on tour with larger putter heads to make them feel less heavy and offer better control.

Best Putt or Round with this Putter

With this putter, for me, every putt felt like the best putt with their consistency. The first putt in particular stood out to me. I was able to line it up with confidence, and with a smooth stroke make a 12 foot putt with ease.

Value for the money vs. other options

This putter has exceptional value for such a high-quality putter. It is very rare to get premium face milling from a reputable manufacturer for under $150. A similar price point from another top-performing manufacturer would be Wilson’s Infinite series. Cleveland’s newest model is about $199.

Final verdict

The Cleveland HB Soft Milled #14 Putter could soon have a spot on my shelf. It makes putting seem easy and acts as an aid for the putting stroke. I have a longer backstroke and a shorter follow-through with the weight and overall feel. This is a great option for golfers wanting consistency and no surprises. The weight of the putter promotes stability within the putting stroke. The firmer face is very responsive to give golfers a great feel of where the ball is going, and at what speed.