An Expert Guide to the 6 Best Putters of 2023
Photo by Jacob Lund
Missing a short putt during a round of golf is a lonely feeling. Stepping up to a putt without the confidence to make a good stroke is even worse. It starts with the right equipment to become a more confident putter.
Golf has become a game of length, and with advances in driver technology making headlines, the role of the putter has become overlooked. Tour pros and beginners alike are chasing distance, and while it never hurts to hit the long ball, at the end of every hole, you will almost always be faced with a putt to finish it off.
To give yourself the best chance to roll it in, you need a reliable putter that fits your stroke and gives you the confidence to repeat that stroke under pressure.
There are two distinct styles of golf putters: blades and mallets. Both options are popular in professional golf, but choosing which style is right for you may come down to your skill level, preference, and tendencies on the green. Mallet-style putters are large, while blade putters are slim and compact.
I have lost track of how often I have switched putters over the years. I experimented with everything from the oversized Ping Doc to the sleek Scotty Cameron Newport 2 in search of a more consistent roll and feel. If I look back at my most memorable rounds and best scores, they all include a hot putter.
Since the early 2000s, I have had the opportunity to play golf regularly and develop my game. I spent four years playing Division 1 college golf and have spent countless hours practicing on putting greens, perfecting my stroke. I have always been fascinated with rolling a new putter and am passionate about helping golfers find the right blade for their game. In this article, I break down the best putters available to you in 2023.
Best Blade Putters in 2023
1. Titleist Scotty Cameron Super Select Newport 2 Putter
Titleist hits the mark again with its latest version of the classic Newport 2 putter. The original Scotty Cameron is perhaps the most identifiable putter in the history of golf.
Its slim blade design features a head-and-toe weighted clubhead milled from steel in the USA. This year’s model showcases new dual-milled face technology for a more consistent strike.
Setting up to the Newport 2, you will have little difficulty getting square to your target. The Pistolini Plus grip feels great in the hands. This putter offers reliability and a pure feeling at impact for anyone who prefers a traditional blade.
The clubface is solid throughout so that mishits perform well. When you strike a putt in the center, there is a distinct feeling in your hands that you will remember for your next stroke.
If I had to pick any blade to battle with this weekend in the gang, it would be Newport 2. It is no surprise that it is a favorite on tour amongst the best putters in the world. Tiger Woods used a version of the Newport 2 for 14 major championships.
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2. Bettinardi Queen B15 Putter
The Queen B line of Bettinardi putters is one of the most uniquely designed blades. The Honey Bee logo is carved into the bottom of the clubhead, and the Bettinardi “B” is etched into the face, giving it a real custom feel.
Bettinardi is calling the color of this one “Caramel Copper,” which is a nice change to the standard silver. This year’s edition is glare-resistant and highly durable. I would not recommend it, but I accidentally got away with dropping this one on a stone path. Maybe just luck.
New face milling technology called “Mini Honeycomb Face Milling” has been introduced to develop a softer feel. All in all, this putter feels pure at impact, forgiving across the face, and remains one the softest putters that I have ever used.
The Queen B15 would be a great addition to the bag for anyone looking for a tour-quality putter with distinct cosmetic designs. This is one of the best-feeling and best-looking putters on the market today that will give you the confidence you need to repeat your stroke under pressure.
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3. Cleveland HB Soft Milled #1 Putter
While Cleveland Golf is most widely known for its wedge technology, the HB Soft Milled #1 putter performs similarly to top blades on the market today. I was amazed at the buttery feel on impact, and the milled clubface looks as sophisticated as any top-tier putter.
My experience dialing in the green speeds with the HB Soft Milled #1 was pleasant, and I never felt out of control with my distances. Speed-optimized face technology allows mishits to perform more like putts struck in the center.
Designed for anyone with a slight arc in their stroke, the HB Soft Milled #1 putter comes at almost half the price of other similar putters available today. I found it to be reliable, soft, and extremely forgiving.
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Best Mallet Putters in 2023
1. Titleist Super Select GOLO 6 Putter
Another Scotty Cameron masterpiece, the GOLO 6 is a rounded and compact mallet head putter frequently spotted on PGA Tour Sundays. For anyone who prefers this type of putterhead, the GOLO 6 is the best mallet available.
I found that putts struck with the GOLO 6 held their rotation, and it felt easy to take the putter back on line. The mallet design promotes confidence on short putts, and I could strike them into the back of the cup, taking the break away.
The GOLO 6 is a classic design that allows for some creativity in large breaking putts. Looking down at the clubhead, it is clean, and the black alignment line does not go all the way through to the clubface. This allows you to free up your stroke rather than locking it in, which, for many, is the ticket to better lag putts and more consistency.
If you are considering a mallet head design and want to explore a freer flowing stroke, the GOLO 6 can assist. Scotty Cameron putters rarely disappoint.
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2. TaylorMade Spider GT Max Putter
The larger and heavier shape of the GT Max from TaylorMade makes it a viable option for anyone struggling with their putting stroke or simply looking for a different design option to make more putts. This Spider putter comes with adjustable tungsten weights that allow you to dial in and customize the putter to your stroke if you choose to.
If you find yourself shaking over a 3-foot putt or only converting about 50% of them, this is the putter for you. I have put some wicked strokes on the GT Max that still managed to find the cup. If you are looking for a steady option, this is one of the best golf clubs you can add to your bag.
TaylorMade’s pure roll insert increases topspin for better roll, and the face is ultra forgiving on mishits. The shape of the putter head almost leads your backstroke into the ideal place and promotes a steadfast rhythm that becomes easier to repeat.
My ability to judge lag putts increased with the GT Max, which is largely due to the shape of the clubhead and its level of forgiveness across the face. The GT Max is a tour-ready option that can improve your putting and is one of the best mallet-style putters available today.
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3. Odyssey White Hot OG 2-Ball DB Putter
Odyssey’s most recognized mallet makes the list for the best putters of 2023. For decades, the White Hot Face insert has been a technological staple. Engineered for a maximum soft feel, it helps players of all skill levels to develop greater touch and consistency on the greens.
There is no other model like the 2-ball design. Looking down at the clubhead, you will notice the steel shaft connects at the heel. Above that, two white circles guide the path of your backstroke and keep you on the correct plane. If you have never putted with a 2-ball, this is a distinctively different look than anything you might have used prior.
The Odyssey White Hot OG 2-Ball will provide stability and balance for anyone trying to improve a shaky stroke. If you are struggling with 3-putts, give this one a try. I found that the 2-ball increased my distance control, and the feeling at impact is smooth and assuring.
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Find the Right Putter for Your Game
Lowering your score often comes down to making more putts. You need a putter that fits your game to give yourself the best chance to succeed on the greens and become a more advanced golfer. The putters included in this article are the best golf putters that 2023 has to offer. If you have more questions about finding the right putter for you, chat with me or chat with another Golf Expert here on Curated for free, personalized advice.