Let’s get right into it, shall we? Here are the best performing putters so far in 2020.
Easiest to Align: Odyssey Stroke Lab Triple Track
Putting is half about alignment. If you can’t properly align your putter, any putt you make is really just a fluke. The Odyssey Stroke Lab Triple Track line of putters is BY FAR the easiest set of putters to align. If you’d like, pair it with some ball markings that you are comfortable with and it’ll be EVEN EASIER to align your putter properly. Personally, I never mark my golf balls. Too much hassle and too much time in my opinion.
To start with, the color distinction between the black and white make a clear golf-ball-width path for you to use to align. Then, the dark red line is the main focus point to really dial in your alignment, with the two parallel blue lines further providing another layer of aids to set you up to get the ball rolling on your intended path.
I prefer the #10 model (pictured above) when it comes to ease in aiming. It’d designed like the TaylorMade Spider putter, which has been extremely popular over the last couple of years.
I’ve found that it is much easier for me to visualize the correct path of the putt using the Triple Track putters. If you struggle with visualizing the path of the golf ball across the green, this is a great line of putters for you to consider. MyGolfSpy, which is the leader in unbiased reviews, put on a study that shows a 29% increase in the consistency of alignment among golfers using the Triple Track putters compared to a naked putter.
Not all putters are easy to align. There are two generalizations that lead to making a putter easier to align: a long sight line, and a sight line that starts directly on top of the face of the putter (not on the flange). For those reasons, I’d recommend all of the Triple Track putters except for the two flange style blades. They are still easy to align comparative to other blades, but mallets are by design easier to align due to the longer surface area for the alignment lines.
Lower Priced Option: Odyssey O-Works Marxman
If you are a value-chaser like myself, then you probably aren’t looking at too many brand new putters. Instead, slightly used putters keep their value better and work just fine. An added benefit is that you don’t feel scared about damaging your putter after another anger-filled three putt tantrum.
If you want an easy to align putter on a budget, check out the Odyssey O-works Marxman. It doesn’t have all of the colors of the Triple Track putters, but it comes with a significantly lower price tag. The stark contrast between the black head and the long, white sight line does a great job of allowing you to aim properly.
The putter faces are pretty similar, so you shouldn’t notice a difference when it comes to feel or distance control. If you the Marxman just doesn’t fit your eye, check out the Odyssey #7 line of putters with the solid line on top (not the three dots). I’ve found those to be extremely easy to align, and you can pick up an older model for less than $100.
#1 Milled Face Putter Line: Scotty Cameron Special Select Newport
Hard to beat the feel and consistency of a milled putter, let alone a Scotty Cameron. The Scotty Cameron Special Select Newport 2 putter is as solid as they come. If you’ve never had the pleasure to trying out a Scotty Cameron putter, I’d strongly recommend you try to borrow one or demo one the next chance you get.
As a standard blade putter with the sightline on the flange, they are not the easiest to aim in my opinion. However, if you are a feel-based putter that doesn’t need a long sight line, this is a great option. At a hefty price tag of $400, we wouldn’t feel right recommending a brand new Scotty Cameron. You can pick up a used one for a fraction of the price, or you can choose another brand that would perform nearly the same.
Let’s be real here: a new Scotty Cameron isn’t just a putter. It’s a statement that you have money. It’s a statement that you want the best of the best, no matter the cost.
Best Value Milled Putters: Cleveland Huntington Beach
If you are like us and prefer going for value instead of price, check out Cleveland Huntington Beach putters. With similar designs to the Scotty, they feel great and offer wonderful distance control. Cleveland milled putters are far underrated, as they simply don’t hold the brand recognition that Scotty Cameron putters do. However, if you can get over your ego, this is a great option to save money.
You can pick up a new one for around $100, which is 1/4th the price of the Scotty Cameron mentioned above. Well worth the cost savings, in our opinions.
Best New Putter Under $100 in 2020
If you have just $100 to spend, personally I’d recommend the putters that I just talked about. The Cleveland Huntington Beach milled putters are well worth the $100 bill, especially considering that you can get a new one instead of a used putter. The #1 model, the most popular model, is a very compact blade that is very high reviewed. Great milled feel and great distance control – what more could you want?
Best Used Putter Under $50 in 2020
If you have just $50 to spend, you’ll be limited in your options. You can pick up a used model from a top brand, or you can get a new model of an off brand. The choice is up to you. Personally, I’d pick up a used model of a brand name putter, like an Odyssey. You simply can’t go wrong with an older model, slightly used Odyssey putter. Very soft feel at impact and will last you for many years.
I’m a huge fan of the Odyssey White Hot line of putters. Odyssey made TONS of this set, so you are sure to find the exact model, size, and condition that you are looking for to fit in your price range.
