5 reasons why you need to consider a mallet putter

Scottie Scheffler uses a mallet putter. Should you too? This week’s tournament, the Arnold Palmer Invitational, is the one-year anniversary of when Scheffler made the switch to a TaylorMade Spider putter, so this seemed like the perfect time to make a case for mallet putters, especially if you have never considered one before.

First, here are the pros of them:

Higher MOI (moment of inertia) — Mallet putters are more forgiving on off-center hits, meaning mishits still roll relatively straight and travel the intended distance.

Alignment assistance — Many mallet putters have longer alignment lines or visual aids, making it easier to line up putts accurately. (Putts don’t fall if you aren’t hitting your lines.)

Stability and consistency — The added weight and balanced design help with a smoother, more controlled stroke. That means better facial awareness. With over 90 percent of the result of your putt coming from face angle at impact, this is kinda important.

Great for ALL putting strokes — Mallet putters are typically face-balanced, making them ideal for players with a more linear (straight back, straight through) stroke. But, with the correct neck design, a mallet will complement an arcing stroke too.

Weight distribution — The weight is often pushed to the perimeter, which helps with stability and reduces twisting on impact.

TaylorMade 2025 Spider Tour X Black Custom Putter

BLACK PVD FINISH The durable PVD coating creates a beautiful high-quality finish with sole plate, back badge and copper accents. TRUE PATH™ ALIGNMENT The patented alignment system provides visual clarity and helps golfers better envision the line to the hole. WHITE TPU PURE ROLL™ INSERTMade from a combination of Surlyn and aluminum, the white TPU Pure Roll™ insert creates a softer feel.Grooves are angled at 45° to encourage optimal forward roll as well as better sound, feel and overall roll characteristics. The white insert also creates better symmetry with the white True Path alignment. THIN WALL UNDERCUT CONSTRUCTION We’ve engineered a super stable structure by removing excess weight to create high MOI and legendary Spider performance. HYBRAR ECHO®DAMPENER HYBRAR is behind the face to dampen unwanted vibrations, delivering premium sound and feelon every putt with the best possible sensation. TSS WEIGHTING TSS weights provide balanced weighting and help optimize performance for all various putter lengths. STEEL WIREFRAME Allows engineers to better control weight distribution and CG location.

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I will admit, the blade putter definitely looks a lot cooler in the bag than a mallet, especially when you have it in the bag next to a set of blade irons and some classic raw blade wedges. Blade putters are usually the preferred weapon of choice for Tour players, more accomplished putters or players with a strong arc in their stroke.

Although that trend has recently changed too.

In 2022, there was a shift on the PGA Tour that saw 62 percent of the top 50 players in the world use a mallet putter. In March 2024, Scheffler made the aforementioned change to a TaylorMade Spider and went on to secure nine worldwide wins that year, which included victories at the Masters, Players, Olympics and Tour Championship.

Scheffler isn’t the only elite player who has made the change and reaped the benefits of more stability and consistency and seen their putting stats improve. Several marquee players have converted to a mallet and not looked back. Some of the noteworthy names include Xander Schauffele, Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Patrick Cantlay and Denny McCarthy.

With many of the best players in the world making the switch, why wouldn’t you give it a try?

But Kris, a mallet is just too bulky and awkward. I’m a feel player and like to arc the putter in my stroke.

OK, I got you covered! We are seeing multiple companies offer mid-mallets or blade-style options with a wider sole, adjustable weights and face inserts to help with feel and forgiveness. Ping, Scotty Cameron, Bettinardi, Odyssey and EVNROLL all have a variety of options available that sit between a traditional blade and a full-size mallet.

With all the options available, take the time to get fit and figure out what works best for your game. A mallet could be exactly what you have been missing. Or, better yet: NOT having one could be WHY you have been missing. See what I did there?

You can browse more putters here, and if you are looking for the perfect putter for your game, consult a fitter at your local True Spec Golf.

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