Golf Shots: Putting
Putting Around
Shane Galles, who has both the perfect fit in a wife and in a putter, should know: He’s Head Golf Professional at Elkhorn Golf Club in Sun Valley.
“In reality, putters are more like cars and we trade them out or upgrade them every couple of years whether we need to or not.”
Putters are an integral part of the game of golf, required for most of us to get the ball into the tin cup. But finding the right one does, and should, take some time and trial and error.
“The right one is subjective,” Galles says. “There is no right one for everyone. Oftentimes, golfers will buy a new putter simply in hopes of it improving their game.”
A good putter is not necessarily expensive. The average recreational golfer should expect to spend roughly $80 to $130 for one. There are less expensive options out there, but Galles warns, “Sometimes, you get what you pay for.”
Do your homework before hitting the pro shop. Talk to friends, consult magazines like Golf Digest and websites like golfalot.com, where you can find consumer and manufacturer comparisons and product guides. Consult with the pro at the courses you play. Demo a few putters before you decide on the right one.
Above you will find an assortment of putters with differing design details, price and appeal to help you get started on your search.
“To most people though, the putter is more than a regular club. It can be your best friend or turn into your worst nightmare on the course, so it pays to look around.”
Though we aren’t endorsing any one putter, Galles brought us a sampling and offered a non-partisan view. We also researched the products online. For more putter resources, visit www.idahogolfmag.com
One of the classic heel-toed weighted putter designs of all time, the G2 offers a newer head material in the Anser line. Many people have played with various Anser-style putters for 30 years.“Picking a putter can be like picking a spouse. They come in all shapes and sizes, so you need to spend some time with different ones before you can decide what’s right.”
Shane Galles, who has both the perfect fit in a wife and in a putter, should know: He’s Head Golf Professional at Elkhorn Golf Club in Sun Valley.
“In reality, putters are more like cars and we trade them out or upgrade them every couple of years whether we need to or not.”
Putters are an integral part of the game of golf, required for most of us to get the ball into the tin cup. But finding the right one does, and should, take some time and trial and error.
“The right one is subjective,” Galles says. “There is no right one for everyone. Oftentimes, golfers will buy a new putter simply in hopes of it improving their game.”
A good putter is not necessarily expensive. The average recreational golfer should expect to spend roughly $80 to $130 for one. There are less expensive options out there, but Galles warns, “Sometimes, you get what you pay for.”
Do your homework before hitting the pro shop. Talk to friends, consult magazines like Golf Digest and websites like golfalot.com, where you can find consumer and manufacturer comparisons and product guides. Consult with the pro at the courses you play. Demo a few putters before you decide on the right one.
Above you will find an assortment of putters with differing design details, price and appeal to help you get started on your search.
“To most people though, the putter is more than a regular club. It can be your best friend or turn into your worst nightmare on the course, so it pays to look around.”
Though we aren’t endorsing any one putter, Galles brought us a sampling and offered a non-partisan view. We also researched the products online. For more putter resources, visit www.idahogolfmag.com
Titleist Scotty Cameron
American Classic III
For those who love history and believe in originals, this retro putter is a classic based on one of the Acushnet company’s oldest and most popular putters ever. This is a limited edition item with the rarely seen leather grip. Many people buy it as a collector’s item.
Ping G2 Anser
Titleist Scotty Cameron
Futura Phantom Mallet
Cameron is one of the designer names in golf clubs. He puts his name on high end and high quality putters, many of which are custom-made for tour players. “This is the putter for the golfer who really does know what they are doing or really wants to look like they know what they are doing,” golf pro Shane Galles opines.
Odyssey White Hot XG #7
Alignment and weight positioning is the basis behind the design and look of this putter. Additionally, this is a very soft feel putter enhanced by the “white hot” weighted insert. This is a good putter for somebody looking for technology without spending a lot.
Text Jennifer Liebrum
Photography Kevin Syms
Cameron is one of the designer names in golf clubs. He puts his name on high end and high quality putters, many of which are custom-made for tour players. “This is the putter for the golfer who really does know what they are doing or really wants to look like they know what they are doing,” golf pro Shane Galles opines.
Odyssey Tri-Ball SRT
This is an expansion of the very popular two-ball putter from a few years back, and based on the “wisdom” that if two is good, three can be better. The purpose of the three-ball or tri-ball is to help with alignment. Some golfers are having a hard time transitioning to this three-ball putter. “It’s not for everyone,” Elkhorn Golf Club's Shane Galles says. “But it just takes one person for it to be the perfect putter in the world.”
This is an expansion of the very popular two-ball putter from a few years back, and based on the “wisdom” that if two is good, three can be better. The purpose of the three-ball or tri-ball is to help with alignment. Some golfers are having a hard time transitioning to this three-ball putter. “It’s not for everyone,” Elkhorn Golf Club's Shane Galles says. “But it just takes one person for it to be the perfect putter in the world.”
Odyssey Dual Force 2
The Dual Force 2 is a continuation of Odyssey’s original line with the black “Stronomic” insert. This is a heel-toe weighted putter with offset. It is a good quality, entry-level putter. Also works for someone looking for a firmer feel.
The Dual Force 2 is a continuation of Odyssey’s original line with the black “Stronomic” insert. This is a heel-toe weighted putter with offset. It is a good quality, entry-level putter. Also works for someone looking for a firmer feel.
Odyssey White Hot XG #7
Alignment and weight positioning is the basis behind the design and look of this putter. Additionally, this is a very soft feel putter enhanced by the “white hot” weighted insert. This is a good putter for somebody looking for technology without spending a lot.
Text Jennifer Liebrum
Photography Kevin Syms
