Which style of putter should I look for based on my pattern of misses?

Go somewhere that has a decent selection to try out a variety of styles, then find one that is pleasing to you in the style that is the most consistent, and finally have it custom fit for you. This will save you a lot of time and money in the long run vs. trial and error searching for the one. It took me 5 1/2 years and nearly 100 putters and no telling how much money to find the one.

Sounds like there are issues with your stroke as well. Changing ball postition/style is no good. I have never been as consistant with an insert putter, so I would reccomend trying ones without for starters.

Now you sound like you putt like me. Try something heel shafted, along the lines of the #9 and try not to let the ball get to far back.

I've heard mixed reviews on putter fittings so I was wondering if anyone here has advice. I've played around with different putters at the golf shops but nothing sticks out. Its tough to judge performance on a fake green. I am using a white hot XG 2 ball right now and my main problem is distance control and I tend to pull putts. I am having a tough time sticking to a standard set-up. Some days I putt decently with the ball far forward. Some days, slightly farther back. Other days, yet even further back in my stance. On longer putts, an arcing stroke usually works best but on shorter putts, I usually swing straight back and straight through.

 

Are there any stroke types or consistent ways in which you miss that would dictate a particular style putter? I.E. Center vs. heel shaft, offset vs. non-offset, blade vs. mallet, etc. I know its largely personal preference but it would help to narrow down the type I am NOT looking for then go from there. Not sure if this helps but I play righty but am left handed and right eye dominant. I hope someone has some ideas...

Staunty,.....Wow! That's a mouthful!

In order to find the right putter I would suggest that you settle on one stoke method first. Let's start with straight flat six footers. I suggest that you have someone watch your stroke or set up a video camera. The comment about pulling putts has me wondering if you are breaking down your left wrist at impact, pulling the face left and adding loft.

Factor in your eye dominance and stroke preference and we can start to guide you to the style and shape of putter that may have you find some new magic.

From the six foot range let the putter swing with rhythm and make sure the forward stroke glides to a conclusion without a conscious stopping moment. You'll soon find the length of back stroke require to make the ball pass the hole but be within tap in range.

In the setup think about the putter as a swinging pendulum and the release of energy happening at bottom dead center of the arc. This places the putter in the center or slightly forward of the center of your stance. Your ball position just barely in front of the putter face. Too far forward and you may be on to much of a rise and your face closed at impact moving the ball left.

I know, I know, I get wordy sometimes but I appreciate the input guys.

The reason I started paying around with an arc was that, well, I didn't know it was a method that some people recommend. I was out of the game for 13+ years. I stopped playing when I was 17 and even back then had never taken a lesson. I just assumed putting was straight back, straight through. I make more solid contact with an arc yet lack the confidence in using it on shorter putts.

I think a lot of my pulls are due to my shoulders being misaligned and generally aiming left of target. My general posture is not the best; shoulders somewhat slumped or rolled forward but thats an issue for a chiropracter to figure out. I've always had a difficult time visualizing the way my feet and shoulders are aligned and have to consciously angle them more towards the target.

My distance control problems are largely mental. I think. I just recently started lining up putts using only my dominant eye. At first it was working great, my mind was taken off the distance and solely on making sure I was aligned to the line on the ball. I was putting the correct distance based on feel. However, now I have confidence that I am putting on the right line so my unconscious mind has begun thinking "make sure you get it there and it'll go in". Not a good thought for me.

Staunty, that's a lot of 'stinkin' thinkin' going on! To affect change I generally suggest a setup station at home in the hallway without a ball. Using an intersection of hardwood or tile floor for square I suggest using the baseboard as a guide. Don't let your putter slide on the baseboard! Wives / mothers get rather rialed up when you do.

Work on a square setup and the stroke path of your choice. Each time you pass the putter left leaning on the wall just assume your setup postition and make a proper stroke of two. Then leave the putter in place and continue with what you were doing.

By repeating this action you will hopefully develop a solid routine that is void of thinking.

Don't think, just react to what your eyes tell you. Don't think! No second guessing! No stinkin' thinkin'...

Now you sound like you putt like me. Try something heel shafted, along the lines of the #9 and try not to let the ball get to far back.

Exactly what I was going to suggest! Stay away from Face Balanced putters if your miss is a pull. A #9 style will give you the look of a smaller mallet and generally a little heavier weight but has a lot of toe flow to help with that miss left.

The distance control issue might be due to the soft oddessy insert, I gained much more distance control when I switched from an oddessy to a milled putter

Now you sound like you putt like me. Try something heel shafted, along the lines of the #9 and try not to let the ball get to far back.

 

Exactly what I was going to suggest! Stay away from Face Balanced putters if your miss is a pull. A #9 style will give you the look of a smaller mallet and generally a little heavier weight but has a lot of toe flow to help with that miss left.

I disagree: going from face-balanced to a #9 seems too drastic of a change. I'd go with a putter in between all out toe-flow and face-balanced. Maybe something with a long-neck or close to face-balanced. The putter will open a little on the way back, and you won't close the face too much going through.