Blade vs Mallet putters: is one better for junior development?

[JuniorGolfParent]

Wondering if coaches/instructors or knowledgeable parents have any thoughts on this

 

TIA

[Kcct82]

I don’t know but supposedly mallets are “more forgiving”? My kid wants a mallet style putter, but I keep telling him those things are ugly.

[Isaunders]

Go get them for properly for a putter

[wildcatden]

I told my kid he could have a mallet putter when he moved out of the house and was on his own.

[hangontight]

My son has had both, has gone through periods of good putting and bad putting with both. More so than other equipment, this one is dictated by what he likes (aka looks cool)....which there is value in...look good - feel good- play good

[mattwalterpga]

When it comes to putters. There’s a lot of variables that matter to be consistent. Firstly get the putter the right length. Then there’s a lot of variables in the hosel setting that helps them aim. Finding one “they like the look of” is not the way to go. They might like the look of it but never be able to aim it. Then ur going to have problems down the road with stroke development.

[Mikey5e]

I think aesthetics are important to both putting and enjoying the game. Not as important as mechanics, but important just the same. One could probably get a nice looking putter in both mallet and blade style, though.

[tiger1873]

As long as you have confidence in the putter you are using then it is the correct one to use.

 

So many different putters and styles of putting it impossible to really say to one style works better then another.

 

Nothing wrong with using mallets or any other style of putter. If you have no clue what works consider a Sam putting lab session to seek out what you need.

 

Even with all that practice is what is most important.

[heavy_hitter]

Get them on a SAM Putt Lab. Will be able to help in determining the type of putter they need.

[BloctonGolf11]

If you can't get to a putting fitter let them try several different heads. You can go to a Play It Again or thrift stores and get some cheap older heads in each style and let them find what works for them. My son played around with several different head styles until he settled on what he is using now. As well, don't be afraid to let them shift around a bit. There is a reason pros bounce around and experiment.

[Palmetto Golfer]

My son wouldn't use a blade if you paid him. He hates the way they look. the bigger and uglier the better for him.

[leezer99]

> @"Palmetto Golfer" said:

> the bigger and uglier the better for him.

 

*Shocked face emoji*

[MikekiM]

My son switched from a blade to a spider and his putting improved dramatically. He was way more confident with the new putter, and felt that he could make anything. It definitely showed in the results.

[kekoa]

My son wants a scotty blade, but no way in hell he is changing from the TM spider x.

[JuniorGolfParent]

Is the Spider putter (mallet) more forgiving? And if so, curious as to whether anyone thinks this would be less ideal from a long term development perspective?

[kekoa]

> @JuniorGolfParent said:

> Is the Spider putter (mallet) more forgiving? And if so, curious as to whether anyone thinks this would be less ideal from a long term development perspective?

 

I don't think a particular putter type is less or more ideal than another for long term development. If you look on the PGA tour, the guys are putting with all shapes and styles of putter. It is about confidence and look of a putter IMO. To answer your question, YES the spider X is very forgiving and favors more of a SBST stroke.

[propredicr]

When the kid was little, he used a US Kids putter, the one that looks a little like a mallet. Then, he switched to a US Kids blade.

 

After returning from IMG Jr World, two years ago, we did a “taste test” with four putters and the same ball. 3’/6’/9’ and lag putts from 20’. 10 balls each distance with each putter, 3 times.

 

SC Studio Select Newport 2 Custom, Odyssey Works Versa 7, SC California Fastback, Odyssey 1W. All heads are 350g and 33”.

 

The Odyssey 1W came in second and the SC Newport 2 was first in putts made. 80% from 9’ over 30 putts, so, the kid went with SC NP2, and has continued to use, for the last 2+ years.

 

We’ve demo’d others from Bettinardi, TM, Odyssey, New SC, but, the trusty old Newport 2, still feels best. Don’t want to mess with confidence.

[kcap]

He has used a Odyssey Women's White Hot Putter for the last 3 years. It was originally cut down and have since added extensions and weights as he has grown.

 

He has asked for a Scotty or TM Spider because they look cool and every one plays with them. Ironically, I gave the go ahead but his coach basically told him not to.. his rationale, you have good feel and hit your line with this putter.. why change? The coach keeps adding extensions and weight to ensure it is the right fit. - saves me a lot of money!!

 

Me on the other hand .. have have biggest over sized TM mallet that I could find, massive sweet spot,

 

 

 

[leezer99]

> @kekoa said:

> > @JuniorGolfParent said:

> > Is the Spider putter (mallet) more forgiving? And if so, curious as to whether anyone thinks this would be less ideal from a long term development perspective?

>

> ...the spider X is very forgiving and favors more of a SBST stroke.

 

I'm in the market for a putter that favors an inside out figure 8 putting stroke that creates hook spin.

 

Jokes aside, my son uses an Odyssey 1W and that's the best he has putted with in a long time. Tried the Odyssey X7, TM SpiderX, etc. and none of them suit his eye or putting style / stroke. I do have an old PING Anser (BOX 9006), YES! Callie and a custom torched SC Laguna 2 that I might have him try at some point.

 

 

[jj9000]

> @leezer99 said:

> > @kekoa said:

> > > @JuniorGolfParent said:

> > > Is the Spider putter (mallet) more forgiving? And if so, curious as to whether anyone thinks this would be less ideal from a long term development perspective?

> >

> > ...the spider X is very forgiving and favors more of a SBST stroke.

>

> I'm in the market for a putter that favors an inside out figure 8 putting stroke that creates hook spin.

>

> Jokes aside, my son uses an Odyssey 1W and that's the best he has putted with in a long time. Tried the Odyssey X7, TM SpiderX, etc. and none of them suit his eye or putting style / stroke. I do have an old PING Anser (BOX 9006), YES! Callie and a custom torched SC Laguna 2 that I might have him try at some point.

>

>

>

 

Never take pics when you're backing the car up.

 

 

Signed - Limu Emu

[leezer99]

> @jj9000 said:

>

> Never take pics when you're backing the car up.

>

>

> Signed - Limu Emu

 

LOL, thanks!