Great putters don't have to cost $400. These proven options deliver consistent roll without premium pricing.
What to Look For
Forgiveness first:
Beginner putters should have high MOI (moment of inertia) to keep mishits rolling toward the hole. Look for mallet designs or cavity-back blades with perimeter weighting.
Insert vs. milled:
Insert putters use a softer material in the face for better feel and consistency. Milled putters are carved from a single block of metal—they feel firmer and cost more. For beginners, inserts are the smarter choice.
Length matters:
Most putters come in 33, 34, or 35 inches. Quick guide: if you're under 5'9", go with 33". Between 5'9" and 6'1", use 34". Taller than 6'1", go with 35". Proper length helps you set up correctly.
Value picks:
The best budget putters come from major brands' entry-level lines or previous-generation models. Avoid no-name brands—you'll regret it when the head comes loose after 10 rounds.
Top Picks
Kirkland Signature KS1 Putter
Price: $139-159
Where: Costco (members only)
Costco's golf equipment consistently delivers premium performance at budget pricing. The KS1 features a milled face, adjustable weights, and quality construction you'd expect from putters costing twice as much.
Best for: Players wanting maximum value
Why it's great:
- Milled face (unusual at this price)
- Weight adjustability
- Tour-proven design
Odyssey White Hot OG (Rossie or #7)
Price: $179-199
Where: Most golf retailers
The White Hot insert has been on tour for 20+ years. The OG (original) line brings back classic shapes with modern technology. The Rossie (mallet) and #7 (blade) are both beginner-friendly.
Best for: All skill levels, soft feel fans
Why it's great:
- Proven insert technology
- Multiple head shapes
- Excellent roll characteristics
TaylorMade Spider GT Rollback
Price: $179-229 (previous generation on sale)
The Spider line dominated tour putting stats for years. Previous-gen models go on sale regularly and perform nearly identical to current versions.
Best for: Forgiveness and alignment
Why it's great:
- High MOI mallet design
- Pure Roll insert
- Excellent alignment features
Ping Anser (older generation)
Price: $150-199 (used or closeout)
The Anser design is one of golf's most copied putters for good reason—it works. Older Anser models perform just as well as new ones but cost half the price.
Best for: Classic blade fans
Why it's great:
- Timeless design
- Quality construction
- Proven performance
How to Choose Based on Your Game
Just starting out:
Go with a mallet for maximum forgiveness. The Kirkland KS1 or used Spider GT will help you hole more putts while you develop consistency.
Played a few rounds, want to improve:
If you're making solid contact most of the time, try the Odyssey White Hot in either blade or mallet. The insert gives great feedback and feel.
Have a handicap, serious about improvement:
Test both blade and mallet styles. Your natural stroke determines which works better. The Ping Anser (blade) or Spider GT (mallet) both perform at any skill level.
Budget is tight:
Buy used from reputable sources (Global Golf, 2nd Swing, Callaway Pre-Owned). A 2-3 year old putter from a major brand outperforms a cheap new putter every time.
What to Avoid
Super-cheap putters ($30-50):
These use low-quality materials and won't last a season. The head comes loose, the grip deteriorates, and you'll be buying another putter anyway.
Putters with gimmicks:
Moveable weights, laser pointers, smartphone connectivity—none of this helps beginners make more putts. Focus on fundamentals: good feel, proper length, and a design that matches your stroke.
Wrong length:
A too-short putter makes you hunch over. Too long makes you stand upright. Both hurt your stroke. Get the right length from the start.
Bottom Line
You don't need a $400 Scotty Cameron to putt well. Any putter in the $139-199 range from a major brand will serve you for years.
Best overall value: Kirkland Signature KS1 ($139-159)
Delivers $300 performance at half the price. The only downside? You need a Costco membership.
Best for soft feel: Odyssey White Hot OG ($179-199)
Proven insert technology that's been winning tours for 20 years.
Best for forgiveness: TaylorMade Spider GT (previous gen, $179-229)
High MOI mallet that keeps mishits rolling toward the hole.
The right putter is whichever one makes you confident standing over a putt. Try a few options at a golf shop, hit 20 putts with each, and pick the one that feels natural. That's your putter—regardless of price.
