3balls Golf
With the advances being made in every type of club year after year, there’s never been a better time to buy gently used clubs, including Titleist’s Scotty Cameron Putters. Not only will you save big by buying used, you’ll get the benefit of a club that has been played just enough to work the bugs out, especially if you’re buying from a reputable club shop. Of course, it’s not all cut and dry — Titleist makes putters in just about every shape and size imaginable. So how do you choose a good used Titleist putter?
Start with the Head
If you’re a casual golfer looking for an easy-to-play putter, look to the high moment of inertia (MOI) mallet putters or heel-toe weighted putters. Both will be significantly more forgiving than standard blade putters and easier to control. Better control equals better putts and more fun on the course.
Look at the Shafts
Many putter series feature a standard putter and options for a belly putter and a long putter. You’ll have to decide what kind of golfer you are before you choose a shaft length. Players who can swing a standard length putter are better off, since they tend to have better feedback and greater control, but if you’re unsteady, a belly putter can help correct minor issues by adding a third contact point at the cost of feel. Long putters should be a last ditch effort, or reserved for players with back problems, because they provide very little feedback and can be extremely difficult to control. Not to mention the USGA has a pending ban on anchored putting, not an issue for the weekend golfer, but your buddies may not let you hear the end of it!
Consider the Effect of Weight
Weight can easily make or break your putts, especially if you’re trying out a putter with a weight significantly different from your current club. Lighter putters move faster, but can be harder to control, while heavier putters move more slowly, but tend to connect more solidly. If you’re shopping for your first putter, a heavier club will help get the ball rolling.
A Word on Offsets and Face Inserts
Offset shafts and face inserts are both lovely features on putters, but one is far more valuable than the other. Offset shafts are very helpful for weekend golfers, since they provide a better line of sight and keep the hands ahead of the ball at the moment of impact. Face inserts are personal choices, if you like them and they help you play better, by all means, seek them out. Most golfers can play just fine with or without them.
Photo credit: Drift Words / Foter / CC BY-NC-SA
