Should beginners use a blade or mallet putter?

Most beginners benefit from a mallet putter — they're more forgiving and have better alignment aids. However, if you have a strong arc in your stroke, a blade like the Odyssey White Hot OG or Cleveland Huntington Beach might feel more natural.

How much should a beginner spend on a putter?

Spend $149–$349. The Cleveland Huntington Beach at $149 is excellent value, while the Odyssey White Hot OG at $249 is the sweet spot of performance and price. Avoid spending $400+ until you know what you like.

What putter length should a beginner get?

Most golfers use a 34" putter. If you're over 6'2", consider 35". Under 5'8", try 33". The key is that your eyes should be directly over the ball at address — a fitting can confirm the right length.

Best Putters for Beginners in 2026

Your putter is the most-used club in the bag. Beginners need a forgiving putter with good alignment aids that builds confidence on the greens without breaking the budget.

Updated February 2026•3 picks

Our Top Picks

1Odyssey White Hot OG— $249
2Cleveland Huntington Beach— $149
3TaylorMade Spider GT— $349

Odyssey White Hot OG

Odyssey•★ 4.5/5•$249

Check Price → Full review & comparisons

Why We Picked This

The Odyssey White Hot OG combines the iconic White Hot insert feel with multiple head shapes at $249. Its consistent roll and forgiving face make it the ideal starter putter that still performs at any skill level.

Pros

✓ Iconic White Hot insert feel
✓ Multiple head shapes available
✓ Great value for quality putter
✓ Consistent roll off the face

Cons

✗ Basic alignment system
✗ No adjustable weighting
✗ Insert may feel soft for firm-feel lovers

Key Specs

type

Blade & Mallet options

insert

White Hot

length

33", 34", 35"

head weight

350g

alignment

Single line

feel

9/10

forgiveness

7/10

roll

8/10

Cleveland Huntington Beach

Cleveland•★ 4.2/5•$149

Check Price → Full review & comparisons

Why We Picked This

At just $149, the Cleveland Huntington Beach is the best-value milled putter available. Multiple head shapes mean you can find one that suits your stroke, and the milled face provides surprisingly good feel.

Pros

✓ Best value milled putter on the market
✓ Multiple head shapes
✓ Speed-optimized face pattern
✓ Surprisingly good feel

Cons

✗ Fit and finish below premium brands
✗ Grip quality is average
✗ Less resale value

Key Specs

type

Blade & Mallet options

insert

Milled 304 stainless

length

33", 34", 35"

head weight

345g

alignment

Varies by model

feel

7/10

forgiveness

7/10

roll

7/10

TaylorMade Spider GT

TaylorMade•★ 4.4/5•$349

Check Price → Full review & comparisons

Why We Picked This

If you struggle with consistency, the Spider GT's high-MOI mallet design keeps your putts on line even on off-center hits. The True Path alignment system makes aiming foolproof.

Pros

✓ Extremely stable on off-center putts
✓ True Path alignment is excellent
✓ Tour-proven design
✓ High MOI for consistency

Cons

✗ Heavy head takes adjustment
✗ Not for blade putter fans
✗ Premium price for a putter

Key Specs

type

Mallet

insert

Pure Roll

length

33", 34", 35"

head weight

365g

alignment

True Path

feel

7/10

forgiveness

9/10

roll

9/10

Frequently Asked Questions

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