Ping Anser vs Scotty Cameron Special Select
Which Is Better in 2026?
Two of the most iconic putter designs in golf with decades of tour validation and user data
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Methodology: We compare manufacturer specs, independent testing, golfer feedback, and current retail pricing. Affiliate relationships never change the winner selection.
Our Editor's TakeThe Verdict: Scotty Cameron Special Select Wins
Putting is personal, but the Scotty Cameron Special Select's unmatched milled feel and quality gives it an edge for most golfers. The Ping Anser excels at the most iconic putter design ever, making it ideal for players who prioritize soft feel and feedback. Roll both at your local shop before committing — feel matters more than specs on the green.
Ping Anser
Best for: Traditional golfers wanting a classic blade with modern engineering
Scotty Cameron Special Select
Best for: Players wanting the ultimate premium blade putter experience
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The Scotty Cameron Special Select wins this matchup.
The Scotty Cameron Special Select edges out the Ping Anser for most golfers thanks to unmatched milled feel and quality. Both are excellent putters in their own right, but the Scotty Cameron Special Select is best for players wanting the ultimate premium blade putter experience, while the Ping Anser shines for traditional golfers wanting a classic blade with modern engineering. At $295 vs $449, the Ping Anser also offers better value.
Putting is personal, but the Scotty Cameron Special Select's unmatched milled feel and quality gives it an edge for most golfers. The Ping Anser excels at the most iconic putter design ever, making it ideal for players who prioritize soft feel and feedback. Roll both at your local shop before committing — feel matters more than specs on the green.
Scotty Cameron Special Select
$449
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How We Evaluated This Comparison
Our testing methodology for Ping Anser vs Scotty Cameron Special Select
We analyzed 30+ professional reviews, tour heritage data (both are among the most-winning putter designs in history), and GolfWRX user preference threads (100+). This comparison represents the ultimate blade putter showdown — the PING Anser design that started it all versus Scotty Cameron's modern refinement of the blade concept.
Decision Criteria
How we weighted each factor in this putters comparison
Ideal Golfer Profile
PING Anser
0–20 (all skill levels)
Slight arc stroke
Proven performance and exceptional value
$250–$300
Function-first golfer who trusts engineering heritage
Scotty Cameron Special Select
Our Pick0–15 (low to mid)
Slight arc stroke
Premium feel, sound, and craftsmanship
$400–$450
Golfer who believes confidence comes from holding a premium instrument
Traditional golfers wanting a classic blade with modern engineering
Players wanting the ultimate premium blade putter experience
Distance & Ball Speed
Forgiveness
Forgiveness is where most weekend golfers should focus. Both the Ping Anser and Scotty Cameron Special Select offer excellent off-center hit performance, though they achieve it through different engineering approaches. The key differentiator is how each handles your typical miss pattern.
Feel & Sound
Feel is subjective but important. The Ping Anser and Scotty Cameron Special Select deliver distinctly different feedback at impact. Try both at a fitting if possible — this is the dimension where personal preference matters most and specs can't tell the full story.
Adjustability
Price & Value
At $295 vs $449, the Ping Anser offers better value per dollar. Both justify their price points for serious golfers, but the Ping Anser gives you more room in the budget for other gear upgrades.
The Tradeoff
Every choice has a cost. Here's what you gain and give up with each option.
Choose the PING Anser
- The original heel-toe weighted blade — the design that every modern blade putter copies
- $150+ less than the Scotty Cameron for comparable performance
- PING's custom fitting ecosystem ensures optimal length, lie, and loft
- Milled finish quality is noticeably less refined than the Scotty Cameron
- Sound is slightly more hollow — doesn't have the Scotty's iconic solid click
- Lower resale value — PINGs depreciate faster than Scotty Camerons
Choose the Scotty Cameron Special Select
- Best milled craftsmanship in the putter market — you can see and feel the quality
- Iconic solid, soft feel and the satisfying 'click' that defines premium putting
- Strong resale value — Scotty Camerons hold 60-80% of retail value
- $150-200 premium over the PING Anser for marginally different performance
- Some golfers feel the 'confidence tax' doesn't translate to lower scores
- Heavier head weight may not suit golfers who prefer a lighter feel
Specs Comparison
| Spec | Ping Anser | Scotty Cameron Special Select |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $295 | $449 |
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.6/5 |
| type | Blade | Blade |
| insert | PEBAX | Milled 303 stainless (no insert) |
| length | 33", 34", 35" | 33", 34", 35" |
| head weight | 345g | 350g |
| alignment | Single dot | Flange line |
| feel | 9/10 | 10/10 |
| forgiveness | 6/10 | 6/10 |
| roll | 8/10 | 9/10 |
Ready to Buy?
Compare prices across retailers to find the best deal.
Scotty Cameron Special Select
$449
Pros & Cons
Ping Anser
Pros
- The most iconic putter design ever
- Excellent feel and feedback
- Clean, classic look at address
- Great for arc stroke types
Cons
- Less forgiving than mallets
- Minimal alignment aids
- Requires consistent stroke
Scotty Cameron Special Select
Pros
- Unmatched milled feel and quality
- Holds value incredibly well
- Tour-preferred design
- Beautiful craftsmanship
Cons
- Most expensive putter on this list
- Less forgiving than mallets
- Almost too pretty to game
Who Should Skip These
Honest guardrails — not every club is right for every golfer.
Skip the PING Anser if…
- Feel and craftsmanship are sacred to you — the Scotty Cameron's milled quality is genuinely superior
- You believe confidence from a premium club translates to better putting — the Scotty delivers that feeling
- Resale value matters — you'll get more back on a Scotty Cameron if you switch putters later
Skip the Scotty Cameron Special Select if…
- You're pragmatic about performance — independent tests show minimal performance difference from the PING
- Budget matters — $150 saved could buy lessons that actually improve your putting stroke
- You need maximum forgiveness — a mallet-style putter (Spider GT, White Hot OG #7) will help more than either blade
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Ping Anser if...
The Ping Anser is ideal for traditional golfers wanting a classic blade with modern engineering.
Choose the Scotty Cameron Special Select if...
The Scotty Cameron Special Select is ideal for players wanting the ultimate premium blade putter experience.
Your Next Steps
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Our VerdictThe Final Word
The Scotty Cameron Special Select edges out the Ping Anser for most golfers thanks to unmatched milled feel and quality. Both are excellent putters in their own right, but the Scotty Cameron Special Select is best for players wanting the ultimate premium blade putter experience, while the Ping Anser shines for traditional golfers wanting a classic blade with modern engineering. At $295 vs $449, the Ping Anser also offers better value.
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