In this day and age, you can customize just about any golf club you want. If the manufacturers can turn a profit by producing customized clubs for you and me, they’ll do it. The putter, however, doesn’t require that much customization, though there are manufactures that will do it.
Currently, the shaft of the putter is either connected at the heel of the club or the center, hence the center shafted putter. This begs the question; are centered shafted putters better?
Are Centered Shafted Putters Better?
To be blunt, the best putter will be the one that you can put the golf ball into the cup with the fewest amount of strokes. But that doesn’t really answer the question. The pros use both types of putters, as do amateur players. The difference is pretty subtle and may depend on your putter stroke.
Center Shafted Putter vs Heel Putter
Most center shafted putters are equally balanced, meaning there is equal weight in the head and the heel. This weight distribution is ideal for the putter that has a straight back straight forward stroke. The reason being is that putters who use this technique are focusing on keeping the face square the entire time.
On the other hand, the golfer that uses an arc in their put, might not benefit as much. This isn’t to say, the center shafted putter is right for you if this is your technique.
Again, the stroke style, the shaft connection, length of club, or any other variable depends on what works for you. But, if you’re looking to give a center shafted putter a try, I’ve done some research and put together a list of center shafted putters that could work for you.
Best Center Shafted Putters
Ray Cook (Runner up)
1) Ray Cook SR400 – These premium cast putters are precisely tour weighted and balanced to provide a soft feel and offer optimum putting consistency. Ray Cook does provide a variety of putters, but this center shafted putter does accommodate for the straight back straight forward stroke. With a little bit of extra weight at the head, it will keep your stroke nice and fluid.
Cleveland Golf
2) Cleveland Golf Putter #11 – With a name brand like Cleveland you know they have you covered with this center shafted putter. The face of this club is optimized for consistent speed which will help you keep those second putts at a “gimmie” distance. The diamond textured face ensures a more consistent roll and the most forgiving, should there be a slight mishit. Owners of this putter are calling it “very well balanced and easy to line up.”
TaylorMade
3) TaylorMade Truss Center Shaft Putter – If TaylorMade is your brand, this unique center shafted putter might help you make a few more birdies. The purpose of center shafted putters is control and stability, but TaylorMade has taken it a step further with this 2-point center connection. The Cobalt Insert is designed for better sound, feel, and roll. Current users of the putter are saying “the club is incredibly balanced, and has a very smooth follow through all the way through the ball.” Available for right or left-handers it comes in 34″ or 35″.
Odyssey (Editor’s Choice)
4) Odyssey Stroke Lab Versa Putter – Odyssey is arguably the top brand when it comes to putters. The new Stroke Lab line of putters incorporates a unique new method of weight distribution designed to improve the physical dynamics of the stroke. The Micro Hinge Face provides a consistent topspin and consistent roll. Current users are saying “It feels a little firmer than both the white hot and O works inserts but not overdone.” If you’re looking for premium quality, this is your club. Two grips are available so pick one that makes more birdies for you.
Conclusion of Center Shafted Putters
Since the putter is the most used club in your bag, it should be the club you’re most comfortable with. It should be your go-to club in a sense. If you’re having issues sinking putts that you should be making, and you’re a straight back straight forward putter, then a center shafted putter might make a lot of difference. While both pros and amateurs use them, there isn’t a wide range of availability like heel putters. Hopefully one of the aforementioned putters can be a great tool in your bag.