The complete guide to buying a second hand golf putter

The right putter can make the difference between getting your ball into the hole first time, and ending up with the dreaded three-putt!

You’ll end up using your putter a lot during a game, so it’s essential to choose one aligned with your personal preferences. The problem is, that there are a lot of different putters out there, which often means you can feel overwhelmed when it comes to making a purchase.

We’ve put together this guide to help you pick the right putter, as well as why buying a second-hand putter is the best option. And don’t forget, if you need a little extra help, our PGA professionals are here to guide you through the best options.

Looking to replace your whole set of clubs? Why not also check out our guides to buying a second hand fairway wood, wedge, iron, and driver.

Putters: the basics

A putter is a golf club that is used to ‘putt’ your golf ball into the hole. Unless something goes drastically wrong and your ball goes off the putting green, it’s the final club used on each hole.

Have you ever played crazy golf? You’ll always be given a putter to play with, as this means you can steer your way around the different holes as quickly as possible.

Putters are often used off the putting green when precision is essential - for example, if you’re concerned that a chipshot will take you away from your target.

As a putter is meant for short, light hits, it’s vital that this golf club is designed for accuracy. Not only this, but as you’re going to use it a lot, you need to ensure that you like using it too.

The putter consists of three different parts: the head, the shaft, and the grip. We’ll look into the various options and combinations later on in this article.

How do I hit with a putter?

The first step is to determine the proper posture. Point your putter towards your ball and align your body parallel. The more your back can rotate, the better.

Depending on your style, you’ll either putt in an arc or a straight line. It’s important to choose a putter that works with your specific putting style; we’ll look at this in more detail later.

Putting is all about control; you want a precise shot that will safely guide the ball to its intended target.

If you want to practise your putting at home, the office, or in the garden, putting discs are a great way to do this. They’re thin plastic discs that you can use as makeshift golf holes and are ideal when cutting a hole in the carpet or grass isn’t an option. Check out our accessories section to see what we have in stock.

How many putters should I carry?

According to the rules, you can take 14 putters with you onto the golf course, but if you do, you’re going to be playing for a very, very long time!

We recommend that one carefully chosen putter is more than enough for a game of golf. However, we do find that some people take two different putters so they can pick the one better suited for each individual hole. For example, a right-hand putter and a left-hand putter, or a mallet putter and a blade putter.

If you’re sticking with one putter, it’s essential to pick the perfect one that you feel most comfortable with. We’ll talk about what you need to look out for in a little while.

What material is a putter made from and how are they made?

In the past, putters were made from hardwoods like beech and hazel. However, at the turn of the 20th century, they started to be manufactured from iron. 

Stainless steel is the metal of choice for the majority of putters today as it’s durable, lightweight and highly resistant to corrosion and rust. However, some putters are made of brass, copper, and bronze.

Putters can be ‘milled’ or ‘cast’. Milled putters are created with the same technique used to manufacture aeronautic parts, so they are very accurate and high quality. Cast putters are made of multiple parts, making them more flexible and adaptable.

Types of putters

There are two interesting things you should know about putters. The first is that putters are exempt from the sizing restrictions that other clubs are bound by, meaning you can see a variety of shapes and sizes.

Secondly, a putter is probably the most technological of all the clubs. As precision is critical, many manufacturers invest a lot of money into creating the perfect putter.

There are two types of putters, mallet putters and blade putters:

Mallet putters

The mallet putter has become very popular in recent years, thanks to its use in tournaments. 65% of PGA Tour Golfers prefer mallet putters, with 35% preferring blade putters, so if you’re a mallet fan, you’re in good company!

Larger than a blade putter, golfers like this style of putter as they’re easy to use and are very forgiving – even if you’re not on target, you’ll still get a decent swing.

The cool thing about mallet putters is that they’re easy to customise and come in a broader range of colours, styles and designs than blade putters. A good-looking putter can definitely make you feel a lot more confident about your game.

Blade putters

The more traditional style of putter, while these putters aren’t overly popular with novice golfers, professionals love the speed and precision they provide. 

Should I choose a blade or a mallet?

Is a blade putter or mallet putter the best choice for you? It ultimately depends on your putting style. If you favour a straight-through stroke, you’re probably best with a mallet. On the other hand, if you arc when you putt, you may prefer a blade.

If you’re not sure which is right for you, try buying one of each style of putter second hand, and see which one you get the best results from. Don’t forget you can always sell the other putter back to golfclubs4cash!

You can also get a ‘bulky blade’ or ‘small mallet’ putter, which combines both a blade and mallet in one. If you chop and change between the two types of putter heads regularly, this might be a solid investment. 

When should I upgrade my putter?

As they’re used for short, sharp strikes rather than swinging, you’ll find that your putter may last longer than the other clubs in your golf bag. In fact, many putters are passed down through the generations.

Many golfers say it’s time to upgrade to a new putter when the old one no longer feels right. If you don’t feel confident with your putter and keep missing the hole, you may feel better with a replacement.

Remember that looking after your golf clubs is important when it comes to longevity – why not check out our guide to looking after your golf clubs?

What should I look out for when choosing the perfect putter?

So we’ve looked at the two different types of golf putter, but what else should you bear in mind when choosing the ideal reconditioned putter? Let’s take a look.

The grip

Putters come with regular grips or oversized grips. While grips are important for all golf clubs, they’re particularly important for putters where every little bit of precision counts. 

In addition, oversized grips are excellent if you’re prone to the yips, as they remove your hands and wrists from your stroke.

If your putter of choice doesn’t come with an oversized grip, you can easily add your own.

The length of the shaft

Putters must be at least 18 inches long, but after that, the choice is up to you. Some golfers prefer a standard-length putter (which is around 33 to 35 inches long) as this gives more control over the ball. However, others prefer longer putters as they not only generate more leverage, but can take the pressure off the wrists and back.

Your height will play a crucial part in the length of the shaft you choose too. If you’re shorter, a short shaft will feel more comfortable, and vice versa.

If you opt for a longer putter, there’s something you should know! In the past, some golfers used longer putters and anchored them against their abdomens to get more control of a shot – often referred to as a ‘belly putter.’ However, this manoeuvre was outlawed in 2013.

So while you’re still free to use a longer putter on the golf course if it helps your game, you can’t anchor it against any part of your body to get an advantage.

Putter weight distribution

Some putters are ‘toe balanced’ while others are known as ‘face balanced,’ and choosing the right one can make the world of difference to your game.

If you putt with a strong arc, a toe-balanced putter can give you balance, while a face-balanced putter is best if you putt straight or with a slight arc.

Again, if you’re unsure which is right for you, it’s best to try both and see which helps improve your handicap.

The sound the putter makes

Okay, this might sound like a weird one, but the sound the putter makes can be very important! 

Some golfers like putters that make a high-pitched sound so they can judge the success of the putt, while others find the noise annoying. Anything with a solid metal head will make a satisfying ‘click’ when the putter hits the ball.

The insert

While most putters are made from metal, many come with an insert made of another metal, rubber, plastic, or ceramic. As well as impacting the sound and feel of your swing, an insert can also provide a smoother, more controlled roll.

Our top tips for choosing the right preloved putter

Still need a little extra guidance looking for the right second hand putter? Here are some additional tips that will help.

• Know your budget. How much are you willing to spend, and are you prepared to go over this if you find the perfect putter?
• Ask your friends and colleagues if you can try their putters. This will help you get a feel for what works well for your technique.
• Try your putter before you commit. If you shop in-store you can give a putter a few swings before you buy. Remember that if you buy online from golfclubs4cash, you can return your golf club within 30 days for a full refund (terms and conditions apply).
• Make sure your putter is authentic. Some golf clubs are counterfeit, and we’ve put together a guide that will help you make sure the putter you buy is the real deal. Every item we stock at golfclubs4cash is tested for authenticity and is 100% genuine.
• Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all with putters. Choose a putter that works for you and makes you feel confident in your swing.

How much does a second hand putter cost?

A new putter can be very expensive, with off-the-shelf putters costing thousands of pounds. You can pay even more for one that is custom-built for you!

Scotty Cameron once sold a limited edition putter that was identical to the one that Tiger Woods won with at the 1997 Masters. The cost? A staggering $20,000!

The good news is that you can buy a preloved putter for a fraction of the price tag. The cost will depend on:

• The brand
• The condition
• The rarity
• The materials used
• The technology

We sell a wide range of used putters online, starting from £17.99. So no matter your budget, you’ll be able to find the right putter for your game, at a price you can afford.

Which brand of putter do the professionals use?

The big four putter brands used by the top PGA Tour Players are Odyssey, Scotty Cameron, Ping, and TaylorMade. Check out our What’s in the Bag section to learn more of the professional players’ secrets!

The TaylorMade Spider X putter was found to be the most popular type of putter used, with Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, Jason Day, and Jin Young Ko all fans of the unusually-shaped golf club.

However, given that the top 100 PGA players use 76 models of putter, it’s ultimately down to personal preference. Remember that an expensive brand of putter won’t necessarily improve your game.

We carry a wide range of putter brands in our online store, including Nike, Titleist, Wilson, and Mizuno. Whatever brand of putter you’ve got your eye on, we’ll have it in stock.

Buy a preloved putter online with confidence

We hope that this buyers guide has given you lots of helpful advice when it comes to buying the right second hand putter. If you take one tip away from this article, try as many different types of putter as you can before you commit. That way, you’ll find the golf club that helps you become a putting pro!

Buying any golf club, whether it’s a putter, driver, or wedge, can be a challenge. It’s crucial to find not only the one that helps improve your handicap, but comes at the right price point.

If you’re looking for a high-quality putter that boosts your game without breaking the bank, a second hand putter is the perfect choice. At golfclubs4cash, we specialise in used golf clubs of the highest quality.

We’re the brand people trust, with over 35,000 five-star reviews on Trustpilot.

We guarantee every purchase, and with free next working day delivery in the UK, you could be enjoying your new putter sooner than you might expect. Plus, if you’re near Edinburgh or Warrington, you can visit our stores and try our range of preloved golf clubs before you buy.

Check out our extensive range of second hand putters online and take the first step in improving your golf game!