Putting is a game of inches, feel, and finding the right equipment for your stroke. If you’re constantly battling a pull or struggling to keep your putts on line, your putter might be the culprit. For golfers with an arcing stroke, a heel shaft putter could be the game-changer you’ve been searching for. Its unique design promotes a smooth, natural motion, helping your putter face stay square to the target line. In this post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about heel shaft putters, from their key characteristics to top brands and models, and how to choose the perfect one for your game. We’ll also cover essential maintenance tips and debunk some common myths surrounding these often-misunderstood putters.
Key Takeaways
- Heel-shafted putters complement an arcing stroke: The unique heel connection and toe balance make these putters a natural fit for players with an arcing putting style.
- Find your perfect fit through customization: Adjustable weights, interchangeable shafts, and personalized grips allow you to fine-tune your heel-shafted putter for optimal feel and performance.
- Regular care ensures lasting performance: Keep your putter clean, store it properly, and replace the grip when needed to maintain its condition and extend its lifespan.
What is a Heel Shaft Putter?
A heel-shafted putter is easily identifiable by where the shaft enters the putter head—right near the heel. This design element influences the putter’s balance and the way it moves during your stroke. It’s a popular choice for golfers with an arcing putting stroke. But how does it compare to other putter types? Let’s take a closer look.
Key Characteristics
One key characteristic of a heel-shafted putter is its toe-balanced design. This balance naturally complements an arcing putting stroke, creating a smoother, more natural motion. However, this also means you need to be mindful of keeping the putter face square to your target line. The concentrated weight toward the heel can cause the face to close if your alignment isn’t spot on.
Heel Shaft vs. Blade & Mallet Putters
Heel-shafted putters differ from blade and mallet putters in several key aspects. The shaft’s connection near the heel allows for more face rotation during the stroke, making it adaptable to various putting arcs. Blade putters, with their classic design, offer great feedback but are less forgiving on off-center hits. Mallet putters, conversely, are larger and more forgiving thanks to their weight distribution, but might provide less feel for the putt. Understanding these differences can help you select the best putter for your game.
Benefits of a Heel Shaft Putter
Heel-shafted putters have several advantages, making them a popular choice for many golfers. Let’s explore some key benefits:
Feel and Feedback
One of the most appreciated aspects of a heel-shafted putter is the enhanced feel and feedback. The shaft’s position promotes a toe-balanced design, naturally complementing an arcing putting stroke. If your putter head tends to move slightly inside the target line on your backswing and then square up at impact, a heel-shafted putter could be a great fit. This balance helps golfers feel the putter head rotate throughout their stroke, providing valuable feedback and improving distance control.
Alignment
While some golfers find aligning a heel-shafted putter initially challenging, mastering the setup can significantly improve accuracy. The key is to ensure the putter face remains square to your target line throughout your stroke. Because the weight is concentrated toward the heel, the face can close at impact if not correctly aligned. Focus on a consistent setup and pre-shot routine to maintain squareness and improve your overall putting accuracy.
Control for Arced Strokes
Heel-shafted putters are particularly well-suited for golfers with an arcing putting stroke, a common characteristic. The design allows for more face rotation during the stroke, making it easier to control the ball with various stroke arcs. This added control can lead to more consistent putts and ultimately, lower scores.
Top Heel Shaft Putter Brands & Models
Once you’ve decided a heel-shafted putter might be right for you, the next step is finding the perfect model. Luckily, there are some fantastic options out there from reputable brands. Here are a few top contenders to get you started:
Scotty Cameron
Scotty Cameron putters have a loyal following among professionals and amateurs alike. The GOLO 3 is a popular heel-shafted mid-mallet known for its solid feel and interesting high-tech construction. While the head shape is fairly traditional, the overall build offers something unique. Scotty Cameron putters are often praised for their craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Odyssey
Odyssey is another big name in putting, recognized for its innovative designs and use of advanced technology. Their putters often feature helpful alignment aids and face inserts that can really enhance feel and performance. If technology and innovation are high on your priority list, exploring Odyssey putters is a good next step.
Ping
Ping is a classic brand known for its focus on precision and customizability. Their heel-shafted putters, like those in the Vault series, are often designed with precision milling and adjustable weights. This allows golfers to fine-tune the balance and feel to perfectly match their stroke.
TaylorMade
TaylorMade is a popular choice for golfers of all skill levels. Their heel-shafted putters, such as the Spider series, are known for their unique designs and use of advanced materials. These putters often prioritize stability and a smooth roll.
Bettinardi
Bettinardi putters are prized for their craftsmanship and precision milling. Their heel-shafted models offer a classic look combined with exceptional performance. If you appreciate a beautifully crafted putter, Bettinardi is definitely worth considering.
Cleveland
Cleveland offers a range of heel-shafted putters, including the Huntington Beach series, that are designed for a soft feel and consistent roll. Cleveland Golf focuses on providing reliable putters with great performance at a more accessible price point.
Choosing the Right Heel Shaft Putter
Finding the perfect heel-shafted putter is a personal journey. What works for one golfer might not work for another. It’s all about matching the putter’s characteristics to your individual stroke and preferences. Here’s what to consider:
Weight
The weight of the putter head significantly influences your feel and control. A heavier head can provide stability and smooth out your stroke, especially on longer putts. A lighter head might offer more feel and responsiveness for shorter, delicate putts. Experiment with different head weights to see what feels most comfortable and consistent. Consider the overall balance of the putter, too, not just the head weight itself. The Golf Mine offers a thorough analysis of heel-shafted putters, including a discussion on the importance of weight.
Length and Fit
Proper putter length is crucial for a comfortable and repeatable putting stroke. A putter that’s too long or too short can lead to inconsistent posture and alignment issues. The putter should allow you to stand comfortably with your eyes directly over the ball, or slightly inside the target line. A professional fitting is the best way to determine the ideal length and ensure the putter suits your body type and putting style. A fitter can also analyze your stroke and recommend the optimal shaft placement.
Grip Style
The grip is your only connection to the putter, so choosing the right one is essential. Grips come in various sizes, shapes, and materials, each offering a different feel and level of feedback. Experiment to find one that promotes a relaxed and consistent grip pressure. Consider factors like hand size and personal preference. A thicker grip can help reduce wrist movement, while a thinner grip might provide more feel. The Golf Mine also covers the importance of grip selection.
Face Balance vs. Toe Hang
Heel-shafted putters are generally toe-balanced, meaning the toe points downwards when balanced on a finger. This characteristic makes them a natural fit for golfers with an arcing putting stroke. The toe hang encourages the putter face to square up at impact, promoting a straighter roll. Our guide on heel-shafted putters covers the relationship between face balance, toe hang, and putting stroke.
Offset
Offset refers to the distance the putter face sits behind the shaft. Heel-shafted putters often have minimal offset, which can benefit golfers who tend to push their putts. The reduced offset helps the hands release naturally through impact, promoting a square face at contact. Worldwide Golf Shops explains how offset relates to putting stroke arc.
Customizing Your Heel Shaft Putter
Once you’ve chosen a heel shaft putter, you might think you’re done. But the beauty of these putters is how much you can personalize them. Think of it like tailoring a suit—getting the right fit makes all the difference. Here’s how you can fine-tune your putter to match your game:
Adjustable Weights
Many heel shaft putters offer adjustable weights. This lets you change the head’s weight, influencing the putter’s feel and stability. Experiment to find what feels best in your hands. A heavier head can help smooth out a jerky putting stroke, while a lighter head might benefit a player with a slower tempo. Some putters come with a weight kit, giving you everything you need to get started.
Interchangeable Shafts
While less common than adjustable weights, some putters allow for interchangeable shafts. This opens up a world of possibilities for customizing length, flex, and even the shaft material. Consider factors like your height and putting posture when deciding on length. Shaft flex can also subtly impact feel and performance, so it’s worth exploring if the option is available to you.
Aesthetics
Looks might not directly impact performance, but they can affect your confidence on the green. A putter you love to look at can boost your overall enjoyment of the game. Some manufacturers offer custom finishes, paint fills, or engravings. Even something as simple as adding a personalized grip can make your putter feel truly yours. And don’t forget regular maintenance—keeping your putter clean and in good condition will keep it looking its best. A quick wipe-down after each round can go a long way.
Improve Your Game With a Heel Shaft Putter
Getting the most out of your heel shaft putter involves understanding its nuances and how it interacts with your putting stroke. Let’s explore some drills, stroke adjustments, and common pitfalls to avoid.
Effective Practice Drills
Effective practice is key to improvement. Try incorporating these drills into your putting routine:
- The Gate Drill: This drill, highlighted by My Golf Essentials, uses two tees or alignment sticks to create a “gate” for your putter head to swing through. This helps groove a straight putting stroke and improve your alignment. Start with the gate wide and gradually narrow it as your consistency improves. This is especially helpful with a heel-shafted putter, promoting a square face at impact.
- 9 Holes of Drawback: Early Golfer recommends this drill for distance control. Place nine balls at increasing distances from the hole. Start with the shortest putt and only move to the next distance after making the previous one. This helps you calibrate your feel for different lengths and develop a consistent stroke with your heel shaft putter.
Adjust Your Stroke
Heel shaft putters often complement a slight arcing stroke. If your stroke naturally follows a more curved path, a heel-shafted putter might be a good fit. Visualize an arc and keep the heel of the putter along the top edge of that imaginary arc. This can help stabilize the putter head and encourage a square face at impact. For more putting tips, check out Prime Putt.
Avoid Common Mistakes
Even with the right putter, a few common mistakes can creep into your game:
- Closed Face at Impact: The weight distribution of a heel-shafted putter can sometimes cause the face to close at impact if not properly managed. Focus on keeping the putter face square to your target line throughout your stroke. Regularly check your alignment and make small adjustments as needed. For a deeper dive into heel-shafted putters, visit The Golf Mine.
- Ball Position Too Far Forward: Michael Breed at Golf Digest emphasizes the importance of proper ball position. Positioning the ball too far forward can lead to a descending blow, causing the ball to bounce and lose its roll. He recommends positioning the ball in line with the buttons on your shirt to promote a cleaner, more consistent strike.
Maintaining Your Heel Shaft Putter
Keeping your heel-shafted putter in top shape is easier than you think. Regular maintenance ensures it performs consistently on the green and extends its lifespan. Here’s a simple guide:
Cleaning
After each round, wipe your putter head with a damp cloth to remove grass, dirt, and other performance-affecting debris. A soft-bristled brush works well for stubborn grime. Avoid abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals that can damage the putter’s finish. For more cleaning tips, check out our heel-shafted putter guide.
Storage
Proper storage protects your putter from unnecessary wear and tear. A putter cover safeguards the club head from dings and scratches during transport and storage. Avoid tossing your putter into your golf bag’s bottom. Store it separately or secure it in your bag to prevent it from banging against other clubs.
Regripping
The grip is your only connection to the putter, so maintaining its condition is crucial. Periodically check your grip for wear and tear. If it’s slick, cracked, or losing its tackiness, replace it. Also, ensure the putter head remains securely attached to the shaft. Consult a club professional for repairs if you notice any looseness or rattling. Fine-tuning your putter with a fresh grip dramatically improves feel and control.
Debunking Heel Shaft Putter Myths
Let’s clear up some common misconceptions about heel-shafted putters. These putters have a reputation for being tricky, but understanding their nuances can help you decide if they’re a good fit for your game.
Skill Level
One myth is that heel-shafted putters are only for highly skilled golfers. Not true! While they can be a great choice for experienced players, they can also benefit golfers who are still developing their putting stroke. A heel-shafted putter might be particularly helpful for those with an arcing putting stroke, as discussed in our heel-shafted putter guide. The key is to find a putter that complements your natural stroke, regardless of your current skill level.
Forgiveness
Another misconception is that heel-shafted putters lack forgiveness. This isn’t entirely accurate. While the heel-shafted design requires a bit more attention to keeping the putter face square, proper alignment is key with any putter. Heel-shafted putters can actually offer excellent feel and feedback, which can improve your accuracy over time. It’s all about understanding how the putter works and practicing your stroke.
Stroke Compatibility
Finally, there’s a myth that heel-shafted putters are only suitable for a specific type of putting stroke. Again, this isn’t the whole story. While these putters often work well for golfers with an arcing stroke, they can also be adapted to other stroke styles. Different putter shafts can influence your stroke, and some heel-shafted putters are designed to accommodate more face rotation, making them versatile options.
Finding Reviews, Comparisons, and Discounts
Once you’ve decided a heel-shafted putter might be a good fit, your next step is finding the perfect model. It’s always smart to check out reviews, compare different putters, and of course, hunt down a good deal. Here’s how:
Golf Websites
Trusted golf websites are excellent resources for in-depth reviews and comparisons. Sites like SirShanksAlot offer comprehensive guides to help you understand the nuances of different putter types. You can also find detailed analyses, like this one from The Golf Mine, which explores design characteristics and their impact on performance. Many sites also offer brand and model comparisons, which can help you narrow your choices.
Online Retailers
Most online retailers include customer reviews directly on their product pages. Reading these reviews can give you a better sense of how a specific putter performs for other golfers. Worldwide Golf Shops also publishes helpful articles to further educate buyers. Don’t forget to compare prices across different retailers to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Pro Recommendations
Learning from the pros is always helpful. Golf Digest often features articles from instructors like Michael Breed, who shares insights on common putting mistakes and how to fix them. While not always specifically about heel-shafted putters, these tips can help you improve your putting technique regardless of your putter choice. Many pros also endorse specific brands, which can be another factor to consider as you research.
Related Articles
- Heel-Shafted Putters: The Complete Guide – SirShanksAlot.com
- Blade vs. Mallet Putter: Golfers Share Their Insights – SirShanksAlot.com
- Center Shaft Putters: A Comprehensive Guide – SirShanksAlot.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a heel-shafted putter right for my putting stroke?
Heel-shafted putters are generally best suited for golfers with an arcing putting stroke. The toe-balanced design complements this arc, making it easier to square the putter face at impact. If your putting stroke is very straight, a heel-shafted putter might not be the best fit. Consider your natural putting motion and whether you struggle to keep the putter face square. If you tend to pull or push your putts, a heel-shafted putter could help improve your accuracy.
What are the main differences between heel-shafted, blade, and mallet putters?
Heel-shafted putters are distinct due to the shaft’s entry point near the heel, promoting toe balance and an arcing stroke. Blade putters offer a classic design with excellent feedback but less forgiveness. Mallet putters are larger, more forgiving, and provide stability, but may sacrifice some feel. The best choice depends on your stroke type, desired feel, and forgiveness needs.
How do I choose the right head weight for my heel-shafted putter?
The ideal head weight depends on your personal preference and putting stroke. A heavier head provides stability and can smooth out a jerky stroke, while a lighter head offers more feel and responsiveness. Experiment with different weights to find what feels most comfortable and produces the most consistent results.
Can I customize my heel-shafted putter?
Absolutely! Many heel-shafted putters offer adjustable weights, allowing you to fine-tune the head weight and balance. Some models even allow for interchangeable shafts, giving you control over length, flex, and material. You can also personalize the grip, finish, and other aesthetic details to create a putter that feels truly yours.
Where can I find reviews and comparisons of different heel-shafted putters?
Reputable golf websites and online retailers are excellent resources for reviews and comparisons. Look for in-depth analyses that discuss design characteristics, performance benefits, and user experiences. Reading reviews from other golfers can provide valuable insights and help you make an informed decision. Comparing prices across different retailers can also help you find the best deal.