Best Golf Putters by Year: 2015–2025 Models Reviewed

Golfers know that putting can make or break a round. With advances in materials, technology, and design over the past decade, putter options have dramatically evolved. This guide reviews the best golf putters from 2015 to 2025, with expert opinions, tour feedback, and real-world data to help you find the right flat stick for your game.

Why Reviewing Past Putters Matters

Understanding how putters have evolved can help you:

• Spot trends in alignment, weight distribution, and face technology.
• Make smarter purchases whether you’re buying new or used.
• Understand why certain models have stayed popular on Tour.

What Makes a Great Putter?

According to Golf Digest and fitting specialists from Club Champion, a great putter:

• Matches your stroke arc (straight, slight arc, strong arc)
• Offers excellent feel and feedback
• Helps you line up more confidently
• Delivers consistent roll and speed control

Best Putters by Year (2015–2025)

2015 – Odyssey Works Versa #7

• Why it stood out: The fusion RX insert delivered a firmer feel while maintaining a soft roll.
• Tour usage: Seen in many LPGA bags due to alignment and control.
• Design evolution: Merged high-contrast Versa alignment with new insert tech.

2016 – Scotty Cameron Select Newport 2

• Classic blade with modern performance.
• Tour feedback: Favored by players like Jordan Spieth.
• Highlights: Clean lines, refined face milling, and a solid feel.

2017 – TaylorMade Spider Tour Red

• Breakout year for mallets, especially this one.
• Used by: Jason Day and Dustin Johnson.
• Tech: High MOI, perimeter weighting, and Pure Roll insert.

2018 – Ping Sigma G Tyne

• Stable mallet with adjustable shaft lengths.
• Face technology: Pebax elastomer insert for a soft yet responsive feel.
• Ideal for: Golfers needing forgiveness and face balance.

2019 – Odyssey Stroke Lab Ten

• Game-changer with multi-material shafts.
• Weight redistribution improved tempo and stroke consistency.
• Backed by research: Odyssey claims a 21% improvement in consistency.

2020 – Scotty Cameron Special Select Newport 2

• Refined classic, milled entirely from 303 stainless steel.
• What changed: No face insert, resulting in more feedback.
• Pros loved it for the traditional feel with modern precision.

2021 – TaylorMade Spider EX

• Improved Spider Tour with enhanced alignment and forgiveness.
• Three-dot alignment helps with setup consistency.
• Insert: Upgraded Pure Roll face for smoother roll.

2022 – Odyssey Tri-Hot 5K

• Blade-like looks, mallet-like MOI.
• Featured in: Hot List 2022 by Golf Digest.
• High MOI in a blade: Ideal for players who want stability without bulk.

2023 – Scotty Cameron Phantom X 5.5

• Blade feel meets mallet shape.
• Used by: Tour pros seeking arc-friendly stability.
• Key feature: Small slant neck promotes toe flow.

2024 – Bettinardi Queen B 6

• Precision-milled, eye-catching finish.
• Performance: Firmer feel with roll-enhancing grooves.
• Standout for: Style and substance in one package.

2025 – TaylorMade Spider GT Max

• Fully adjustable weighting to fine-tune bias and forgiveness.
• Custom fit on the fly: Ideal for golfers who want to experiment.
• Forward CG + perimeter stability for better control.

Comparison Chart: Top Golf Putters by Year (2015–2025)

Best Trends Over the Past Decade

Rise of High MOI Designs

Starting with the Spider Tour Red, high MOI (Moment of Inertia) putters have surged. According to Shot Scope data, amateur golfers perform better on lag putts with high-MOI mallets due to mishit forgiveness.

Evolution of Face Inserts

From Odyssey’s White Hot to TaylorMade’s Pure Roll, insert tech has evolved to deliver better sound, feel, and roll quality. Some players prefer metal-milled faces for feedback, but inserts dominate sales among amateurs.

Adjustable Features

From shaft length (Ping Sigma G) to moveable weights (Spider GT Max), customization has become essential in modern putter fitting.

Expert Opinions on Putter Innovation

• Dave Pelz, short game guru and author of Putting Bible, has long emphasized the importance of face angle at impact. Many recent models focus on face-balanced design to minimize rotation.
• Dr. Bob Rotella, author of Putting Out of Your Mind, believes confidence and visual alignment are critical. That’s why bold alignment aids have become standard.
• Phil Kenyon, world-renowned putting coach, states that matching putter type to stroke path is the most crucial fitting factor. His work with pros has shown that even slight mismatches reduce performance.

What Putters Pros Use Today (2025 Insights)

• Scotty Cameron still dominates blade putters on Tour.
• Odyssey is popular for its insert feel and alignment lines.
• TaylorMade Spider GT series is gaining momentum, especially among younger pros.

How to Choose the Right Putter for You

1. Know Your Stroke Type

• Straight back, straight through: Choose a face-balanced mallet.
• Slight arc: Look for a mid-slant neck like the Phantom X 5.5.
• Strong arc: Traditional blades or slant-neck models perform best.

2. Prioritize Alignment

If you struggle with setup, pick a putter with:

• Bold alignment lines (Spider Tour, Odyssey Ten)
• Contrasting colors (Versa #7, Spider EX)

3. Try Before You Buy

Use a putting mat or simulator. Many golf shops offer:

• SAM PuttLab testing
• Eye alignment mirrors
• Custom fittings with adjustable hosels and shafts

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best type of putter for a beginner?

Beginners often do better with a high-MOI mallet putter, like the TaylorMade Spider EX or Odyssey Ten. These models offer forgiveness on off-center hits and help with alignment.

What’s the difference between a blade and a mallet putter?

• Blade putters are traditional, compact, and best for players with an arcing stroke.

• Mallet putters have larger heads and offer more forgiveness and alignment help—ideal for straight-back, straight-through strokes.

How often should I replace my putter?

There’s no set expiration date, but if you’re missing consistently, struggling with alignment, or your stroke has changed, it might be time to test new models.

Are expensive putters really worth the price?

In many cases, yes. Premium putters like Scotty Cameron and Bettinardi offer precision milling, softer feel, and premium materials. However, great performance can still be found in mid-range options.

Can I test these putters before buying?

Absolutely. Brands like Titleist, TaylorMade, and Odyssey are widely available in golf shops and fitting centers. Custom fitting is highly recommended to match loft, lie, and length to your stroke.

Final Thoughts: Best of the Decade?

If we had to pick one standout:

• Best Mallet: TaylorMade Spider Tour Red (2017)
• Best Blade: Scotty Cameron Select Newport 2 (2016)
• Best Innovation: Odyssey Stroke Lab Ten (2019)

Choosing a putter is personal—but understanding each year’s breakthrough model helps you make an informed decision that could save strokes on the green.