Best Putters for Beginners on a Budget

Getting started in golf can be intimidating—not just in skill but in cost. Thankfully, when it comes to putters, you don’t have to spend a fortune to play better on the greens. In fact, some of the best putters for beginners are also the most affordable.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best beginner-friendly putters under $150 available in 2025. You’ll learn what to look for, which models perform best, and what experts recommend for new golfers looking to save strokes without overspending.

Why the Putter Is So Important for Beginners

Many beginners focus on drivers and irons when starting out, but the putter may be the most important club in the bag. According to PGA Tour stats, putting makes up about 40% of strokes in a typical round—and that percentage is even higher for beginners.

A good putter can help build confidence, make alignment easier, and smooth out your putting stroke. For high handicappers, even a small improvement in putting can lead to big scoring gains.

What to Look for in a Beginner-Friendly Budget Putter

Not all inexpensive putters are created equal. Here are the features that matter most for new golfers.

Head Shape
There are two main types:

• Blade putters are slim and traditional, better for golfers with arcing strokes.

• Mallet putters are larger and offer more forgiveness, making them ideal for straight-back-straight-through strokes.

Face Technology
Look for a putter with a milled face or an insert. These features improve feel and consistency across the face—especially helpful when you’re still working on making solid contact.

Alignment Aids
A strong alignment system helps beginners aim more accurately. Bright, contrasting lines or high-contrast finishes can make a big difference.

Weight and Balance
Putters that are slightly heavier can help promote a smoother stroke and minimize wrist breakdown—something many beginners struggle with.

Price
Aim for a budget between $70 and $150. This range includes several quality options without the unnecessary frills of high-end designs.

Best Budget Putters for Beginners in 2025

Cleveland Huntington Beach Soft Premier #11

• Head type: Mallet

• Price: Around $129

• Features: Precision milled face for excellent roll, high MOI design for forgiveness, and a clean alignment system.

• Expert tip: The milled face on this putter rivals some premium models, making it a top-tier option for beginners who want lasting quality.

Wilson Infinite West Loop

• Head type: Mallet

• Price: Around $99

• Features: Double-milled face for enhanced feel, a dark anti-glare finish, and bold white alignment lines.

• Best for: Golfers with a straight putting stroke who prefer a heavier head for better tempo.

Tour Edge HP Series Red 10

• Head type: Mallet

• Price: Around $79

• Features: Large, forgiving design with an oversized grip and easy alignment system.

• Performance: High forgiveness makes it an excellent choice for players still developing their putting consistency.

Pinemeadow PGX MB Blade

• Head type: Blade

• Price: Around $49

• Features: Classic blade shape, balanced weighting, and included headcover.

• Consider this if: You want to try golf without committing too much money upfront but still want a solid club in the bag.

MacGregor V Foil #7

• Head type: Mallet

• Price: Around $89

• Features: Strong alignment visuals, high forgiveness design, and a smooth face insert for better feel.

• Great for: Beginners seeking a balance between control and comfort.

Ray Cook Silver Ray SR500

• Head type: Mallet

• Price: Around $69

• Features: Wide sole design, bold sight lines, and smooth roll feel. Available in several color options.

• Value note: One of the most popular entry-level putters sold in the U.S., thanks to its consistent performance and affordability.

Comparison Chart: Best Budget Putters for Beginners (2025)

Expert Tips for Choosing Your First Putter

Choose the Right Length
Putter length matters more than you think. Most adult golfers will do well with a 34″ or 35″ putter. If you’re shorter than 5’7”, consider a 33″. The goal is to let your arms hang naturally while your eyes stay above the ball.

Prioritize Feel and Balance Over Brand
The most expensive brand isn’t always the best. Focus on how the putter feels in your hands and how it performs on the green. A well-balanced putter that feels comfortable will serve you better than one with premium materials you’re not yet ready to appreciate.

Opt for Oversized Grips
Oversized grips reduce wrist movement and help beginners keep the putter face square. Many of the models listed above include midsize or jumbo grips as a standard feature.

Test if You Can
Whenever possible, try a few putters at your local shop or big box retailer. Even ten minutes on a practice mat can tell you which head shape or grip style feels most natural.

Should You Buy a Used Putter?

Buying used can be a great way to get more for your money, especially if you’re considering mid-tier or premium models. However, there are pros and cons.

Advantages

• Access to better-quality putters for under $100

• More style and brand options

• Often lightly used with minor wear

Disadvantages

• No manufacturer warranty

• Potential wear on grips and faces

• Limited return windows

For best results, shop at trusted sources like 2nd Swing, GlobalGolf, or PGA Value Guide for certified pre-owned options.

Blade or Mallet: Which Is Better for Beginners?

Mallet putters are generally better suited for beginners. Their larger heads, higher MOI (moment of inertia), and prominent alignment aids make them more forgiving and easier to aim.

Blade putters, on the other hand, are more traditional and suited for golfers with an arcing stroke. While many professionals use them, they require a more precise stroke and less forgiveness on off-center hits.

Unless you’ve had success with blade-style putters in practice, most beginners are better off starting with a mallet.

Budget Accessories That Can Help Your Putting

Putter Training Aids
A putting mirror or gate system can help you work on alignment and path at home. Many cost less than $40.

Grips
If your putter grip feels too thin, swap it for a jumbo or pistol-style grip. Larger grips reduce wrist action and help quiet the hands.

Putter Covers
Protect your investment. Even budget putters benefit from a cover to avoid dings, especially if you ride in a cart or store clubs in the garage.

Popular Q&A: Beginner Putters on a Budget

Q: Are expensive putters worth it for beginners?
A: Not usually. Beginners benefit more from forgiveness and alignment help than premium materials or tour-level face milling. A well-balanced $80–$130 putter can dramatically improve putting confidence and performance.

Q: Should a beginner start with a blade or mallet putter?
A: Mallet putters are typically better for beginners due to their forgiveness and easy alignment features. Blade putters are more compact and feel-sensitive, but require better stroke consistency.

Q: What’s the ideal putter length for beginners?
A: Most beginners will be best suited to a 34″ or 35″ putter. Golfers under 5’7″ might prefer a 33″ putter. The key is to maintain good posture and eye alignment over the ball.

Q: Do putter grips matter for beginners?
A: Yes. Midsize or jumbo grips help stabilize your hands and reduce wrist flipping. Many beginner-friendly putters come with oversized grips for this reason.

Q: Where can I buy a good used putter for cheap?
A: Trusted sites like 2nd Swing, GlobalGolf, or PGA Value Guide offer pre-owned putters with quality checks. Local golf shops may also have trade-ins you can test before buying.

Q: How much should I spend on my first putter?
A: A smart beginner budget is between $70 and $130. This range gives access to reliable, forgiving options without overcommitting to a high-end club.

Final Thoughts: Best Value Putters for New Golfers

Golf doesn’t have to be expensive, especially when it comes to your putter. For under $150, there are excellent options that offer performance, alignment help, and feel that rivals more expensive models.

Our top recommendation for 2025 is the Cleveland Huntington Beach Soft Premier #11, which combines milled-face performance, a forgiving head shape, and great aesthetics in a budget-friendly package.

If you’re just getting started and want something simpler, the Wilson Infinite West Loop and Tour Edge HP Series Red 10 are also excellent options.

Choose the model that suits your stroke, feels comfortable in your hands, and gives you confidence over short putts—and you’ll be well on your way to shaving strokes off your scorecard.