The best golf brands

Posted by & filed under Golf Equipment.

Golf is a sport that rewards consistent precision. And as well as skill and experience, the right golfing gear plays a big part in that. If you want to maximise your performance, it pays to invest in the right golf equipment. But with so many golf brands out there to choose from, it can be hard to know who to trust and where to begin. We can help with that, though.

In this blog, we look at some of the best golf brands on the market today. When looking at new clubs, bags, clothing, and tech, these are the names to consider that can help make all the difference to your overall game.

 

What are the best golf club brands?

1. Titleist

Founded in 1932 by Phillip E. Young, Titleist began with a mission to perfect the golf ball. After Young missed a short putt, he X-rayed the ball and found that its centre was off. The first Titleist ball came out in 1935, and the brand won its first ball count at the 1949 US Open. The rest, as they say, is history.

Titleist quickly expanded to include a full range of clubs renowned for their precision and performance. Titleist’s Vokey wedges and Scotty Cameron putters, in particular, are industry leaders, trusted by professionals like Jordan Spieth. With rigorous quality checks and a commitment to innovation, Titleist is synonymous with excellence in club design.

 

2. TaylorMade

Launched in 1979 by salesman Gary Adams and a $24,000 loan, TaylorMade revolutionised golf by producing the first metal drivers and by being one of the first companies to offer custom fittings. 

TaylorMade has continued to innovate over the years, releasing famed clubs like the R7 Quad driver with Moveable Weight Technology, the adjustable R9 driver, and the much-loved SIM2 Drivers and Spider putters. These days, TaylorMade’s leading lights include Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Collin Morikawa, Nelly Korda and Tiger Woods—the latter joining in 2017 before winning The Masters in 2019.

 

3. Callaway

Founded in 1982, Callaway quickly earned acclaim with its groundbreaking designs, most notably the line of Big Bertha Drivers—named after the German Big Bertha Howitzer.

Callaway’s focus on performance and creating forgiving and playable clubs has kept it at the forefront of golfing innovation. Roger Cleveland joined Callaway in the 1990s and has been designing its wedges ever since. Other much-loved brands under the Callaway umbrella include TopTracer, Odyssey, Toulon Design, Ogio, TravisMathew, and Jack Wolfskin. The company’s roster currently includes Jon Rahm and Xander Schauffele.

Other golf club brands

Whilst these are our top three best golf club brands, there are plenty of other exceptional manufacturers out there that also deserve a mention, including:

  • PING
  • Bridgestone
  • Wilson
  • Mizuno

 

What are the best golf bag brands?

1. Titleist 

Taking the top spot for our best golf club brand, Titleist is also our favourite when it comes to golf bags. Titleist’s golf bags are made to a high level of quality and look elegant, but best of all they are practical too—and all for prices that tend to be considerably lower than similar bags offered by competitors.

The Titleist Players 4 Stand Bag has proven particularly popular, due to its lightweight construction and excellent features, including six pockets, a padded double strap, and sturdy aluminium legs.

 

2. PING

PING began in 1959 when Karsten Solheim, a Norwegian engineer, sketched the design of what he believed to be the perfect putter on the back of a dust jacket of a 78 record. And whilst PING is still best known for its clubs today, it also manufactures of fantastic golf bags.

PING’s golf bags are famous for their functionality, good looks, and attention to detail—from their reliably waterproof materials to high-quality zips (nothing ruins a golf bag faster than poor-quality zips). The Hoofer bag line remains arguably PING’s standout golf bag for its versatility and comfort.

 

3. Sun Mountain Sports

Sun Mountain was founded in the US, in Missoula, Montana, back in 1981, and has grown into a world-leading manufacturer of golf equipment, apparel, and accessories.

The company has become such a success due to its unremitting focus on innovative, first-of-their-kind products. Sun Mountain’s golf bags are made by designers who are avid golfers who understand what players need from a bag. Their E-Z Fit Dual Strap System is much loved for its comfort, whilst Sun Mountain’s waterproof and stand bags are also particularly popular.

Other golf bag brands

Other excellent golf bag brands include:

  • OGIO
  • Cobra
  • Stewart
  • Motocaddy

 

What are the best golf shoe brands?

1. FootJoy

Founded way back in 1857, FootJoy is a golf clothing company based in Massachusetts that’s most famous for making golf shoes, gloves, clothing, and accessories.

FootJoy is the US’ most popular golf shoe brand, but its golf shoes are praised worldwide. FootJoy has dominated the golf shoe market for way over a century thanks to its dedication to comfort, durability, and aesthetics. The brand offers a wide range of golf shoes today—from traditional leather to modern athletic designs—whilst their long-running customisation service has kept the brand at the forefront of the market and a household name, too.

 

2. Adidas

Whilst the largest sportswear manufacturer in Europe, and the second largest in the US (after Nike), is better known for its athletics and fashion shoes, Adidas has also applied its expertise to making great golf shoes.

Adidas has a history of incorporating the latest athletic technology in its golfing shoes, including the Boost technology which offers exceptional cushioning. Adidas’ spikeless designs provide versatility and style, whilst still giving plenty of grip.

 

3. Nike

Adidas isn’t the only footwear brand that makes golf shoes. Nike, the US sports footwear giant, has been making golf shoes since 1984 when it launched its first Turnberry golf shoes.

Nike is known for excellence in sports performance and that’s just as true for its golf shoes as its other footwear. Models like the Air Zoom Victory Tour (based on Nike’s iconic Air Zoom range) have cemented Nike’s reputation with professional and amateur golfers, with the Nike Air Zoom Victory Tour 3 currently impressing golfers, too.

Nike Golf shoes excel in blending performance with contemporary style. Lightweight and designed for optimal grip, Nike’s offerings are favoured by players who value both functionality and fashion.

Other golf shoe brands

The following are also great brands for golf shoes:

  • Under Armour
  • G/FORE
  • Puma
  • Ecco

 

What are the best golf clothing brands?

1. Nike

As well as its excellent golf shoes, Nike also makes some of the best golf clothing you’ll find on the market.

Nike has long pioneered performance in its fabrics, alongside style, and that carries over into its golf ranges. Nike makes jumpers, polo shirts, golf trousers, shorts, skirts, dresses, and more, in a range of designs. And it’s all made using performance technology, including breathable, moisture-wicking, and thermal fabrics. You’ll see Nike’s golfing gear worn by plenty of stars, including Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.

 

2. Under Armour

Although Under Armour initially made American football sportswear, it branched out into golf clothes in 2002.

Today, you’ll see the Under Armour logo on plenty of golf courses, thanks to its focus on performance materials that are famed for helping players adapt to weather conditions. This includes its HeatGear and ColdGear collections.

 

3. Puma

Founded in Germany in 1948, Puma is now the third-largest sportswear brand in the world. Puma first made its move into golf clothing in 2006, and into golf equipment in 2010 when it bought Cobra Golf (a manufacturer of golf clubs and other gear).

While Puma sells more traditional-looking golf clothing, it also makes plenty of bolder, standout items—especially its iconic pattern print short-sleeved shirts, polo shirts, and dresses. 

Other golf clothing brands

Other top brands in golf clothing include:

  • Original Penguin
  • Peter Millar
  • TravisMathew
  • G/FORE
  • Lululemon

 

What are the best golf technology brands?

1. Garmin

The maker of sat-nav technology originally made its name with pioneering GPS navigation systems for commercial and private vehicles. However, Garmin has continued to innovate and quickly moved into developing handheld navigation devices.

Making gadgets specially designed for the golf course was a natural extension for Garmin. Today, it offers an excellent range of golf GPS devices, most notably golf watches. Not only will a GPS golf watch give you accurate distance measurements along pre-loaded maps of courses, but models like the Garmin Approach S70 will also track your shots and make suggestions.

 

2. Bushnell

Established in the US in 1948 by David P. Bushnell after returning from Japan with two crates of binoculars to sell by mail order, Bushnell grew into a leading manufacturer of sporting optical devices.

Bushnell makes a range of gadgets for the golf course, including GPS watches and launch monitors. But if GPS isn’t your thing, or you want a device to complement it, Bushnell is best known for its rangefinders. Simple (and honestly, great fun) to use, its rangefinders use laser technology to measure distances with reliable accuracy. Models like the Bushnell Tour V6 Shift Golf Rangefinder use anti-wobble Jolt technology to improve accuracy, have large and clear displays and are made from durable, weather-resistant materials.

 

3. TrackMan

Founded in Denmark in 2003 by brothers and dedicated golfers Klaus and Morten Eldrup-Jørgensen, TrackMan develops radar devices used for tracking the flight of balls during sports.

Whilst TrackMan’s devices are also used in sports like baseball and American Football, the brand’s real focus and passion is golf. TrackMan makes a selection of cutting-edge launch monitors.

Placed behind and to the side of you, the launch monitor tracks the movement of your club, as well as the flight of your ball and how it lands. This allows you to analyse your swing in a way no other gadget can. TrackMan launch monitors are even equipped with cameras so you can film your swing and watch it back afterwards. They’re an excellent way to fine-tune and improve your game—you can even compare your swing to professional golfers!

Other golf technology brands

There’s so much helpful technology out there, thanks to golf brands that truly know the game inside out. You can also take a look at:

  • G-Rip for club grips, especially its grip trainers
  • HackMotion for swing analysers and training aids
  • PGM for golf nets and putting mats

How to hit a draw shot in golf

Posted by & filed under Playing Tips.

Whether you’re new to golf or you’ve been playing for a little while, you’ve probably heard the term ‘draw’ thrown around when it comes to shot shaping.

A draw is a shot that many golfers hope to perfect, but for some, it can seem hard to master. So, let’s break it down and take a closer look at how to hit a draw shot in golf.

In this guide, we’ll go over the basics of what a draw shot is, why you might want to hit one, and how to practice so you can start pulling off that sweet, controlled curve. 

 

What is a draw shot in golf?

A draw golf shot is a type of shot that starts off straight or slightly to the right of your target and then curves gently from right to left (for right-handed golfers). It’s often the chosen shot shape for many golfers because it allows for more distance and better control, especially with a driver. If you’re a right-handed golfer, hitting a draw can add extra length to your shots, thanks to the ball’s spin.

For left-handed golfers, the ball would start to the left and curve back to the right. The draw shot is often confused with a hook, but there’s a key difference. While both shots curve from right to left (for right-handers), a hook is much more extreme and uncontrolled, whereas a draw is a smooth, intentional curve.

 

Why should golfers hit a draw?

There are several reasons why learning how to hit a draw shot in golf can be helpful to your game:

  • Increased distance: A draw has more roll upon landing because of the right-to-left spin. This means you can get longer distances compared to a straight shot.
  • Better control: For most golfers, a draw is a more controllable shot than others, particularly in windier conditions.
  • Helps with accuracy: A draw can be a great weapon for shaping your shots around doglegs or avoiding obstacles such as trees on the course. If you know how to hit a draw, you can more easily navigate trickier fairways.
  • Preferred by pros: Many professional golfers prefer hitting a draw because it helps them increase their distance and gives them more consistency. 

 

How do you hit a draw shot?

Hitting a draw uses a mix of technique, control, and an understanding of ball flight laws. Let’s look at the essential steps to help you hit a draw shot that will make your golfing buddies take notice.

 

1. Check your grip

Your grip is one of the most important factors in hitting a draw. A grip that’s too weak (where your hands are rotated too far to the left on the club) will make it difficult to get the right spin to create a draw. To hit a draw, you need a grip that’s a bit stronger.

How to adjust your grip

  • Right-handed golfers: Turn your hands slightly to the right so you can see 2–3 knuckles of your left hand when holding the club. This will naturally encourage a closed clubface (the club face is angled slightly to the left of the target line at impact), which is key to generating that right-to-left spin.
  • Left-handed golfers: You’ll need to do the opposite; rotate your hands slightly to the left to get that same closed clubface effect.

 

2. Set up with an open stance

Your stance plays a crucial role in hitting a draw. For right-handed golfers, you’ll want to position yourself so that your body is aligned slightly left of the target (but the clubface will still aim at the target).

How to set up your stance

  • Position your feet, hips, and shoulders slightly to the left of your target.
  • The clubface should remain aimed directly at the target (or slightly right of it). 

This is important because you want the clubface to be slightly closed relative to your swing path when you strike the ball, which helps to produce the draw.

 

3. Swing path – inside to outside

The swing path is the key to hitting a draw shot. To create the right spin, you need to follow a specific path. Essentially, your swing should travel on an inside-to-outside path through the ball.

How to achieve an inside-to-out swing path:

  • As you start your downswing, focus on bringing the club down inside the target line, then swinging it out toward the right of your target (for right-handed golfers).
  • This helps the clubface make contact with the ball at an angle that produces a draw-spin.
  • Avoid coming over the top, which will lead to a slice.

 

4. Clubface – slightly closed at impact

A draw shot is all about how you manage your clubface and swing path when you hit the ball. To get the proper right-to-left curve, the clubface needs to be slightly closed at impact in relation to your swing path.

How to manage the clubface

  • Keep the clubface angled slightly to the right of the target during the downswing.
  • When you hit the ball, make sure that the clubface is square to the swing path, but slightly closed to the target line.
  • Be careful not to overdo it, as too much closure can turn your draw into a hook.

 

5. Follow through

Your follow-through should be a natural extension of your swing path. After impact, continue your swing on the inside-to-outside path and finish with your body rotating towards the target.

How to finish your swing:

  • Focus on finishing high and to the left (for right-handed golfers), which will support the right-to-left spin on the ball.
  • A high follow-through can also help you maximise distance and control.

 

Practising the draw shot

Now that you know the key steps to hitting a draw, let’s talk about how you can practice and get better at it. Here are some tips and drills to help you develop consistency and confidence with your draw shots.

 

1. The Half-Swing Drill

One of the best ways to develop a proper inside-to-out swing path is to practice with a half-swing. This will help you focus on your path and clubface position without getting too caught up in power.

How to do it:

  • Set up with a standard stance, but only make a half-swing.
  • Focus on swinging inside-to-out and ensuring the clubface is slightly closed at impact.
  • Gradually increase the swing length as you get more comfortable with the draw shape.

 

2. The Alignment Stick Drill

To make sure you’re properly aligning your body for a draw, use alignment sticks to set up visual guides. 

How to do it:

  • Place an alignment stick on the ground along your target line.
  • Set another stick a few feet to the left of the first stick (for right-handed golfers) to represent the inside-to-out swing path.
  • Practice swinging along this path while keeping your clubface slightly closed at impact.

 

3. Track your ball flight

When out on the course, use markers or targets to track the flight of your ball. Watch the curve. If the ball isn’t curving to the left, it might mean your clubface is too open, or your swing path isn’t quite right. The more you practice, the more you’ll start to perfect that draw.

 

Ready to give it a go?

Learning how to hit a draw shot in golf takes practice, but once you master it, you’ll be able to shape your shots with greater precision and power. Whether you’re aiming to avoid obstacles or gain extra yards, the draw shot can be one of your most useful weapons on the course.

Remember, the key is to focus on grip, stance, swing path, and clubface control. Start with smaller, controlled shots and gradually build up to full swings. With time and dedication, you’ll be hitting those beautiful, controlled draws like a pro.

7 golf chipping tips to enhance your game

Posted by & filed under Golf Tips.

If you’re just starting out on your golf journey, you’ll no doubt be looking at how you can improve your chipping game to lower your scores.

You’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll look at some essential golf chipping tips that can take your short game to the next level.

 

What is chipping?

To tee off, let’s answer the most basic question: what is chipping?

Chipping is a short game technique used to hit the ball close to the green, typically from around 20 to 40 yards. The goal is to get the ball up in the air briefly and then have it roll towards the hole. Unlike a full swing, chipping involves a more controlled and precise motion with a much shorter swing.

Chipping is an important skill in golf because it makes up a significant part of your game. Whether you’re trying to save par after missing the green or looking to improve your approach shots, effective chipping can save you plenty of strokes. When you’re faced with a tricky chip shot, mastering it can make the difference between a frustrating double bogey and a satisfying par.

Here, we’ll cover several golf chipping tips to help you hit more consistent shots. Read on to find out more. 

 

Why you need to work on your chipping game

Before we get into the tips, let’s discuss why chipping is so important.

Chipping isn’t just about hitting the ball onto the green, it’s about controlling the ball and reducing the number of shots it takes to get to the hole.

A poor chip can leave you with a longer distance to putt or, worse, a tricky second chip to get to the green. A good chip allows you to reduce your shots by setting up an easier putt.

Practising your chipping allows you to be more consistent in these situations, which can shave a few strokes off your score over time.

 

Top golf chipping tips to improve your game

Now that you understand what chipping is and why it matters, let’s look at some chipping tips that you can start working on today.

 

1. Use the right club for the job

One of the most common mistakes golfers make when chipping is reaching for the wrong club. While a pitching wedge is a go-to for many, it’s important to know when to use different clubs based on the conditions and distance.

  • Shorter chips: Use a higher-lofted club like a sand wedge or lob wedge.
  • Longer chips: A pitching wedge or 9-iron might be a better choice for a longer chip where the ball can roll more.

The more comfortable you get with different clubs, the more options you’ll have for different chip shots near the green.

 

2. Focus on your grip

Your grip plays a huge role in the control and consistency of your chip shots. A firm yet relaxed grip is ideal. Try not to overgrip the club, as this can lead to a stiff shot. Hold the club with your normal grip, but loosen your hands slightly to allow for more feel and touch. A lighter grip helps with smoother speed during the swing, making your chips more controlled.

 

3. Proper set up: feet close together, weight forward

A good stance is important for successful chipping. You’ll want your feet close together (about hip-width), which helps you control the shot with a solid base.

Here’s how:

  • Position the ball just slightly back in your stance, closer to your back foot
  • Tilt your upper body slightly toward the target
  • Keep your weight on your front foot (left foot or right-handed golfers) to help with a downward strike on the ball

This setup encourages a clean strike. It’s one of those golf chipping tips for beginners that can immediately make a big difference.

 

4. Chip with your hands, not your wrists

One of the best chipping golf tips is to remove wrist action from the shot. Many beginners tend to get too wristy, leading to inconsistent chips. Instead, focus on a smooth, controlled swing with your arms and shoulders.

  • As you swing back, use your shoulders to guide the motion
  • Keep your hands firm and steady
  • The key is to make the swing a natural, pendulum-like motion, using your body rotation rather than your wrists

This will help produce a more consistent strike.

 

5. Be smooth and controlled

Now you’re aware of using a motion like a pendulum, it’s important to control your power. Your upper body and arms should work together in a fluid motion, and your lower body should remain stable. Avoid any jerky movements, as this can throw off your timing and lead to poor shots.

A common mistake is to overcompensate by swinging too hard, trying to get more distance. Keep the motion smooth and controlled. With more practice, you’ll get a feel for how much swing is needed for different distances.

 

6. Practice your short game with focused drills

You need to practice regularly to improve your chipping—but practice doesn’t just mean randomly hitting chip shots. To get better at chipping, you need to make sure your practice sessions are focused and purposeful.

Here are a few drills to help you:

  • One-ball drill: Place a ball on the edge of the green and chip it to a specific target. Focus on hitting a precise spot and try to improve your accuracy with each chip.
  • Landing zone drill: Mark out a target area on the green and try to land your chips in that spot. The goal is to control both the height and distance of the ball.
  • Up and down challenge: Pick a spot on the course and challenge yourself to get up and down (chip and then putt) within two strokes.

By practising with a purpose, you’ll develop consistency and confidence in your short game.

 

7. Use your non-dominant hand

A fun and challenging drill to work on your chipping is to try hitting chips using only your non-dominant hand. This not only forces you to rely on your body rotation, but it also prevents you from getting too wristy.

While this might initially feel awkward, it helps build better control and awareness in your chipping technique. Over time, this will develop into more consistent and controlled chips with both hands.

 

How to practice chipping away from the course

You don’t always necessarily have to be on the course to work on your chipping. With a little creativity, you can practice your short game at home or on the driving range. Here are some chipping tips you can carry out without leaving your house.

  • Practice at home: A simple way to practice chipping is by setting up some makeshift targets indoors. You can use small cups or containers as targets and try to chip soft, controlled shots towards them. If you want to go the extra mile, you can even practice with foam or soft balls to ensure safety.

  • Use the driving range: At the driving range, don’t just focus on your driver. Spend time working on your short game by hitting chips with different clubs and distances. This allows you to practice in various conditions and fine-tune your skills.

  • Watch your progress: Keep track of your improvement over time. Whether it’s through a golf app or simply marking the areas you’ve been practising, tracking your progress can provide insights into where you need to focus more attention.

 

Chip away

Chipping may be one of the most overlooked aspects of the game, but it’s also one of the most important. Mastering it can significantly improve your overall game, reduce your score, and give you confidence when you’re near the green.

By following these golf chipping tips and committing to regular practice, you’ll soon notice a difference in the quality of your chip shots. Remember, it’s not about the perfect technique but rather the consistency and control you develop over time.

Is a relaxed dress code the key to youngsters playing golf?

Posted by & filed under Debates.

The article below was written by Matt Chivers of National Club Golfer.

Relaxing dress code rules has been vital to more youngsters visiting Paul Lawrie’s golf centre in Aberdeen, as the 1999 Open champion told the NCG Golf Podcast.

 

Dress code has been vital to the success of Paul Lawrie’s golf centre in Aberdeen.

When footfall at the 1999 Open champion’s thriving driving range took a turn, he investigated by asking youngsters why they stopped visiting the site in Royal Deeside.

“We certainly allow them to dress in any way that they feel comfortable when they come here for lessons and to play,” he told the NCG Golf Podcast.

“I think that’s important because when we first started the foundation, it was really, really busy, but then it tailed off for a while.

“I asked a few of the kids who hadn’t been for a while, what’s the story? ‘I don’t want to dress, I don’t want to change clothes to go and play golf’.

“You think wow! You’ve got to learn from stuff like that, you’ve got to ask the kids, what do you want? To a certain extent, they can’t do everything that they want.

“They’ve got to behave and they can’t shout and ball, but to a certain extent, they’ve got to be able to wear a hoodie, they’ve got to be able to wear leggings, joggers, so we’re not hard and fast.”

Golf’s worst-kept secret is its etiquette, and the style of clothing required at many golf clubs is part of this.

Many interpret this as a barrier to participation which inspires initiatives like Golf It! in Glasgow to take off.

As well as offering food stalls, a huge driving range and Toptracer screens galore, young golfers are under no pressure at Golf It! to wear tailored trousers or smart shoes.

In 2021, PGA chief executive Robert Maxfield said dress code is among the rules in golf that need relaxing to welcome more people to the golf course.

“I think we have to look at rules. I think we have to look at the way that golf clubs operate. I think we need to be more welcoming. We need to be more welcoming to kids. We need to be more welcoming to ethnic groups, to more women,” he said.

“We have to shake this label of being a middle-class, white male, dominated sport. I think we have to become more family-friendly.”

Relaxation in the sport’s rigid dress rules is no stranger to the highest level either. The likes of Tyrrell Hatton and Erik van Rooyen have respectively paved the way for hoodies and joggers in the past.

T-shirts have begun to evolve without collars and golf shoes look more like trainers by the day.

Lawrie, 55, took over the golf centre in 2012 and it now plays host to 24 hitting bays, a nine-hole par 3 course, three PGA coaching professionals, a custom-fitting bay, physiotherapy services and a coffee shop named Clarets.

The two-time European Ryder Cup member recognises the importance of tradition but also that enjoyment must outweigh the negative impact tradition can have on participation.

“I think you’ve got to be careful with children and we’ve learned that over the years where the most important thing you must put in them is, it’s fun,” he added.

“The old school and the old way of doing it was to make sure everyone dressed in a certain way and behaved in a certain way.

“I’m not saying that’s not important, but I think the most important thing and a lot of older people miss or lose is that kids aren’t having fun playing for a while in golf.

“Too many rules and too much ‘don’t stand here, don’t do this, don’t do that’.”

5 things to consider when buying a new putter

Posted by & filed under Golf Tips.

The article below was written by Nicola Slater of National Club Golfer.

Choosing the right putter can make a world of difference in your game. With so many putters on the market, it’s important to consider several factors to ensure you select a putter that suits your game.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the top 5 things to keep in mind when buying a new putter, from balance styles to grip preferences. Whether you’re a professional or just starting out, these expert putting tips will help you select your perfect putter.

 

1. Head shape

Perhaps the most obvious thing to consider when choosing a putter is the head shape. It’s visually the first thing that a golfer will observe.

There are different styles to consider, blade style putters or mallets. Mallet putters tend to be the preference of high handicappers or player’s as they offer a larger sweet spot. The greater head weight also helps provide more stability in the stroke.

A blade on the other hand will give a golfer more feel, control and precision. However, this isn’t to say a high handicapper shouldn’t use them, it’s just general guidance.

On top of this there are the different variations of both these styles. This is more so the case with mallet putters as there can be more design options. This includes two ball, fang, square and many more. There is no right or wrong shape to use but it’s worth testing out a few options as what looks great on the shelf doesn’t always suit your eye on the greens.

 

2. Putter balancing styles

A lot of golfer’s might not have a lot of awareness around the workings of their putter. Putters have different centre of gravities that help with what the face does. There are three different types, toe balanced, face balanced and counter balanced.

Toe balance putters

This is where the putter’s COG (centre of gravity) is toe bias. This causes the putter head to rotate open and closed during a stroke. 

Who it’s for?

Ideal for golfers who have an arc-shaped putting stroke. Where the putter face opens and closes during the stroke as it helps follow that natural arc.

 

Face balance putters

This putter type is designed to help with a COG near the middle of the head. This means that it prevents the face from rotating open or closed during the stroke. 

Who it’s for?

A face balanced putter works best for those golfers who has a straight-back, straight-through putting stroke. With a lack of face rotation in their stroke, a face balanced putter mirrors this with no rotation.

 

How to check which putter style you have

This isn’t something that’s obvious visually when just looking at a putter. As shown above, the best way to check is by placing the putter shaft on your index finger, close to the head. The putter should be able to balance perfect on your finger, allowing you to see how the face hangs. 

A putter where the face is pointing to the sky is face balanced. If the toe is toe is down, then it’s a toe balanced putter.

 

Counterbalance putters

They are a few inches longer than normal putters but, crucially, don’t come into contact with your belly or chest and so will be a style you can continue to use next year when the anchoring ban comes into effect. They feature a heavier head than is usual and additional weight at the top of the grip. The idea is that the putter head wants to keep moving forward and the weight in the grip is also pushing it through.

A counterbalance putter has extra weight added either to the grip or the top of the shaft to help stabilise the putting stroke. This design shifts the balance point further up the shaft, which allows the player to use a lighter grip and maintain better control over the putter’s movement.

Who it’s for?

This type of putter is especially beneficial for golfers with a quicker or shaky putting stroke or those who tend to have less control in their hands and wrists. The added weight at the top helps reduces wrist movement and promoting a smoother, more controlled stroke.

 

3. Beware of soft inserts

A lot of putters are designed with fast, smooth, close-cropped American greens in mind. If your usual surfaces are a little more woolly than that, and with the occasional bobble, then you might want something a little different.

It’s great having a soft insert in the face that gives you extra feel when facing a slick downhiller, but not so good when your uphill 15-footer never threatens the hole.

It just isn’t that often here in the UK that we face greens stimping at 10 and above. So unless your home course is one of the exceptions then we suggest you think of using a putter that has a slightly crisper fee.

 

4. Grip change it all

Golf grips come in different shapes and sizes. With so many to choose from it can be quite overwhelming so here’s a breakdown of what each style helps with.

A standard slimmer grip size tends to be the preference for players who enjoy to feel their putts more.

Oversized grips are were popularised by SuperStroke through Jordan Spieth with a runaway Masters and US Open Champion win. The theory behind these oversize grips is that they will make your stroke smoother by taking the small muscles in your hands out of the equation.

Wrist lock putters allows the wrist to sit along the grip. The concept behind this is that it remove the use of the wrists, helping create a better stroke. 

Reverse taper grips are a style of grip where the grip is wider on the lower part of the grip and gets slimmer as it goes up. The concept behind this is that it reduces the movement in the lower hand.

Changing your grip can give the feeling of a completely different putter. So if you have lost confidence with your current flatstick, a great option is to change the grip rather than abandon the putter completely.

 

5. Alignment is everything

Our eyes and brains work in different ways. What works for one golfer may confuse the next one. Starting the ball off on line is the most important part of putting and so finding a putter that helps do this is crucial.

Different brands have different alignment aids on their putters, some thicker liner, some thin and even some without. Figuring out which best suits you is important, so it’s worth testing out different styles.

Below shows a three different putter alignment styles. In the top left corner the RAM that has with three thin lines. Top right is the Odyssey with a much larger white line the frame the ball. Mizuno is bottom left with one singular thin line and the classic Odyssey Two Ball has two circles “balls” as per the name.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the right putter is a crucial step in improving your performance on the greens. Factors like face balance style and grip might get overlooked but they’re actually important to consider. Take the time to test different options and find what feels best for you.

Which England footballers are the best golfers?

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The article below was written by Matt Chivers of National Club Golfer.

Golf is a massively popular sport among professional footballers. More and more have become involved in the game both during and after their careers.

They often pop up in celebrity Pro-Ams before tournaments get underway and if you’re Gareth Bale, they can become invested in the sport on a regular basis.

Footballers are often the envy of mere mortals who can barely hit the crossbar from 12 yards, but it is common that they excel with a golf club in their hands too.

Events such as the Reignwood Icons of Football event on Sky Sports are where footballers jump at the chance to hit the golf course. The event in Bangkok is held from March 1-2 and sees two teams of 12 players captained by Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia compete.

Westwood is captaining Team England and Garcia is captaining Team World with the likes of Luis Figo, Gianfranco Zola and Carlos Tevez playing. Each player will take on the richest hole in golf – the par-3 12th hole at Robinswood Golf Course with a $10 million pot on the line.

Without further delay, let’s go through some of the most passionate golfers among England footballers and discover what handicap each former player has.

 

Footballers golf handicaps

 

Jimmy Bullard

Handicap: Scratch

The former Hull City, Wigan and Fulham star suffered terribly with injuries throughout the latter stages of his career, giving him plenty of time to hit the course. Bullard turned pro in 2013 after persistent knee injury troubles and appeared on the EuroPro Tour as recently as 2013.

He is now seen on the golf course more than ever. He is a presenter on Tubes and Ange Golf Life, a golf YouTube channel set up by Peter ‘Tubes’ Dale, a cult star from the now-defunct Soccer AM of Sky Sports.

 

John Terry

Handicap: 7.5

Former Chelsea and England defender John Terry played in the BMW PGA Championship Pro-Am at Wentworth in 2023 where his handicap was down on the list at 7.5. However, it was also revealed that his handicap had gone down as low as 1.1.

 

Phil Jones

Handicap: 21-32?

It isn’t clear what former Manchester United and England defender Phil Jones plays off, but he is a very keen golfer and couldn’t find time while playing at Old Trafford for 12 years.

“I love everything about the game. I love the competitive streak you can have with friends, and I’ve played in a few pro-ams post-career. You always get those little jitters and those little nerves before the start of a game, and I don’t think there’s anything that can relate to that,” he told the Mirror.

 

Jermain Jenas

Handicap: 3

Former England and Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas is a very decent golfer. At the 2023 BMW PGA Championship pro-am, his mark was 3 so he has spent much time on the course since retiring in 2014.

 

Paul Ince

Handicap: 7

A general on the pitch and clearly one on the fairways, Paul Ince plays off 7. He played for England, Manchester United, Liverpool and Inter Milan during his illustrious career.

 

Joe Hart

Handicap: 14

Joe Hart was England’s No.1 goalkeeper for many years and won two Premier League titles and two FA Cups with Manchester City. The towering stopper from Shrewsbury plays off 14 – pretty solid.

 

Robbie Fowler

Handicap: 7

According to a few reports from the last 12 months, Robbie Fowler plays off 7, another single-figure former footballer. He is a legend of Liverpool, scoring over 260 goals in two stints for the club.

 

Paul Scholes

Handicap: 4

Paul Scholes is a very handy player. He has been seen at many celebrity pro-ams down the years and is a popular figure in Manchester having won 11 Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues.

 

Lee Sharpe

Handicap: Scratch

Lee Sharpe is another former Manchester United player who loves golf. He has been down to scratch for a while now and also joined forces with American Golf in a line of clothing with Stromberg.

 

Teddy Sheringham

Handicap: 4

It seems Teddy Sheringham has the same mark as Paul Scholes, according to different reports. He is a massive lover of the game and has been since retiring from a career that saw him win three Premier League titles, a Champions League and an FA Cup.

 

Theo Walcott

Handicap: 10

Theo Walcott is one of many former footballers to have played in the BMW PGA Championship pro-am at Wentworth. It seems he plays off 10 and has enjoyed the game since spending his career at Southampton, Arsenal and Everton.