Equipment

(The following article first appeared in the April 2011 edition of Golf Canada Magazine)

On a standard par-72 golf course two shots per green are devoted to putting. That's 36 shots. No one requires a PhD in mathematics to figure out 50 percent of your scorecard in golf is dictated by what you do during a round with your putter.

This number puts this equipment category in its proper perspective. It illustrates how putters should command as much or more attention than any other piece of your equipment despite its reference as golf's most personal club.

Modern technology has made putters far more concise; more stable; better feeling through the stroke and more 'confident' looking in the playing position. The putter manufacturers have done so through functional means. More responsive insert technology, improved weighting and more effective sight lines are only a few of the key measures incorporated into today's putter styles.

Once again the category is split in 2011 with a range of mallet styles and blade putters. Where should you start? Try a putter fitting. Depending on the type of stroke and game you have putter head style, face insert, length, grip size and even shaft choice are all critical to getting the best product into your bag.

* BUYERS TIP: With putters, if you like to balance back and forth on a straight line, then a mallet is the answer. If you are more of an artist, then a blade is best

(All buyer's tips are courtesy Constant Priondolo, head professional at La Vallee Du Richelieu in Ste-Julie, Quebec)