The Genesis Invitational

Torrey Pines Golf Course (South Course)



    Golf Digest Logo Hot List

    Best Blade Putters: Look / Sound / Feel

    January 21, 2025

    The best clubs in each category of the Hot List reflect excellence across an array of criteria. For Look/Sound/Feel in blade putters, our judges evaluate how our players respond to the sensations of using the clubs. Although sound is often equated to feel, our 32 testers understand that what they hear isn’t always representative of the feedback. They also know what they prefer to see at address. Essentially, the Look score is a scale of a player’s enthusiasm to use the putter. Sound and Feel reflect how much the player receives sufficient and ideal feedback for center and off-center strikes. In our process, the ideas of Look/Sound/Feel are intangibles, things you know beyond any regimented way of quantifying. Here you’ll see how our players evaluated blade putters based on each player’s interpretation of Look/Sound/Feel, with each putter earning a minimum score of 4.5 stars. Note: The star rating is for the collection of models under a specific family (e.g., Ai-One family, Studio Style family).

    Bettinardi Queen B
    $450 | Golf Galaxy
    4.5
    GD SCORE GD HOT LIST SCORE
    Hot List Gold
    $450
    The five blade models are milled from 303 stainless steel and feature traditional and wide-body looks. The new models reposition the center of gravity for a balanced stroke with a larger, more centered sweet spot. The five models offer five necks to better match a player’s stroke pattern and preferred look at address. The face pattern uses mini-honeycomb milling marks to provide a responsive but firm feel that’s softer than Bettinardi’s traditional honeycomb pattern. The heads are finished with a “Royal Rose” PVD treatment for greater ball-putter-green contrast. Top 5 in Performance, low-handicaps Models: QB6, QB8, QB6 SBS, QB8 Center, QB16. Head weights: 362 grams. Lengths: 33-38 inches. Loft: 3 degrees.
    Odyssey Ai-One
    $300 | Golf Galaxy
    5.0
    GD SCORE GD HOT LIST SCORE
    Hot List Gold
    $300
    Designers used AI and machine learning to develop the back of the insert’s asymmetrical variable-thickness pattern to improve off-center speed and roll. Designers explored more than 2,000 design versions of the insert to get the best off-center-hit consistency. The urethane coating over the soft-aluminum face insert matches that of the company’s highly favored White Hot material for soft feel. A new “Silver Series” finish joins the previously released dark blue aesthetic. Lineup includes traditional heel-toe weighted plumber’s neck blades with a wider-body option. Head shapes were developed with tour-player input and prototypes created with 3-D printing, changing the turnaround time from months to weeks. Heel and toe sole weights allow the head weight to align with shaft length and a player’s stroke type. A longer and heavier “Cruiser” version targets golfers looking to reduce hand action in their strokes. Top 5 in Performance, high-handicaps Models: #1, #2, Double Wide CH, Double Wide DB. Head weights: 360 grams. Lengths: 33-35 inches. Loft: 3 degrees.
    Odyssey Ai-One Milled
    $450 | Golf Galaxy
    5.0
    GD SCORE GD HOT LIST SCORE
    Hot List Gold
    $450
    A thin titanium face insert creates micro-deflections to improve off-center impacts. Designers used AI and machine learning to develop the asymmetrical variable-thickness pattern on the back of the insert to improve off-center speed and roll. Designers explored more than 2,000 design versions of the insert to get the best off-center-hit consistency. Head shapes were developed with tour-player input and prototypes created with 3-D printing, changing the turnaround time from months to weeks. A longer and heavier “Cruiser” version targets those looking to reduce hand action in their strokes. Top 5 in Performance, middle-handicaps Models: One T, One Wide T, Two T. Head weights: 355 grams. Lengths: 33-35 inches. Loft: 3 degrees.
    Titleist Scotty Cameron Studio Style
    $500 | Golf Galaxy
    5.0
    GD SCORE GD HOT LIST SCORE
    Hot List Gold
    $500
    These familiar head and hosel styles received a bold upgrade in the form of a carbon-steel face insert for a softer feel. The insert is fused to the milled stainless-steel body and an aerospace-level vibration-damping adhesive. Although carbon steel can typically degrade, this insert uses a chemical process to protect the steel, enhance hardness and preserve feel. The face insert features a chain-link-style milling pattern developed with tour-player input to produce a softer feel and consistent speed off the face. As has been the case for two decades, the body is milled from 303 stainless steel. Top 5 in Performance, all handicaps Models: Newport, Newport Plus, Newport 2, Newport 2 Plus, Newport 2.5 Plus, Squareback, Squareback 2, Catalina. Head weights: 345, 355, 365 grams. Lengths: 33-35 inches. Loft: 3.5 degrees.
    Kevin Burns Custom Series
    $500 | Golf Galaxy
    4.5
    GD SCORE GD HOT LIST SCORE
    Hot List Gold
    $500
    These classic styles can be adjusted to match the golfer’s setup, stroke and tendencies. Putters are also milled to the golfer’s specs to maintain the proper center of gravity and for appearance. Four neck styles can be interchanged with any head style in the line. Custom-fit putters can be finished and assembled on-site in 30 minutes. Designs are custom milled from 303 stainless steel for a softer feel. Optional face treatment features rows of pyramid-shaped milling marks to create a softer feel and promote a consistent initial roll. Top 5 in Performance, low- and middle-handicaps Models: 9306 2.0, 9307. Head weights: 340, 350, 360 grams. Lengths: 32-37 inches. Loft: 2.5 degrees.
    Meridian Milled Series
    $250 | Golf Galaxy
    4.5
    GD SCORE GD HOT LIST SCORE
    Hot List Gold
    $250
    These classic and customizable models use a unique electrical-discharge machining process with robotic manufacturing to lower the cost. The process cuts as many as a dozen starter blanks out of a large block of stainless steel with five-axis milling machines dialing in each angle and curve. The four blade models include the Savannah, a new wide-body plumber’s neck, and multiple hosel options to fit different stroke types. Players can also choose from one of four face-milling patterns. Face types include the soft Meridian cut, firm Smooth cut, mid-soft Fine Fly cut and the mid-firm Tack cut. The taller face height increases the likelihood of solid contact and consistent roll. Top 5 in Performance, low- and middle-handicaps Models: Savannah, Seaside, Charleston, Okatie. Head weights: 330, 360-370 grams. Lengths: 33-35 inches. Loft: 3 degrees.
    Ping PLD Milled
    $450 | Golf Galaxy
    5.0
    GD SCORE GD HOT LIST SCORE
    Hot List Gold
    $450
    Three new takes on historic Ping models, including the iconic Anser heel-toe weighted plumber’s neck blade. The designs are a product of Ping’s engineers working with the company’s tour staff. The new shallow milling pattern creates a more responsive impact while maintaining a soft feel. The precision CNC milling process takes 75 to 100 minutes per head, and the heads are made from 303 stainless steel. The plumber’s neck Anser (350 grams) and heavier, wide-sole Anser 2D (365 grams) favor arcing strokes. The double-bend shaft on the Kushin works best with straighter strokes. Top 5 in Performance, low- and high-handicaps Models: Anser 30, Anser 4D, Kushin. Head weights: 355 grams (Anser 30, Kushin), 365 grams (Anser 4D). Lengths: 34-35 inches. Loft: 3 degrees.
    Ping Scottsdale
    $270 | Golf Galaxy
    4.5
    GD SCORE GD HOT LIST SCORE
    Hot List Gold
    $270
    Compared to the single-piece milled versions in the company’s line, these models provide more forgiveness with a greater resilient face material. The polymer material in the face, known as Pebax, is found in running shoes. It stretches the width of the face to provide a consistent energy transfer and soft feel. The array of models accommodates strokes with a slight arc (Anser, Anser 2D, B63) and those with a stronger arc (Anser 4). The standard grip is the SuperStroke Tour 2.0 PT for consistent feel. Top 5 in Performance, low- and high-handicaps Models: Anser, Anser 2D, Anser 4, B63. Head weights: 345 grams (Anser, Anser 4), 350 grams (B63), 360 grams (Anser 2D). Lengths: 34-35 inches. Loft: 3 degrees