The Genesis Invitational

Torrey Pines Golf Course (South Course)



    Golf Digest Logo Hot List

    Best Blade Putters of 2025

    January 21, 2025

    The shapes of the models in this category haven’t varied much since the first Ping Anser appeared in 1966. There have been subtle shifts in design and technological advances during the past half-century, but the milled models you see today remain true to their iconic roots. That’s not to say you could grab a 50-year-old blade and putt just as well with it. Green speeds and what we now know about how the ball rolls at impact and even the putting stroke itself have brought about meaningful changes to the functionality of blades that make them perform better. Here are the top blade putters in the game today as determined by our Hot List process, which evaluates excellence across three criteria: Look/Sound/Feel, Innovation and Performance.

    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.
    Evnroll V-Series
    450 | Golf Galaxy
    4.5
    GD SCORE GD HOT LIST SCORE
    Hot List Gold
    450
    Evnroll takes a versatile approach to traditional blade putters (hence, the “V”) with hosels that attach via a typical torque wrench. The two hosel options include short-slant or short-plumber configurations. Completely milled from 303 stainless steel, this slightly wider-body blade adds stability with tungsten or steel sole weights in the heel and toe. Through a fitting, the sole weights match up to meet the optimum swing weight for different lengths and can be switched to match different stroke tendencies. The familiar face-milling pattern features grooves that vary in width and spacing for consistent energy transfer. The design of the grooves creates a wide angle that redirects heel and toe mis-hits back toward the centerline. Top 5 in Look, high-handicaps Models: V2. Head weights: 340, 355, 370 grams. Lengths: 33-35 inches. Loft: 2 degrees.
    Evnroll Zero
    450 | Golf Galaxy
    4.5
    GD SCORE GD HOT LIST SCORE
    Hot List Gold
    450
    The unique reverse plumber’s-neck hosel helps to shift the putter’s balance point between shaft and head to make it easier to square the face at impact. The benefit of the hosel is that unlike other designs that reduce or eliminate torsional resistance, this version does not force the hands forward with an angled shaft. Because the shaft is aligned with the head’s center of mass, the putter face stays square to the path of the stroke to eliminate unreliable hand action. The familiar face milling pattern features grooves that vary in width and spacing for consistent energy transfer across the face. The design of the grooves creates a wide angle that redirects heel and toe mis-hits back toward the centerline. Steel and tungsten sole weights in the heel and toe provide stability and match the head weight to each shaft length for consistent swing weight. Top 5 in Performance, high-handicaps Models: Z2s. Head weights: 365, 380 grams. Lengths: 33-35 inches. Loft: 3 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.
    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.
    Odyssey Ai-One Square 2 Square
    $300 | Golf Galaxy
    4.5
    GD SCORE GD HOT LIST SCORE
    Hot List Gold
    $300
    New weighting keeps the shaft in line with the head’s center of gravity so that the face angle naturally remains square to the stroke path. The shaft angle’s built-in forward press encourages consistent contact with the center of the face. 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. Counterbalanced “Stroke Lab” shaft improves consistency in impact location. Top 5 in Performance, middle-handicaps Models: Double Wide. Head weights: 360 grams. Lengths: 33-35. 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
    PXG Battle Ready II
    $390 | Golf Galaxy
    4.5
    GD SCORE GD HOT LIST SCORE
    Hot List Gold
    $390
    These traditional shapes focus on custom-fitting with an array of hosel options from heel-shafted to armlock. Like the company’s hollow-body irons, an internal polymer filling reinforces the center of the ultra-thin faces to enhance rebound, feel and forgiveness. The face gets thinner than a penny, which saves mass that’s redistributed to the perimeter. Rows of pyramid shapes on the face help modulate ball speed for consistency on mis-hits and for a softer sound at impact. Heel and toe weights in the sole are designed to provide stability and to help dial in the swingweight for the putter length. Top 5 in Performance, high-handicaps Models: Dagger+, Brandon, Closer, Mustang. Head weights: 325-415 grams. Lengths: 33-38 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.
    Bettinardi Antidote
    $430 | Golf Galaxy
    4.0
    GD SCORE GD HOT LIST SCORE
    Hot List Silver
    $430
    With the shaft in line with the head’s center of gravity, the face angle stays square to the path of your stroke. The key to the design is how the weight is centered in the head using a lightweight, aircraft-grade aluminum insert in the pocket cavity. The body on this wider-style blade is milled from 303 stainless steel. The grooved milling pattern on the face displaces more than half of the steel from the surface, creating a more responsive feel. The blast finish reduces glare at address. Available in a longer and heavier counterbalanced version to minimize hand action during the stroke. Top 5 in Sound/Feel, high-handicaps Models: SB1. Head weights: 360, 400 grams. Lengths: 33-39 inches. Loft: 3 degrees.
    Cleveland HB Soft 2 Black
    $200 | Golf Galaxy
    4.0
    GD SCORE GD HOT LIST SCORE
    Hot List Silver
    $200
    The three models cater to two stroke types (straight on the #8C and a slight arc on the #1 and #8S). Models also feature different style grips depending on the stroke type, specifically an oversize pistol for quieting the hands on the straight-stroke putter and a classic pistol for ease of activating the arcing stroke. The dense milling pattern at the center of the face becomes looser toward the heel and toe so that mis-hits receive more energy at impact for consistency across the face. The milling pattern matches up with each head’s relative forgiveness on off-center hits to further optimize ball speed on heel, toe and center hits. The 35-inch models use a 20-gram counterbalance weight under the grip to maintain a similar swing feel as the 34-inch models. Top 5 in Performance, high-handicaps Models: #1, #8S, #8C. Head weights: 355, 365 grams. Lengths: 34, 35 inches. Loft: 3 degrees.
    Cobra Vintage
    $250 | Golf Galaxy
    4.0
    GD SCORE GD HOT LIST SCORE
    Hot List Silver
    $250
    Used extensively in running shoes, the polymer in the face insert is known for its capacity to be soft and resilient in returning energy to the ball at impact. The insert’s low density saves weight in the face that finds its way to the heel and toe sections for additional stability on off-center hits. Four loft sections up and down the face provide consistent launch and speed. Having less loft low on the face and more loft high on the face optimizes launch whether the putter is contacting the ball on the downstroke or upswing. A clubfitter can adjust the putter’s total swingweight by altering the interchangeable weights in the heel and toe. Models: Sport 40, Sport 60, Widesport. Head weights: 330-390 grams. Lengths: 34-35 inches. Loft: 1-4 degrees.
    Mizuno M.Craft OMOI
    $300 | Golf Galaxy
    4.0
    GD SCORE GD HOT LIST SCORE
    Hot List Silver
    $300
    The stock heads are almost 20 grams heavier than standard models, shifting the club’s balance point lower and leading to more consistency in face rotation. The extra mass in the head is counterbalanced with a lighter grip so that players can feel the head move naturally like a pendulum. The increased head mass, along with heel and toe sole weights, adds stability on off-center hits for consistent rollout. Like the company’s irons, the head is forged from soft 1025 carbon steel and milled for a cushiony feel. Top 5 in Look, middle-handicaps Models: 1, 2, 4 (three finishes; slant neck or plumber’s neck). Head weights: 370 grams. Lengths: 34-35 inches. Loft: 3 degrees.
    PXG Tour Series
    $500 | Golf Galaxy
    4.0
    GD SCORE GD HOT LIST SCORE
    Hot List Silver
    $500
    These custom milled putters are made from 303 stainless steel and target players with repeatable strokes who are high attuned to feel. The two models feature similar toe hangs ideal for players with moderate face rotation in their strokes. The Brandon model has a more rounded head, and the Brandon II is squared off. A shallow fly-cut face milling creates the response preferred by PXG’s tour staff. Heel and toe weights on the sole make it easy for players to adjust the overall weight to meet swingweight preferences. A 38-inch shaft option with a heavier head weight is available for those looking for a counterbalanced putter. Top 5 in Look, high-handicaps Models: Brandon, Brandon II. Head weights: 345-380 grams. Lengths: 33-38 inches. Loft: 3 degrees.