Hot List 2025: Softest-feeling putters
J.D. Cuban
Unlike most clubs, putters seem to require more of an emotional component to their evaluations from our Hot List player panel. Yes, there are elements like forgiveness and roll and of course the look that a player can talk about, but the overwhelming metric in terms of performance lies in assessing how a putter feels. It might be kind of an intangible, but the responsiveness of a putter, the way it communicates the slowest impact in the game to the hands and beyond is what separates putters from interesting to must-have.
We use our Hot List Performance Vector Rating category "Sensory" to get at that sensation. It’s not a value judgment, but rather an assessment across a spectrum of “Soft” to “Firm.” In our instructions to our players, we explain that “Soft” is cushioned, not springy, like a couch cushion that gives a bit more than you expected. Meanwhile, “Firm” is a meat tenderizer hammering away on a flank steak atop a carving board made of hornbeam. Our belief is that when a putter comes across as exceedingly soft it might require more of a hit or might be ideal on the softest greens. Conversely, when a putter is seen as extraordinarily firm, the ball leaves the face almost without the feeling of impact registering.
What follows is the putters that rated on the softer side of the spectrum, in both blades and mallets. (Putters are listed in alphabetical order.)
Blades
Bettinardi
Antidote
$430
|
Golf Galaxy
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.
Bettinardi
Queen B
$450
|
Golf Galaxy
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.
Cobra Vintage
Cobra
Vintage
$250
|
Golf Galaxy
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.
Evnroll
Zero
450
|
Golf Galaxy
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.
Odyssey
Ai-One
$300
|
Golf Galaxy
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 Square 2 Square
$300
|
Golf Galaxy
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
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
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
Mallets
Bettinardi
Antidote
$430
|
Golf Galaxy
GD SCORE
GD HOT LIST SCORE
Hot List Silver
$430
Like its counterpart blade model, this squared-off mallet keeps the shaft in line with the head’s center of gravity.
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.
That weighting increases the tendency of the face angle to stay square to the path of the stroke.
The face, milled from 303 stainless steel, is surrounded by a lightweight body milled from 6061 aluminum.
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.
Also available is a longer, heavier, counterbalanced version with a 17-inch grip to minimize excess hand action in the stroke.
Models: SB2. Head weights: 360, 400 grams. Lengths: 33-39 inches. Loft: 3 degrees
Evnroll
Zero
$450
|
Golf Galaxy
GD SCORE
GD HOT LIST SCORE
Hot List Gold
$450
A reverse plumber’s-neck hosel centers the putter’s balance point between the shaft and head to make it easier for the face to stay square to the path of the stroke.
The benefit of the hosel is that unlike other designs that reduce or eliminate torsional resistance, this version does not force the hands well forward with an angled shaft. The idea is that 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.
Models include the extremely stable Z1, which features two 85-gram heel and toe weights in the front sole of the milled-aircraft-aluminum head.
The familiar Evnroll 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 progressive depth that redirects heel and toe mis-hits back toward the centerline.
Steel and tungsten sole weights in the heel and toe provide added stability and match the head weight to each shaft length for consistent swingweight.
Top 5 in Performance, high-handicaps
Models: Z1, Z5s. Head weights: 365, 380, 395 grams. Lengths: 33-35 inches. Loft: 3 degrees
L.A.B. Golf
Oz.1/Oz.1i
$450/$500
|
Golf Galaxy
GD SCORE
GD HOT LIST SCORE
Hot List Gold
$450/$500
L.A.B. Golf is known for distinctive shapes that pursue balanced weighting to keep the face square, but this lineup represents the company’s most conventional look yet.
With input from Adam Scott, the traditional half-moon mallets feature the all-aluminum milled Oz.1 and the Oz.1i, which has a milled stainless-steel face insert.
Both models incorporate the sole weighting and 2-degree shaft lean that align the shaft with the putter’s center of mass so that the head remains square to the lie angle for consistent, on-target impacts.
Each model features a 0-degree shaft-lean option that allows it to work with conventional putter grips.
Top 5 in Performance, low-handicaps
Models: Oz.1/Oz.1i. Head weights: custom. Lengths: 28-40 inches. Loft: 3 degrees
Mizuno
M.Craft X
$400
|
Golf Galaxy
GD SCORE
GD HOT LIST SCORE
Hot List Gold
$400
The interchangeable steel-face and aluminum-body designs aim to give players the feel of a blade with the stability and forgiveness of a mallet.
The face is milled from forged 1025 steel, the same steel used in the company’s irons. The body is 7075 aluminum.
Heavy heel and toe sole weights, which join the front piece to the back, add mallet-level stability and keep the center of gravity forward, reminiscent of a blade.
The three face parts result in nine combinations of face/neck, toe hang and total head weight.
Range includes bend, slant neck and plumber’s-neck options.
Top 5 in Performance, high-handicaps
Models: Four, Five, Six. Head weights: 337-393 grams (stock weight: 365 grams). Lengths: 34, 35 inches. Loft: 3 degrees
Odyssey
Ai-One
$300
|
Golf Galaxy
GD SCORE
GD HOT LIST SCORE
Hot List Gold
$300
The Ai-One comes in an array of traditional and non-traditional shapes, including the iconic 2-Ball and popular Jailbird and even one that combines the two. The secret, though, is the asymmetrical thickness pattern on the face.
Designers used AI and machine learning to explore more than 2,000 design versions to develop the face insert’s asymmetrical thickness pattern to improve off-center speed and roll for greater 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.
Head shapes developed with tour-player input and prototypes created with 3-D printing accelerated the turnaround time from months to weeks.
Heel and toe sole weights allow the head weight to better align with shaft length and a player’s stroke type.
A longer and heavier “Cruiser” version is available for those looking to reduce hand action during their strokes.
Top 5 in Performance, middle-handicaps
Models: 24 Slant, 2-Ball, 2-Ball Jailbird, Jailbird Mini, Rossie DB/S, Seven CH/S, Wing Back DB. Head weights: 360, 365, 380. Lengths: 33, 34, 35, 38 inches. Loft: 3 degrees
Odyssey
Ai-One Square 2 Square
$300
|
Golf Galaxy
GD SCORE
GD HOT LIST SCORE
Hot List Gold
$300
New weighting and shaft position keep 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 promotes consistent contact with the center of the face.
The face insert is the same as the one on the standard Ai-One models.
Designers used AI and machine learning to explore more than 2,000 design versions to develop the face insert’s asymmetrical thickness pattern to improve off-center speed and roll for greater 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 counterbalanced “Stroke Lab” shaft improves consistency in impact location.
Models: Jailbird, #7. Head weights: 360 grams. Lengths: 33, 34, 35 inches. Loft: 3 degrees
Ping
Scottsdale
$270
|
Golf Galaxy
GD SCORE
GD HOT LIST SCORE
Hot List Gold
$270
Compared to single-piece milled versions in the company’s line, these models feature a resilient face material to provide more forgiveness.
The polymer material in the face, known as Pebax, is found in running shoes and stretches the width of the face to provide a consistent energy transfer and soft feel.
The array of models accommodates arcing strokes (Oslo 3, Prime Tyne 4) and those with a straighter move (Craz-E, DS72, Prime Tyne C).
The lineup also accommodates a range of alignment elements, including contrasting line, ball width and topline.
The standard grip is the SuperStroke Tour 2.0 PT, which is made to provide a consistent feel.
Top 5 in Performance, high-handicaps
Models: Craz-E, DS72, Oslo, Prime Tyne. Head weights: 360, 365 grams. Lengths: 35 inches. Loft: 3 degrees
SeeMore
Mini Giant HTX/MDX
$400
|
Golf Galaxy
GD SCORE
GD HOT LIST SCORE
Hot List Silver
$400
These conventional-looking mallets come with the benefit of SeeMore’s proven alignment system for keeping the putter face square to the target.
By aligning the shaft and a red dot on the heel side of the flange, the golfer knows the putter face is not only aligned properly but the sole is flat on the ground to increase the opportunity for solid contact.
Copper weights on the heel, toe and sole (six on the HTx and four on the MDx) balance the putter’s overall head weight and center of gravity to help the face stay square to the plane of the putting stroke.
The larger tip-diameter steel shaft provides extra stability and a clearer visual effect for the alignment system.
The head is fully milled from high-grade aluminum.
The HTX has the familiar parallel-wing footprint, and the MDX offers a traditional clamshell mid-mallet design.
Models: Mini Giant HTx, MDx. Head weights: 365, 370 grams. Lengths: 30-39 inches. Loft: 2.5 degrees
TaylorMade Spider Tour
TaylorMade
Spider Tour
$350
|
Golf Galaxy
GD SCORE
GD HOT LIST SCORE
Hot List Gold
$350
The square-ish designs feature extreme heel and toe weighting for maximum forgiveness as well as two neck styles and different centers of gravity to better accommodate arcing and straight strokes.
The thin-wall casting method allows saved weight from the crown and sidewalls to be redistributed for more stability on off-center hits.
A thermoplastic rubber positioned behind the face, previously used in TaylorMade’s irons, minimizes vibration for a cleaner, crisper sound.
The lightweight Surlyn face insert features grooves that angle downward to improves initial launch and roll to control unwanted backspin and initial skidding.
Among the most popular mallet designs ever, Spider putters have been the preferred putter by Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy and scored 14 wins overall on the PGA Tour in 2024.
The Tour S model comes in a heavier head for over-length setups, and a Black Series is now offered with a black PVD finish in the Tour, Tour X and Tour S models.
Top 5 in Performance, all handicaps
Models: Tour, Tour X, Tour S, Tour Z, Tour V. Head weights: 345-380 grams. Lengths: 33, 34, 35, 38 inches. Loft: 3 degrees