If you’ve been paying attention, you will know that mallet putters are very popular right now. This is partly due to the increased stability this type of putter gives to the golfer while putting. A mallet putter is extremely balanced, has a larger putting head than blade style putters, and almost always are heavier than a traditional putter.

Mallet style putters also boast a higher MOI than blade style putters. Simply put, this indicates that the putterhead will twist less on an off-center hit, so the ball stays on a straighter line and loses less of it’s speed than when struck by a normal putter. Mallet style putters typically include highly visible alignment systems that help you aim short putts with ease. Some of the most helpful designs are the Odyssey putters, especially their new White Hot XG line of mallet putters.

Due to the added mass and higher MOI, mallet putters fell very solid, even on less than optimal contact. If you normally use a conventional putter, you may be surprised at how easy it is to strike the ball solidly and how little force is needed. It will take some practice to prevent the ball from racing past the hole.

Many purists feel that a more traditional style putter offers more feel during the putting stroke. This is partly true, but other golfers feel the extreme MOI of mallet-style patters actually translates into considerable feel, even on long putts or those tough downhill putts. One of the most important aspects of touch putts is getting the ball started on the right line, and high MOI mallet putters do that job perfectly.

One of the places where mallet putters really shine is on short putts under 10 feet. These are the money putts in golf. The more of this length putt you make during a round, the better your score will be. The same characteristics of mallet putters - more mass, higher MOI and sophisticated alignment aids - will help you make more of those little ones that can make or break a round of golf.

Mallet style putters perform most optimally with a mecahnical, pendulum style putting stroke. If that’s not your stlyle, it doesn’t mean you can’t use a mallet putter. But it can deprive you of all the game improvement features mallet putters provide. If you aren’t willing to change your style, you may want to check out some the newer mid-mallets putters.

The new Mallet designs sometimes seem rather funky, but many still have a fairly traditional look. If you can handle the large, geometric shapes of some of the newer-style mallet putters (like the Odyssey White Hot Sabertooth putter), you will find them to be a big help to your golf game. If you prefer a more demure look, some of the more conventional mid-mallet putters may suit you best.

Many golfers have switched to higher MOI mallet-style putters for quite awhile. Perhaps now is the time for you to test one out.