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Is the blade vs. mallet debate over?

Published 2 months ago • 2 min read

In this Issue

  • The blade putter myth: has data from two independent tests finally killed it?
  • 110 putters, one winner: the gap at the top is bigger than you’d think.
  • US Open - Shinnecock’s secret: the “ball-striking test” where putting won again.

Hi Reader,

The big reason to use a blade putter just got a severe test

For years, blade putter devotees like me had one big argument when it came to the short stick: feel. Mallets might roll it better, but nothing beats the feedback of a blade at impact.

That argument has now been put to a major test.

​MyGolfSpy’s Most Wanted putter data found 88% of all testers performed best with zero-torque designs. More telling: even the one tester who genuinely outperformed with blades over mallets still saw a 4.95-stroke improvement with a zero-torque putter.

If you're still gaming a blade, that's of course fine - I must confess I still love mine. But it looks like the data around zero-torque models is looking harder to ignore especially when you consider this next test.

Two putters scored perfect marks out of 110

Today’s Golfer ran 110 putters through a three-day, 11,500-putt test — including a specific look at whether blades beat zero-torque designs on feel. They didn't.​

When they ranked all 110 putters across every category, only two scored 50/50: the TaylorMade Spider Tour and Spider Tour X. The nearest rival, the PXG Battle Ready II Torpedo, finished 9 points back.

The Spider didn’t just top this test. It’s also won seven PGA Tour titles so far in 2026!

Check out our look through every putter in the top 100 PGA Tour bags to find out how the mallet vs blade debate has evolved over the last few years among this elite group.

From Us

Is there is a junior golfer in someone's life who needs a structured start?

US Kids Master Coach Andy Little’s Junior Practice Playbook gives adults ready-made, age-appropriate practice sessions they can run at home. No coaching experience needed. Just simple plans that keep it fun and make the habits stick.

Worth a look if you know a young golfer who deserves better than “just hit balls” or "keep your head down".

⛳ The "ball-striking test" where putting won again

Shinnecock Hills has a reputation as one of golf's toughest long game examinations. The data from this year's U.S. Open tells a different story after Wyndham Clark's nail biting win over Sam Burns.

Scott Fawcett at DECADE Golf tracked strokes-gained contribution across the top-10 finishers. The putter accounted for 44.96% of total strokes gained.

Up from 40.39% when the Open was last held at Shinnecock in 2018. Nearly half the winning at a ball-striker's course came on the greens

It's a fascinating insight into how different US Open venues don't reward the same skill sets in the same proportions - and the same could be true at the local courses near you!

And finally and most importantly we hope you are enjoying your golf!

Play well 👍

Graeme Hay

Founder, GolfingFocus.com

Golfing Focus Limited, 73 Maple Road, London, KT6 4AG
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