Modern golf's best putter?

[Ben]

Just curious who you all think is the best putter in the Modern golf era?

I've been revamping my swing as of late using Hogan's techniques. As many of you may know, he is widely considered the best ball striker to play the game. His putting on the other hand, not so hot. My putting as well, eh, it could be better. I'd like to find out who is everyone's pick, and read up on that person's technique and try to adapt to what I've already got.

That being said, I never really followed a player's career as a good putter, but I've heard Ben Crenshaw had a hell of a reputation. And when I say "modern era," I do so because I'm not looking for wristy, hand-snappy strokes like were common back in the 50's and 60's.

Who'dya got?

[kklick]

well in 04 retief goosen was the leader of the least amount of 3 putts. in 990 holes he only 3 putted 14 times. Thats pretty incredible right there.

here are the 2005 pga tour stats http://www.pgatour.com/stats/leaders/r/2005/104

You could also go with the man who coined the phrase "drive for show putt for dough". Bobby Locke

http://golf.about.com/od/golfersmen/p/bobby_locke.htm

[Rafcin]

well in 04 retief goosen was the leader of the least amount of 3 putts.

after his showing in the US Open couple of years back it would NEVER crossed my mind to put "good putting" and "goosen" in the same sentence

I'd say Tiger must be close to the top - maybe not always in total putting stats, but when a putt has to be made - he's the man....

[NCGolfer]

The first two names that come to mind are:

Toms
Faxon

I love watching both of these guys putt. Silky smooth strokes. Rafi is right about Woods, but he is a bit 'mechanical' for me. Toms and Faxon look effortless.

Just my 2 cents.

[iacas]

The first two names that come to mind are:

I'll take Faxon, but Woods is high on my list if not first simply because he puts himself in position to make so many important putts and, more often than not, makes them. Faxon hasn't put himself in position much recently.