Center Shafted Putters?

[Slappy9]

Anyone here use one if so which one and why?

What type of putting stroke is this type of putter for?

[Bryan SD2]

It is more about the face balancing than shaft placement (although most center shafted putters are face balanced or very close). Face balanced putters are better for the strokes that are more "straight back - straight through" although that in itself is a misnomer.

Putters that are NOT face balanced (think Ben Crenshaw's Wilson 8802 or Mickelson's heel shafted blade style without the plumbers neck) are for more open-square at impact-closed strokes, or "swinging gate.". Picture Crenshaw or Mickleson again. Scotty Cameron Napa another good example of the complete opposite of face balanced.

Putters with the plumbers necks (Ping Anser style) are in between face balanced and heel shafted-toe heavy and fit strokes in the middle of the spectrum.

Search for the Holy Grail of Putters to see some photos of face balanced, toe flow, and in between putters as well as how to measure your putter or others.

[tristanhilton85]

It is more about the face balancing than shaft placement (although most center shafted putters are face balanced or very close). Face balanced putters are better for the strokes that are more "straight back - straight through" although that in itself is a misnomer.

Great answer...

[Bullitt5339]

I just made the switch to a center shafted putter. I didn't know all the scientifics behind it like Bryan, but to me, I seem to be able to control the speed a lot better with it, which gave me the confidence to just pick a nice line and step up. It gave me more confidence in my putting, which is what putting seems to be all about anyway.

[Bryan SD2]

Thanks Tristan..... nice toe stamping by the way!

Bullitt... confidence is a HUGE factor of course. Have you ever missed a putt (or missed several in a round) and thought to yourself -

"I hate this putter"
"Is this the best putter for me/my stroke"
"I'm going to keep missing and missing and missing"

or do you think

"Damn (or other word with ^$#& or @!*# in it). Missed. Will have good chance to make one on the next hole though!!!"

If it's any of the first three or something similar, go to your local shop and try out some new ones, see what you like, experiment with different lengths, weights, necks, styles... and then buy a Scotty Cameron.