Best Putters for High Handicappers 2023

ByNicola Slater

The best of the best! We roundup the best putters for high handicappers 2023

Welcome to our exhaustive review of the best putters for high handicappers 2023, a curated list showcasing the recent innovations and top performers in the golf world. The focus of our examination includes a diverse range of state-of-the-art putters that have piqued the interest of both professional and recreational golfers alike. Our all-star lineup for today’s review comprises the Zebra AIT 3, MacGregor V-Foil #4, Odyssey White Hot Versa Twelve, Cleveland Frontline Elite RHO and Cleveland HB Soft Milled 4. Our in-depth analysis is designed to equip you, whether a seasoned golfer looking to enhance your play, or a beginner striving to invest in excellent gear, with the necessary insights to select the ideal putter for your needs.

Reviewed by Jack Backhouse

The first big change Zebra made with the new generation of putters is changing the head colour from S silver to black, and it was a brilliant decision. The grey and white alignment lines contrast really well against the black, and it makes it really easy to point the putter in the direction you want to hit it.

I tested this putter out on the course, first thing in the morning straight after the greens had been cut and ironed, perfect conditions for a putter testing. What I noticed straight away is that it felt so easy to keep the putter face square throughout the whole stroke. The AIT 3 is a face-balanced model with adjustable weights on the sole, which help the putter swing in balance.

I know when you’re putting you’re not supposed to take any notice of what the putter is doing in the stroke, but throughout the swing, out of the corner of your eye, you can see that the Zebra stripes are still pointing towards the hole and this gives you loads of confidence that you are going to hit more putts on line. It almost feels like the putter is locked in on a train track.

Everything about this putter feels to be built towards helping you aim better and hit more putts online, one of the essential 3 skills you need to be good at to be a great putter.

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More information: Zebra Website

Reviewed by Nicola Slater

The MacGregor V-Foil #4 takes a very similar appearance to the more well-known Spider putter from TaylorMade. Unlike the the Spider the price tag of the MacGregor is considerably less.

Looks wise the top of the putter can’t really be faulted and the bottom offers quite a bold yellow and black design, which certainly won’t be to everyone’s taste. The bold white line on the black head looks great and is also a great alignment aid.

I can’t say I’ve ever used a putter that makes a sound like this one. The MacGregor V-Foil putter makes a tinging sound when it makes contact with the ball. This sound doesn’t alter depending on stroke length. As I’m not accustomed to this sound it was a little off-putting as I wasn’t expecting it but after many putts, it became less noticeable.

Speaking of the face, when you look down on this putter you can see the metal face insert that includes the ARC Tech face milling that aims to provide an improved roll and distance control. On either side of this is two yellow rubber inserts. I wasn’t sure what would happen to the ball upon colliding with these but after a couple of purposeful toe strikes, I didn’t really see any difference in roll or distance.

Overall, the MacGregor V-Foil might not be everyone’s choice of putter but if you’re not after a big brand with a big price tag this is a great budget option that will certainly still get the ball in the hole.

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Reviewed by Nicola Slater

The first thing that struck me about this putter was a huge white line that strikes through the middle of the head. This is a much larger putter than I’ve used before and so it was only fitting that there is a larger alignment aid. The thick white line on the black head is part of Odyssey’s high-contrast Versa alignment system that dominates the tours. I really liked how this looks and the smaller black line through the white line is also a great addition to help with alignment. From that, there is a small section of steel shaft, followed by the majority which is a red carbon shaft that looks great too.

Having used an Odyssey mallet putter for around 4 years I was very much familiar with the strike that this putter produced. The classic white hot face insert provided the much-loved sound and feel that you would expect from an Odyssey putter. The ball bounces off of that insert quite softly which I don’t mind but this is very much a personal feel thing and it won’t be for everyone.

The only real query that I have with this putter is the fact that Odyssey only offers it with one grip size. As someone who prefers a thicker grip, it’s a shame that there isn’t an upgrade option but nonetheless, this can be altered at any pro shop.

Overall, this is a great putter and I really enjoyed using it. If you’re someone who loves mallet putters and is looking for an upgrade this one is definitely worth a try and well if you’re not, maybe this one might sway your decision.

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Reviewed by Nicola Slater

As putters go, this one looks pretty good. The black head mallet head certainly suited my eye, and the large white alignment strip seems a great addition for golfers of all abilities.

Cleveland has seriously gone to town with the technology in this putter. One of the first major changes Cleveland has made is the upgraded Tungsten SOFT face plate. This face weight moves the putter’s centre of gravity forward. Doing this allows the putter to move along a smaller arch, meaning those mishits are more controlled. Additional weights are at the base of the putter, they can be removed or changed, and counterbalance weights beneath the grip have been added.

The Cleveland Frontline Elite RHO is offered in two different variations, the Slant Neck and this one which is the Single Bend. The difference is that this putter favours those with straighter strokes. As I fall into this category of golfer, I really got on with this putter. In addition, a Lampkin Sinkfit Pistol grip is used, which being oversized, helps to keep the hands quiet yet maintain stability in the stroke.

Overall, look no further if you’re a golfer with a fairly straight back and through stroke looking for a little bit more forgiveness from a putter. The Cleveland Frontline Elite RHO Single Bend certainly offers plenty of tech for its price tag!

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More information: Cleveland Golf

Reviewed by Jack Backhouse

Once you take the headcover off the putter, it’s stunning. All of the lines are really clean and square you making you feel you can align it to anything, which is not something you get a lot from a blade putter.

The big story with the new HB Soft Milled line is the precision design and build. Cleveland are trying to make the production process more efficient, so are only milling the face and back of the putter, which reduces waste and cost, so that savings can then be passed to the golfer.

The face milling pattern is a specific design that is closer together in the centre and gets progressively wider away from the centre, is designed to equalize ball speed for good and bad strikes. As blades are generally less forgiving than a mallet, this is great news.

I find it really easy to line up with the edges of the putter being so straight and square, so my short putting has been pretty reliable. I also find that the putter feels really well-balanced. The weight of the head somehow feels perfectly matched up with the weight of the shaft and grip, and it just swings really well.

Cleveland says this putter head shape is designed for a player with a slight arc stroke. I have never particularly bought into the idea that one putter head will suit one type of stroke, but I do understand the points they make. This is a great putter, and I think you shouldn’t be put off trying or using it just because you may not have a slight arc.

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As we wrap up our thorough review of the best putters for high handicappers 2023, it’s clear that these top-rated golf products – the Zebra AIT 3, MacGregor V-Foil #4, Odyssey White Hot Versa Twelve, Cleveland Frontline Elite RHO and Cleveland HB Soft Milled 4 – offer a vast range of options to cater to diverse golfer needs. Each of these game-changing putters brings unique features and exceptional performance to the golf course, accommodating a wide array of playstyles and preferences.

The final selection, of course, hinges on your personal comfort, playing style, and budget considerations. We suggest you get a hands-on experience with these putters, if possible, to understand what works best for you. One thing is certain though, regardless of your choice, each of these putters manifests the exciting technological strides being made in golf gear, making it a thrilling time to be involved in the sport. May your strokes be steady, and your game ever improving!

Nicola recently graduated from Stirling University where she studied Sports Studies, she wrote her dissertation on barriers to participation for women in golf.Nicola plays her golf at Hickleton and Woodsome Hall Golf clubs, she currently plays off +2. She plays for Yorkshire Ladies and has represented England at junior and senior level.