News Summary
Blade-style putters, once the favorite among golfers, are experiencing a decline as mallet putters dominate the greens. Notable players, influenced by recent successes, are making the switch to mallet designs. Sales data shows a significant preference for mallets, with a 10 to 1 ratio over blades. As the technology advances, golfers are encouraged to explore custom fittings and reconsider their equipment choices—reshaping their performance in the game.
The Decline of the Classic Blade Putter in Golf
If you’ve been keeping an eye on the PGA Tour lately, you might notice something a bit different on the greens. The once-dominant blade-style putters are quietly becoming less common. It’s almost like a classic movie that everyone loved, only to see it fade away as new hits come into town. Twenty years ago, you couldn’t swing a golf club without bumping into someone wielding a beloved blade putter, but times have changed, and the last decade has seen a quiet decline.
The Popularity of the Anser Design
Now, let’s rewind a bit. The journey of the blade putter started with the introduction of the first Anser putter created by Karsten Solheim in 1966. This design became a darling among golfers because it offered superior forgiveness and consistency. It was a game-changer! In fact, the Anser putter design is known as the most copied in golf equipment history; you can find countless brands proudly showcasing their own versions. However, as of November 10, if you look at the top ten golfers in the Official World Golf Ranking, you won’t find a single blade putter in their hands.
Shifts in Player Preferences
Let’s talk about a noteworthy case: Ben Griffin, currently ranked No. 9, recently made the switch from a blade to a TaylorMade Spider Tour Black mallet and instantly struck gold by winning the World Wide Technology Championship! His victory is a shiny, new testament to how shifting to a mallet can usher in a fresh wave of success.
We can’t ignore Tiger Woods, who played a crucial role in popularizing blade putters. He climbed to fame by winning multiple majors using his trusty Scotty Cameron blades. Tiger’s dominance on the green inspired a legion of young golfers to mimic his style and preference. But as the game evolves, so does the technology and understanding of performance, leading many players to reconsider their options.
Game-Changing Mallet Putters
This trend was further fueled by notable PGA stars like Rickie Fowler, who recently transitioned from a blade to an extended-length mallet putter, improving his on-course performance in 2023. Another breakthrough moment came when Jason Day switched to a TaylorMade Spider putter in 2016. His incredible putting performance that year virtually turned the tides in favor of mallets, reshaping putting equipment history. After Day’s success, top players began to experiment with these compact mallets, and they didn’t look back.
Rory McIlroy also joined the mallet movement, switching to the TaylorMade Spider Tour, which reinvigorated his putting skills. Even Scottie Scheffler, who once favored blades, made the leap to a TaylorMade Spider mallet, enhancing his putting rankings. It’s safe to say that mallets are here to stay and are donning the greens with style!
Sales Trends in the Golf Equipment Industry
Is It Time for You to Make the Switch?
Have you been struggling with your putting game? If so, it might be a sign to think about switching from a blade to a mallet. With so many pros leading the way, adopting this trend could positively transform your performance on the greens. The times are changing, and mallet putters are undoubtedly taking their place at the forefront of golf equipment.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned player, exploring new options can lead to exciting results. So, while blade putters may be fading, remember: in golf, as in life, evolution is key!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Golfweek: The Decline of Blade Putters
- GolfWRX: Winning Putters on the PGA Tour
- Golf Digest: Winning Putters for 2025 Season
- MyGolfSpy: Pros with the Fewest Putts per Round
- Scotty Cameron: 2025 Tour Putter Victories
- Wikipedia: Golf Putter
- Google Search: Putter Trends in Golf
- Google Scholar: Putter Design and Performance
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- Google News: Putters
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
