Blades Versus Mallets—A Performance Analysis

With technology constantly changing, two simple constructions are staying constant: blade and mallet putters. Over the years, we’ve seen some astonishing designs in both categories. There are classic, well-known ones such as Odyssey 2-Ball, PING Anser, Scotty Cameron Newport … the list goes on and on. But there are some head scratchers too: PING’s Doc 17, Odyssey’s 2-Ball Blade, Axis1 and Taylormade’s Truss.

But let’s face it: looks and feel don’t always equal performance. Is there a significant statistical performance difference between blades and mallets? Is the differential minimal? Let’s take a look.

Most Wanted Putter Testing

During our Most Wanted testing season, we test both blade and mallet putters. Through these tests, we gain insightful performance data. The data collected and utilized in this article is from 18 testers who participated in both our Most Wanted Blade and Most Wanted Mallet tests.

Putter Technology

Through the years, technology has been the focal point of putter innovation.

For blade putters, a timeless design blends with a focus on feel and precision. Over time, peripheral, heel-toe weighting became relevant, which brought forth enhancements in consistency and forgiveness. Nowadays, face technology is at the forefront. In 2021, there was a plethora of face innovations. Odyssey’s White Hot Face was reborn. Sik implements Descending Loft Technology. Tommy Armour features a CNC milled 6061 aluminum face insert. Face technology has many different forms.

With the anticipated flurry of 2022 releases still a few weeks off, we wanted to use the break as an opportunity to tackle our most comprehensive What’s In the Bag survey ever. While we certainly want to know what brands you’re playing, our goal is to go deeper into your bag makeup.

For example, is your set composition fairly straightforward or do you have carry something a bit out of the mainstream like a 9-wood or a 64-degree wedge?

Our objective is to obtain a clearer picture of what our readers are playing.

Take the Survey

The survey should take less than 10 minutes. Because of the level of detail, you may be asked for details about a club type you don’t carry. If that happens, simply select the None option (it should be listed first).

Click here to take the survey.

The post 2021 What’s In the Bag Survey appeared first on MyGolfSpy.

In his first extensive interview since his February car crash, Tiger Woods said his hope is to return to competitive golf, but that he never expects to compete again at the highest level, "and I understand it, and I accept it."

Lee Elder, the first Black player to compete in the Masters and a four-time winner on the PGA Tour, has died at age 87.

Spirit of the Game: Remembering Lee Elder

Nov. 29, 2021

The USGA contributed to this report

In 2019, during the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links, the USGA honored Lee Elder with its highest honor, the Bob Jones Award.

Elder, who passed away this past evening at the age of 87, was the first African-American to receive the prestigious award, which recognizes an individual who demonstrates the spirit, personal character and respect for the game exhibited by Jones, winner of nine USGA championships.

Suzann Pettersen, who won the Solheim Cup for Europe in 2019 with the last shot of her career, will captain the team four years later for its second straight title defense.

The Best Cyber Monday Golf Deals 2021

Historically Black Friday was primarily in store offers, while Cyber Monday was focused on online sales. The last few years, especially since Covid, online sales have been bleeding into Black Friday and even earlier, as more and more retailers are trying to get ahead of the curve by offering pre-Black Friday sales. Nevertheless, there are still some great deals reserved for Cyber Monday, and we’ve selected some of the highlights below.

Golf Clubs:

Sub70: 10% Off New Equipment or 20% Off Pre-Owned

Sub70 Golf is offering 10% off all new equipment, apparel and accessories, and 20% off all pre-owned equipment. The discount will be auto applied at checkout and shipping is free on orders $99+. For example you can get our Best Value utility iron winner of this year, the Sub 70 699 Pro for $89.10.

$99.99 / $89.10 (10% OFF)

BUY NOW

Callaway Golf Preowned: 20% Off Used Clubs

Callaway Golf pre-owned is offering 20% off sitewide. An example deal you can get is the Callaway Epic MAX LS Driver (our 2021 Most Wanted winner) for $325 in very good condition.

South African golfer Thriston Lawrence won the Joburg Open on Saturday after the third round was abandoned because of bad weather, meaning the result was called after 36 holes of the inaugural event on the DP World Tour.

Brooks Koepka had four birdies in his match against Bryson DeChambeau on Friday en route to an easy 4-and-3 victory in a 12-hole match in Las Vegas.