Putting is a crucial aspect of golf, often making the difference between victory and defeat. Many professional golfers have built their careers on their ability to consistently sink putts under pressure. In this article, we will delve into the world of some of the greatest putters of all time, exploring their putting techniques, achievements, and the equipment that contributed to their success.
Best Putters of All Time
Bobby Locke:
South African golfer Bobby Locke was renowned for his exceptional putting skills throughout his career. Born in 1917, Locke turned professional at the young age of 17 and went on to secure numerous victories, including four Open Championships between 1949 and 1957. Locke was known for his unusual putting style, gripping the club tightly and using a wristy stroke, often called the “Locke wrist.” Despite his unorthodox technique, he was incredibly consistent on the greens, earning him the nickname “Mister 59” for his ability to score 59 or better on any course. Locke used a wooden-shafted putter, which was common during his era.
Ben Crenshaw:
Ben Crenshaw, an American golfer born in 1952, is often considered one of the greatest putters in golf history. His smooth, rhythmic putting stroke, attributed to his father’s teachings, consistently allowed him to perform well on the greens throughout his career. Crenshaw’s impressive record includes 19 PGA Tour victories, featuring two Masters Tournament wins in 1984 and 1995. His passion for the game and excellent putting skills earned him the nickname “Gentle Ben.” Crenshaw used a Wilson 8802 blade putter for much of his career, a club known for its simplicity and elegant design.
Tiger Woods:
Tiger Woods is undoubtedly one of the most successful golfers in the sport’s history. Born in 1975, Woods turned professional at the age of 20 and quickly established himself as a dominant force on the PGA Tour. His incredible career boasts 82 PGA Tour wins, including 15 major championships. While his powerful driving and iron play have been widely praised, Woods’ putting prowess has also played a significant role in his success. His ability to make crucial putts under pressure and his unwavering focus and determination have made Woods a force to be reckoned with on the greens. Woods has primarily used a Scotty Cameron Newport 2 GSS putter, a staple in his bag for most of his career.
Jack Nicklaus:
Jack Nicklaus, widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers of all time, is also known for his remarkable putting skills. Born in 1940, Nicklaus amassed an astonishing 73 PGA Tour victories, including 18 major championships. Nicklaus utilized a conventional, pendulum-style putting stroke and was known for his ability to read greens and adapt to various conditions. His calm demeanor under pressure allowed him to sink critical putts, contributing to his numerous victories and solidifying his place as one of the all-time greats. Nicklaus used several putters throughout his career, but his most iconic choice was the MacGregor Response ZT 615.
Brad Faxon:
Brad Faxon, an American golfer born in 1961, has been celebrated for his outstanding putting abilities throughout his career. Faxon claimed eight PGA Tour wins and was consistently ranked among the best putters on tour. His smooth, flowing stroke and excellent feel for distance control made him a formidable opponent on the greens. Faxon’s putting expertise led to a successful career as a commentator and instructor, with numerous professional golfers seeking his advice on how to improve their putting. Faxon primarily used a Scotty Cameron Bullseye Flange putter, which was customized to suit his unique putting style.
Tom Watson:
Tom Watson, another American golf legend, is considered one of the finest putters in the history of the sport. Born in 1949, Watson accumulated 39 PGA Tour victories, including eight major championships, throughout his illustrious career. Known for his aggressive style of play, Watson was fearless on the greens, often going for long putts with confidence. His unwavering self-belief and exceptional putting skills significantly impacted his success. Watson used a variety of putters during his career, but he is most famous for his use of the Ping Anser putter. This classic putter design has been a popular choice for golfers since its introduction in the 1960s.
Jordan Spieth:
Jordan Spieth, a talented American golfer born in 1993, has already made a name for himself as one of the best putters in recent years. At a young age, Spieth claimed 12 PGA Tour victories, including three major championships. His putting stroke is smooth and consistent, and his ability to read greens and control his distance has been a significant factor in his success. Spieth has predominantly used a Scotty Cameron 009 prototype putter throughout his career, a club that has been customized to match his preferences and putting style.
Conclusion
The golfers mentioned in this article have demonstrated exceptional putting skills throughout their careers, leading to numerous victories and major championships. Their unique techniques, unwavering focus, and the equipment they used have played an essential role in their success on the greens. These golfers have left a lasting legacy in the world of golf, and their accomplishments continue to inspire golfers of all skill levels to improve their putting game.