There is one club in your bag that is related to the individual characteristics of a player more than any other, the putter. The club design, the grip, the shaft, all of these components on the putter bear little resemblance to the other clubs in your bag. Even with all these little things, choosing the right putter may be easier than you think.

Simply put, if your putter feels right, then it probably is right. I know, I know, why can’t that be the case for the other clubs? Well, golf is a complicated game. Often times an iron may feel right, but it may not be right for you. If a putter feels right, then chances are you need to stick with what is comfortable.

Putter design is always changing, but you can narrow it down to four basic putter designs.

Perimeter-Weighted Putter: This putter has an offset neck for better balance.

Blade Putter: Clubhead has a smaller sweet spot (Phil Mickelson uses this type of putter).

Mallet-Headed Putter: Comes complete with a thicker head and line markings to help with better alignment.

Center-Shafted Putter: The sweet spot of the putter is marked with a line.

It is worth testing as many types of putters as you want, as most golf places will have a practice area. Take your time and get something you feel comfortable with. If you want, you may try all four types of putters. Whatever you settle on will allow you to be more than comfortable on the green.