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Off-Center Hits with Your Putter: Does It Really Matter?

We all know the frustration of a poorly struck putt. Those off-center hits that miss their mark. In a study by Jon Karlsen, putter design plays a role in mitigating the effects of off-center hits, but probably not as much as you might think.

The research focused on how different putter head designs handle mishits, specifically horizontal off-center strikes (hit it on the heel/toe). While there were measurable differences between putters, the overall impact of an off-center hit on direction and distance is likely less than you think.

Key Findings

1. Horizontal Off-Center Hits Have Minimal Impact on Direction

   • Karlsen’s findings indicate that off-center hits only account for about 3% of direction variability. The putter face angle remains the dominant factor, responsible for 80% of the initial ball direction.

   • His research found that horizontal off-center strikes cause a small deviation in ball direction—approximately 0.34° for putts struck one centimeter from the center of the face (0.39 inches). Let’s put that into perspective: imagine you’re attempting a 10-foot putt, but your strike is 2 cm off-center (0.79 inches). The resulting deviation would be 0.68°, which translates to the ball being 1.4 inches off the intended line by the time it reaches the hole.

   • Now compare that to an error in face angle—just 1° of misalignment will push the ball offline by over 2 inches on the same 10-foot putt.

2. Distance Loss Varies by Design

   • While all putters lose some distance on off-center strikes, designs with more forgiving head shapes reduced this loss. For example:

     • Blade and mallet putters showed a 5.5% reduction in distance for a 2 cm off-center hit.

     • Winged putters minimized the loss to just 2%.

     • On a 30-footer, if you strike it 2 cm from the center of the face (0.79 inches), and we assume the putt would have traveled exactly 30 feet if you hit the sweet spot, the off-center strike will end up about 20 inches short of the hole if you use a blade or mallet putter and only 7 inches short with a winged putter.

3. Misses Feel Worse Than They Are

   • Although an off-center strike never feels great, the actual impact on distance and direction is probably not as big as you thought.

      

What This Means for Your Putter Choice

The research suggests that while putter design can help minimize the effects of mishits, no putter will completely negate poor contact. Here’s what you should consider:

1. Forgiving Designs for Amateurs

   • If you’re prone to off-center strikes, a winged putter might provide better distance consistency. These designs distribute weight more effectively, reducing the impact of mishits.

2. Refined Options for Skilled Players

   • Advanced players who consistently hit the sweet spot might prefer blade putters for their enhanced feel and precision. The minimal difference in performance on mishits won’t outweigh the feedback of blades that many better players prefer.

3. Focus on Face Angle

   • Since face angle has the greatest influence on ball direction, prioritize putters that help you align accurately and square the face at impact.

Actionable Takeaways

1. Don’t Overthink Mishits

   • Remember, the perceived “bad” feeling of an off-center hit might not have as much impact on your putt as you think.

2. Get Fitted

   • A fitting can help you identify the best putter for your tendencies.

The Bottom Line

Putter design does matter, but it’s not a cure-all for mishits. Experiment with different putters and find out what works best for YOU.

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