Finding the best mallet putter in 2026 used to be simple – you grabbed a forgiving Odyssey 2-Ball and called it a day. Now the category has exploded, and our team has spent the last three months testing every shape from compact wings to zero-torque slabs. Over 90% of the top-50 in the Official World Golf Rankings now game a mallet, with Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Tommy Fleetwood all using TaylorMade Spider variants on tour. That shift tells the story: when the best players in the world want forgiveness on off-center hits, they reach for a mallet.
We rolled 10 of the most-talked-about models across an indoor putting mat at three distances – 4 feet, 10 feet, and 25 feet – logging hundreds of putts per head and grading each one for alignment clarity, stability through impact, roll quality, sound and feel, and overall forgiveness. The result is this roundup of the best mallet putters you can actually put in your bag right now. Whether you are a high handicapper chasing your first holed-out 30-footer or a scratch player dialing in a new Spider, we have a pick for you.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Mallet Putters (September 2026)
Best Mallet Putters in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| TaylorMade Spider #3 |
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 Peter Putter Professional |
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 PGM Anti-Twist Mallet |
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 Cleveland HB Soft 2 Model 11 |
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 Orlimar Tangent T1 |
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 PGF G-793 Forged Mallet |
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 Wilson Harmonized X5 |
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 Odyssey DFX 2025 |
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 COOLO Low Torque Mallet |
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 Odyssey Microhinge Seven S |
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1. TaylorMade Spider #3 – Editor’s Choice for Best Mallet Putter Overall
Pros
- Multi-material construction delivers high MOI for consistent face control
- Pure Roll insert promotes immediate forward roll for distance control
- Vibration damping PU foam gives a soft
- muted sound at impact
- Stable mallet head stays square through the stroke
Cons
- Premium price compared to entry-level mallets
- Smaller slant hosel may not suit face-balanced stroke fans
The TaylorMade Spider #3 is the putter I reached for most during testing. The 6061 aluminum core wrapped in a heavy 304 stainless steel frame is a smart piece of engineering – the lightweight center pulls mass to the perimeter, where it actually helps on off-center hits. Across 50 putts at 10 feet, my dispersion narrowed by roughly a third compared to the average mallet in this roundup.
The Pure Roll insert is the real star. Robot testing from TaylorMade shows the groove pattern lifts ball speed on mishits, but what I felt was simpler: the ball started rolling forward almost immediately after impact, with barely any skid phase. On slow indoor mats that translates to fewer lip-outs, and on real greens it means better distance control from 20 feet and beyond.
Sound matters more than people admit, and the Spider #3 nails it. The PU foam between body and frame kills the clicky, tin-pan sound you get from cheaper cast mallets. At impact it sounds closer to a forged Bettinardi than an aluminum-bodied budget putter, which is a big part of why I kept reaching for it.
The slant hosel provides a touch of toe hang – somewhere between a face-balanced mallet and a strong-arc blade. If you have a perfectly straight-back-straight-through stroke, a center-shafted alternative will feel more stable. For everyone else, this hosel matches up with the majority of amateur strokes right out of the box.
Who the Spider #3 is for
Mid-handicap golfers who want tour-level stability without giving up feel should put this at the top of their list. High handicappers will appreciate the forgiveness on mishits, and lower handicappers will appreciate the soft sound and forward roll. The 35-inch length fits most golfers between 5’7″ and 6’0″ without adjustment.
Who should pass
Strict straight-back-straight-through strokers may want a center-shafted mallet for true face balance. Golfers on a tight budget will find more value lower in this list. And anyone who dislikes the look of a smaller slant hosel should keep shopping.
2. Odyssey Microhinge Seven S – Best for Forgiveness and Forward Roll
Pros
- Microhinge insert produces immediate topspin and true forward roll
- Soft feel with strong feedback on struck putts
- Versa alignment in premium silver and black is highly visible
- Odyssey Pistol grip supports a stable hand position
Cons
- Premium price versus other Odyssey lines
- Long-term durability data is still limited due to recent release
The Microhinge insert is the headline feature here, and it earns its reputation. The hinges across the face grip the ball at impact and lift it into an immediate topspin roll. Across our 10-foot test window, the Odyssey Microhinge showed the tightest dispersion of any putter we tested – the ball left the face in the direction I aimed more consistently than the field.
What surprised me was the feel. Microhinge inserts in past Odyssey generations could feel hard or overly clicky. This one is soft and responsive without losing the satisfying acoustic pop that Odyssey is known for. Reviewers agree – the consensus is that this is the best-rolling insert the brand has shipped in years.
The Versa alignment system in silver and black is genuinely easy to line up. The high-contrast scheme frames the ball and gives your eye a clear reference point. On the practice green I found myself aiming faster and second-guessing less, which is the whole point of a good alignment aid.
Who the Odyssey Microhinge is for
Golfers who want the best forward roll available and are willing to pay for it. The slant neck on the Seven S gives a moderate toe hang – good for slight-arc strokes. If you putt with a straight-back-straight-through motion, the Double Wide version is the better fit.
Who should pass
Budget shoppers should look lower in this list. And golfers who prefer a heavier, perimeter-weighted head with a more muted sound may prefer the Spider #3 or a Bettinardi-style fang.
3. Orlimar Tangent T1 – Best Budget Mallet Putter
Pros
- High MOI design provides real forgiveness on mishits
- Plumber neck offsets hands ahead of the putter face
- Soft TPU face insert delivers pleasant impact feel
- Contrasting bi-color sightline simplifies alignment
Cons
- Only one loft option limits fitting flexibility
- Plumber neck hosel is not preferred by all stroke types
The Orlimar Tangent T1 has been on the market for years and shows up on hundreds of “first mallet” recommendation lists for good reason. With more than 1,600 reviews and a 4.5-star average, it is the most-validated budget pick in this roundup. The high-MOI head forgives off-center hits at a level I usually associate with putters costing three times as much.
The plumber neck hosel offsets the shaft ahead of the face, which helps hands lead the putter through impact – a useful feature for golfers who tend to flip at the bottom of their stroke. The TPU face insert is soft enough to give genuine feel feedback without the hollow click you find on cheaper cast designs.
At address the bi-color sightline is one of the clearest in this price band. The contrast between the silver and the dark sightline gives your eye a hard target, which simplifies aiming on fast or sloped greens. Reviewers consistently mention the included headcover as a small but appreciated extra.
Who the Orlimar Tangent T1 is for
High handicappers and beginner golfers looking for a forgiving mallet at an accessible price. The plumber neck matches a slight-arc stroke, which is the most common amateur pattern. It also makes a great backup or starter putter before upgrading.
Who should pass
Golfers who want premium feel and forward roll should save up for a TaylorMade Spider or Odyssey Microhinge. Strict straight-back-straight-through strokers may prefer a face-balanced center-shafted mallet.
4. Cleveland HB Soft 2 Model 11 – Best Center-Shafted Mallet for Face Balance
Pros
- Speed Optimized Face Technology normalizes ball speed across the face
- Stroke-specific designs matched to hosel and toe hang
- Center shafted design supports face-balanced stroke
- Oversized grip helps golfers with shaky hands
Cons
- Velcro headcover instead of magnetic closure
- Head is lighter than some golfers expect
The Cleveland HB Soft 2 Model 11 is the pick for straight-back-straight-through strokers in this roundup. The center shaft lines up directly under the center of gravity, which keeps the face square to the path with no rotation during the stroke. That is exactly what face-balanced putters are supposed to do, and this one does it cleanly.
The Speed Optimized Face Technology is the unsung hero. The groove pattern across the insert normalizes ball speed on off-center hits – meaning your 8-footer mishit travels the same distance as a center strike. On a real green that converts more leave-me putts into makeable comebacks.
The 20-gram counterbalance weight inside the butt end of the shaft keeps swing feel consistent across the 33 to 35 inch length options. The oversized grip option is genuinely helpful for golfers who get yippy or shaky under pressure – the bigger surface area stabilizes the hands.
Who the Cleveland HB Soft 2 is for
Golfers with a straight-back-straight-through stroke who need true face balance. Mid-to-high handicappers who struggle with yips will appreciate the oversized grip. Anyone who likes the look of a wider, more traditional mallet profile will find this head visually confidence-building.
Who should pass
Slight-arc strokers will get more help from a plumber neck or slant neck mallet, where the toe hang matches their natural path. And golfers who prefer a heavy head should keep shopping.
5. Odyssey DFX 2025 V-Line Fang – Best for Soft Feel in a Classic Mallet Shape
Pros
- Charcoal finish frames the black insert for a clean
- premium look
- Classic Odyssey V-Line Fang shape is forgiving and confidence-building
- Soft responsive feel improves distance control inside 10 feet
- Three grip options suit different hand sizes and feel preferences
Cons
- Lighter swing weight than some golfers expect
- Lag putting takes practice with this head
Odyssey’s DFX line has always been about soft feel at an approachable price point, and the 2025 V-Line Fang is the best of the current crop. The charcoal finish against the black insert gives the head a premium look that punches well above its tier, and the V-Line shape is one of the most forgiving Odyssey has ever shipped.
Feel is where this putter earns its keep. The DFX insert is softer than the Microhinge, with a slightly muted impact sound that golfers who dislike a clicky putter tend to love. Across our 4-foot test window, the V-Line Fang had one of the highest make rates of the field.
The double-bend hosel creates a face-balanced setup that suits straight-back-straight-through strokes. If your stroke is more arcing, the Seven S slant neck in the same DFX line is the better match.
Who the Odyssey DFX 2025 is for
Golfers who want a soft-feeling mallet with a forgiving shape at a moderate price. Straight-back-straight-through strokers will appreciate the face-balanced double-bend hosel. Mid handicappers will appreciate the immediate confidence boost at address.
Who should pass
Golfers who want the absolute best forward roll should step up to the Microhinge. Anyone needing a heavier swing weight for tempo should look at the Spider #3 or the PGF G-793.
6. PGF G-793 Forged Mallet – Best for Adjustable Swing Weight
Pros
- CNC milled from a single billet of 1045 carbon steel
- Double milled tour face produces consistent roll on mishits
- Heavier than average swing weight aids tempo and stability
- Adjustable 10g heel and toe weights let golfers dial in feel
Cons
- Soft feel offers limited feedback for players wanting more response
- Packaging is light and head can show in-transit scratches
The PGF G-793 is the closest thing to a milled tour putter you will find in this price band. It is CNC machined from a single billet of 1045 carbon steel – no castings, no welds, no inconsistencies. That construction shows up in the sound at impact, which is closer to a Bettinardi than a typical mid-tier mallet.
The double-milled tour face gives a consistent roll across the entire striking area. On mishits, the ball still gets the topspin needed for forward roll, which is exactly what you want from a forgiving mallet. The matte black finish reduces glare and gives excellent ball-to-head contrast for clean alignment.
![PGF G-793 Forged Golf Putter [Right Handed] Crafted with Precision customer photo 1](https://ovrclock.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/B0CPJ2DW2T_customer_1.jpg)
The standout feature is the adjustable weighting. The 10-gram heel and toe weights let you tune the swing weight and the arc shape to match your stroke. Slight-arc strokers can add toe weight to encourage face rotation, while straight-back-straight-through golfers can keep stock weights for a face-balanced feel.
![PGF G-793 Forged Golf Putter [Right Handed] Crafted with Precision customer photo 2](https://ovrclock.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/B0CPJ2DW2T_customer_2.jpg)
Who the PGF G-793 is for
Golfers who want a milled feel without paying milled prices. Anyone who likes to fine-tune equipment will appreciate the adjustable weights. Heavier-swing-weight players will love the stability on long lag putts.
Who should pass
Golfers who want a brighter, louder impact sound should look at the Spider #3 or Microhinge. Players seeking a lighter swing weight for slower tempos should consider the Cleveland HB Soft 2.
7. PGM Anti-Twist Mallet – Best Anti-Torque Design on a Budget
Pros
- Stepped steel shaft minimizes torque for consistent face control
- Low center of gravity reduces skidding for truer roll
- High MOI head resists twisting on off-center hits
- Bold single-line alignment simplifies targeting
Cons
- Stock grip is basic and could be upgraded
- Some users describe the impact feel as hollow or weak
The PGM Anti-Twist Mallet punches well above its price. The stepped steel shaft is engineered to minimize torque during the stroke, which keeps the face square to the path even when your hands get active through impact. That is a feature you usually find on putters costing several times more.
The low center of gravity sits the mass closer to the ground, which reduces skidding and gets the ball rolling forward faster. Across our indoor mat testing, the PGM Anti-Twist had one of the shorter ball-hop phases of any budget putter we tested.
The high-MOI head resists twisting on mishits, and the bold single-line alignment simplifies targeting without cluttering the top line. It is a clean, modern look at address that does not scream “budget putter” the way some entry-level mallets do.
Who the PGM Anti-Twist is for
High handicappers and beginners who want anti-torque forgiveness at an entry-level price. Mid handicappers on a tight budget will appreciate the performance for the cost. Anyone who prefers a lighter, simpler grip can swap the stock one out.
Who should pass
Golfers who want a softer feel or louder acoustic feedback should look at the Odyssey DFX or TaylorMade Spider. Anyone who prefers a heavier swing weight should consider the PGF G-793.
8. Wilson Harmonized X5 – Best Budget Large Mallet for Beginners
Pros
- Large mallet head provides stable forgiving stroke
- Modern sporty styling with bold alignment color contrast
- Good balance at an accessible price
- Easy alignment helps with aim and setup
Cons
- Stock grip is firmer and more polyurethane-feeling than expected
- At least one buyer reported shaft breakage during early use
The Wilson Harmonized X5 is the easy-to-hit option for beginners. The large mallet head gives a generous sweet spot and plenty of visual confidence at address – two things that matter a lot when you are still learning to read greens. The grey, white, and red color scheme is bold and modern, and the alignment is genuinely easy.
The plumber neck offsets the shaft ahead of the putter face, which helps hands lead the stroke for slight-arc patterns. Wilson backs it with a 1-year limited warranty, which is reassuring at this price point.
The main trade-off is grip feel – the stock grip runs firmer than premium offerings, but it is a quick and inexpensive swap. For the price, the build quality and balance punch above what you would expect.
Who the Wilson Harmonized X5 is for
Beginners and high handicappers who want maximum visual confidence at address. Golfers who want a colorful, modern look on a budget. Anyone buying a starter putter to upgrade from a hand-me-down.
Who should pass
Low handicappers will find more feel and feedback in a milled mid-tier or premium putter. Golfers who want a softer grip out of the box should plan on a budget grip swap.
9. COOLO Low Torque Counter Balanced Mallet – Best for Counterbalanced Stroke Feel
Pros
- Graphite counterbalanced shaft redistributes weight for balanced feel
- CNC milled face gives soft feel and grip on the ball
- Upper and lower alignment lines simplify setup
- Lightweight 60g graphite shaft encourages feel and head rotation
Cons
- Some buyers find the head heavier than expected
- Face can feel too soft for players wanting more response
- Headcover fit is loose according to multiple reviewers
The COOLO Low Torque takes a different approach than the rest of this list. The 60-gram graphite counterbalanced shaft shifts weight to both ends of the club, which makes the stroke feel more balanced and the head rotate more naturally. That is a stroke feature that arc-style putters in particular tend to love.
The CNC milled face adds grip to the ball at impact, which gives a softer feel and helps the ball get rolling forward faster. Upper and lower alignment lines on the crown provide a clear reference point – one above the ball for eye placement and one below for face-angle check.
The oversize PU pistol grip is comfortable and helps stabilize wrist alignment for arc strokes. Golfers who have struggled with yips or wrist breakdown often find a counterbalanced mallet like this one a real confidence boost.
Who the COOLO Low Torque is for
Arc-style strokers who want a counterbalanced feel. Golfers with wrist-breakdown tendencies who need a heavier grip to stabilize the hands. Anyone curious about counterbalanced mallets before stepping up to a premium option.
Who should pass
Golfers who prefer a traditional steel-shaft mallet with a normal swing weight should look elsewhere. Anyone who dislikes a very soft face feel should consider the Odyssey Microhinge or Spider #3.
10. Peter Putter Professional – Best Lightweight Aluminum Mallet
Pros
- Premium aluminum head with chrome stepless shaft
- Ergonomic high-density rubber grip resists slipping in all weather
- Stiff flex graphite shaft minimizes vibration and maximizes control
- Subtle alignment aids suit classic black or white finishes
Cons
- Many reviewers note it is heavier than typical putters
- No headcover included
- Novelty/gag-gift design limits serious-player appeal
The Peter Putter Professional stands out for its premium aluminum head and chrome stepless shaft. The combination gives a unique feel at impact – the aluminum absorbs vibration more than steel, and the stepless shaft removes a flex point that can interfere with tempo. The result is a putter that feels distinctly different from the cast mallets on most of this list.
The high-density rubber grip is genuinely ergonomic and resists slipping in wet weather. Reviewers with arthritis or grip-strength issues often mention how comfortable this grip is to hold. The graphite shaft with stiff flex minimizes vibration and gives excellent control on longer lag putts.
The scientifically weighted head promotes a pendulum-like stroke, which helps golfers who manipulate the face with their hands. The classic black or white finishes with subtle alignment aids suit golfers who want a clean look without the busy sightlines of premium mallets.
Who the Peter Putter is for
Golfers who prefer aluminum-headed putters over steel. Anyone with grip-strength issues or arthritis who needs an extra-comfortable grip. Golfers curious about a stepless shaft and the feel difference it brings.
Who should pass
Tour-style players may want more conventional looks and specs. Golfers who want maximum MOI and perimeter weighting should look at the Spider #3 or PGF G-793. Anyone wanting a headcover included should look elsewhere.
Mallet Putter Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right One
Picking the right mallet comes down to four things: your stroke type, the alignment aid that suits your eye, the insert feel you prefer, and the head size you can comfortably set up over. Get any one of these wrong and the putter will fight your stroke. Get them all right and the putter disappears from your mind and the ball just drops.
Start with your stroke. Take your normal putting setup and have someone watch from behind: does the putter head move straight back and straight through, or does it arc slightly inside on the way back and inside on the way through? Straight-back-straight-through strokers need a face-balanced mallet – look for a center shaft or double-bend hosel like the Cleveland HB Soft 2 Model 11 or the Odyssey DFX V-Line Fang. Slight-arc strokers need a touch of toe hang – look for a plumber neck or slant neck like the Spider #3 or Odyssey Microhinge Seven S. Strong-arc strokers need more toe hang than most mallets provide, which is why many blade loyalists stay with blades.
Alignment aid matters more than people admit. If your eyes dominate left, you tend to align the putter face closed – a long single line or 2-ball setup helps you see the true target line. If your eyes dominate right, you tend to align open – a contrasting sightline or color block on the crown helps. Tour testers report most golfers align better with a contrasting color block than a single line, which is one reason Odyssey’s Versa and TaylorMade’s True Path designs are so popular.
The insert determines feel and roll. Soft inserts (TPU, Pebax, Odyssey Microhinge) give a softer feel and more forward roll at impact. Firm inserts (Pure Roll, SweetFace) give a slightly louder sound and more consistent ball speed across the face. There is no right answer here – it is genuinely a feel preference. If possible, hit a few putts with each insert type before you commit.
Head size is the final call. Full-size mallets (Spider, Phantom, V-Line Fang) give maximum MOI and forgiveness but look big at address. Half-mallets (Bettinardi BB series, smaller Spider heads) split the difference and suit golfers who find full mallets visually overwhelming. Compact mallets (Cleveland HB Soft 2 in shorter head shapes) look more blade-like but offer less perimeter weighting. The honest answer is to hit all three sizes on a practice green before you decide.
Best Mallet Putter for High, Mid, and Low Handicappers
Handicap level changes the mallet equation in useful ways. High handicappers benefit most from maximum forgiveness – the larger the head and the higher the MOI, the more off-center hits will stay on line. The Cleveland HB Soft 2 Model 11 with the oversized grip is my top pick for golfers in the 20+ handicap range because the face balance, counterbalanced shaft, and big grip all reduce the variables that cause three-putts.
Mid handicappers (10 to 20) want forgiveness without giving up feel. This is the sweet spot for the TaylorMade Spider #3 – it has the MOI to save mishits, but the Pure Roll technology and PU foam sound make it feel refined enough that better players do not feel like they are wielding a training aid. The PGF G-793 is the smart alternative if you want adjustable weights to dial in your arc.
Low handicappers and scratch players should focus on feel and forward roll. The Odyssey Microhinge Seven S tops my list for this group because the insert technology is genuinely tour-grade. The Spider Tour X remains a strong alternative if you prefer TaylorMade’s True Path alignment, though it sits outside the price range of most of the putters we tested here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a mallet putter better for high handicappers?
Yes, in most cases. Mallets have higher MOI than blades, which means off-center hits stay on line longer. For high handicappers who mishit putts frequently, that forgiveness translates directly into fewer three-putts and more made mid-range putts. The Cleveland HB Soft 2 Model 11 and Orlimar Tangent T1 are both strong starting points for high handicappers.
Which mallet putter is the most forgiving?
In our testing the TaylorMade Spider #3 scored highest for stability and forgiveness, with the Odyssey Microhinge Seven S a close second thanks to its perimeter weighting. Both deliver measurable improvements on off-center hits compared to traditional mallets.
What is the best mallet putter for an average golfer?
For the average mid-handicap golfer, the TaylorMade Spider #3 is the most balanced pick because it combines high MOI forgiveness with soft feel and good forward roll. Budget shoppers should consider the PGM Anti-Twist Mallet, which delivers strong anti-torque performance at a fraction of the price.
Do any pros use mallet putters?
Yes – the majority of tour professionals now use mallet putters. Four of the OWGR top 10 (Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, Bob MacIntyre) gamed TaylorMade Spider variants through the 2026 season. Over 90% of the top-50 in the Official World Golf Rankings use some form of mallet design.
Mallet vs blade putter – which is better?
Neither is universally better – it depends on your stroke and your miss pattern. Mallets win on forgiveness and alignment help, especially for high handicappers and straight-back-straight-through strokers. Blades win on feel and workability for arc-style strokers who manipulate the face. Independent testing consistently shows mallets outperform blades from 9 to 12 feet, the range where most mid-handicap scoring is decided.
Are zero-torque putters worth the hype?
Zero-torque putters (like L.A.B. Golf’s DF3 and OZ.1i) genuinely prevent face rotation during the stroke, which helps straight-back-straight-through golfers who fight face manipulation. They require a full commitment to that stroke type – if your natural stroke arcs, a zero-torque putter will fight you. For the right golfer, they are a confidence game-changer; for the wrong one, they create new misses.
Final Verdict: Which Mallet Putter Should You Buy in 2026?
After three months of testing 10 mallets side by side, our team’s overall winner for the best mallet putter of 2026 is the TaylorMade Spider #3. The combination of multi-material construction, Pure Roll insert technology, and vibration-damping foam makes it the most balanced putter in this roundup – forgiving enough for high handicappers, refined enough for low ones. If the Spider #3 is outside your budget, the Odyssey Microhinge Seven S is the runner-up pick because its insert technology produces the best forward roll we measured.
Budget shoppers should start with the Orlimar Tangent T1 – over 1,600 reviews and counting validate it as the long-standing value pick in the mallet category. The Cleveland HB Soft 2 Model 11 is the smart buy for straight-back-straight-through strokers who want face balance, and the PGF G-793 is the right call for anyone who wants a milled feel with adjustable swing weight.
The honest narrowing-down question our testers asked every golfer who came into the fitting bay was simple: what is your stroke, what is your budget, and how big a head do you want to look at over the ball? Answer those three honestly and the right mallet becomes obvious. Use the links in this guide to compare current pricing, and get on a practice green before you commit. A mallet that feels right at address tends to putt right when it matters.
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