Which do you Choose – a Driver or Putter?
A couple of months ago, I wrote an article about “Your Go To Shot“. From the many responses, most players have that “one shot” they rely upon more than any other. This is a great idea and I continue to advocate players practicing that special shot they know will work more often than not!
Recently, I asked the question that if you had a choice at the prize table of a golf tournament, would you pick a new driver or new putter? Not surprisingly, most people said they would choose a new driver. This sparked an interesting conversation between a couple of Twitter followers and myself about why a driver!
JohnNKlisz – UWedge said: mostly bc they are expensive and there is a pressure to be up to date. Putters have longer ‘relationships’ w their putters.
Nathan – LovePlayingGolf responded: I get it. It’s also a confidence thing. We freshen up with new equipment, standing over a new club = confidence.
I agree with both! The putter is a special club that is nurtured over a long period of use. I know some players change their putter regularly, but I would suggest that they change their driver more often.
Interestingly, The image above was from the start of my 2015 golf season. Guess which club I have replaced since then…..Yup, it was my driver!
I have used the same putter for 15 years. It fits my eye very well and the I like its weight. I have toyed with replacing it over the years, but never actually felt confident enough to make the change. I figure it will be around for a couple more seasons, but I will never say never.
On a complete side note for info only, one The Grateful Golfer regulars, Pete Robbins, engineered and created a new putter called The White Dragon Putter. If you are looking for a new flat stick, it might be worth a try.
When was the last time your replaced your driver? Putter?
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 
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Hi Jim,
Thanks for the mention, very much appreciated.
Pete
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Pete,
No worries. It is my pleasure to pass on valuable golf information.
Cheers
Jim
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Jim, been playing my Big Bertha FT3 since about 2008 and have been putting with my Ping Answer since the late 1980s. Every time I go into a golf shop to pick out a new putter, I bring my Answer with me and nothing seems to feel as good in the head-to-head bake off. They’ll probably bury me with that thing 🙂
Thanks,
Brian
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Brian
Haha, I hear you about your putter. That is a long time with a driver, but whatever works!
Cheers
Jim
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Jim, you are right about the driver duration. But performance always trumps bells, whistles, and slick marketing. Whenever I try a new driver, I make sure to have the FT3 handy for comparison. Still haven’t found anything that beats it, even from the latest offerings.
Thanks!
Brian
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Jim,
I agree with the comments on Twitter, I’m also more inclined to update my driver as opposed to my putter. Technology moves a lot quicker with drivers and you don’t want to get left behind, whereas good putters can putt well with a broom if they had to. I’ve updated my driver a couple of times over the past 5 years, but I’ve stuck with the same putter for a while and plan to keep it in play.
Cheers
Josh
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Josh
Thanks. I like you analogy about good putters using a broom…haha.
Cheers
Jim
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Ah, equipment. I’m using a squarehead driver that’s at least 8 years old. And as mentioned, the look is one of confidence for me. I have a putter which was custom fit about 4-5 years ago and can’t see myself ever parting from it. It’s taken me almost 10 years to get a full bag of clubs I completely love. They won’t last forever, I just wish they could.
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Mike,
You are an anomaly. I generally keep my driver for about 3-4 years. Putter for a very long time! Confidence is definitely the key to playing with the right equipment!
Cheers
Jim
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