When it comes to scoring, the putter is king. It’s the club you use more than any other in a round of golf—and for many players, it’s also the club that causes the most frustration. That’s why the gear experts at Next Round Golf have handpicked their favorite Tour-proven putters in the game right now. These are the models that make it easier to find your line, control your pace, and sink more putts—no matter your skill level.
Some of these putters have Tour pedigree. Others are newer to the scene, offering cutting-edge forgiveness for players who want consistency above all else. The common thread? Each one delivers outstanding performance and feel, even when your putting stroke isn’t perfect.
Even better: you can shop each of these models as premium secondhand gear—only at Next Round Golf.
Brandon’s Pick: L.A.B. Golf DF3 – "The Automatic Option"
Brandon’s choice, the L.A.B. Golf DF3, is a modern marvel in putter design—and perhaps the most radical-looking option on this list. But don’t let the futuristic shape fool you. This putter is all about one thing: stability.
The DF3 (Directed Force 3) features Lie Angle Balance technology, which helps the putter stay square through the stroke. That means fewer pushed or pulled putts and more consistent speed control. L.A.B. claims it virtually eliminates torque—and once you try it, it’s hard to disagree.
Brandon likes it for how easy it makes putting feel: “The DF3 does all the work. I just aim and go.”
It’s been used successfully on Tour by players like Rickie Fowler, who put it in play during a putting resurgence. Still, the DF3 shines brightest in the hands of everyday golfers who struggle with consistency on the greens.
Shop the L.A.B. Golf DF3 at Next Round Golf
KJ’s Pick: TaylorMade Spider Tour – "Forgiveness Redefined"
KJ’s favorite, the TaylorMade Spider Tour, has long been a staple on the PGA Tour—and for good reason. It combines alignment-friendly design with excellent forgiveness, thanks to its high-MOI frame and perimeter weighting.
This is the putter that Jason Day helped popularize, and it’s been in and out of bags for stars like Dustin Johnson and Rory McIlroy. But you don’t need a Tour card to benefit from its stability.
KJ explains: “It’s hard to hit a truly bad putt with this thing. The ball stays online even when your stroke doesn’t.”
With its large footprint and pure roll insert, the Spider Tour offers one of the best blends of feel and forgiveness on the market—making it a can’t-miss for golfers at any level.
Shop the TaylorMade Spider Tour at Next Round Golf
Rodney’s Pick: Ping Anser 2 – "A Timeless Classic"
The Ping Anser 2 is one of the most iconic putters in golf history. It’s Rodney’s pick because it delivers unmatched reliability and simplicity, wrapped in a traditional blade-style design that has stood the test of time.
The Anser 2 has graced the hands of legends like Tiger Woods (early in his career) and Lee Westwood, and it's still going strong thanks to its clean lines, optimal weighting, and feedback-rich feel.
Rodney puts it this way: “You don’t have to overthink anything with this putter. Line it up, make a smooth stroke, and let the design do the rest.”
For players who prefer a blade but want a little more forgiveness than a typical compact model offers, the Anser 2 remains one of the best choices available.
Shop the Ping Anser 2 at Next Round Golf
Daniel’s Pick: Odyssey White Hot #1 – "Feel Meets Forgiveness"
Daniel’s top pick, the Odyssey White Hot #1, features one of the most celebrated inserts in golf: the original White Hot. Revered for its soft-yet-responsive feel, this insert gives players excellent control over distance—something that’s key for any golfer trying to two-putt (or one-putt) more often.
This putter’s heel-toe weighting and slight toe hang make it ideal for slight-arc strokes, while its classic shape appeals to both traditionalists and modern players alike.
“I love the sound, the feel, and the consistency,” Daniel says. “It helps you forget your last miss and focus on the next putt.”
Golfers like Ernie Els and Phil Mickelson have used White Hot putters over the years, helping to establish Odyssey’s reputation as one of the top brands in putting.
Shop the Odyssey White Hot #1 at Next Round Golf
Jess’s Pick: Odyssey Ai-ONE Jailbird Cruiser – "Tour-Proven Momentum"
Jess’s choice, the Odyssey Ai-ONE Jailbird Cruiser, exploded into the spotlight when Rickie Fowler used a custom Jailbird mallet to win the 2023 Rocket Mortgage Classic—and again when Wyndham Clark gamed one in his U.S. Open victory.
This putter features a multi-material construction and Ai-designed insert, which improves speed consistency across the face. That means off-center strikes roll more like center strikes—a huge win for weekend golfers.
Jess loves it because it brings Tour-caliber forgiveness to the average player. “It’s got that elite look and feel, but it actually helps you sink more putts. What’s not to love?”
With its double-bend shaft and counterbalanced weight, the Jailbird Cruiser suits a variety of putting strokes, particularly those favoring straight-back, straight-through motion.
Shop the Odyssey Ai-ONE Jailbird Cruiser at Next Round Golf
Josh G’s Pick: Scotty Cameron Super Select Newport 2 – "The Gold Standard"
Josh G went with a legend: the Scotty Cameron Super Select Newport 2. This putter is the latest evolution of the iconic design made famous by Tiger Woods, who’s used a version of it to win nearly every major title in his career.
The Super Select series modernizes the Newport 2 with enhanced milling, dual-milled face texture, and improved balance. Despite its traditional blade shape, this putter is surprisingly forgiving thanks to its precision weighting and optimized feel.
“It’s a Tour putter, no doubt,” Josh says. “But it’s also smooth, balanced, and incredibly rewarding for any golfer who puts in the practice.”
This model is ideal for players with a slight arc in their putting stroke who want a blend of classic looks and modern performance.
Shop the Scotty Cameron Super Select Newport 2 at Next Round Golf
Why Forgiving Putters Matter for All Golfers
While much of the conversation around forgiveness focuses on drivers and irons, putters are just as important—if not more so. A forgiving putter can:
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Help maintain speed on off-center strikes
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Reduce the likelihood of short or long misses
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Improve directional consistency
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Build confidence from inside 10 feet
And let’s face it: most of us aren’t perfect putters. A forgiving putter won’t fix everything, but it can turn three-putts into two-putts and two-putts into birdie chances.
Whether you favor a traditional blade or a high-MOI mallet, the right forgiving putter will help you stay focused, consistent, and confident on the greens.
Shop the Staff Picks - Tour Proven Putters Collection at Next Round Golf
Each of these putters is available now—or coming soon—as part of our Staff Picks – Tour Proven Putters collection. We’ve curated this list to include putters that are both forgiving and Tour-tested, offering a mix of modern tech and timeless performance.
From L.A.B. Golf’s torque-free DF3 to the iconic Scotty Cameron Newport 2, you’ll find a putter that elevates your short game without breaking the bank.
Shop the Staff Picks - Tour Proven Putters Collection at Next Round Golf and roll your best putts yet.