What Is A Zero Torque Putter?

Zero torque putters have dominated the discourse in golf equipment over the past couple of years with demand on tour rising and the benefits seemingly suggesting all types of player could hole more putts by using one. So what exactly is a zero torque putter and how will the help golfers on the greens?

The premise of a zero torque putter is a relatively simple one. Essentially it is a design that allows the face of the putter to stay square relative to the path of your stroke rather than the natural opening and closing of the face traditional putters tend to encourage. This is achieved by the shaft axis running directly through the center of gravity (CG) in the head of the putter, therefore reducing the amount of twisting and helping you return the putter face square through impact more easily.

Most golfers overlook the fact that there are many different putter heads and hosel configurations that allow the club head to open and close at different rates. While head weight, lie angle and loft are still all factors that will affect how a golfer putts and should be addressed during a putter fitting, a zero torque putter takes away some of these variables as they are designed to suit any strength of arc or curve in the putting stroke. Typically the best mallet putters are face-balanced, which promotes a straighter stroke with less arc while the best blade putters on the market are designed with toe-hang for more face rotation.

What are the benefits of using a zero torque putter?

Zero torque putters are really going to benefit those who struggle with controlling their putter face, particularly within 10ft of the hole. This applies to every ability of player from the high handicapper to the tour player. With the face staying square to the path for longer, these putters should allow the golfer to hit their intended target more often.