Although players will need a solid performance with all of their golf clubs if they are to string together a low-scoring round, it is perhaps their golf putter which is of the utmost importance.

It is possible that many golfers will play close to half of the shots in their round with a golf putter, easily making it the most used club in their golf bags.

This means that players face a tricky job of finding a putter that suits their own style, with many variations on the market differing in look, feel and weight.

Traditionally, a blade-style putter has been the choice of many professionals, with its straight head and straightforward design aiding those looking to keep it simple.

This style continues to be the preference of golfers of all standards and with the Christmas and New Year sales still not over, players could decide to purchase a different golf putter in order to try to move their game forwards.

Among the offerings up for grabs is the Cleveland VP1 Milled golf putter, which features a Dual Axis Alignment system to help players improve the direction of their shots from on the green.

When in their stance, players are able to detect when their eyes are not correctly positioned over their golf ball, alongside when their hands move out of position, to boost their chances of striking a putt on the right path to a hole.

Additional features of the golf putter are a plumbers neck hosel and a platinum finish, while right and left-handed options are available and there is a choice between stand, flat and upright lie angles.

The other common type of golf putter is that with a mallet head, which is heavier due to its size and produces less backspin on a golf ball after impact due to a lower centre of gravity.

This also helps to provide players with a more consistent roll on their golf balls, which is one of the starring features of the Longridge Mallet Pro golf putter.

Meanwhile, its high inertia helps to boost accuracy and players may feel they have better control of the club's movements via its tour style wrap grip.

Some golf putter ranges feature a host of styles with players making the decision of which particular offering suits their game best.

These include the Odyssey Crimson Series golf putters, featuring the patented Crimson Stronomic insert to provide greater feel and responsiveness.

A square putter face at impact is guaranteed by the Nike OZ golf putter series, with the use of the lighter polymer instead of aluminium allowing enhanced perimeter weighting and maximising stability.

Another option that may appeal to players is the TaylorMade Rossa Monza Spider Belly golf putter as its steel wire-framed head construction and light aluminium core help to increase distance when a golf ball is not hit off the centre of the face.

Meanwhile, an AGSI+ Technology insert with 14 tightly positioned grooves helps to ensure a smoother roll across the putting surface and more efficient forward spin.

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