The 5 best minigolf putters for beginners compared

Most minigolf courses provide a minigolf putter for you to borrow. This is often enough to simply have fun during a round of minigolf. However, if you play more often, want to improve, and understand how your shots work, a putter of your own is worth it.

Note: This comparison primarily refers to the classic minigolf systems: concrete, miniature golf, and felt. The putters also work on adventure golf courses; however, there are players there who use regular golf putters, which is rather a hindrance on classic minigolf courses.

This article was written by One Putt Minigolf.
- Your minigolf equipment specialist from entry-level to pro -

Why have your own putter at all?

For the occasional round, a rental putter usually suffices. If you play more often and want to get better in a targeted way, you will want to find out why the ball ran differently compared to the previous attempt. Did you change your line, the pace, or the impact point? If you get a different rental putter every time, you are constantly changing the length, grip, weight, and ball contact. Your own putter removes this variable from your training.

Over time, you learn how your putter swings and how hard you need to play a ball. There is no single perfect putter for this: several models can feel good. The crucial thing is that you practice consistently with suitable equipment. A better feel for the shot comes from many conscious repetitions, not just from the purchase itself.

3 putters in a visual comparison (from left to right): standard rental putter (blue); double-sided minigolf putter - NIFO Double (beige); hobby putter for right-handed players (red).

Furthermore, a specialized minigolf putter for hobby and tournament players is better adapted to the challenges of the game and offers advantages for executing shots more precisely due to its design, for example, the rubber plate on the striking face of the putter head. This is explained in more detail in the next sections.

What defines a minigolf putter?

In minigolf, the goal is to get the ball into the hole in as few strokes as possible. Sidewalls and obstacles dictate various paths. The direct route is often not the way to the goal: you read the course, choose the pace and the ball, and play a planned detour off the wall. For such tasks, there are minigolf balls with different bounce heights, hardnesses, weights, and surfaces. Many are rubber-based; the material and coating vary. A typical sports putter is tailored to this variety of balls. Its visible feature is a rubber plate on the striking side.

Why is the rubber plate important?

During a shot, both the ball and the striking face are deformed very briefly. Part of the energy is converted back into movement, and some is lost. How fast the ball starts depends on the total contact pair of ball and striking face as well as the putter motion. A rubber plate changes this contact, but it is not a magic accelerator: depending on the material, it can return energy or dampen it. Especially very low-bounce, so-called "dead" balls are significantly easier to control with putter rubber than without it.

A minigolf putter for hobby and competition players has a rubber plate for more precision during the shot. Normally, the rubber is only attached to the side used for playing. For beginners who are still unsure of their playing direction, there are also putters that can be played from both sides. At One Putt Minigolf you can buy all kinds of minigolf putters.

Rubber plate, hitting technique, and spin

With a minigolf putter with a rubber plate, you can apply significantly more precise hitting techniques as well as spin. With a straight shot, you try to make the impact point, direction, and pace repeatable. With a spin shot, you add a lateral force to the ball that creates rotation. Friction between the ball and the striking face and the ball surface come into play here. The rubber plate supports the generation of spin, but it does not happen on its own. You must practice the stroke path, impact point, and speed. Observing how the ball reacts while rolling or hitting the wall gives you feedback on your stroke execution.

TIP: If you want to practice your technique, play the same ball multiple times on the same course for practice and change only one thing at a time. This way, you can see the influence your technique has on the ball.

What matters in a putter?

In the next sections, we have compared and summarized these properties of five different minigolf putters for you. All putters are available at One Putt Minigolf and cost between 37 and 159 EUR.

Which putter length fits me?

Putter lengths are very individual and adapted to the player's preferences. A good initial guideline is for the putter to reach approximately to the hip. There is no universal "centimeter rule." It is important that you can maintain a good posture and execute your stroke cleanly. You can find more on posture in "How to play minigolf correctly?".

Here you can see on the left that the putter is at about hip height. On the right, you can see the correct posture with the same putter.

I definitely recommend holding different lengths and taking some practice swings before you buy – for example, at a minigolf course. They usually have various rental lengths that you can test. Often, there are clubs at these facilities that may have professional putters on-site to test – it is best to just ask and give it a try. Hold the putters in your hands, take your normal playing stance, and swing a few times. Do you stand comfortably, and are your arms and hands relaxed?

When purchasing, there are various standard lengths available, such as 80 cm, 85 cm, 90 cm, or 95 cm. Custom lengths are possible depending on the model, either at no extra charge or for an additional fee; this depends on the offered version and the customization effort. At One Putt Minigolf, you can order minigolf putters directly to your home. If the putter does not fit, you can easily exchange it according to our return policy.

What is my playing direction?

In minigolf, as in golf, there is a distinction between right-handed and left-handed players. With a right-handed putter, the rubber surface used for hitting is on the left side of the head, and with a left-handed putter, on the right. Here, too, the choice of which side to play from is individual. The best thing to do is simply try both sides. If you have not yet found your side, you can also start with a double-sided putter and decide later on.

For right-handed players, the rubber is on the left side of the putter head,
for left-handed players, on the right side.

Once you know your direction, further putter geometries and tunings become available to you. Whether one of them fits your swing better is something you have to feel yourself. You can also stick with a double-sided model permanently. However, most players decide on one side over time, which expands the selection of available putters.

Ergonomics: angle, center of gravity, and shaft attachment

The (lie) angle determines how the head sits in relation to the course based on your stance and how far away you are from the ball. The classic shape of a minigolf putter resembles an L, which is why it is often called an L-putter. The shaft is attached to the side of the head and is available in various angles.

The center of gravity of the entire putter is typically in the lower part due to the head, but its exact position also depends on the shaft and grip. What is important for the pendulum motion is how the mass is distributed. More mass on the head can make the swing feel smoother and more distinct for some, while for others, it makes controlling the speed more difficult. The statement "rental putters are lighter than professional putters" is not generally true: robust rental models can be just as heavy.

Grip and putter rubber: don't over-optimize too early

Usually, a standard grip and putter rubber are installed; for some putters, you can choose different shapes and sizes. For your first putter, a grip that feels comfortable in your hand is sufficient. You can also start by using the standard putter rubber provided. If you later notice that your hands are slipping or that the grip or rubber is too thick or too thin, you can make specific adjustments. It is easier to make targeted changes based on experience than to overanalyze everything in advance.

However, you can, of course, delve deeper into the subject of different grips and putter rubbers here as well. Grips come in various shapes, from pistol grips (wider at the top than at the bottom) to flattened, square, or round grips. They are available in various materials such as rubber, tape, cork, and others.

The putter rubber mainly influences the ball's acceleration during the stroke through its thickness. Thicker rubbers accelerate faster than thinner ones. So, if you make an identical stroke with a 10 mm and a 6 mm rubber, the ball will be faster with the 10 mm rubber. At the same time, the color of the rubber also influences the rubber compound and thus its softness, which in turn affects ball acceleration and the feel of the stroke.

Five putters compared

Below you will find a comparison table that takes a closer look at five minigolf putters suitable for beginners. The order of the putters is sorted by price but does not directly reflect a recommendation or the quality of the putters.

*Shop starting prices at the time of creation; the price of the selected variant may differ. Total weight is not head weight. Check for shortening and custom lengths for each model before ordering.

The five models in closer detail

"Striker" Minigolf Putter

The "Striker" minigolf putter is the right putter for you if you are looking for a budget-friendly entry-level model. You have the option of placing the putter rubber on the left, right, or even on both sides. The weight at approx. 450 g (at 93 cm) is in the lighter range.

Fun-Sports Putter

The Fun-Sports Putter is a budget-conscious choice for beginners, hobbyists, and club players looking for a minigolf putter. The putter is available for right- and left-handed players. The weight is higher compared to the other putters.

NIFO Double

The NIFO Double has 6 mm thick rubber embedded on both sides, making the putter playable from both sides. It is suitable if you are still experimenting with your playing direction, want to play from both sides, or want to share a putter. At 480 g total weight, the putter is in the rather heavy range, the same weight as The Putter from M&G.

M&G - The Putter

The M&G The Putter is interesting for ambitious hobby players and for those stepping into club play. The shaft, grip, and length can be further customized upon request. The putter is available for right- and left-handed players. At 480 g total weight, the putter is in the rather heavy range, same as the NIFO Double.

3D Putter®evolution

The 3D Putter®evolution is a putter that adapts to your game. Compared to the other putters, the 3D Putter®evolution is in a higher price range, but it includes a toolkit with which the angle, weight, and rubber insert can be adjusted independently. Additionally, the 3D putter shoe is already included with this putter. Individual parts are available upon request.

Conclusion: Consistency over perfection

A rental putter is enough for a nice round. If you want to better understand how your stroke works, your own putter creates consistent conditions for practice. The "Striker" minigolf putter and the NIFO Double are double-sided putters for an uncomplicated start if you do not yet know your preferred playing direction.

The M&G - The Putter and the Fun-Sports Putter are classic hobby putters available for right- and left-handed players in various lengths. While the Fun-Sports Putter can be ordered in individual lengths without extra cost, the M&G - The Putter offers different standard lengths, which can be customized for an additional fee. Putter rubber and grip can be configured individually.

If you would like flexible putter settings that you can adjust independently, the 3D Putter®evolution is particularly worth considering. Especially at the beginning, you can use it to simply experiment to find the perfect configuration for your putter.

There is no perfect putter, but rather different fit options that suit you more or less. The decisive progress comes when you play repeatedly with a familiar putter, observe, and readjust as needed.

Common questions about choosing a putter

Which putter length suits me?

As a first orientation, the putter should reach approximately to your hip. It is best to try out different lengths: in your normal playing stance, you should be able to stand comfortably and let the putter swing freely.

How do I find out my playing direction?

Try out whether a stroke from right to left or from left to right feels more natural to you. If you are still unsure, you can test both directions with a double-sided putter like the "Striker" minigolf putter or the NIFO Double.

How much does a minigolf putter cost?

Simple personal putters in our shop currently start at about €37. Depending on the model, face, and individual customization, the price increases; the selected variant on the product page is always the determining factor.

Where can I buy minigolf putters?

At One Putt Minigolf, you will find putters for recreational players, beginners, and experienced minigolfers. Before buying, compare especially the length, playing direction, and rubber plate.

Do I need my own minigolf putter as a beginner?

For occasional rounds, the course's rental putter is perfectly adequate. If you play regularly and want to specifically improve your stroke, your own putter will help you practice with the same grip, the same length, and the same feel every time.

Is an expensive putter automatically better?

No. A putter helps you primarily when its length, balance, and face suit your stance and playing style; precise strokes are still created through practice.

Read more

• How do I play minigolf correctly? Tips from the world champion
• What do I need to get started in minigolf?
• What types of minigolf are there?

This article was written by One Putt Minigolf.
- Your minigolf equipment supplier for everyone from beginners to pros -