Sink More Putts with the Slant Neck Putter (3 Options)
In my recent series covering the different types of putters, I’ve continued to emphasize one key point: finding the right putter is a game-changer.
What’s the goal of a competitive golf round?
To shoot the lowest score possible (while winning side bets and enjoying a beverage or two).
Most golfers focus on their performance off the tee (and of course that matters), but if you can putt with improved consistency, you can easily eliminate 9-18 strokes from your game, just like that.
With that wisdom in the back of your mind, let’s talk about the slant neck putter.
What is a Slant Neck Putter?
A slant neck putter has a hosel that bends or slants backward as it connects to the putter head. A slant neck putter has a slight offset (though sometimes the offset can be more pronounced) and is very similar to a plumber neck putter, without the dramatic “L” shaped bend.
Who should use a slant neck putter?
A slant neck putter is best for golfers with an arcing stroke (sometimes referred to as a gate stroke).
With this type of stroke, a golfer typically starts with the putter face open in their backswing, then moves toward square at the point of impact with the golf ball.
What does a slant neck putter do?
The risk to the arcing stroke is that the putter face can remain open at the point of contact. The slant neck putter helps alleviate this common problem thanks to added offset and toe hang.
Without getting too technical, these two features help square the putter face at the moment of impact.
Golfers with an arcing stroke benefit from perfect alignment at that crucial moment.
The result?
Straighter putts and better distance control.
Should I use a slant neck putter?
Potentially.
If you…
- Have an moderate arc in your putting stroke
- Tend to miss putts wide right (for right handed golfers)
…then you might benefit from a slant neck option.
Since I can’t see your swing, I would strongly suggest a putter fitting to confirm your style and the best putter for your game.
You can also use the chart I created below to help guide your decision.
Slant Neck vs. Plumbers Neck
As I mentioned earlier, the slant neck and plumbers neck putters are similar in that they both feature a slight offset and some toe hang.
However, these two putter types have some key differences. This chart should help you differentiate between the two.
| Slant Neck | Plumbers Neck | |
|---|---|---|
| Hosel Type | Bends back into the putter head in a slant | Connects to the putter head in a dramatic “L” bend |
| Putting Stroke | For golfers with a moderate arcing stroke | For golfers with a slight arcing stroke |
| Skill Level | Less forgiving | More forgiving |
Generally speaking, you’re more likely to see a slant neck golf putter in the golf bag of a PGA pro.
Flow Neck vs. Slant Neck
A flow neck putter is very similar to a slant neck putter. Both options are designed for golfers with a noticeable arc in their stroke and the confidence to shape their shots.
Some like to say that flow neck and slant neck putters are best for those who take a more “artful” or “feel-based” approach to putting.
I try not to laugh when the golf world overcomplicates things, but the basic idea is that these putters are NOT for golfers who are super-mechanical in their motion.
If you have a straight back and through motion, you want to look into a single bend or double bend putter.
Both flow neck and slant neck options are toe hang putters. More on that in the video below:
So what’s the difference between the flow neck and the slant neck?
The slant neck hosel has a slightly more noticeable kink or bend as it goes back toward the putter head.
The flow neck has a smoother, more seamless connection.
That’s about it (though offsets in these putters can vary).
Best Slant Neck Putters in the Market
Ready to shaft your old putter and slant in a new direction?
[Lame puns, check.]
Add one of these slant neck putters to your golf bag.
Odyssey Golf Eleven S Putter
If you’re a mid-handicap golfer who stays closer to the high handicapper threshold, the Odyssey Golf Eleven Triple Track S Putter is your best move in the slant neck category. My suggestion would be to pair this putter with Callaway’s Triple Track golf balls.
- Stroke Lab shaft improves consistency
- Multiple alignment setups (triple track, double ball)
- Redesigned mallet for increased forgiveness
This is one of the most forgiving mallet putters in the slant neck family, as Odyssey Golf combines all of their best features into one incredible unit.
Cleveland Golf Huntington Beach Soft 11S
Cleveland Golf’s putters are still a bit underrated in my opinion, and the Huntington Beach Soft 11S is no exception.
- Helps with consistent distance on all putts
- Diamond milling pattern creates better a roll
- Soft feel
- Reasonable price tag
- Best for those with a slight arcing stroke, avoid if you have a significant arcing stroke
As a golfer, you’ll benefit from Speed Optimized Face Technology.
Translation: when you hit an off-center putt (not that you would ever do that), the ball speed remains consistent. This is very helpful if you’re trying to cut down on 3 putts and 4 putts.
TaylorMade Hydro Blast Bandon 3
TaylorMade was so confident in this putter that they created seven unique variations to suit golfers of all types.
- Perimeter weighting means more forgiveness
- Pure roll insert optimizes ball roll
- Great for a moderate arcing stroke
The Bandon 3 short slant putter is a reliable wing-shaped mallet that will help your frame the ball properly. Weights on the side of each “wing” offer more forgiveness than other putters in this category.
I know of one local golfer who says this putter singlehandedly changed his game.
Quick Recap and Takeaways
A slant neck putter isn’t for everyone, but if you can find a putter that helps you shave 9-18 strokes per round, that seems like a worthwhile investment.
If you have a natural/moderate arc to your putting motion, then you might want to experiment with a slant neck or flow neck option.
These putters are specifically designed for golfers with an arcing stroke, and there are plenty of options to choose from.
If you own a slant neck putter, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
