Golfers who play mallet putters love the stability they offer on those knee-knockers. If you’re trying to get the ball to the bottom of the cup, you need a mallet putter that’s great for short putts. Here are the top three best mallet putters for short putts in 2025.
Toura Proto P5
In our 2025 best mallet putter testing, the Toura Proto P5 emerged as a standout mallet when it came to short-range putting performance.
Testers consistently praised its performance on short putts, noting that it felt stable, clean through impact and rolled the ball with confidence. Feedback also included things like “really clean,” “good-looking putter” and “good feel.”
However, its performance dropped off significantly at medium and long distances. The P5 ranked near the bottom in our medium putt length test and also showed poor distance control on longer putts. While some testers mentioned the face insert helped on short putts, others noted it made longer distances feel inconsistent and unpredictable.
It’s priced at $300, which is more affordable than many high-end mallets, but golfers focused on mid-range consistency may want to explore other options or consider swapping the insert for better feel and feedback.
Buy this if:
✅ You want to eliminate short-putt anxiety.
✅ You value clean aesthetics with solid feedback.
Don’t buy this if:
❌ You want balanced performance across all distances.
❌ You rely on precise distance control on long putts.
Bettinardi INOVAI 6.0
The Bettinardi INOVAI 6.0 continues to prove its staying power. A former Most Wanted winner, it remains one of the most balanced mallet putters in 2025. With strong performance at all three key distances, it finished tied for fifth overall in our PuttView Handicap rankings.
While its long-range performance ranked below average compared to the field, the INOVAI 6.0 still holds its own thanks to consistency across short and mid-range putts. Priced at $399.99, it offers premium performance with a proven reputation, even if the aesthetics aren’t for everyone.
Buy this if:
✅ You want balanced putting performance.
✅ You value feel and control on short putts.
Don’t buy this if:
❌ You need elite distance control on long putts.
Runner Mallet
The Runner Mallet wasted no time making an impression. In its Most Wanted debut, it finishes second overall among mallet putters with one of the most consistent performance profiles in our 2025 test. It ranks third on short putts, third for medium distance and delivers a top-five performance on long putts. It’s one of only a few putters performing across all distances.
Tester feedback praised the feel, roll and surprising accuracy. However, one comment frequently heard from testers was “putts better than it looks.” The look of the Runner Mallet is not for everyone.
While the design drew mixed reviews, most testers agreed that performance speaks louder than branding or looks.
Buy this if:
✅ You want complete performance across all distances.
✅ You’re willing to prioritize feel and results over brand name.
Don’t buy this if:
❌ You care as much about looks as you do performance.
Final thoughts
If none of these putters is a fit for your game, take a look at our complete mallet and blade putter testing results:
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