Recession-Proof Bargain Putters

Gasoline prices are soaring, food costs are escalating and home values are dropping. Alas, this unfortunate turn of economic events might ultimately put a squeeze on your golfing dollar.

That’s the bad news. The good news, however, is that a tight budget doesn’t have to mean missed putts. If you shop wisely, you can still find an affordable putter that will be “money” when it counts.

Following are PutterZone.com’s top picks for great putters that won’t break the bank:

Magique Blade S ($69)
The Magique Blade S (pictured above) boasts a high-class look at a blue-collar price, making it a steal for those who prefer a classic toe-down blade. This slender little beauty offers great feedback and a nice roll. It is made from 304 stainless steel and comes with a Lamkin Crossline grip. Click here for PutterZone.com’s review of Magique’s Blade S putter.

PING Karsten Series Putters ($89)
With its new Karsten Series putters, PING offers classic designs and strong performance at a magnificent price. The Karsten Series putters come with a back cavity insert that adds silkiness to the feel. Boasting top-to-bottom quality, these putters ultimately make a serious value statement. Click here to read PutterZone.com’s review of the PING Karsten Anser model.

Cleveland VP Putters ($109)
Cleveland Golf is most known for its drivers, irons and wedges, but the company also makes some nice putters, too. In fact, the Cleveland brand shares the same roof as the higher-end Never Compromise putter brand, ensuring access to excellent in-house putter design talent. Cleveland’s Visual Performance (VP) putters offer a helpful “Dual Axis” alignment system while boasting a solid, sturdy look. Click here for PutterZone.com’s review of the Cleveland VP2.

TaylorMade Rossa Siena ($119)
TaylorMade’s Rossa putters all feature the company’s AGSI+ grooved face insert, which is designed to impart truer roll for enhanced accuracy. Some Rossa putters (such as the red-hot Spider model) are priced in the $199 range, but others, such as the Siena model, can be had for just $119. The Siena is a sleek modern blade with good balance, excellent feel and razor-sharp construction. It looks like a Ferrari but is priced like a Ford. Click here for PutterZone.com’s review of the Siena.

P.S. If you’re looking for a bargain putter, you can’t do better than free, which is why you should enter PutterZone.com’s exclusive drawing for a TaylorMade Spider putter. Entering is easy, so click here for your chance to win this remarkable $199 putter. Drawing ends on June 10, 2008.