How to Pick Up a Golf Ball with a Mallet Putter

Learning how to pick up your golf ball with the back of your mallet putter is more than just a back-saving hack, it’s a small move that makes you look and feel like a seasoned player. This article will break down exactly how to master this subtle skill, with clear, step-by-step instructions tailored to different types of mallet putters. You’ll be scooping your ball off the green with casual confidence in no time.

Why Learn This Skill? (It's More Than Just a Trick)

You might think this is just a bit of showmanship, but there are practical, game-enhancing benefits to mastering the putter pickup. For starters, let’s talk about your back. Bending down to retrieve your ball from the cup over a dozen times, plus grabbing it after marking it on the green, adds up. Over 18 holes, and especially over a lifetime of golf, that repetitive motion can cause strain and fatigue. Saving your back even a little bit on each green keeps you fresher and more comfortable through the final holes of your round.

Beyond the physical benefits, there’s a mental component. Effortlessly scooping up your ball is one of those small, fluid actions that signals confidence. It keeps your pre-putt and post-putt routines smooth. Instead of a clunky sequence of bending, picking up, standing, and marking, everything flows. It’s a minor detail, but golf is a game of details. Nailing the little things builds a rhythm and an attitude that translates to the rest of your game. It’s a subtle flex that says, “I’ve done this before.”

Understanding Your Mallet Putter's Design

The secret to successfully picking up your ball lies entirely in the design of your putter head. Not all mallets are created equal in this regard. The specific technique you need to use will depend on the shape, cavities, and weight distribution of your putter. Let's break down the main categories so you can identify which type you have.

Category 1: Mallets with a Cavity or "Scoop" Back

These are the easiest and most common types for this trick. Think of iconic models like the TaylorMade Spider series or many of the larger Odyssey mallets (like the Ten or the Triple Track). These putters are specifically designed with a deep recess or open cavity on the back. This cavity isn't just for weight distribution and stability (its main job), it also creates a perfect "scoop" for trapping the back half of the golf ball. If your putter has what looks like a small cup or a U-shaped cutout on the flange, you're in luck. The "press and scoop" method will be your go-to.

Category 2: Mallets with "Fangs" or "Wings"

This category includes popular designs like the Odyssey #7 and its many variations, as well as some models in the Scotty Cameron Phantom X family. These putters feature weighted perimeter "wings" or "fangs" that extend backward from the face. While they don't have a single deep cavity, the space between the wings or behind the fangs provides a different mechanism for lifting the ball. The technique here is less of a scoop and more of a "trap and flick." You use the edge of one of the fangs to gently pop the ball up off the green, where it can be caught on the top part of the putter face or within the fangs themselves. It requires a bit more finesse and timing.

Category 3: "Solid" or "Block" Mallets

These are the toughest mallets for picking up a ball. These models have a more solid, filled-in design without any significant cavities or wings. They are essentially a block of metal, offering maximum stability but no easy way to get underneath the ball. For these putters, you have to use a much more advanced technique that relies on friction: the "face trap and lift." This involves pressing the putter face directly against the ball and using a precise, quick motion to roll and lift it. It’s a move that requires a ton of practice and a very soft touch.

Step-by-Step Guide for the Most Common Method: The Scoop

If you have a mallet with a cavity back (Category 1), this is the simplest and most reliable method to master. Let's walk through it.

1. Perfect Your Approach: Stand over the ball as if you were about to tap it in. The ball should be directly in front of you. A stable stance is helpful, so get your feet set.
2. Position the Putter: Align the putter so the back edge of the cavity is poised to make contact with the back of the golf ball, just above its equator. You want to use the lowest point of the 'U' shape or the rear wall of the scoop.
3. The Downward Press: This is the key movement. From here, you need to apply a short, quick, and firm downward pressure on the ball. It's not a hard stomp, but a confident push. The goal is to press the ball slightly into the soft surface of the green. This compression makes the ball want to pop back up.
4. The "Capture" Moment: As the ball pops up from the pressure, the cavity on your putter catches it. The downward force you apply simultaneously allows the leading edge of the cavity to slide just under the ball as it rebounds. Think of it less like scooping sand and more like a trapdoor mechanism. The ball pushes down and then jumps right into the opening.
5. The nonchalant Lift: Once you feel the ball settle into the cavity, you're done. Just lift the putter straight up smoothly. Don't jerk it upward, or you might jostle the ball out. A calm, steady lift completes the look.

Pro Tip: The amount of pressure is everything. Too soft, and the ball just rolls away. Too hard, and you’ll create a noticeable indentation on the green (bad etiquette!). Practice on the putting green to find that perfect amount of force where the ball pops nicely without damaging the surface.

Mastering the "Fang" Flick

For those with Odyssey #7 style putters or similar winged designs (Category 2), the approach is different. It's less about pressure and more about a quick, nimble action.

1. Line it Up: Approach the ball and position the putter so that the back corner of one of the "fangs" is right beside the ball, about halfway up its side. You aeren't trying to get behind it, but beside it.
2. Prepare the Flick: This move comes almost entirely from your wrists. Hold the putter lightly. You're going to make a quick, upward rotational flick. Think of it like trying to flick a bottle cap off a table with your finger, but with the corner of your putter.
3. Execute the Flick: Make a sharp upward and slightly inward flicking motion with your wrist. The goal is to use the fang's edge to pop the ball vertically, just an inch or two off the ground.
4. Catch and Balance: As it pops up, the ball will ideally land and balance on the top surface of the putter, between the two fangs. The wings provide a nice platform for it to settle. From there, you gently lift.

This method takes more practice than the scoop. The timing has to be just right, but once you get the feel for it, it’s just as reliable and looks incredibly smooth.

The Pro Move: The Face Trap and Roll

If you're using a solid-back mallet (Category 3), get ready for a challenge. This method is the mark of someone who's spent a lot of time on the practice green. It relies purely on technique and friction.

1. Face to Face: Place the face of your putter directly and squarely against the golf ball. Your putter shaft will be nearly vertical.
2. Apply Gentle Pressure: Lightly press the putter face into the ball. The idea is to create a secure connection between the face (especially if it has milling or an insert) and the dimples of the ball.
3. The Roll and Lift: This is one fluid motion. While maintaining forward pressure, begin to roll the ball forward a fraction of an inch while simultaneously lifting the putter handle upwards and slightly back towards you. The friction should trap the ball against the putter face, allowing you to lift it off the ground.
4. Find the Balance Point: As you lift, the ball will be "stuck" to the face. You'll need to control the angle of the putter to keep it there as you bring it up.

Honestly, this one is tough. It’s hard to master and not always successful, even for good players. Don't be discouraged if you don't get it right away. It's more of a fun party trick than a practical tool for this type of putter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using brute force: Remember, it’s a confident press or a quick flick, not a karate chop. Damaging greens is a major "don't" in golf etiquette.
• Being too tentative: Hesitation is a killer. A slow, weak press won't work. The move, especially the scoop, requires a decisive push to get the ball to rebound correctly.
• Wrong tool for the job: Trying to scoop with a fang putter or flick with a solid-back mallet will only lead to frustration. Make sure you are using the right technique for your specific model.
• Lifting too quickly: Let the ball settle before you lift. Once it's captured or balanced, a smooth, deliberate lift is all you need to seal the deal.

Final Thoughts

Picking up your golf ball with a mallet putter is a simple, learnable skill that boils down to understanding your specific putter's design. Whether you’re using the press-and-scoop on a cavity-back or the flick-and-catch with fangs, a little practice on the putting green is all it takes to add this smooth move to your repertoire and save your back.

This kind of practical, on-the-spot know-how is exactly what we focus on. While Caddie AI can analyze complex things like your shot patterns or give you a smart strategy for a tricky par 5, we’re also here for the simple questions that make your time on the course more fun. Whether you need an answer on a basic rule, a quick tip for a specific shot, or some advice for a weird lie, we provide expert guidance instantly. The goal is to take the guesswork out of golf, so you can play with more confidence and enjoyment.