Why This Might Be The Most Underrated Putter Of 2026

Bettinardi has been a heavyweight in the premium putter market, consistently producing milled masterpieces that are regularly considered some of the best putters on the market. For 2026, the brand has refined its much-loved BB Series, and I couldn't have been more excited to get my hands on the new BB49 model ($495/£479) to see how it performs out on the golf course.

The BB49 is designed for players seeking a compact mallet with a moderate arc in their putting stroke - it reminds me a lot of an Odyssey Rossie, used by the likes of Jon Rahm. The slant neck design really stands out as something I particularly like, offering a slight toe hang and minimal offset (three-quarters of a shaft) at address.

The looks of this putter are definitely a talking point, with the head coated in what the brand calls a Savannah Blue finish. It instantly reminds me of a satin oil can-style design that used to be on some old Scotty Cameron putters, and while it may not be to everyone's preference, I think it gives a real premium look that stands out even more when caught in the sun.

I also really like how that unique head finish contrasts with a brushed nickel shaft - similar to that of a KBS C-Taper iron shaft. To complete the aesthetic, the light grey pistol grip rounds off the product excellently, making the whole package feel incredibly high-end.

Setting the BB49 down behind the ball, I found it offered a confidence-inspiring look of a mallet, while allowing me to express enough creativity and feel, similar to that of a blade putter. The putter is created with a smooth transition from the topline to the shoulders that seamlessly melts into the flange at the rear.

The BB49 head has been designed to evenly distribute the 355g weight around the perimeter of the head, providing exceptional balance and control, while framing the ball beautifully, providing a clear sightline and a rounded nature that will appeal to those with a slight arc to their stroke.

The standout technological upgrade for the 2026 BB series is the new VDF (Variable Depth Flymill) Face. Bettinardi has engineered nine individually tuned, precision-milled zones right across the face, which means you get deeper grooves in the center where you need more control and shallower grooves toward the heel and toe, providing more energy transfer for consistent speed on miss-hit putts.

I found this provided incredibly consistent ball speed and distance control, especially on those slightly off-center strikes, and something I would usually see from some of the larger, higher MOI, forgiving putters. Whether I was lag putting from 40 feet or trying to confidently knock it in from inside 10 feet, the roll was consistent and actually had me tracking my ball down my start line more often than not.

The Bettinardi BB putters are precision-milled from a single block of 303 stainless steel, and so the feedback is exactly what you want and expect from a premium milled flat stick. The impact delivers an audible click that perfectly balances a muted, buttery feel with enough responsiveness to let you know exactly where you struck the ball.

The Bettinardi BB49 offers timeless shaping with the latest in modern milling technology, packaged in a highly desirable, premium aesthetic. If you are a golfer with a slight arc in your stroke who is looking for tour-proven feel, forgiveness, and a putter that truly stands out in the bag, the BB49 is worth considering for a place in your bag.