PXG Mustang ZT Putter Review: Is This The Cure To Missing Short Putts?

Few brands have a zero torque putter line-up quite like PXG. The new Mustang ZT is the fourth in the family, joining the Bat Attack ZT, Allan ZT and Hellcat ZT. But what is a zero torque putter, I hear you ask? The premise of a zero torque putter is a relatively simple one. Essentially, it is a design that allows the face of the putter to stay square relative to the path of your stroke rather than the natural opening and closing of the face that traditional putters tend to encourage.

The new Mustang is one of the best zero-torque putters that isn't a mallet design. Indeed, it sits somewhere between an Anser and a fang shape. Milled from 303 stainless steel, it's got the classic Anser-style shape, with mini wings on each bumper offering a little more stability than the Hellcat ZT, and something visually a little different, too.

Behind the ball, despite it being an Anser-style shape, I found it very easy to line up. A small, white alignment line runs through the rear of the chassis (though not all the way up to the front edge), while a very pronounced leading edge makes it easy to make sure the face is square to target.

I tested the Mustang ZT out at Scottsdale National Golf Club on greens that can only be described as quick. Running at 11.5 on the stimp meter, it was a long way from the fluffy autumnal greens I'm used to here in the UK. The Mustang benefits from PXG's ultra-thin face, measuring at 0.055 inches. This is coupled with the brand's now-signature Pyramid Face Pattern, which is engineered to provide consistent interaction with golf ball dimples and enhance initial ball skid and roll.

This is certainly one of the firmer feeling putters on the market, one that was quite a jump from the Spider Tour X I've been using for the better part of two years now. Compared to that, the Mustang feels a little harsh, but I am comparing it to one of the softest putter inserts on the market here, versus a milled model. If you miss the face's centre, you know about it. For those with a confident, repeatable stroke, this is valuable to help you understand where you went right (or wrong) at the point of contact. For those without that luxury, finding much rhythm with a putter that lets you know when you've messed up can be tough.

During my testing, I holed precisely nothing from distance, but felt bulletproof inside 8-10ft. To me, this is where zero torque putters come into their own. Those who struggle holing important putts from short distances should look to at least try a style of putter like this. I found distance control tough with the firm face, but hopefully I can learn to better myself with the putter from distance - and perhaps I hadn't adjusted all that well to the fast greens at Scottsdale National.

I was custom fit for my Mustang ZT, and there are plenty of ways to help dial this putter in. Whether it's through length, the adjustable weights in the sole or by tweaking lie angle, I'd recommend stopping by for a fitting for this putter to make sure it is just right for you, rather than going stock.

I'd heard about the 'reverse honeymoon' period that some experience when trying a zero-torque putter for the first time. This is the phenomenon whereby you actually get a little worse with your new putter before it gets better, all while you get used to the sensation of zero torque. Normally, this is due to the unique looks of some of the best zero-torque putters, but the design of the Mustang doesn't scream zero torque, despite the 1° of forward press pre-built in. Despite the disguised looks, I suspect, having only used it for three rounds thus far, I am in the reverse honeymoon phase with the Mustang ZT.

If you're an Anser-style or traditional blade fan, and have yet to be won over by the plethora of mallet zero torque putters, the Mustang ZT (which is a more premium offering compared to the Hellcat ZT) should be on your list of putters to try. Don't expect immediate results, but those who persist should reap the rewards from this well-crafted and unique putter design.