McIlroy and Scheffler’s major-winning putter topped our test – should you switch?
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Scheffler and McIlroy both won majors with the TaylorMade Spider Tour X. Here’s how it dominated our 2025 putter test – and why it might be the best putter for your game.
In 2022, 62 percent of the top 50 players in the world were using a mallet putter. Fast forward to 2025, and that number is now above 85 percent. Several of the biggest names in golf, including Xander Schauffele, Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, and Scottie Scheffler, have all found success with a mallet in hand. In fact, five of the last six majors have been won with a mallet, three of those with one model in particular.
Scottie Scheffler’s dominant performance at the 2025 PGA Championship earned him his third major title, and he’s now halfway to completing the career Grand Slam. The World No. 1’s victory at Quail Hollow highlighted a growing equipment trend on the PGA Tour.
For the second time in as many majors this year, the winner used a TaylorMade Spider Tour X putter to seal victory. Following Rory McIlroy’s triumph at the 2025 Masters with the same model, the Spider Tour X has now played a starring role on two of the biggest stages in golf already this season. It’s making a serious case to be called the best putter of 2025.
The Spider has been the most successful putter on the PGA Tour over the last two seasons, already notching seven more victories in 2025, including Scheffler’s win at the Byron Nelson and McIlroy’s success at the Players Championship.
The victory at Quail Hollow was Scheffler’s 11th worldwide since switching to the mallet early last season, so it’s no surprise McIlroy followed suit. The two highest-ranked golfers in the world have found comfort and confidence in this particular putter, and their stats back that up.
What’s so special about mallets – and the Spider Tour X in particular?
Mallet putters have become the go-to choice for many golfers, from weekend players to major champions, thanks to their forgiveness, stability, and alignment aids. Here’s why they work so well:
- High MOI = More Forgiveness
Off-center strikes still roll true and travel the intended distance – great for reducing three-putts. - Superior Alignment
Mallets like the Spider Tour X feature long alignment lines and TaylorMade’s True Path system, making it easier to start putts on the correct line. - Stability Through Impact
Perimeter weighting and heavier heads help prevent face twisting, which is crucial since over 90% of a putt’s direction is determined by face angle at impact. - Versatility for All Stroke Types
While mallets are often face-balanced (ideal for straight strokes), different hosel designs like the short slant or L-neck make them effective for arcing strokes too.
The TaylorMade Spider Tour X combines all of the above into one of the best-performing mallet putters in the game. All 11 of Scheffler’s worldwide wins since early 2024, including his Olympic gold and last two majors, have come since switching to the Spider Tour X L-Neck at the 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational.
Scheffler’s putting surge at the PGA
Scheffler’s improved putting has been a key storyline over the past two seasons – and a major part of his rise. At Quail Hollow, he ranked in the top 25 in Strokes Gained: Putting and was 2nd for Putts per GIR, highlighting the confidence he now has with the flatstick.
He recorded just 11 bogeys or worse across the tournament – an impressive stat considering the difficulty of the setup. And that’s no anomaly: Scheffler ranks 2nd on the PGA Tour in Bounce Back percentage (36.23%), compared to the tour average of around 21%. That’s a huge edge, and his confidence on the greens is a big part of it.
He’s always been an elite ball-striker, but now that he’s pairing it with top-tier putting, he’s become nearly unbeatable.
McIlroy finds his touch at Augusta
Long considered the weak link in his game, McIlroy’s putting finally clicked at the 2025 Masters. Using a custom torched-finish Spider Tour X, he looked calm and clinical on Augusta’s slick greens.
While Rory uses a slightly different version of the Spider Tour X (not available at retail, featuring a custom finish and alignment aid), his performance this year shows how effective the platform can be.
This season, McIlroy ranks 3rd in putting average on the PGA Tour, averaging 1.69 putts per GIR – a huge improvement after spending the past two years outside the top 20. He’s 8th in Strokes Gained: Putting, and his 28 putts per round average reflects a newfound consistency.
He’s also been lethal from distance:
- 33% of putts made from 15-20 feet
- 10% from beyond 25 feet
That makes him one of the most dangerous players on tour with the putter from long range – a key to finally completing his career Grand Slam.
Winner of our 2025 Putter Test
Yes, this is a growing trend on tour – but there’s a good reason behind it. The Spider Tour X isn’t just trusted by Scheffler and McIlroy. Tommy Fleetwood, Shane Lowry, and others have also added it to their bags in 2025, reflecting the wider move toward high-MOI mallet putters.
In our 2025 putter test, the Spider Tour X L-Neck was voted the No.1 mallet putter. It was one of just four putters to receive a perfect score of 25, with one tester calling it a “cheat code” for how effortlessly it performed.
Highlights from our testing:
- 1 for feedback
- 1 for stability
- T2 for alignment
- T3 for roll
- T3 for looks
It was the second most stable putter in our entire test lineup, trailing only the best zero-torque model. The Spider Tour X’s consistency in every key metric explains why the world’s two best players have putt their faith in it.
Where to buy the Spider Tour X
If you’re interested in testing the TaylorMade Spider Tour X for yourself, it’s widely available at major golf retailers, online stores, and custom fitting centers. The putter typically retails for around £299 / $349, depending on neck design and custom options. It’s available to suit different putting strokes in several hosel configurations, including the short slant (McIlroy) and L-neck (Scheffler).
If you want to get the most out of the Spider Tour X, consider a custom fitting session. Many retailers now offer in-store putter fittings or virtual consultations, helping match you with the best setup for your stroke.
TG TEST RATING 86.29%
Best overall mallet putter
This putter is absolutely foolproof. The Spider Tour X sits amazingly behind the ball, rolls the rock end-over-end, feels incredible, and is used by the best male player in the world. Do you need any more reasons to give this putter a go yourself?
Pros
- Used by the No.1 men's player in the world
- Joint-highest rated mallet putter in our 2025 test
- Incredibly stable and super easy to align
- Amazing roll and feedback
Cons
- Very hard to fault
| Loft | 3° |
| Lie angle | 70° |
| Length | 34" - 35" |
- True Path Alignment system
- TPU Pure Roll insert
- Grooves angled at 45°
- HYBRAR ECHO Damper
- 21° Toe hang
With back-to-back major wins at Augusta and Quail Hollow, and multiple victories across the 2024–2025 season, the TaylorMade Spider Tour X has become the putter to beat. Whether you’re chasing tournament trophies or simply searching for more confidence from six feet, this model is clearly delivering where it matters most, on the greens.
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McIlroy and Scheffler's major-winning putter topped our test – should it be in your bag?
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TaylorMade Spider Tour X is the winner of the best mallet category in 2025
