If you’ve been on the fence about investing in the TaylorMade Tour Spider Putter, let me cut to the chase—it’s worth every penny.
I’ve tested putters for years, but this one genuinely changed my short game. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or regularly teeing off at a country club, the Tour Spider gives you that perfect blend of forgiveness, alignment, and feel.
This review is for anyone who’s serious about improving their putting and wants a real user perspective. By the end of this article, I can confidently say—you’ll want to put your current putter in retirement.
My Personal Experience With the TaylorMade Tour Spider Putter
When I first picked up the TaylorMade Tour Spider, I didn’t expect it to replace my longtime blade putter.
I’m a feel player—more touch than tech—so switching to a mallet-style head felt like stepping into unknown territory. But after just one round, I knew I’d found something special.
The first thing that stood out was the weight distribution. The stability on off-center strikes blew my mind. I wasn’t just hitting more putts—I was hitting them with better consistency.
You know that frustrating feeling when you pull or push a putt even though your stroke felt smooth? The Spider practically eliminates that.
Alignment became easier, too. The True Path alignment system on the top line helps you line up putts without second-guessing. I’ve shaved multiple strokes off my game purely because I’m seeing the line better—and trusting it.
Feel-wise, it’s incredibly balanced. There’s a slight “pop” when you strike the ball that gives great feedback, but it’s not jarring.
Even on faster greens, I felt in control. Lag putting also improved because the MOI (moment of inertia) makes distance control more intuitive.
Over the course of three months, I noticed I wasn’t just putting better under normal conditions—I was performing well under pressure. My confidence on the greens skyrocketed. Putts inside 10 feet started feeling automatic.
What really made me fall in love, though, was its performance on tough greens. Whether it was morning dew, sloped Bermuda, or dry weekend conditions, the Spider adapted beautifully. If you’re the kind of golfer who wants a putter that shows up regardless of the course conditions, this one’s your guy.
Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Performance
- Clean the Face After Every Round: Use a soft towel or brush to remove dirt and grass. A dirty face can affect the roll and feel of your putts over time. Avoid harsh scrubbing, as it could damage the insert.
- Check the Grip Regularly: The standard SuperStroke or stock TaylorMade grip wears out faster than you might expect, especially in hot weather. If it starts feeling slick or too soft, it’s time for a change.
- Avoid Leaving It in Direct Sunlight: Excess heat can warp components or cause paint to fade. Always store your putter in a shaded area or your bag with a head cover on when not in use.
- Reapply Head Cover Without Force: The Spider’s fangs or wing-like structures can get caught when you try to quickly slap on the head cover. Be gentle to avoid chipping the paint or bending the edges.
- Wipe Down the Shaft Weekly: Sweat and dirt build-up on the shaft can lead to corrosion over time. A quick wipe with a damp microfiber towel once a week keeps it looking and feeling like new.
- Keep It Upright When Storing: If you store your clubs in a garage, always place the bag upright. The Spider’s design isn’t friendly to being stacked awkwardly—one fall can scratch or ding the putter head easily.
- Inspect the Hosel and Neck: Once a month, give a gentle twist to make sure the hosel isn’t loosening. Some custom shafts may shift slightly with heavy use, especially if you’re adjusting loft and lie.
Pros and Cons of the TaylorMade Tour Spider Putter
Pros:
- Forgiveness on Miss-Hits: One of the biggest advantages of the Tour Spider is how stable it feels, even when you don’t strike the ball perfectly. Toe and heel strikes still roll surprisingly straight and consistent. That’s a major confidence booster, especially during tough rounds when your stroke isn’t perfect.
- Incredible Alignment Aid: The True Path alignment system isn’t just a gimmick. It visually locks you into your intended line. I started trusting my aim a lot more because of it, which meant fewer tweaks and second-guessing.
- Balanced Weight Distribution: The perimeter weighting and high MOI provide a sense of control you can’t get from lighter putters. The head stays stable throughout the stroke, promoting a smoother, more repeatable motion.
- Sound and Feel: There’s a satisfying, muted click when you make center contact. It’s soft but responsive. You immediately know whether you hit it right or not, and that feedback is crucial for consistent putting.
- Custom Options: The Spider line offers different neck configurations (slant, single bend, etc.), so whether you have an arc stroke or a straight-back-straight-through stroke, you can find a model that fits your game.
- Tour-Proven: From Dustin Johnson to Rory McIlroy, this putter has been in the bags of some of the best players in the world. There’s a reason pros trust it—it performs under pressure.
- Visual Confidence Booster: There’s just something about the look at address. It’s bold but not distracting. It sits flush on the ground, gives you a clear path to your target, and feels like a tool built for purpose.
Cons:
- Price Point: Let’s get this out of the way—it’s not cheap. If you’re not serious about upgrading your gear or don’t play often, the cost might sting. But in my opinion, the performance justifies the price.
- Bulky Design for Traditionalists: If you’re coming from a classic blade putter, the Spider can feel large and a bit alien at first. It took me a few rounds to mentally adjust to the head size.
- Not Ideal for Every Stroke Type: While the Spider works best for straight-back-straight-through strokes, it’s not the best fit for players with an aggressive arc. You can tweak models, but if your stroke style doesn’t align, it won’t feel natural.
- Limited Feedback for Feel Players: Although the feel is good, it’s not blade-level soft. If you’re hyper-focused on feedback and you love the buttery touch of a blade, this might feel too dampened for your liking.
- Head Cover Wear: The included headcover is decent but started showing wear after a couple of months. If you walk often or toss clubs in and out of a bag, you may want a tougher replacement.
- Adjustment Period: Despite its forgiveness, it took me about two full rounds to dial in my distance control. The heavy head helps stability, but it can lead to overshooting short putts until you adjust.
Also Read: My Thoughts On Legato Golf Ball
TaylorMade Tour Spider Vs. Other Brands
- TaylorMade Tour Spider Vs. Odyssey White Hot OG
I’ve used the Odyssey White Hot OG before, and while it’s a classic, the feel is noticeably softer than the Spider. That works for some, but I felt like it muted too much feedback on faster greens. The Spider provides more defined feedback and a more stable stroke on off-center hits. Alignment also felt easier with the Spider due to the wider and more pronounced visuals. Odyssey has heritage, but TaylorMade wins on consistency and forgiveness.
- TaylorMade Tour Spider Vs. Scotty Cameron Phantom X
Scotty Cameron putters are undeniably premium. The Phantom X looks slick and feels top-shelf, but I found the price hard to justify unless you’re a scratch golfer. The Spider held up just as well in pressure moments, and I didn’t feel like I gave up anything in terms of balance or control. For the average to mid-handicap golfer, I’d argue the Spider gives you better bang for your buck.
- TaylorMade Tour Spider Vs. Ping Sigma 2
The Ping Sigma 2 was on my radar, especially for its adjustable-length shaft, which is a cool feature. But I found the Spider had better roll characteristics and a more stable feel. The Ping felt lighter and didn’t offer the same forgiveness when I missed slightly on the heel or toe. Spider just felt more solid.
Also Read: My Thoughts On Precept Laddie Golf Ball
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
It delivers incredible forgiveness, top-notch alignment aid, and high MOI stability for consistent strokes.
Yes, the fanged design can pick up balls easily, especially from the cup or fringe.
Some models do. The Spider line offers different hosel configurations to match various stroke types.
The Spider Tour Black is among the most recognized, especially due to its use by tour pros like Jason Day and Rory McIlroy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re serious about upgrading your short game, the TaylorMade Tour Spider Putter is not just a purchase—it’s a performance investment.
I’ve played countless rounds since switching, and my confidence has never been higher inside 10 feet. From design and feel to the results on the course, this putter brings it all together.
It’s one of those rare pieces of gear that actually lives up to the hype. Trust me—you’ll notice the difference from your very first round.
