Almost all putters are offset putters. That means that the face of the putter is set behind (i.e. further away from the target than) the leading edge of the putter shaft.
There's one major reason why the majority of putters are made this way. Quite simply it's because you'll most likely putt better with an offset putter than you will with an onset putter. This is because the design of the head keeps your hands ahead of the ball.
If your hands lead the putter head through the ball you'll find you're far more likely to have passive hands through the strike and the putter head will twist less on off-center hits. If your hands are behind the ball (as they're more likely to be with an onset putter) you'll be more likely to flick, flip or twist your hands through impact. All of these factors increase the likelihood that you'll send the ball off line.
However, I did say you'll "most likely putt better" with offset putters! It's not an exact science.
If you're certain that an offset putter is not for you, then try an onset putter and hope you're one of the few!
Click on any of the links below for an unbiased review of offset putters and to find out where you can buy them at the best price.
Are offset putters right for your stroke? Read our article on choosing a putter to find out!