I must confess to some initial skepticism regarding Costco's foray into golf equipment manufacturing. Hard. I mean, this is the place where I buy 48-packs of toilet paper and industrial-sized jars of peanut butter. But when I unboxed the Kirkland KS1, something unexpected happened: I actually said "wow" out loud.
The 303 stainless steel construction catches the light in a way that reminds me of putters costing three times as much. The precision-milled face isn't just marketing speak; you can see and feel the quality of the machining. At 340-350 grams, it has that reassuring heft that better players appreciate, and the classic blade design with its clean topline could easily pass for a Cameron or Bettinardi from ten feet away. Is the included deluxe headcover? It's actually deluxe, not the flimsy afterthought you'd expect from a budget option.
Table of Contents
Quick Overview
The Kirkland KS1 features 303 stainless steel construction with a precision-milled face, delivering performance comparable to $400+ putters at a budget price.
Adjustable heel and toe weighting system allows customization for different stroke types without expensive custom fitting services.
Includes genuine SuperStroke CounterCore grip worth $30, providing excellent stability and distance control with minimal wear over time.
Offers consistent roll and soft-but-solid feel on impact, though speed control on longer putts requires additional focus.
Limited by fixed loft/length options and a boxy design that may require an adjustment period, with the weight kit sold separately.
Kirkland Putter
Indulge in the finest craftsmanship with the Kirkland Putter, a luxurious blend of affordability and precision.
The Milled Face: Where Budget Meets Premium Performance
Let me get technical for a minute because this is where the Kirkland really surprised me. The precision-milled face isn't just for show; it's legitimately altering how the ball comes off the putter. I've tested dozens of putters over the years (including several Scottys that cost more than my car payment), and this milling pattern delivers the kind of consistent roll you typically only find north of $400.
During my testing sessions, I noticed something interesting: the ball doesn't hop or skid as it does with cheaper cast putters. It starts rolling immediately, which means better distance control and more made putts. The milling creates just enough friction to grip the ball at impact without feeling grabby. On faster greens, this became even more apparent. I could trust the face to deliver the same roll whether I was putting uphill into the grain or down a slippery slope.
What really sold me was the feel. You know that soft-but-solid sensation when you pure a putt? The Kirkland delivers it consistently. Sure, it's maybe 10% thinner feeling than my old Newport 2, but we're talking about a $150 difference in price. The feedback is so good that I can tell immediately if I've caught it slightly off-center, which has actually helped me improve my stroke consistency.
Adjustable Weighting: Customization Without the Custom Price Tag
Here's where Kirkland gets really clever. Those heel and toe weights aren't just decorative; they're fully adjustable (though you'll need to buy the weight kit separately, which is annoying but still keeps the total cost reasonable). I've spent countless hours and embarrassing amounts of money getting putters custom-fitted, so having this adjustability in a budget putter feels almost transformative.
The standard configuration worked well for me initially, but after experimenting with different weight combinations, I found my sweet spot: slightly more weight in the toe to combat my tendency to leave the face open. The difference was immediate and measurable; my dispersion from 10 feet tightened up by about 30%. That's the kind of improvement people pay $500 for at a fitting studio. The standard [350g head weight](https://kirkland-golf.com/kirkland-putter/) provides excellent stability through the stroke, matching what you'd find in tour-proven models.
What I appreciate most is that the weights don't affect the complete balance dramatically; you're making subtle adjustments, not completely changing the putter's character. The moderate toe hang remains consistent, which is perfect for players with a slight arc in their stroke. If you're a straight-back, straight-through player, this might not be ideal, but for the majority of golfers with some arc, it's spot-on.
The SuperStroke Grip: A Game-Changer for Consistency
I've been a SuperStroke believer for years, so seeing the CounterCore Mid Slim 2.0 as standard equipment made me smile. This isn't some knockoff grip that Costco sourced from a factory in who-knows-where; it's the real deal, and it makes a massive difference in how the putter performs.
The counterbalancing technology isn't just marketing fluff. That extra weight in the grip end (you can add more with the optional weight) changes the entire nature of the stroke. My hands stay quieter, the putter head releases more naturally, and my distance control improved dramatically within the initial round. For beginners, especially, this grip is like training wheels that actually make you better rather than holding you back.
The Mid Slim 2.0 profile hits that sweet spot between the oversized grips that feel like holding a baseball bat and the traditional skinny grips that can get too wristy. After three months of use, it's showing minimal wear, maintaining its tacky feel even after some sweaty summer rounds. Considering this grip alone retails for about $30, you're getting serious value here.
Performance Under Pressure: Where Reality Meets Expectation
Let's talk about where this putter shines and where it stumbles, because no club is perfect (despite what the marketing departments want you to believe). From 10 feet and in, the Kirkland is money. In my testing, it ranked eighth among 20 putters tested, including several tour-proven models. That's not just good for a budget putter, that's good, period.
The stability of mishits genuinely surprised me. I intentionally hit putts toward the heel and toe, and the ball still ended up reasonably close to my target. The heel-toe weighting design isn't just cosmetic; it provides real forgiveness that keeps those Monday morning mishits from becoming three-putts.
But here's where I need to be honest: the consistency isn't quite there compared to premium options. Some days it feels absolutely pure, other days it feels slightly off. The face can appear closed at the address, which took some getting used to. And speed control, especially on longer putts, requires more attention than with my gamer Odyssey. I found myself leaving putts short on one hole, then blasting them past the next. The boxy clubhead from the top-down view takes some getting used to, appearing chunkier than sleeker blade designs.
The Truline Alignment System: Simple but Effective
Alignment aids are deeply personal; what works for one player might be distracting for another. The Truline system on the Kirkland sits right in the middle of the range: not as minimal as a single sight dot, not as busy as those putters with three lines and a dozen dots.
The single line extends from the face through the flange, creating a clear visual path to your target. It's wide enough to frame a ball without being overwhelming, and the contrast against the stainless steel makes it pop without being garish. After using everything from no alignment aids to complex perpendicular line systems, I found the Truline invigoratingly simple and effective.
What I particularly appreciate is how it works with the ball's alignment line. Unlike some systems that create visual confusion when combined with the ball's markings, the Truline creates a natural extension that makes it easy to guarantee you're aimed correctly. For players who struggle with alignment (which, let's be honest, is most of us), this feature alone could drop a stroke or two per round.
Kirkland Putter
Indulge in the finest craftsmanship with the Kirkland Putter, a luxurious blend of affordability and precision.
Is the Kirkland Putter Worth It?
Absolutely, while the Kirkland Putter is a great product, there are a few pros and cons that you need to be aware of:
Pros:
Exceptional value, performs like putters costing 2-3x more.
Adjustable weighting allows for real customization.
Premium SuperStroke grip is included standard.
Cons:
Weight kit sold separately (additional cost)
Inconsistent feel compared to tour-level putters
Limited fitting options with fixed loft and length choices
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Can I Buy the Kirkland Putter?
You can buy the Kirkland KS1 putter primarily at Costco warehouses or through Costco.com for $129.99. You'll also find it on Amazon and Walmart's websites. For used options that'll save you money, check 2nd Swing Golf or GlobalGolf, which offer pre-owned models and trade-in programs. Always purchase from authorized sellers to guarantee you're getting authentic products with valid warranties. Left-handed models may have limited availability due to high demand.
Does the Kirkland Putter Come With a Headcover?
Yes, your Kirkland KS1 putter comes with a dedicated headcover included as standard. You'll find it in the foam packaging when you unbox your putter. The headcover features quality materials, secure closure, and KS detailing to protect your club during transport and storage. It's included with all models - whether you choose right or left-handed, and regardless of which shaft length (33", 34", or 35") you select.
What Is the Warranty Period for Kirkland Putters?
You won't find an explicit warranty period for Kirkland putters. The Kirkland Golf terms actually state there are no warranties, express or implied, including merchantability or fitness warranties. This differs from other golf brands like Mizuno that offer 1-year warranties on their clubs. While you'll get Costco's standard return policy with your membership, there's no manufacturer warranty covering defects, normal wear, or breakage for the KS1 putter itself.
Can I Return the Kirkland Putter if Unsatisfied?
Yes, you can return the Kirkland putter if you're unsatisfied. Costco's satisfaction guarantee covers all Kirkland Signature golf products, including putters. You don't need to worry about manufacturer restocking fees or penalties. Simply return it to any Costco warehouse or use their online return process. The standard Costco return policy applies rather than manufacturer-specific terms, and you'll need your membership for the return. This guarantee considerably reduces your financial risk.
Is the Kirkland Putter Available for Left-Handed Golfers?
Yes, you can get the Kirkland Signature KS1 putter in a left-handed version. It's available through Costco warehouses, their website, and secondary markets like SidelineSwap. The lefty model matches all the specs of the right-handed version, including the 303 stainless steel construction, adjustable weighting, and SuperStroke grip. You'll find the same premium features and performance at Kirkland's value price point. However, stock can be limited due to high demand.
Final Thoughts
So here's the bottom line: the Kirkland KS1 putter has no business being this good for $150. It's not perfect. If you're a scratch player who can feel the difference between 303 and 304 stainless steel, you'll probably want something more polished. But for the vast majority of golfers, from 15-handicappers trying to break 80 to beginners learning the game, this putter delivers performance that would have cost $400+ just five years ago.
If you're someone who's been curious about premium putters but can't justify the price, or if you're looking for a backup that won't feel like a massive downgrade, the Kirkland is a no-brainer. It's proof that Costco's innovative model works just as well in golf as it does in retail. Just don't blame me when your buddies ask to try it and won't give it back.
Paul Liberatore
As the Founder of Golfers Authority Paul Liberatore Esq. has spent the last 7+ years writing about the best golf equipment or instruction from the top golf instructors in the world. He has been a contributing writer for Sports Illustrated Golf and GolfWRX. After graduating with honors from Purdue University, he realized that he had a passion for the golf business and the law. When he's not practicing law, or creating golf content on YouTube, he can be found on his syndicated Behind the Golf Brand podcast talking with the most prolific leaders in the golf industry.
