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Choosing the Right Putter Length for Your Game

ByThe Golfer

← Golf Equipment | Golf Clubs


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Quick Answer

  • Your height and how you stand over the ball are the main factors in picking the right putter length.
  • A correctly sized putter helps your arms hang naturally and your eyes stay over the ball, leading to a smoother stroke.
  • Getting this wrong can mess with your setup and make every putt feel like a struggle.

Who This Is For

  • Anyone looking to dial in their putting and stop leaving strokes on the course.
  • Golfers who feel cramped or stretched out over the ball, or just can’t seem to find a consistent stroke.

What to Check First

  • Your Current Putter: If you have one, measure it. See how it feels. Is it awkward?
  • Your Stance: How do you naturally set up to the ball? Are you leaning way over, or standing too upright?
  • Your Height & Reach: Taller folks generally need longer putters. Shorter folks, well, you get the idea.
  • Your Grip: Where do your hands naturally fall on the grip? This is key.

Step-by-Step Plan to Determine Your Ideal Putter Length

Let’s get this dialed in. It’s not rocket science, but it’s important. Finding the right putter length is a game-changer, plain and simple. A putter that fits you means a more consistent setup, a more fluid stroke, and ultimately, more putts holed. It’s about making the club work for you, not against you.

1. Measure Your Height: Get a tape measure. Stand barefoot with your back against a wall, feet shoulder-width apart. Have a friend mark your height from the floor to the top of your sternum. This measurement is a solid starting point, giving you a general idea of where to begin your search. Don’t stress if it’s not exact; it’s a guide. Mistake to avoid: Guessing your height or using an inaccurate measurement. Precision here helps avoid a lot of guesswork later.

2. Assume Your Putting Stance: Now, stand in your usual putting posture. Don’t force it. Feel balanced and comfortable. This is your natural setup. What to look for: Your weight should be evenly distributed, and your back should be relatively straight, not hunched over like you’re trying to hide from the rain. Your knees should have a slight, comfortable bend. Mistake to avoid: Adopting an unnatural stance just to try and make a putter fit. The putter should adapt to you, not the other way around.

3. Grip the Putter: Grab your current putter, or even a yardstick if you don’t have one handy. Place your hands in your normal putting grip, just as you would on the course. What to look for: Your elbows should hang down naturally, feeling relaxed, not tucked in tight like you’re holding a secret, or sticking way out like you’re trying to swat flies. There should be a comfortable bend in your elbows. Mistake to avoid: Gripping too high or too low on the shaft, which throws off your natural arm hang and the way the putter swings.

4. Eyes Over the Ball: With your grip set, check where your eyes are relative to the ball. This is a critical checkpoint for alignment. What to look for: Ideally, your eyes should be directly over the ball, or just slightly inside the target line. This position allows you to see the line of the putt clearly and make a consistent stroke. Mistake to avoid: Having your eyes too far inside or outside the target line. This can lead to an inconsistent swing path and make it harder to judge the break of the putt, often resulting in pushes or pulls.

5. Check the Feel: Take a few practice strokes with the putter length you’re testing. Does the putter feel like an extension of your arms? Is it too heavy to control, or too light to feel where it is? What to look for: A smooth, repeatable stroke without any tension in your arms or shoulders. The putter head should feel stable throughout the swing. Mistake to avoid: Forcing the stroke because the putter length is fighting your natural motion. If you feel yourself reaching or getting cramped, the length is probably off.

6. The Sternum to Floor Rule: A common starting point is to stand with your putter in your putting stance and let it hang naturally. The end of the grip should be roughly in line with your sternum. This is a good visual cue. What to look for: The putter shaft should be close to vertical, with minimal angling. Mistake to avoid: Holding the putter at an unnatural angle to meet the sternum mark. Your stance and arm hang come first.

How to Choose Putter Length: Common Mistakes

Getting your putter length right is crucial for consistent putting. It’s one of those things that seems small but has a massive impact. Don’t fall into these traps; they’ll cost you strokes.

  • Not Measuring — Why it matters: Relies on guesswork, leading to an improper fit and inconsistent results on the green. You might think you know what feels right, but without measuring, it’s just a hunch. — Fix: Use a tape measure and, if possible, get professionally fitted at a golf shop. They have the tools and expertise.
  • Using a Putter That’s Too Long — Why it matters: Forces you to choke down on the grip, which can disrupt your stroke mechanics and make it harder to control the putter head. Choking down shortens your effective lever, making it feel less stable. — Fix: Get a shorter putter or have your current one cut down by a pro. It’s a simple fix that pays off big time.
  • Using a Putter That’s Too Short — Why it matters: Causes you to stoop excessively, leading to tension in your shoulders and back, and an inconsistent stroke. You’ll feel cramped and have trouble seeing the ball clearly. — Fix: Invest in a longer putter. Your posture should be comfortable, not a strain.
  • Ignoring Your Stance — Why it matters: Different stances require different putter lengths. What works for one golfer might not work for another, even at the same height. Your natural posture is the foundation. — Fix: Focus on your natural posture and adjust the putter length to complement it, not dictate it.
  • Relying Solely on Standard Lengths — Why it matters: Standard lengths are just averages. Your unique build and putting style might require something different. A 34-inch putter might be perfect for one person, but too long or short for another of the same height. — Fix: Prioritize a custom fit over generic recommendations. Your game is unique, your putter should be too.
  • Not Checking Arm Hang — Why it matters: The length of the putter directly affects how your arms hang from your shoulders. If the putter is too long or too short, your arms won’t hang naturally, leading to tension and an inconsistent stroke. — Fix: Ensure your elbows have a natural, relaxed bend when you grip the putter at your intended length.
  • Assuming One Size Fits All — Why it matters: Golf is an individual sport, and putting is perhaps the most personal part of it. What works for your buddy might not work for you, even if you’re the same height. — Fix: Go through the fitting process yourself. Don’t just copy what others are doing.

FAQ

  • How do I measure my height for putter fitting?

Stand barefoot against a wall, feet shoulder-width apart. Have someone mark your height from the floor to the top of your sternum. This measurement is a key starting point for determining putter length, but your stance and arm hang are equally important.

  • What is the standard putter length for men and women?

Standard lengths vary, but typically men’s putters range from 33 to 35 inches, and women’s from 32 to 34 inches. However, this is just a guideline; individual fit based on your height, stance, and arm length is far more important than sticking to a “standard.”

  • Can I adjust the length of my current putter?

Yes, many putters can be adjusted or cut down by a golf professional or club fitter. It’s often a more affordable option than buying a new one, and it can make a huge difference in your putting consistency.

  • What happens if my putter is too long?

If your putter is too long, you’ll likely choke down on the grip to compensate. This shortens your effective lever, making it harder to control the putter head and maintain a consistent, repeatable stroke. It can lead to a less stable feel and inconsistent contact.

  • What happens if my putter is too short?

A putter that’s too short will force you to bend over more at the waist, creating tension in your back and shoulders. This can lead to an inconsistent swing path, difficulty seeing the line of the putt clearly, and general discomfort.

  • How do I know if my putter length is right?

When you stand over the ball in your natural putting stance, your arms should hang comfortably from your shoulders with a slight bend in your elbows. Your eyes should be roughly over the ball, and you shouldn’t feel like you’re reaching or too cramped. A good putter length feels like a natural extension of your arms.

  • Should I get a professional putter fitting?

For most golfers, especially those serious about improving their game, a professional fitting is highly recommended. A club fitter can accurately measure you, observe your stance, and help you find the perfect putter length and even loft and lie angles. It’s an investment that pays dividends in lower scores.

Sources:

[1] How To Choose The Right Putter Length For Your Game: https://golfhubz.com/how-to-choose-the-right-putter-length-for-your-game/

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