Choosing The Right Putter Length For Your Height
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Quick Answer
- For a golfer who stands 5’11”, a 34-inch putter is a solid starting point.
- Your natural posture and how you address the ball are more important than a rigid height-to-length chart.
- Experimentation and a good fit are key to finding your sweet spot on the green.
Who This Is For
- Golfers around 5’11” who want to fine-tune their putting game and improve consistency.
- Players who feel awkward or are getting inconsistent results with their current putter, and suspect length might be the culprit.
What Length Putter for 5’11” and Putter Fit Check
Alright, let’s get down to brass tacks. Before you go spending cash on a new wand, we gotta check what you’re working with. This is where we figure out what length putter for 5’11” actually means for you.
- Measure your current putter. Grab a tape measure. Lay your current putter flat on the ground. Measure from the very end of the grip down to the center of the sole, right where it would meet the turf. Is it close to 34 inches? This gives us a baseline.
- Check the lie angle. Stand over your putter like you’re about to drain a five-footer. How does the sole sit on the ground? If the toe is way up in the air, or the heel is digging into the turf, the lie angle is likely off for your natural stance. A proper lie angle means the sole sits flat.
- Assess your natural posture. This is huge. How do you stand over the ball without even thinking about it? Are you hunched over like you’re trying to sneak up on a squirrel, or are you standing super upright, almost like you’re waiting for a bus? Your flexibility and how you feel comfortable playing the game matter more than anything. I know I putt best when I feel athletic and balanced, not stiff and forced.
Step-by-Step Plan to Find Your Ideal Putter Length
This is where we get hands-on and dial it in. Forget the charts for a sec; let’s feel it out.
1. Assume your natural putting stance. Stand over an imaginary ball on the practice green, just like you would for a real putt. What to look for: Your eyes should be roughly directly over the ball. Your weight should be balanced, and you should feel comfortable and athletic. Mistake to avoid: Don’t force an awkward posture. If you’re naturally bending more or standing straighter, that’s your starting point. We’re not trying to look like a robot; we’re trying to make putts.
2. Place the putter head on the ground. Now, bring your putter up and place the sole on the ground just in front of where the ball would be. What to look for: Your hands should be in a comfortable position, with your lead arm hanging naturally from your shoulder. There should be a slight bend in your lead elbow. The grip shouldn’t feel like it’s jamming into your stomach or forcing you to reach. Mistake to avoid: If the grip is way too high, you’re probably standing too close and might be hitting the ball on the heel. If it’s too low, you’re likely reaching, which can lead to topping the ball or an inconsistent stroke.
3. Check your lead elbow angle. With the putter resting on the ground, focus on your lead elbow (that’s your left elbow if you’re right-handed). What to look for: It should have a slight, comfortable bend. Think of it as a relaxed angle, not a locked-out straight arm or a sharply bent one. This slight bend allows for a pendulum-like motion. Mistake to avoid: A completely straight, locked elbow makes your putting stroke stiff and robotic, which is a recipe for disaster on the greens. Conversely, an overly bent elbow can lead to a “yippy” feeling and a loss of control.
4. Experiment with different lengths. If you’re unsure, the best thing to do is grab a putter that’s a few inches longer and a few inches shorter than what you think you need. Many golf shops have demo putters you can try. What to look for: As you try different lengths, which one allows you to maintain that natural, athletic stance and comfortable lead elbow bend? Which one feels like you can make a smooth, repeatable stroke? Mistake to avoid: Don’t just pick the one that feels “different” or “new.” Pick the one that feels the most natural and repeatable, allowing you to set up consistently every single time.
5. Consider your putting stroke. Are you a pendulum swinger who keeps the putter head low to the ground, or do you have a bit more wrist action? A longer putter might encourage a more upright stroke, while a shorter one can facilitate a flatter, more compact motion. What to look for: Which length complements your natural stroke mechanics without forcing you to change them drastically? Mistake to avoid: Trying to force a stroke that doesn’t feel natural just because of a putter length is a losing game. Work with your natural tendencies.
6. Get a feel for the balance. As you swing the putter back and through (without a ball, just getting a feel for the motion), how does it feel? Does it feel balanced? A putter that’s too long or too short can feel unwieldy. What to look for: A smooth, balanced feel throughout the stroke. Mistake to avoid: A putter that feels like it’s fighting you or is hard to control is probably not the right length.
Finding the Right Putter Length for Your Height
Getting the length right is crucial for consistency, and it’s especially important when you’re looking at what length putter for 5’11” is optimal. While 34 inches is a common starting point for this height, your individual setup can shift that. It’s all about how the club interacts with your body.
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- The 34-inch benchmark. For many golfers around 5’11”, a 34-inch putter is the sweet spot. This length often allows for a good balance between standing upright enough to see the line but also bending enough to get the putter head close to the ground. It’s a good general rule, but it’s just that – a rule of thumb.
- Posture is king. If you have a naturally more upright posture, you might need a slightly longer putter to maintain that comfortable arm hang. Conversely, if you tend to bend more from the waist, a slightly shorter putter might be the ticket. Think about it: if you’re hunched over, a super long putter will feel awkward, and if you’re standing bolt upright, a short one will feel like you’re choking down on a broom.
- Lie angle and length are intertwined. Remember that lie angle we talked about? Putter length directly impacts it. A longer putter will naturally make the lie angle steeper, meaning the toe will lift off the ground. A shorter putter will make the lie angle flatter, causing the heel to lift. You want the sole to be flat. So, if you’re 5’11” but find your current 34-inch putter is making the toe lift, you might actually need a slightly shorter putter, or potentially a putter with a flatter lie angle built-in.
While 34 inches is a common starting point for this height, your individual setup can shift that, so using a putter length guide can be very helpful.
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Common Mistakes in Putter Length Selection
We’ve all made ’em. Learning from them is what separates the hackers from the hopefuls.
- Mistake: Using a putter that is too long.
- Why it matters: This forces you to stand too upright, creating a steep lie angle where the toe of the putter lifts off the ground. This often leads to a hunched-over posture, restricting your stroke and causing inconsistent contact. You might end up hitting the ball too high on the face.
- Fix: Opt for a shorter putter, or have your current one professionally cut down. It’s a relatively easy fix.
- Mistake: Using a putter that is too short.
- Why it matters: This results in a flat lie angle, making the heel of the putter dig into the turf. You’ll likely find yourself standing too close to the ball, which can lead to hitting it on the heel or choking down too much, losing the proper feel.
- Fix: Look for a longer putter or have your current one extended. Again, adjustable with a club builder.
- Mistake: Ignoring your natural posture and flexibility.
- Why it matters: Trying to force yourself into a putter length that doesn’t match your natural athletic stance will always feel awkward and hinder your stroke. Golf is hard enough without fighting your equipment.
- Fix: Prioritize comfort and a balanced, natural athletic position. Your body knows what feels right; listen to it.
- Mistake: Not checking the lie angle on the course.
- Why it matters: Even if you have the “right” length based on a chart, if the lie angle is wrong for your unique stance, you’ll struggle with consistent ball striking. The putter needs to sit flush.
- Fix: When you’re testing putters or checking your own, ensure the sole sits flat on the ground when you’re in your normal setup.
- Mistake: Relying solely on online charts and height calculators.
- Why it matters: Those charts are a decent starting point, but they don’t account for your individual flexibility, how you prefer to stand, or your unique swing mechanics. Everyone’s different.
- Fix: Use charts as a guideline, but always, always test in person. Feel is a massive part of putting.
- Mistake: Thinking you can’t adjust a putter you already own.
- Why it matters: Many golfers believe they need to buy a new putter to fix length issues. This isn’t always true.
- Fix: Most putters can be professionally shortened or lengthened by a club fitter. It’s often more cost-effective than buying new.
FAQ
- How do I know if my putter is too long?
You’ll likely find yourself standing very upright, with your arms almost fully extended, or you might feel like you have to hunch over significantly to get to the ball. Visually, the toe of the putter will be lifting noticeably off the ground when you address the ball.
- What is the standard putter length for a male golfer?
For a male golfer of average height (around 5’10” to 6’0″), a 34-inch putter is a very common starting point. However, this can vary based on individual build and stance.
- What is the standard putter length for a female golfer?
For a female golfer of average height (around 5’4″ to 5’6″), a 33-inch putter is often considered standard. But just like with men, this is a guideline and personal fit is paramount.
- Can I adjust my current putter’s length?
Yes, absolutely. Most putters can be shortened or lengthened by a golf club repair shop or a professional club fitter. They can add or remove sections to the shaft to get it just right.
- What’s the best way to find the right putter length?
The absolute best way is to get fitted by a qualified club fitter. They have the tools and expertise to observe your stance and stroke, measure you correctly, and recommend the ideal length and lie angle. If a full fitting isn’t an option, go to a golf shop and try out different lengths yourself, focusing on comfort and a repeatable setup.
- Does putter length affect my swing speed?
It doesn’t directly impact your “swing speed” in the same way a driver does, but putter length critically affects your ability to make a consistent, repeatable putting stroke. A proper length helps you control the putter head’s path and arc, which is essential for controlling distance and direction on the green. It helps you feel more connected to the stroke.
- What if I’m between sizes, like 5’10.5″?
This is exactly where experimentation and fitting come in. You might be comfortable with a 34-inch putter, or you might find a 33.5-inch (if available) or even a 35-inch putter works better if you have a very upright stance. Don’t be afraid to test lengths that aren’t the “standard” for your height.