Determining the Correct Putter Length
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Quick Answer
- The right putter length is all about your height and how you stand over the ball.
- A putter that’s too long or too short messes with your stroke and consistency.
- Generally, taller folks need longer sticks, shorter folks need shorter ones. Simple as that.
Who This Putter Length Guide is For
- Golfers who can’t seem to get dialed in on the greens. If your putts are all over the place, this is for you.
- Anyone looking to get their setup dialed in and groove a better putting stroke. It all starts with a good foundation.
What to Check First for Putter Length
- Measure your current putter. From the very end of the grip to the bottom edge of the clubface (where it meets the ground). This gives you a baseline.
- Get a feel for your natural stance. How do you stand when you’re relaxed and ready to hit a shot? Don’t force it. It should feel athletic.
- Know your height and arm length. These are the big physical factors that influence how you’ll interact with the club.
- Consider your typical posture. Are you hunched over or standing tall? This matters big time for consistency.
Step-by-Step Plan: Finding Your Correct Putter Length
1. Action: Stand naturally at your putting address, as if you were about to hit a putt.
What to look for: Your eyes should be directly over the ball, arms hanging relaxed from your shoulders, and a comfortable, slight bend in your knees and waist. This is your ideal athletic setup, your sweet spot.
Mistake to avoid: Don’t slouch like you’re hiding from the rain or stand ramrod straight like a soldier. Forcing an unnatural posture will only lead to problems down the line. Find what feels comfortable and repeatable.
2. Action: Hold your putter with your hands in your normal grip position.
What to look for: The butt end of the putter should be roughly 1-2 inches above your lead wrist (your left wrist if you’re right-handed). Your arms should hang down naturally, forming a straight line from your shoulder to your hands.
Mistake to avoid: Gripping too high or too low on the shaft. This is a dead giveaway if your putter is off. If your hands are too close together, it’s likely too short; too far apart means it’s probably too long.
3. Action: Have someone else measure your putter length from the butt to the heel.
What to look for: This is your current putter’s actual length. You can use this measurement as a starting point for comparison.
Mistake to avoid: Measuring from the wrong end or not getting an accurate reading. Make sure the tape measure is held straight and goes from the absolute top of the grip to the bottom of the clubface where it touches the turf. Double-check it.
4. Action: Experiment with different putter lengths.
What to look for: Try a putter that feels like it allows you to maintain that relaxed, natural posture without reaching for the ball or feeling like you’re crowding it. Your arms should hang freely.
Mistake to avoid: Sticking with what you’ve always used without checking. Your body might have changed, your swing feel might have evolved, or you might have just been using the wrong length all along. Don’t be afraid to try something new.
5. Action: Check your eye line relative to the ball.
What to look for: When you’re set up correctly with the right putter length, your eyes should be directly over the ball. If you have to crane your neck to see the ball or feel like you’re looking down too much, the length is likely off.
Mistake to avoid: Forcing your eyes into position. Your setup should feel natural, not like a yoga pose you have to contort yourself into. The putter length should dictate your eye position, not the other way around.
6. Action: Simulate your putting stroke with the chosen length.
What to look for: Feel how the putter swings. Does it feel balanced? Can you make a smooth, pendulum-like motion from your shoulders? Does the toe of the putter hang naturally or does it feel like it’s being forced open or closed?
Mistake to avoid: Only focusing on the setup and not the stroke itself. A putter that’s the wrong length will feel awkward to swing, even if your initial setup looks okay.
How to Determine the Correct Putter Length for Your Game
Getting the putter length right is crucial for consistent performance on the greens. It’s not just about your height; it’s about how your height interacts with your natural stance and posture. A putter that’s too long will force you to bend excessively at the waist, leading to a rounded back and an inconsistent stroke. You might find yourself lifting your hands too much or getting your wrists involved in an unnatural way. Conversely, a putter that’s too short will cause you to stand too upright, which can lead to a more “handsy” stroke, often resulting in those dreaded “yips” and difficulty controlling distance. Your arms should hang naturally and comfortably from your shoulders, allowing for a smooth, pendulum-like motion.
When you stand over the ball, your eyes should ideally be directly above the ball. This alignment allows you to see the line of the putt more clearly and promotes a consistent setup. If the putter is too long, you’ll likely have to bend over further, pushing your eyes past the ball. If it’s too short, you’ll stand up straighter, and your eyes might be too far inside the line of the ball. The goal is a relaxed, athletic posture that allows for a free-flowing stroke. Many golfers don’t realize how much their putter length influences their entire setup and, consequently, their putting results. This is why understanding how to determine the correct putter length for your game is so vital [1].
Common Mistakes in Putter Length Selection
- Mistake: Using a putter that is too long.
Why it matters: This forces you to bend way over at the waist, leading to a poor, inconsistent stroke and potential back strain. You’ll feel awkward and restricted, making it hard to achieve a smooth pendulum motion. Your hands will likely be too far from your body, leading to an unstable stroke.
Fix: Try cutting down your current putter or look for a shorter model. A professional club fitter can help you determine the exact length needed.
- Mistake: Using a putter that is too short.
Why it matters: You’ll end up standing too upright, which can cause a jerky “yipping” stroke and make distance control a nightmare. Your hands will be too close to your body, leading to a restricted feel and potentially an open or closed clubface at impact.
Fix: Get your putter extended or shop for a longer one. This is often a simple fix, but ensure the extension is properly installed.
- Mistake: Not accounting for posture at address.
Why it matters: Putter length isn’t just about height; it’s about how that height translates to your stance. A golfer with a very upright stance might need a different length than someone who bends over more, even if they’re the same height. Your natural inclination for how you stand over the ball is paramount.
Fix: Determine your ideal, relaxed address posture first, then find the putter length that complements it. Don’t try to force your body to fit a putter; find a putter that fits your body.
- Mistake: Guessing based on brand recommendations or standard lengths alone.
Why it matters: While brands offer guidelines, everyone’s body and preferred stance are different. What works for one person might not work for you. Standard lengths are just a starting point, not a definitive rule.
Fix: Always test it out yourself. Get fitted if you can, or at least use the steps above to find what feels right for your setup and stroke.
- Mistake: Ignoring the feel of the putter.
Why it matters: If a putter feels awkward, heavy, or like you’re fighting it, it’s probably not the right length. Your hands should feel comfortable and balanced, allowing for a free swing. The putter should feel like an extension of your arms, not a burden.
Fix: Trust your instincts. If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Pay attention to how the putterhead feels throughout your stroke.
- Mistake: Not considering your arm length relative to your height.
Why it matters: Some people have longer torsos and shorter legs, while others have the opposite. This difference can significantly impact the ideal putter length, even for individuals of the same height.
Fix: Pay attention to how your arms hang naturally. If they hang quite long, you might need a longer putter than someone of the same height with shorter arms.
- Mistake: Assuming your current putter is the correct length.
Why it matters: Many golfers have been using the same putter for years without ever checking if it’s the right length for their current game and physical condition. Your body changes, and so can your optimal setup.
Fix: Re-evaluate your putter length periodically, especially if you’re experiencing putting woes. The simple steps outlined above can help you confirm or correct your current setup.
FAQ
- How do I measure the length of my putter?
Measure from the very end of the grip straight down the shaft to the bottom edge of the clubface where it would contact the ground. Use a standard tape measure and ensure it’s held straight along the shaft.
- What is the standard length for a golf putter?
The traditional standard length for a putter is around 34 inches, but this varies. Many players now use lengths from 32 to 36 inches, and even longer for certain putting styles like the broomstick or belly putter.
- Does putter length affect swing tempo?
Yes, indirectly. A putter that’s the wrong length can force you into an awkward setup, which can disrupt your natural tempo and rhythm through the stroke. An improper length can lead to tension and a jerky motion, hindering a smooth tempo.
- Can I adjust the length of my current putter?
Yes, you can usually extend or shorten a putter. Extensions can be added to the grip, and putters can be cut down. However, for major adjustments or if you’re unsure, it’s best to consult a golf professional or club fitter to ensure it’s done correctly without affecting the club’s balance or performance.
- How do I know if my putter is too long?
If you find yourself bending too much at the waist, your hands are too far from your body, or you feel like you’re reaching for the ball, your putter is likely too long. You might also feel like your arms are too extended at address.
- How do I know if my putter is too short?
If you’re standing very upright, your hands are too close to your body, or you feel like you’re crowding the ball, your putter is probably too short. You might also feel like your arms are bent too much at the elbows.
- What is the best way to determine the correct putter length for my game?
The best way is to get fitted by a professional. If that’s not an option, follow the steps above: find your natural stance, check your eye line, and experiment with different lengths until it feels comfortable and balanced. How to Determine the Correct Putter Length for Your Game is a great resource to guide you [1]. Ultimately, it’s about finding a length that allows for a consistent, repeatable setup and a smooth, efficient putting stroke.
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