Determining the Correct Putter Shaft Length

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Quick Answer

• The sweet spot for your putter shaft length is where you can stand naturally, eyes over the ball, with a relaxed arm hang.
• A shaft that’s too long or too short is a fast track to inconsistent putting, plain and simple.
• Get fitted or do a quick DIY measurement to dial in the perfect length for your game.

Who This Putter Fitting Guide Is For

• Golfers who are tired of seeing too many putts roll by the hole or leaving them short.
• Anyone looking to get the most out of their equipment and shave strokes off their score.

What to Check First for Putter Shaft Length

• Your Current Putter: Grab it and measure the shaft length from the very top of the grip down to the center of the hosel. This is your baseline.
• Your Natural Putting Stance: How do you set up over the ball without even thinking? Are you tall and upright, or do you bend in a bit? Your body knows what feels right.
• Your Height and Arm Length: These are big factors. Generally, taller folks need longer shafts, and vice-versa. It’s about proportionality.
• Your Grip: How you hold the putter matters. A thick grip changes how the club feels in your hands, and thus, the effective length.

Step-by-Step Plan for Determining How Long Should My Putter Shaft Be

1. Find Your Athletic Stance. Step up to an imaginary ball on the practice green.

• What to look for: Your shoulders should be relaxed, your eyes directly over where the ball would be, and your arms should hang naturally from your shoulders. Think athletic, not stiff.
• Mistake to avoid: Don’t force a posture that feels unnatural or uncomfortable. If you’re craning your neck or feel like you’re about to fall over, that’s not it.

2. Grip the Club. Pick up your current putter, or one with a similar head design, and grip it like you’re about to roll a putt.

• What to look for: Your hands should feel comfortably positioned on the grip, without having to reach too far or feel bunched up. You should have a good, solid connection to the club.
• Mistake to avoid: Gripping way too high up the shaft, which can make the putter feel too short, or gripping too low, which can make it feel too long. Find that sweet spot where your hands feel balanced.

3. Check Your Lead Arm Angle. Take a look at your lead arm (that’s your left arm if you’re right-handed).

• What to look for: You want a slight, comfortable bend in your elbow. Aim for about a 10-20 degree angle. It should feel relaxed and natural, not locked out straight or severely bent.
• Mistake to avoid: A completely straight lead arm or one that’s bent way too much. Both can lead to a less consistent stroke and affect your ability to control distance.

4. Adjust for Optimal Length. Now, slide your hands up or down the shaft of the putter until you achieve that natural lead arm bend and your eyes are comfortably positioned directly over the ball.

• What to look for: The grip position where your arms hang naturally and your eyes are aligned perfectly over the ball. This is the ideal spot for your hands, which dictates your putter shaft length.
• Mistake to avoid: Ignoring how the shaft length affects your eye position. Being able to see the ball clearly and from directly above is crucial for good alignment. If you have to bend your knees excessively or stand bolt upright to achieve this, the current length is likely wrong.

5. Measure Your Ideal Length. Once you’ve found that perfect grip position where your posture and arm hang feel just right, mark that spot. Then, measure the shaft from the butt end down to the center of the hosel.

• What to look for: This measurement is your ideal putter shaft length. Write it down!
• Mistake to avoid: Guessing or relying on a general guideline. Every golfer is built differently, and your unique measurements are what matter. Measure twice, order once.

Mastering Your Putter Shaft Length

Finding the right putter shaft length isn’t just about comfort; it’s a fundamental aspect of building a repeatable and effective putting stroke. When your putter is the correct length, it promotes a more consistent setup, which in turn leads to a more consistent stroke path and better distance control. Let’s dive deeper into why this is so critical and how to ensure you’ve got it right.

The Impact of Putter Length on Your Stroke

Think of your putter like a tool. If the handle is too long or too short for your hand, you can’t operate it effectively. The same applies to your putter.

• Too Long: When your putter shaft is too long, you’ll naturally stand more upright, often leading to a posture where your eyes are too far inside the target line. This can cause you to lift your head to see the ball, resulting in inconsistent face contact and a stroke that might arc too much. You might also find yourself “choking down” significantly, which can alter the putter’s feel and balance. This often leads to hitting the ball on the toe of the putter, causing it to veer off-line.
• Too Short: Conversely, a putter that’s too short forces you to bend down more at the waist, leading to a hunched-over posture. This can strain your back and wrists and often results in a stroke where your hands are too active. You might find yourself “pushing” putts because you’re too close to the ball, or hitting them on the heel, again sending them off-target.

The goal is a relaxed, balanced posture where your arms hang naturally and your eyes are directly over the ball. This setup allows for a pendulum-like stroke powered by the shoulders, minimizing unwanted wrist action and promoting a stable clubface through impact.

The Role of Professional Club Fitting

While the DIY method described above can get you very close, a professional club fitting is the gold standard. A trained fitter will:

• Analyze Your Current Swing: They’ll watch your natural putting stroke and identify any tendencies or issues.
• Assess Your Posture: They’ll help you find the most comfortable and effective stance for your body type.
• Experiment with Lengths: Using specialized fitting equipment, they can test various shaft lengths with different putter heads to see what produces the best results for your stroke.
• Consider Putter Head Style: The weight and design of the putter head also play a role. A heavier mallet putter might feel different with a specific length compared to a lighter blade putter.
• Look at Lie Angle: While length is key, the lie angle (the angle between the shaft and the ground when the putter is addressed) is also critical. A fitter will ensure both are optimized.

A fitting session can save you a lot of trial and error, and ultimately, a lot of wasted strokes on the green. It’s an investment that pays dividends.

Common Mistakes in Putter Shaft Length

• Using a Putter That Is Too Long — This makes you hunch over, messing up your swing path and leading to inconsistent contact. You end up scooping or hitting it off the toe. — Get it shortened or look for a more suitable length putter.
• Using a Putter That Is Too Short — Forces you to stand too upright, straining your wrists and arms. Often results in pushing putts because you’re too close. — Extend the shaft or find a longer one.
• Not Accounting for Grip Size — A super thick grip effectively shortens the club, while a thin one makes it feel longer. It throws off your natural setup. — Factor grip thickness into your final measurement. A thicker grip might mean you need a slightly longer shaft to compensate.
• Ignoring Your Natural Posture — Trying to force a stance that doesn’t feel right just because you think you “should” look a certain way. Your body has a natural way of setting up for comfort and efficiency. — Experiment until you find a length that allows your natural athletic posture to be maintained.
• Relying on Generic Advice — “Average” lengths are just that – averages. They don’t account for your unique build, arm length, or preferred stance. — Measure yourself. It’s the only way to be sure you’re getting it right.
• Not Considering Lie Angle — While length is crucial, the lie angle of your putter also needs to match your stance. If it’s too upright or too flat, it can cause the putter to rock and affect the clubface at impact, regardless of shaft length. — A professional fitting can ensure both length and lie angle are optimized for your setup.
• Buying Based on Looks Alone — A putter might look cool, but if it’s not the right length for you, it’s just a pretty paperweight. — Prioritize function over form when it comes to shaft length.

FAQ on Putter Shaft Length

• How do I measure my current putter’s shaft length?

Lay the putter flat on the ground. Measure from the very top of the grip (the butt end) straight down to the center point where the shaft enters the clubhead (the hosel). Use a flexible tape measure for accuracy.

• What is the average putter shaft length for golfers?

Most standard men’s putters come in lengths between 33 and 35 inches, and women’s typically between 32 and 34 inches. However, this is just a starting point. Your ideal length could be significantly shorter or longer depending on your height and stance.

• Can I adjust the length of my existing putter shaft?

Yes, you can. A golf club repair shop can typically shorten or extend your putter shaft. Extending usually involves adding a shaft extension to the butt end, and shortening involves cutting the shaft from the butt.

• Does my putting stroke type affect shaft length?

Yes, indirectly. While stroke type (like a pendulum or arc) is more about technique, your natural setup and posture, which are influenced by stroke mechanics, dictate the ideal shaft length for comfort and consistency. For example, a more upright stance might suit a slightly longer shaft.

• What if I’m between sizes?

It’s often better to be slightly too long than too short, as you can choke down on a longer putter to effectively shorten it. However, a professional fitting is the best way to determine the ideal length for your specific build and stroke.

• How does a belly putter or long putter differ in length?

These are designed to be anchored against your body, so their shaft lengths are significantly longer (typically 41-48 inches for belly putters and over 48 inches for long putters) and require a different fitting approach that focuses on anchoring points and stroke mechanics specific to those types of putters.

• How do I know if my putter is the wrong length without measuring?

Pay attention to your body. If you feel like you have to bend your knees excessively, reach too far, or feel cramped, or if your arms don’t hang naturally, your putter is likely the wrong length. Inconsistent results on the greens are also a big clue.