How to Determine the Right Putter Length for You

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Quick answer

• The right putter length lets your arms hang naturally and aligns your eyes directly over the ball, setting you up for a consistent stroke.
• It’s less about your exact height and more about your comfortable posture and how you address the ball.
• You can get a solid starting point for the ideal length with a simple at-home test.

Who this is for

• Golfers who feel uncomfortable or inconsistent on the greens, often questioning if their putter is just “off.”
• Anyone looking to fine-tune their putting setup for better distance control, improved accuracy, and a more repeatable stroke.

What Length Putter Should I Get? – Initial Checks

• Stand in your natural golf posture. Let your arms hang loosely at your sides, like you’re just chilling.
• Grab your current putter (or any club, honestly) and hold it so the butt end of the grip rests right at your lead hand’s palm.
• Check the angle of your lead arm. It should have a slight, comfortable bend. Don’t lock it straight, and don’t tuck it in too tight.

Step-by-step plan for finding your ideal putter length

1. Find your natural stance. Stand in your typical putting posture, looking down at where the ball would be. What to look for: Your body should feel balanced and relaxed, not tense or overly casual. Mistake: Forcing a posture that feels unnatural or too rigid. This is your starting point.

2. Position the club. Hold your putter (or a similar length club) with the butt end of the grip resting against the heel of your lead hand’s palm. What to look for: Where your hand naturally falls on the grip. Mistake: Gripping too high or too low. Let your hand placement be dictated by your natural setup.

3. Assess your arm hang. With the club held at your side as described, take a good look at your lead arm. What to look for: A slight, comfortable bend in your elbow. This is the sweet spot. Mistake: Your arm is locked straight (too long a putter) or pulled too close to your body (too short a putter).

4. Mark your ideal length. While maintaining your natural posture and the club at your side, use a tape measure to find the distance from the butt of the grip down to the sole of the putter head that touches the ground. This is your approximate ideal length. What to look for: A measurement that corresponds to your natural arm hang and comfortable stance. Mistake: Rushing this step or not being precise with your measurement.

5. Test the setup. Now, bring the putter up to your address position, maintaining the posture and arm hang you just established. What to look for: Your eyes should be directly over the ball, and your arms should hang naturally with that slight bend. Mistake: Trying to force your body to fit a putter length instead of letting the putter length fit your body.

What Length Putter Should I Get? – Finding Your Fit

Finding the right putter length is all about ergonomics and consistency. It’s not just a number; it’s about how the club interacts with your body to create a repeatable stroke. A putter that’s too long or too short can mess with your alignment, your tempo, and ultimately, your scorecard. Think of it like setting up for a free throw in basketball – you need the right stance and reach for a smooth release.

Finding the right putter length is crucial for consistency, and a quality golf putter can make all the difference. Consider investing in one that fits your unique needs.

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When you stand over a putt, your eyes should be directly above the ball. This allows you to see the line and the break of the putt more clearly. If your putter is too long, you’ll likely have to stand too far away, causing you to hunch over or reach, which throws off your eye-to-ball relationship. Conversely, a putter that’s too short will force you to stand too close, bending your knees excessively and potentially getting your eyes too far inside the ball. This can lead to an inconsistent stroke and difficulty with distance control.

The key is to find a length that allows for a relaxed, athletic posture with your arms hanging naturally from your shoulders. This natural hang is crucial because it minimizes tension. When you’re tense, your stroke becomes jerky and inconsistent. A properly fitted putter allows your arms to act as a pendulum, swinging smoothly back and through the ball.

The at-home measurement is a great starting point, but it’s important to remember it’s a guideline. Factors like your preferred grip style, the thickness of your grip, and even your flexibility can influence the ideal length. Some golfers prefer a more upright stance, while others like to bend more at the waist. These personal preferences directly impact what putter length will feel most comfortable and effective.

While this guide provides excellent insights, a dedicated putter length guide can offer even more detailed charts and fitting advice for various body types and preferences.

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Ultimately, the goal is to create a setup where you can step up to the ball with confidence every time, knowing that your alignment and stroke are consistent. This confidence translates directly to better putting performance. Don’t underestimate the power of a properly fitted putter – it can be a game-changer.

Common mistakes in determining putter length

• Mistake: Assuming standard lengths fit everyone.
• Why it matters: Golfers are built differently. What works for a 6-foot player might be terrible for a 5-foot-5 player, even if they have similar postures. Standard lengths are just a general guideline.
• Fix: Always measure your personal ideal length based on your natural setup and arm hang.
• Mistake: Not checking eye-to-ball alignment.
• Why it matters: This is huge for consistent distance control and reading greens. If your eyes aren’t directly over the ball, your perception of the line is skewed, leading to missed putts.
• Fix: When you find a length that feels right, ensure your eyes are directly over the ball at address. Adjust your stance slightly if needed.
• Mistake: Forcing a posture to fit a putter length.
• Why it matters: This creates tension, kills your natural stroke, and makes your putting inconsistent. Your body should dictate the club, not the other way around.
• Fix: Let your natural, relaxed posture and comfortable arm hang be the primary guide for determining the putter length.
• Mistake: Only considering height.
• Why it matters: Height is a factor, but it’s not the whole story. Your leg length, torso length, and how much you bend at the waist are just as, if not more, important than your overall height.
• Fix: Focus on your overall setup and how your arms hang naturally, rather than just your shoe size or height.
• Mistake: Ignoring grip thickness.
• Why it matters: A thicker grip can make a putter feel slightly shorter, while a thinner grip can make it feel longer. This subtle change can affect your setup and stroke.
• Fix: Consider the grip you currently use or plan to use when determining your ideal putter length. If you’re getting fitted, the fitter will account for this.
• Mistake: Relying on someone else’s recommendation without testing.
• Why it matters: Your golf swing and putting stroke are unique. What works for your buddy might not work for you, even if you’re similar in height.
• Fix: Always test potential putter lengths yourself in your natural stance. Feel what’s comfortable and repeatable.

FAQ

• How do I measure putter length accurately at home?

Stand in your normal putting posture with your arms hanging loosely. Hold your putter so the butt end is against your lead hand’s palm. Measure from the butt of the grip straight down to the sole of the putter head that rests on the ground. This measurement is your starting point.

• Can I adjust the length of my current putter?

Yes, in most cases. Many putters can be lengthened or shortened by a golf club repair shop or fitter. It’s often a more cost-effective solution than buying a new putter if your current one is otherwise suitable.

• Does grip size affect the ideal putter length?

Absolutely. A thicker grip effectively shortens the perceived length of the putter because your hands are positioned slightly higher. A thinner grip can make it feel longer. It’s best to find your length with your preferred grip size in mind.

• What if I have a very upright or very bent-over putting stance?

This is precisely why a personalized approach is crucial. A more upright stance generally requires a longer putter to maintain that natural arm hang and eye-to-ball relationship. Conversely, a more bent-over stance often works better with a shorter putter.

• Is there a “standard” putter length I should aim for?

While 35 inches used to be common, putter lengths now range widely, typically from 32 to 36 inches for conventional putters. Belly putters and long putters are even longer. The “standard” is whatever length allows you to achieve your ideal setup and stroke.

• How often should I check my putter length?

It’s a good idea to re-evaluate your putter length if you notice significant changes in your posture, flexibility, or if you’re experiencing persistent putting issues. Many golfers get fitted once and stick with it unless something changes drastically.

• What’s the difference between a standard putter and a “long” putter in terms of length?

A standard conventional putter is typically between 32 and 36 inches. Belly putters are generally 40-43 inches, and broomstick putters can be 46-48 inches or even longer. These longer putters are designed to be anchored against the body or chest to aid stability.