How to Measure for a Golf Putter
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Quick Answer
- Measure your current putter from the butt of the grip to the sole.
- In your putting stance, have someone measure from your lead hand to the ground.
- Use height as a guide, but personal feel is king.
Who This Putter Sizing Guide Is For
- You’re eyeing a new gamer and aren’t sure about the right length.
- Your current putter feels off, leading to wonky strokes and missed putts.
What to Check First
- Your Current Putter: Grab it and get a tape measure. We’ll break down the exact spot to measure in a sec.
- Your Height & Inseam: These give you a ballpark figure. Everyone’s different, though.
- Your Natural Stance: Are you a statue or a bit hunched over? This matters for how you’ll swing.
- Your Lead Hand Position: Where does your dominant hand naturally fall when you’re ready to putt?
Step-by-Step Plan: How to Measure for a Putter
1. Measure Your Current Putter Length.
- Action: Place your putter flat on the ground. Measure from the very top of the grip down to where the sole of the putter meets the ground.
- What to look for: The total length of the club.
- Mistake to avoid: Measuring to the heel of the putter head. That’ll throw off your numbers.
2. Check Putter Length Guidelines.
- Action: Look up general putter length charts based on height. I usually just eyeball it, but charts are a decent starting point.
- What to look for: A recommended length range for your height.
- Mistake to avoid: Thinking these charts are gospel. They’re just a suggestion.
3. Establish Your Putting Stance.
- Action: Get into your normal putting posture. Feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly flexed, shoulders relatively square.
- What to look for: A comfortable, balanced position you can hold.
- Mistake to avoid: Slouching or standing too rigidly. Find your sweet spot.
4. Measure Your Lead Hand to Ground Distance.
- Action: While in your putting stance, have a buddy use a tape measure. They’ll measure from the ground up to the butt of your lead hand’s grip.
- What to look for: The distance from the turf to your hand.
- Mistake to avoid: Moving your hands or changing your stance while being measured. Stay still.
5. Compare and Adjust.
- Action: Compare the measurement from step 4 to your current putter length (step 1) and the chart recommendations (step 2).
- What to look for: Significant differences that suggest your current putter might be too long or too short.
- Mistake to avoid: Ignoring how the club feels in your hands. If it feels right, it probably is.
Common Mistakes in Putter Sizing
- Mistake: Relying only on height charts.
- Why it matters: Everyone has a different build and a unique putting stroke. A chart is just a starting point.
- Fix: Use charts as a general guide, but always prioritize how the putter feels and looks to you over the ball.
- Mistake: Not measuring your current putter.
- Why it matters: It gives you a baseline. If you’re happy with your current putter’s length, you know what works.
- Fix: Accurately measure from the butt of the grip to the sole. Don’t guess.
- Mistake: Incorrectly measuring your lead hand to ground distance.
- Why it matters: This measurement is crucial for determining the correct putter length for your setup. An inaccurate measurement leads to a wrong putter length.
- Fix: Ensure you’re in your natural, balanced putting stance before taking the measurement.
- Mistake: Not considering your putting stroke style.
- Why it matters: An arcing stroke might feel better with a slightly different length than a straight-back, straight-through stroke.
- Fix: Experiment with different lengths if possible. A fitting can help dial this in.
- Mistake: Assuming standard putter lengths are for everyone.
- Why it matters: “Standard” is a loose term. Most off-the-rack putters are around 34 inches, but many golfers need something shorter or longer.
- Fix: Measure yourself and get fitted if you’re unsure. Don’t just grab what looks cool.
FAQ
- What is the standard length for a golf putter?
Most off-the-rack putters are around 34 inches, but the “standard” length for you depends on your height and stance.
- How do I measure my current putter’s length correctly?
Place the putter flat on the ground and measure from the very top of the grip down to the sole where it touches the turf.
- What is the best way to measure my distance from the ground to my hands while putting?
Get into your natural putting stance, and have someone measure from the ground up to the butt of your lead hand’s grip.
- Can I use a yardstick to measure my putter?
Sure, a yardstick works fine. Just make sure it’s a sturdy one and you’re measuring accurately from the correct points.
- What if I’m between putter lengths?
It’s often better to go slightly longer and choke down on the grip. This gives you more flexibility. A fitting is your best bet here.
- Does putter length affect my putting stroke?
Absolutely. The wrong length can force you into an awkward stance or stroke, leading to inconsistency.
How to Measure Your Putter Length
Figuring out your ideal putter length is key to sinking more putts. It’s not just about buying the prettiest club on the rack. A putter that’s too long or too short will mess with your posture, your eye line, and ultimately, your stroke. A little effort here pays off big time on the greens.
Finding the Right Putter Length for Your Game
Getting the length of your putter dialed in is one of the simplest, yet most impactful, adjustments you can make to your game. It’s not rocket science, but it does require a bit of attention to detail. Think of it like tuning your guitar – get it right, and everything else sounds better. A putter that fits you properly allows for a more natural, repeatable stroke, which is what we all want when we’re standing over a crucial putt.
When a putter is too long, you’ll likely find yourself standing too upright, which can lead to inconsistent face angles at impact. You might also be tempted to “choke down” too far, which can reduce control and feel. On the flip side, a putter that’s too short forces you to bend over too much, potentially straining your back and making it harder to see the line. This can also lead to a cramped stroke, limiting your ability to make a smooth, pendulum-like motion.
The goal is to find a length that allows you to stand comfortably, with your eyes directly over the ball, and your arms hanging naturally. This setup promotes a consistent tempo and a clean release through the ball. It’s about creating an arc that feels effortless and repeatable, shot after shot.
The Role of Your Current Putter
Your current putter, whether it’s a trusty old blade or a more modern mallet, is your best starting point. It’s the club you’re most familiar with, and its length has likely influenced your setup and stroke without you even realizing it. Measuring it accurately gives you a benchmark. If you’re generally happy with how you putt with your current club, its length is a strong indicator of what works for you.
When measuring, be precise. Don’t just eyeball it. Use a reliable tape measure. The measurement needs to be from the absolute top of the grip, where your hands would normally rest, all the way down to the sole of the putter. The sole is that flat part on the bottom that rests on the ground. Make sure the putter is lying flat on a level surface when you do this. Any deviation here can lead to incorrect assumptions about what length you need.
If you’ve never measured your current putter, you might be surprised by its length. Many golfers unknowingly use a putter that’s longer than ideal for their setup. This is common because standard putter lengths (often around 34 inches) are a good general fit, but not a perfect fit for everyone.
Understanding Your Stance and Hand Position
Your putting stance is more than just how wide you place your feet. It’s about your posture, your balance, and how your hands interact with the club. Are you naturally inclined to stand tall, or do you prefer to get down low? Your ideal putter length will complement your natural stance, not force you into an unnatural one.
Think about your setup. When you address the ball, your eyes should be slightly inside the target line, allowing you to see the putt clearly. Your shoulders should be relaxed, and your weight should be balanced. Your arms should hang down from your shoulders, creating a slight bend in your elbows. The putter shaft should then ideally extend upwards, meeting your hands at a comfortable angle.
The measurement from the ground to your lead hand is critical because it directly relates to how the putter shaft will sit relative to your body. If this measurement is significantly different from what your current putter’s length suggests, it’s a strong signal that a change might be beneficial. It’s a practical way to connect your physical dimensions to the equipment.
Why Putter Fit Matters Beyond Length
While length is a huge factor, it’s worth remembering that it’s part of a larger picture. Putter fit also includes factors like loft, lie angle, and weight distribution. However, getting the length right is often the first and most important step. A correctly sized putter promotes better alignment and a more consistent stroke path.
If you’re experiencing issues like consistently pulling or pushing putts, or struggling with distance control, the wrong putter length could be a major culprit. It’s easy to blame your stroke, but sometimes the club is working against you. By taking the time to measure and understand your needs, you’re investing in better performance on the greens. It’s a small change that can yield significant results, helping you make more putts and shave strokes off your score.
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