Measuring Putter Length

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Quick Answer

• Lay your putter flat on a level surface.
• Measure from the very top of the grip to the center of the sole.
• Use a standard tape measure or ruler.

Who This Putter Length Guide Is For

• Any golfer who wants to fine-tune their setup for more consistent putting.
• If your current putter feels awkward, or you’re buying a new one and want to nail the right size.

What to Check First When Measuring Putter Length

• Surface: Make sure the putter is on a dead-flat, level surface. No slopes, no bumps, just solid ground.
• Tape Measure: Ensure your tape measure is straight and pulled taut. No slack or sagging allowed.
• Obstructions: Check that nothing is blocking the very end of the grip or the bottom of the putter’s sole.
• Contact: Confirm the entire sole of the putter is making solid contact with the ground.

Step-by-Step Plan: How to Measure the Length of a Putter

1. Action: Place the putter on a flat, level surface.

• What to look for: The entire sole of the putter should be making solid contact with the ground. It needs to lie naturally, just like it would on a green.
• Mistake to avoid: Don’t let the putter rest on its hosel or be angled up. This will throw off your measurement big time.

2. Action: Grab your tape measure or ruler.

• What to look for: Position the zero mark right at the very end of the grip, on the top. This is your starting point.
• Mistake to avoid: Don’t start measuring from the middle of the grip or any other random spot. That’s just lazy and wrong, and leads to a consistently off measurement.

3. Action: Extend the tape measure straight down the shaft of the putter.

• What to look for: The tape should follow the line of the shaft all the way to the ground. Keep it aligned with the shaft’s natural path.
• Mistake to avoid: Resist the urge to let the tape sag or bend. A drooping tape measure won’t give you a true straight-line measurement.

4. Action: Read the measurement where the tape meets the sole of the putter.

• What to look for: You want the measurement to the exact center of the sole, not the toe or heel. This is the true contact point with the ground.
• Mistake to avoid: Guessing or reading it from an angle will skew your number. Be precise.

How to Measure Putter Length Accurately

Getting the right putter length is a fundamental step towards a more consistent and confident putting stroke. It’s not some arcane secret; it’s a practical measurement that directly impacts your setup and how you address the ball. This guide breaks down exactly how to measure the length of a putter so you can stop second-guessing your setup and start making more putts. It’s a simple process, but like most things in golf, doing it right matters.

When you’re dialing in your gear, understanding the dimensions is crucial. For instance, if you’re looking to get your driver dialed in, knowing how to measure club length is just as important as knowing how to measure your putter. How to Measure Golf Putter Length offers some great insights that complement this guide.

Why Putter Length Matters

The length of your putter dictates your posture and how you stand over the ball. It influences your eye line, your arm hang, and the arc of your stroke.

• Too Long: If your putter is too long, you’ll likely stand too upright. This can lead to a “handsy” stroke, where you try to guide the ball with your hands and wrists rather than using a pendulum motion with your shoulders. You might also find yourself choking down on the grip, which alters the feel and balance of the club. This posture can make it harder to get your eyes directly over the ball, which is a common recommendation for better alignment.
• Too Short: Conversely, a putter that’s too short will force you to bend over more than is comfortable. This can lead to a cramped feeling and encourage you to bring your arms in too close to your body. It can also make it difficult to keep your wrists stable during the stroke, potentially leading to inconsistency. You might also find yourself gripping down significantly, which again changes the effective weight and balance of the putter.

Finding the right length allows for a natural, athletic stance. Your eyes should be in a comfortable position relative to the ball, your arms should hang naturally, and your shoulders should be able to rock freely to create a smooth, repeatable putting stroke. This is why learning how to measure the length of a putter correctly is so essential for any golfer serious about improving their game.

Common Mistakes in Putter Length Measurement

• Mistake: Measuring to the toe or heel of the putter.
• Why it matters: This gives you a false reading, making your putter seem longer or shorter than it actually is. The true measurement point is the center of the sole, where the club makes contact with the ground.
• Fix: Always aim for the center of the sole. Visualize a line going straight down from the center of the shaft to the ground and measure to that point.
• Mistake: Not using a perfectly flat surface.
• Why it matters: A slight tilt in the ground will cause the putter to rest at an angle, skewing the measurement significantly. Even a small slope can add or subtract an inch from your reading.
• Fix: Find a level floor indoors or use a carpenter’s level to be absolutely sure the surface is flat before you begin.
• Mistake: Starting the tape measure incorrectly.
• Why it matters: If you don’t start at the absolute end of the grip, every measurement will be off by the same amount, consistently leading to an incorrect length. This is a foundational error.
• Fix: Line up the zero mark of your tape measure with the very top edge of the grip. No exceptions, no rounding up or down.
• Mistake: Letting the tape measure droop or bend.
• Why it matters: A sagging tape measure won’t give you a true straight-line measurement. It creates a curve, and you’ll end up with a shorter reading than the actual length.
• Fix: Keep the tape measure pulled taut and straight along the shaft from the grip to the sole. Imagine a laser beam going from the end of the grip to the sole; your tape should follow that path.
• Mistake: Measuring with the putter leaning against something.
• Why it matters: If the putter is leaning against a wall or your leg, it’s not in its natural resting position. This can alter the angle at which the sole contacts the ground, leading to an inaccurate measurement.
• Fix: Ensure the putter is lying completely free on the flat surface, with no external support.
• Mistake: Using a flexible or soft tape measure.
• Why it matters: While a standard tape measure is fine, a very flimsy one can be hard to keep perfectly straight. This can lead to slight inaccuracies.
• Fix: Use a rigid tape measure or a ruler. If you’re using a fabric tape measure, be extra diligent about keeping it taut and straight.

FAQ

• What is the standard length for a golf putter?

Standard putter lengths typically range from 32 to 35 inches for most golfers. However, the “standard” length for you is highly individual and depends on your height, stance, and preference. Many players today use shorter, 33- or 34-inch putters, and some even use belly or broomstick putters which are longer.

• How does putter length affect my golf swing?

Putter length is crucial because it dictates your posture and hand position at address. An incorrect length forces you into an unnatural stance, which can lead to a restricted or inconsistent putting stroke. It affects your eye line, arm hang, and the natural arc of your swing, all of which impact accuracy and distance control.

• Can I adjust the length of my current putter?

Yes, in many cases, the length of a putter can be adjusted by a professional club fitter. They can often add or remove sections to the shaft to achieve the perfect length for your game. Some putters have adjustable shafts from the factory, but this is less common. It’s always best to consult a club fitter to see if your putter is modifiable.

• Do I need a special tool to measure my putter?

No, you don’t need any fancy equipment. A standard tape measure or even a ruler will do the job perfectly well. Just make sure it’s long enough to measure the full length of your putter, typically 35 inches or more. The key is accuracy, not the tool itself.

• What if my putter has a grip with a flat side or a specific shape?

You still measure from the absolute top end of the grip. The shape or flatness of the grip doesn’t change the measurement point. The goal is to find the highest point on the grip that you would place your hands on, and measure from there.

• Should I measure with the putter standing up or lying down?

Always measure with the putter lying flat on the ground. This ensures the putter is in its natural resting position and that the sole is making full contact with the surface, providing the most accurate measurement. Standing it up can introduce angles and inaccuracies. For more detailed guidance on this, check out How to Measure Your Putter Length.

Sources

[1] How to Measure Your Putter Length: https://golfhubz.com/how-to-measure-your-putter-length

[2] How to Measure Golf Putter Length: https://golfhubz.com/how-to-measure-golf-putter-length