Putter Size Guide For A 5’11 Golfer
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Quick Answer
- For a 5’11” golfer, a 34-inch putter is typically your best bet to start. It’s the standard for a reason.
- However, the real magic happens with a custom fitting. It tailors length and lie angle to you.
- Your natural address posture and how your arms hang are the biggest clues to finding that perfect feel.
For a 5’11” golfer, a 34-inch putter is typically your best bet to start. It’s the standard for a reason, and you can find excellent options like this versatile golf putter.
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Who This Putter Size Guide Is For
- Golfers standing around 5’11” who are ready to stop guessing and start sinking putts.
- Anyone looking to improve their consistency on the green by ensuring their equipment isn’t holding them back. It’s a game-changer, trust me.
What to Check First
- Your current putter: Got one? Check its length. If you don’t, that’s fine. We’ll figure it out.
- Your natural stance: How do you stand over the ball? Are you hunched, or more upright? This is your foundation.
- The feel: Grab a club, any club, and mimic your putting setup. How do your arms feel? Relaxed? Strained?
- Your golf shoes: Always measure and assess with the shoes you actually play in. They add height, and that matters.
Step-by-Step Plan to Determine Putter Size For A 5’11” Golfer
1. Measure your wrist-to-floor height: Stand in your golf posture, shoes on. Get a tape measure and go from the floor straight up to the crease of your dominant hand’s wrist. This number is your baseline for a properly fitted putter. Mistake: Don’t measure barefoot or in slippers; your golf shoes are part of your setup and add crucial height.
2. Perform a basic self-assessment: Grip your current putter, or even a broomstick if you have to, as if you’re about to putt. Let your arms hang naturally. They should feel relaxed and hang straight down from your shoulders, not feel like they’re reaching or bunched up. Mistake: Slouching excessively or standing rigidly upright. Find that sweet spot where your arms hang freely and your spine has a natural, athletic posture.
3. Experiment with different putter lengths: If you have access to a golf shop or a buddy with a few putters, try them out. Specifically, test 33-inch, 34-inch, and 35-inch models. Focus on how your arms feel and the overall balance during a few practice strokes. Mistake: Only trying one length and assuming it’s good enough. You need to feel the difference to know what works best for your unique build and stroke.
4. Consider your address posture: Are you someone who bends deeply from the hips, or do you prefer a more upright stance at address? A more upright golfer might naturally gravitate towards a slightly longer putter, while someone who bends more might find a shorter one more comfortable. The goal is to have your eyes over the ball and your arms hanging in that relaxed position. Mistake: Trying to force yourself into a posture that feels unnatural just because you read it somewhere. Your body knows what feels right.
5. Feel the ground contact: As you make a few practice strokes, pay attention to how the sole of the putter sits on the ground. Ideally, it should lie flat. You don’t want the toe digging into the turf, nor do you want the heel lifting significantly off the ground. This is a key indicator of the correct lie angle. Mistake: Ignoring how the putter sits. An incorrect lie angle can lead to the putter head bouncing or skidding, negatively impacting your roll and direction.
6. Get a professional opinion (highly recommended): The absolute best way to nail down your putter size is to visit a reputable golf club fitter. They have specialized equipment to measure your wrist-to-floor height precisely, analyze your putting stroke, and determine the ideal length and lie angle for your game. They’ll take all the guesswork out of it. Mistake: Thinking you can get the perfect fit without expert guidance. A fitting is an investment that pays dividends with every putt.
What Size Putter for 5’11” Golfer: Finding Your Perfect Fit
For a golfer who stands 5’11”, the journey to finding the right putter often starts with a standard length. Most manufacturers design putters with a 34-inch length as a general recommendation for golfers within this height range. This is a solid starting point because it generally allows for a comfortable arm hang and a balanced stance for many players. However, it’s crucial to understand that “standard” doesn’t mean “perfect” for everyone. Your individual biomechanics, putting style, and even the specific type of putter head you prefer can all influence the ideal length.
For a golfer who stands 5’11”, the journey to finding the right putter often starts with a standard length, and a putter length guide can be incredibly helpful. Most manufacturers design putters with a 34-inch length as a general recommendation for golfers within this height range.
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A 34-inch putter typically positions the hands at a height that allows the golfer’s arms to hang naturally from the shoulders, with the elbows slightly bent. This natural hang is vital for a consistent pendulum-like stroke, minimizing wrist manipulation and promoting a smoother roll. When a putter is too long, a 5’11” golfer might find themselves standing too upright, leading to an awkward hand position and a loss of feel. Conversely, a putter that’s too short can force the golfer to bend excessively at the knees and waist, creating a cramped stance and potentially limiting their ability to make a free-flowing stroke.
The lie angle of the putter is just as important as the length. The lie angle is the angle between the shaft and the ground when the club is in its proper address position. For a 5’11” golfer, the standard lie angle is usually around 70-72 degrees. If the lie angle is too upright, the toe of the putter will be off the ground, and the heel will be digging in. If it’s too flat, the toe will be digging, and the heel will be lifted. Both scenarios can drastically affect how the putterhead interacts with the green and how the ball rolls off the face. A fitter can measure your specific lie angle and adjust it to match your stance and swing, ensuring the putter sits square to the target at impact.
Ultimately, while a 34-inch putter is a common and often correct choice for a 5’11” golfer, it’s just the starting line. The true path to optimal performance involves understanding your personal preferences and seeking out a fitting. This process ensures that every aspect of your putter – length, lie angle, grip, and even head style – is optimized for your unique stroke and physical build. Don’t underestimate the impact of this simple adjustment; it can be the difference between a good putting day and a great one.
Common Mistakes in Putter Sizing For 5’11” Golfers
- Using a putter that is too long — This forces you to stand too upright, leading to an inconsistent hand position and a stroke that lacks fluidity. Your arms won’t hang naturally, and you lose feel. — Shorten the putter to your ideal length or get a properly sized one.
- Using a putter that is too short — This makes you hunch over too much, creating a cramped stance and limiting your range of motion. You might feel like you’re choking down on the club, which isn’t ideal for putting. — Lengthen the putter (often with an extension) or, better yet, get a properly sized one.
- Ignoring the lie angle — If it’s incorrect, the putter’s toe might dig into the turf or the heel might lift off, both of which will negatively affect the putter’s roll and directional control. It’s like trying to steer a car with the wheels misaligned. — Get the lie angle adjusted by a professional club fitter. They can bend the shaft to the correct angle.
- Not trying enough options — Sticking with the first putter that feels “okay” can mean you’re leaving performance on the table. There are subtle differences between lengths and even models that can make a big impact. — Experiment with different lengths and even different head styles. A fitting is the most efficient way to do this.
- Assuming one size fits all — Even within the 5’11” height bracket, people have different arm lengths, torso lengths, and preferred putting postures. What works for one person might not work for another. — Don’t be afraid to go against the “standard” recommendation if it feels wrong for you.
- Measuring without golf shoes — Your golf shoes are part of your setup. They add height, and your stance and posture are based on playing with them on. — Always measure and assess your putter length with your golf shoes on.
- Making a putter fit solely based on looks — A putter might look cool, but if it’s the wrong length or lie angle, it won’t perform optimally. Functionality trumps aesthetics when it comes to your short game. — Prioritize how the putter feels and performs during your stroke over its appearance.
FAQ About Putter Size for 5’11” Golfers
- What is the standard putter length for a 5’11” golfer?
A 34-inch putter is generally considered the standard starting point for golfers around 5’11”. It’s a common length that works for many, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Your unique body dimensions and putting style might require a different length.
- How does my putting stance affect the ideal putter size?
Your stance directly influences your posture. If you tend to stand more upright with less knee flex, you’ll likely need a longer putter to maintain a comfortable arm hang. Conversely, if you bend more at the knees and waist, a shorter putter might be more appropriate. The goal is always to achieve a relaxed, natural arm hang.
- Can I adjust the length of my current putter?
Yes, you can often adjust the length of a putter. A club builder can add a shaft extension to make it longer, or they can cut it down if it’s too long. However, modifying the lie angle typically requires specialized bending equipment and is best left to a professional club fitter.
- What is lie angle and why is it important for my putter?
Lie angle refers to the angle between the shaft and the sole of the club when the club is resting on the ground in your intended playing position. For a putter, an incorrect lie angle can cause the toe to dig into the turf or the heel to lift up, leading to inconsistent contact with the ball and affecting its roll and direction. A proper lie angle ensures the putter sits square to the target at impact.
- Should I get fitted for a putter?
Absolutely, yes. A putter fitting is one of the most beneficial investments a golfer can make for their game. A professional fitter will analyze your height, arm length, posture, and putting stroke to determine the precise putter length, lie angle, and even grip size that will optimize your performance on the greens. It removes all the guesswork.
- What if I’m between standard putter lengths, like 33.5 inches?
This is precisely where a custom fitting becomes invaluable. A fitter can help you determine whether a slightly longer or shorter putter, combined with a specific lie angle adjustment, will provide the best feel and consistency for your stroke. They can also advise on grip options that might affect how you hold the club, further fine-tuning the fit.
Michael Reeves is a PGA Professional with over 20 years of experience in competitive golf and instruction. A former Division I collegiate player at the University of Texas, he competed on the mini-tours before transitioning to full-time coaching and golf journalism. He has been a certified PGA teaching professional since 2005 and has worked with players at every level, from absolute beginners to collegiate champions.
His writing has appeared in Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, and The Left Rough. At GolfHubz, Michael leads the editorial team, overseeing fact-checking and ensuring every answer meets the same standard he demands on the lesson tee: clear, evidence-based, and immediately useful.
When he’s not writing or teaching, Michael plays to a +1.4 handicap at his home club in Austin, Texas. He has attended over 40 major championships as a journalist and fan, and has played more than 200 courses across 15 countries.
You can reach Michael at [email protected] or follow his occasional swing analysis posts on the site.