What Length Putter Do I Need? What You Must Know Now!

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As we already know, selecting the correct golf equipment is crucial for playing golf, and the putter is one of the important clubs in your bag.

Its length is one of the most significant factors contributing to selecting the right putter.

In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about putter length, including what length putter you need, why putter length matters, and how to measure and determine the correct putter length for your game.

In addition, we aim to provide you with detailed information that will help you select the right putter length and improve your golf game.

Here's What's In Store For You...

Why Putter Length Matter

Putter length is crucial for golfers because it affects the way they address the ball and their putting stroke.

When the putter is too long or too short, it can cause problems with distance control and alignment.

A putter that is too long can force you to stand too far from the ball, resulting in an awkward posture that can cause you to miss putts to the left or right.

A putter that is too short can cause you to stand too close to the ball, leading to an upright posture that can cause you to miss golf ball putts short or long.

What Length Putter Do I Need?

The correct putter length depends on the height, arm length, posture, and putting stroke.

The United States Golf Association recommends that most golfers’ standard putter length be between 33 and 35 inches. However, this recommendation is a general guideline and may not apply to all golfers.

For example, tall golfers may need a longer putter, and shorter golfers may need a shorter putter.

How to Measure Putter Length

To determine the correct putter length, you need to measure the distance from the ground to your wrist while standing in your putting stance.

To do this, stand barefoot on a flat surface and let your arms hang naturally.

Then, measure the distance from the ground to the crease of your wrist.

This measurement will give you an idea of the correct length of your putter.

Here is an extensive guide on how to measure putter length correctly:

Step 1: Get Your Equipment Ready

Before you start measuring, make sure you have the necessary equipment. You’ll need a putter, a measuring tape or ruler, and a flat surface to stand on.

It’s best to measure your putter length while wearing your golf shoes to get an accurate measurement.

Step 2: Find Your Putting Stance

It would be best if you stood in your putting stance to get an accurate measurement.

Stand on a good flat surface with your feet shoulder-width apart, and allow your arms to hang naturally.

Your feet should be parallel to the target line, and your toes should be pointing straight ahead.

Your posture should be comfortable, with your back straight and your knees slightly bent.

Step 3: Position the Putter

Place the putter head on the ground and stand behind it with your feet shoulder-width apart.

The putter should be in the center of your stance, with the shaft pointing towards your navel.

The putter should be in its natural position, with the sole of the putter flat on the ground.

Step 4: Measure the Putter Length

Hold the measuring tape or ruler vertically alongside the putter shaft to measure the putter length.

Place the zero end of the measuring tape or ruler at the bottom of the putter grip, and measure to the center of the putter’s sole. This is the length of your putter.

Step 5: Record Your Measurement

Write down the measurement you just took and make a note of the putter brand and model.

This information will be helpful if you need to compare putters or if you’re shopping for a new putter.

Step 6: Make Adjustments

If the length of your putter is not within the recommended range for your height and posture, you may need to make adjustments.

A club fitter can help you adjust the length of your putter by cutting it down or adding a putter extension.

They can also adjust the lie angle of the putter to match your posture.

Players’ height vs. Putter Lenght

A player’s height is one of the most crucial factors to consider when selecting the right putter length.

The length of the putter directly affects the golfer’s posture and setup, which significantly impacts the accuracy and consistency of their putting stroke.

If the putter length is not appropriate for the golfer’s height, it can lead to problems with distance control and alignment, which can ultimately result in missed putts.

The United States Golf Association (USGA) recommends that most golfers’ standard putter lengths be between 33 and 35 inches.

However, this recommendation is a general guideline and may not apply to all golfers.

Golfers who are shorter (5.5 and below )or taller than the average height may require a shorter or longer putter to ensure proper posture and alignment.

If a golfer is taller than the average height, they may need a longer putter to maintain the proper posture and setup.

This is because a longer putter helps the taller golfer to stand more comfortably and naturally without having to hunch over the ball, which can cause tension and stiffness in the body.

Conversely, a putter that is too short for a tall golfer can cause them to stand too close to the ball, leading to an upright posture that can cause them to miss putts short or long.

On the other hand, if a golfer is shorter than the average height, they may need a shorter putter to ensure proper posture and alignment.

A shorter putter allows the shorter golfer to stand closer to the ball without having to bend over too much, which can cause strain on the back and neck muscles.

Conversely, a putter that is too long for a short golfer can force them to stand too far from the ball, resulting in an awkward posture that can cause them to miss putts to the left or right.

Putter Length Guidelines

Here are some general guidelines that will help you in determining putter length:

  • If your height is between 5’6″ and 6’0″, a standard length between 33 and 35-inch putter is ideal.
  • If you are taller than 6’0″, you may need a longer putter between 35 and 36 inches.
  • If you are shorter than 5’6″, you may need a shorter putter between 31 and 33 inches.
  • If your putting stroke is straight back and straight through, a shorter putter may be better for you.
  • A longer putter may be better for you if your putting stroke is an arc.

Proper Putter length fitting chart

Player Height Wrist to Floor Measurement Putter Length
Under 5’0″ 24″ – 28″ 30″ – 31″
5’0″ – 5’3″ 28″ – 30″ 31″ – 32″
5’4″ – 5’6″ 30″ – 32″ 32″ – 33″
5’7″ – 5’9″ 32″ – 34″ 33″ – 34″
5’10” – 6’0″ 34″ – 36″ 34″ – 35″
6’1″ – 6’3″ 36″ – 38″ 35″ – 36″
6’4″ and above 38″ – 40″ 36″ – 37″

This chart provides a guideline for selecting the appropriate putter length based on the player’s height and wrist-to-floor measurement.

However, it’s important to note that this chart is just a general guideline, and each player’s putting stroke and stance may require a slightly different putter length.

Putter Fitting

Getting a properly fit putter can significantly improve your golf game.

A club fitter can help you determine the right length, lie angle, and grip size for your putter.

The right putter length can help you set up in the correct posture, which will improve your alignment and distance control.

Likewise, the lie angle of your putter should be adjusted to match your setup posture, which will help you hit putts on your target line.

New Putter

If you purchase a new putter, ensure you get properly fit for the correct length.

A brand-new shaft can be cut down to the correct length, and an extension can be added to make the putter longer if needed.

A golf club fitter can also adjust the swing weight of the putter to match your preference.

Putting Stance

Your putting stance is essential to your success on the putting green.

When you set up to the ball, ensure your arms hang naturally, and your eyes are over or slightly inside the ball.

This posture will allow you to have a consistent stroke and help you make solid contact with the ball.

Also, ensure your feet are shoulder-width apart, and your weight is evenly distributed on both feet.

Your shoulders should be level and parallel to the ground.

Finally, avoid hunching over the ball or standing too upright, as this can affect your putting stroke and distance control.

Practice

Once you have the correct putter length and posture, practice your putting to improve your game.

Start by practicing short putts, and gradually work your way back to longer putts.

Focus on your alignment, distance control, and stroke consistency.

Practice regularly and keep track of your progress to see improvements in your game.

Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the right putter length is crucial for your golf game.

It affects your posture, alignment, and distance control.

To determine the correct putter length, measure the distance from the ground to your wrist while standing in your putting stance.

Consider your height, arm length, posture, and putting stroke when selecting a putter length.

Getting a properly fit putter can significantly improve your game, so consider visiting a club fitter to help you choose the right length, lie angle, and grip size for your putter.

Finally, practice regularly to improve your putting and see improvements in your game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can a putter be too long or too short for me?

Yes, using a putter that is too long or too short for your body type and putting stroke can negatively affect your posture, setup, and stroke. It's important to use a putter that is properly fit for you.

What is the standard putter length?

The standard putter length for men is around 34 inches, while the standard length for women is around 33 inches. However, many golfers may require a different length putter depending on their individual needs.

How do I determine the proper lie angle for my putter?

A club fitter can help you determine the proper lie angle for your putter by analyzing your natural posture and putting stroke. A proper lie angle can help ensure that your putter head is square to the target line at impact.

Can I extend or shorten my putter to make it the right length?

Yes, putter extensions or shaft plug adjustments can be used to make a putter longer, while shortening the shaft can be done by a professional club fitter. However, it's important to maintain the proper swing weight and balance of the putter.

What is the ideal putter length for tall golfers?

Tall golfers may require a longer putter to accommodate their height and arm length. However, the ideal putter length for any golfer depends on their individual needs and putting stroke.

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