Mastering Your Stroke: What size putter do i need?

As you step onto the rolling terrain, ready to take on the challenges of sinking that perfect putt, a crucial question arises: “What size putter do I need?” Finding the ideal putter length is not merely a matter of personal preference; it can significantly impact your putting performance.

The size of putter you need depends on your height and your putting stroke. The standard putter length for an average height golfer is 33-35 inches. However, you may need a longer or shorter putter depending on your individual needs.

In this article of putter sizing, we will delve into the factors that influence the choice, guiding you towards the perfect fit to enhance your strokes and boost your confidence on the greens. So, let’s embark on this journey to discover the putter that aligns seamlessly with your game, allowing you to unleash your true potential with every putt you make.

Table of Contents show

What size putter is best for my height?

Selecting the right size putter is an important aspect of improving your putting performance in golf. The length of the putter should be suitable for your height to promote a more comfortable and consistent stroke. Here’s a general guideline to help you choose the best putter length based on your height:

Tall Golfers (6’1″ and above): If you are on the taller side, a longer putter is typically recommended. A putter with a length around 35 to 36 inches should work well. This allows you to maintain a more upright posture and reduce the likelihood of hunching over the ball, leading to a more consistent stroke.

Average Height Golfers (5’7″ to 6’0″): For golfers of average height, a putter length between 33 and 35 inches is generally appropriate. This range strikes a balance between comfortable posture and control over the putter head.
Shorter Golfers (Below 5’7″): If you are shorter in stature, a shorter putter can help you achieve a more comfortable setup and promote better control. Look for putters in the range of 31 to 34 inches.

It’s essential to note that these are general guidelines, and individual preferences may vary. Some golfers might prefer a slightly longer or shorter putter based on their putting style, arm length, and personal comfort.

The best way to determine the ideal putter length for you is to get a professional club fitting at a local golf shop or from a qualified club fitter. During a fitting, they will assess your stance, posture, hand position, and other factors to recommend a putter that fits your unique specifications.

How do I determine my correct putter length?

Determining the correct putter length is crucial for improving your putting performance. A properly fitted putter will help you achieve better alignment, consistency, and control on the greens.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you determine the correct putter length for your game:

Stand in your normal putting posture: Address the ball as if you were about to make a putt. Ensure your eyes are directly over the ball or just inside the target line. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart or slightly narrower.
Have someone help you: It’s best to have a friend or a professional club fitter assist you in this process. They can observe your setup and make more accurate measurements.
Check the shaft angle: While in your putting stance, have the person helping you hold the putter so that the sole of the club sits flat on the ground. Observe the angle of the shaft relative to the ground. Ideally, the putter shaft should be nearly vertical, with a slight forward lean.

Measure from wrist to floor: With your shoes on and in your natural stance, measure the distance from your wrist (the crease where your hand meets your forearm) to the ground. This measurement will give you an initial estimate of the putter length that suits you.
Consider your putting stroke: Different putting strokes can affect the ideal putter length. If you have more of an arc in your stroke (a slight curve), you might benefit from a slightly longer putter. For a straight-back, straight-through stroke, a shorter putter may be more appropriate.
Test various putter lengths: Try using putters of different lengths based on your initial measurement and stroke type. Most golf shops or club fitters will have a variety of putters you can experiment with. Practice some putts with each putter to see which length feels the most comfortable and natural.

Evaluate alignment and eye position: Pay attention to your alignment and eye position with each putter length. The correct putter length should allow you to comfortably see the line and hole without feeling like you have to strain or alter your stance too much.
Consider custom fitting: If you are serious about improving your putting and optimizing your performance, consider getting a custom putter fitting. A professional club fitter can analyze your putting stroke, posture, and alignment in more detail, and recommend a putter with the ideal length and other specifications tailored to your game.

Please always know that putter fitting is a personal process, and what works best for one golfer may not work for another. Take the time to experiment with different putters and find the one that gives you the most confidence and consistency on the greens.

Standard or custom fit putter?

Whether to choose a standard or custom fit putter depends on several factors, including your skill level, dedication to the game, budget, and overall goals in golf. Let’s explore the advantages and considerations of both options:

Standard Putters:

- Cost-effective: Standard putters are generally more affordable than custom fit putters.
- Convenient: They are readily available at most golf stores, making them easy to purchase.
- Basic fitting options: Some standard putters come in different lengths and grip sizes, allowing for limited fitting options.

Custom Fit Putters:

- Personalized to your game: Custom fit putters are tailored to your specific body measurements, putting stroke, and preferences. This can lead to improved performance and consistency on the greens.
- Enhanced alignment: A custom fit putter can help you achieve better alignment and eye position at address, increasing your chances of sinking more putts.
- Stroke optimization: The right length and lie angle in a custom putter can complement your putting stroke, helping you square the face more naturally and improving overall control.
- Comfort and confidence: When you have a putter that is custom fit to your game, it can instill a higher level of confidence and comfort, which are crucial aspects of successful putting.
- Suitable for dedicated players: Golfers who are serious about their game and are willing to invest in equipment that optimizes their performance are more likely to benefit from custom fit putters.

Ultimately, if you are a beginner or a casual golfer, a standard putter may be a reasonable choice to start with. As you progress and develop a more consistent putting stroke, you might consider upgrading to a custom fit putter to fine-tune your equipment to your unique needs.

On the other hand, if you are an experienced golfer who plays frequently and places great importance on improving your putting performance, investing in a custom fit putter is a wise decision. It can make a significant difference in your game and may be worth the extra cost.

Regardless of your choice, it’s essential to spend time practicing your putting technique and becoming comfortable with your putter. Putting is a skill that improves with practice and experience, regardless of whether you have a standard or custom fit putter.

Factors to consider for putter size?

When considering the size of a putter, there are several important factors to take into account. The right putter size can significantly impact your putting performance, alignment, and overall comfort.

Here are the key factors to consider:

Putter Length:

- Personal height: Your height plays a significant role in determining the appropriate putter length. Taller golfers generally benefit from longer putters, while shorter golfers may prefer shorter ones.
- Arm length: The length of your arms and the distance from your wrist to the ground (as measured in the putting stance) also influence the ideal putter length for you.
- Putting stroke: Consider whether you have an arc-style stroke (benefiting from a slightly longer putter) or a straight-back, straight-through stroke (suitable for a shorter putter).

Putter Lie Angle:

- Lie angle is the angle between the putter shaft and the ground when the putter is in the proper address position.
- A proper lie angle ensures that the putter’s sole rests flat on the ground at impact, promoting a square face and better alignment.
- Lie angle can be adjusted based on your height, posture, and stroke type during a custom putter fitting.

Putter Head Shape and Size:

- Blade putters: Traditional blade-style putters are more compact with a smaller head. They offer a classic look and are often preferred by golfers with an arc putting stroke.
- Mallet putters: Mallet putters have larger, more forgiving heads with various alignment aids. They suit golfers who prefer a straight-back, straight-through stroke and may have more visual appeal for some players.

Putter Grip:

- Grip size: The size of the putter grip can influence your ability to control the putter during the stroke. Some golfers prefer thicker grips for reduced hand action, while others like thinner grips for increased feel.
- Shape and material: Putter grips come in various shapes and materials, each affecting the feel and comfort in your hands. Try different grips to find the one that suits your preferences best.

Comfort and Confidence:

- Ultimately, the size of your putter should promote comfort and confidence in your stroke. When you feel at ease with your putter’s size and shape, you are more likely to make smoother, more consistent strokes.

Custom Fitting:

- If you are serious about improving your putting performance, consider getting a custom putter fitting. A professional fitter can analyze your stance, stroke, and body measurements to recommend the optimal putter size and specifications for your game.

Finding the right putter size might require some experimentation and practice. Whether you opt for a standard putter with different size options or invest in a custom fit putter, the goal is to have a putter that complements your putting stroke and feels comfortable in your hands.

Does putter weight affect size?

The weight of a putter can indirectly affect its size, but the size and weight are not directly correlated. Let’s break it down:

Size of the Putter Head: The size of the putter head typically refers to the width and depth of the clubface. The head size can vary between different putter models, with some having larger and others having smaller heads. However, the weight of the putter head doesn’t necessarily determine its size.
Weight Distribution: The weight distribution in a putter can influence its performance. Putters with more weight concentrated in the head may offer more stability and help reduce twisting during the stroke. Putters with more weight in the shaft or grip area may promote a different type of stroke. Weight distribution can affect how the putter feels and performs during the stroke, but it doesn’t necessarily change the physical size of the clubhead.
Putter Length: Putter length is a crucial factor in putting performance and consistency. While weight doesn’t directly affect the length of the putter, longer putters might have different weight distributions to maintain balance and feel. For instance, some longer putters have a counterbalanced design, where extra weight is added to the grip end to balance the clubhead. This aims to promote smoother strokes, especially for players who struggle with consistency.

Customization: Golfers often customize their putters to suit their preferences. They might add weights to the head or use different grips, affecting the overall weight and feel of the putter, but again, this doesn’t necessarily impact the size of the putter head.

Impact of wrong putter length on putting?

Using the wrong putter length can have a significant impact on your putting performance. The length of the putter plays a crucial role in your setup, posture, alignment, and overall stroke mechanics. Here are some of the potential impacts of using the wrong putter length:

Setup and Posture: When the putter length is incorrect, it can affect your setup and posture over the ball. If the putter is too long, you may have to hunch over excessively, leading to discomfort and inconsistency in your stance. Conversely, if the putter is too short, you might stand too upright, causing issues with your eye alignment and balance during the stroke.

Alignment Issues: A putter that is not the correct length for your height and stance can lead to alignment problems. Improper alignment can cause you to aim off-target, leading to missed putts even if your stroke is good.
Inconsistent Stroke: The length of the putter influences the pendulum motion and rhythm of your putting stroke. If the putter length is not suited to your natural motion, it can lead to an inconsistent stroke path and impact how you control distance and direction on putts.
Loss of Feel: When a putter is too long or too short, it can result in a loss of feel for the putter head. This can make it challenging to develop a sense of touch and distance control on the greens.

Impact on Putting Confidence: Using the wrong putter length can erode your confidence on the greens. Confidence is crucial in putting, and if you’re uncomfortable with the length of your putter, it can negatively impact your mental approach to putting.
Decreased Putting Accuracy: Ultimately, the combination of alignment issues, inconsistent stroke mechanics, and reduced feel can lead to a decrease in putting accuracy. You may struggle to consistently hole putts from various distances, especially under pressure situations.

To optimize your putting performance, it’s essential to get properly fitted for a putter that suits your height, stance, and stroke mechanics. A professional club fitting can help you identify the correct putter length and other specifications that match your game, leading to improved putting performance and overall confidence on the greens.

Different sizes for various putting strokes?

In golf, putting is a crucial aspect of the game, and golfers often use different putting strokes depending on the distance to the hole, the terrain, and their personal preferences. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to putting strokes, and different players may have their own techniques.

However, here are some common putting strokes and when they might be used:

Standard Pendulum Stroke: This is the most common putting stroke used by many golfers. The motion is similar to a pendulum, with the shoulders and arms working together to swing the putter back and through in a smooth and controlled motion. This stroke is often used for medium-length putts, as it provides good control and accuracy.

Long Putting Stroke: For longer putts, some golfers might opt for a longer putting stroke. This stroke involves a slightly bigger backswing and follow-through to generate more power and distance. The idea is to control the speed of the ball over a longer distance.
Short Putting Stroke: On the other end of the spectrum, for very short putts, many golfers prefer a shorter, more abbreviated stroke. The backswing and follow-through are minimized, and the focus is on keeping the putter face square to the target line.
Arc Putting Stroke: Some golfers prefer a slight arcing motion in their putting stroke. In this stroke, the putter moves slightly inside the target line during the backswing and slightly inside again on the follow-through. This stroke is believed to provide a more natural feel for some players and can be effective for certain types of greens.

Straight-Back-Straight-Through (SBST) Stroke: This putting stroke is characterized by a backswing and follow-through that move in a straight line along the target line. It minimizes any arc in the stroke and is often favored by golfers who struggle with consistency.
Cross-Handed (Left-hand-low or Right-hand-low) Putting: Some golfers adopt a cross-handed grip, also known as the left-hand-low or right-hand-low grip. This involves placing the lead hand (left hand for right-handed golfers, and vice versa) lower on the grip than the trailing hand. It can help reduce wrist movement and improve the stability of the stroke.

Ultimately, the choice of putting stroke depends on the golfer’s comfort level, experience, and the specific demands of the putt.

Practice and experimentation with different strokes can help a golfer determine which one suits them best for different putting situations. Consistency and feel are key elements in putting, so finding a stroke that promotes those qualities is essential for success on the greens.

Are there adjustable putters?

Yes, there are adjustable putters available in the market. These putters are designed to allow golfers to customize certain aspects of the putter to suit their individual preferences and putting styles. The adjustability features can help golfers fine-tune their equipment to optimize performance on the greens.

Here are some common adjustable features found in putters:

Weight Adjustability: Some putters have removable weight cartridges in the sole of the putter head. By adding or removing weights, golfers can adjust the overall weight and balance of the putter. This can affect the feel of the putter during the stroke and help golfers find the right balance for their stroke.
Length Adjustability: Adjustable putters may have a mechanism that allows golfers to change the length of the shaft. Having the correct putter length is essential for proper setup and alignment, and adjustable putters can accommodate golfers of different heights or preferences.
Lie Angle Adjustability: The lie angle is the angle between the putter’s shaft and the ground when the putter is soled in the address position. Some adjustable putters offer the ability to change the lie angle, which can help golfers achieve better contact with the ball and promote a smoother stroke.

Grip Options: While not strictly an “adjustable” feature, many adjustable putters come with interchangeable grip options. Golfers can experiment with different grip styles and sizes to find the one that complements their hands and putting stroke the best.
Face Insert Swapping: Some adjustable putters come with interchangeable face inserts made of different materials (e.g., steel, aluminum, polymer). Swapping inserts can change the feel and sound upon impact, allowing golfers to choose the one they prefer.

It’s important to note that the level of adjustability varies among different putter models. Some putters may have multiple adjustment options, while others may only have one or two. Additionally, adjustable putters are not necessary for all golfers, as many golfers find success with traditional putters that do not have adjustable features.

If you’re interested in an adjustable putter, consider visiting a golf specialty store or consulting with a professional club fitter who can help you find the right putter with the appropriate adjustments for your game.

Trying out different putter options and configurations can be beneficial in finding the one that enhances your putting performance and improves your overall confidence on the greens.

Standard putter length & suitability?

The standard length of a putter for most adult golfers is typically around 34 to 35 inches. However, it’s important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to putter length and suitability. The correct putter length for a golfer depends on various factors, including their height, stance, and putting stroke style.

Here are some general guidelines to consider when selecting the appropriate putter length:

Height: Taller golfers may find longer putters more comfortable to use, while shorter golfers might prefer shorter putters for better control and consistency.

Putting Stroke: Different putting strokes can influence putter length. For example, golfers with a more upright, straight-back-straight-through stroke might benefit from a slightly longer putter, while those with an arcing stroke might prefer a slightly shorter putter.
Comfort and Feel: Ultimately, the best putter length is the one that feels comfortable and natural to the golfer. Trying out different putters with various lengths can help determine which one suits you best.
Custom Fitting: For serious golfers looking to optimize their equipment, custom fitting sessions at golf stores or with professional club fitters can be beneficial. They can analyze your putting stroke and recommend the most suitable putter length for your game.

Remember, putting is a highly individual aspect of golf, and what works well for one golfer may not work for another. Experimentation and getting feedback from professionals can be instrumental in finding the perfect putter length for your game.

Common putter size mistakes?

Choosing the right putter size is essential for a golfer’s performance on the green. Common putter size mistakes can negatively impact your putting stroke and overall game.

Here are some of the most common putter size mistakes:

Length of the Putter: Using a putter that is not the correct length for your height and putting posture can lead to inconsistent putting. If the putter is too long, it may force you to stand too far from the ball, causing you to hunch over or extend your arms excessively. If it’s too short, you may end up crouching too much, affecting your eye-line and balance.
Weight of the Putter: Putters come in various weights, and the right weight can make a significant difference in your putting stroke. Using a putter that is too light or too heavy for your natural swing can result in inconsistency in distance control and accuracy.
Grip Size: The grip on the putter is often overlooked, but it plays a vital role in how the putter feels and performs in your hands. Using a grip that is too thick or too thin for your hand size can lead to grip tension and hinder your ability to maintain a smooth, relaxed stroke.

Head Design: Putters come in different head designs, such as blades and mallets. Choosing a putter head design that doesn’t suit your stroke style or preferences can lead to inconsistent results. For example, a player with an arc putting stroke might struggle with a face-balanced mallet putter.
Ignoring Custom Fitting: Many golfers purchase putters off the rack without considering custom fitting. Custom fitting can help identify the optimal putter size, length, weight, and grip type that suits your unique physique and putting stroke.
Following Trends: Sometimes golfers fall into the trap of using a specific putter just because it’s popular or used by professional golfers. Each player has different needs, and blindly following trends might not be the best approach to finding the right putter size.

Not Testing on the Green: Trying out a putter indoors or in a hitting net might not give you an accurate feel for how it performs on the green. Always take the putter to the practice green and test it under real putting conditions before making a final decision.

To avoid these common putter size mistakes, consider seeking advice from a professional club fitter or a golf instructor. They can analyze your putting stroke, posture, and personal preferences to recommend the best putter size and design for your game. Remember that putting is a highly individualized aspect of golf, and finding the right putter can significantly improve your performance on the greens.

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Conclusion

Find out what size putter do I need on this page as we’ve got all the information that you need. Choosing the right putter size is crucial for achieving consistent and accurate putting strokes on the greens, leading to improved performance in your golf game overall.

A proper putter length, weight, and grip size that align with your height, stroke style, and hand size will help you maintain a comfortable and natural posture, reducing tension and promoting a smooth, controlled putting motion.