As a golfer shopping for a new putter especially a new golfer—this process can be a tad challenging. The sole focus is to get the best putter for your game, and you may be overwhelmed by the choices available. The size is the key aspect that muddles many golfers—and that’s what this guide delves into. Let’s answer the first question you may have: what size putter do I need?
Understanding Why This Matters:
The easy part about shopping for a putter both at your local sports goods store and online store is that you can view the specs clearly. The tricky part is matching yourself—yes, yourself—to the putter that will help you conquer the course.
A question before diving into specifics of how to select the correct putter length and other size elements: why does the accuracy matter?
Putting an excellent stroke is about your stamina and perception, yes. But the very tool you use to play can drastically affect your game. Think of your putt as an extension of yourself, as it plays a role in how to position yourself. With golf, you measure the swing path and the probability of your shot making it to the hole based on how that position.
Hence, the length of the putter is where your deduction capabilities begin. And, of course, there is the element of comfort in holding and swinging the putter. Therefore, the size of the putter matter —and not just the length but also the head and overall weight (we’ll discuss this ahead).
Taking Measurements to Know:
The length of the putter is the chief element, so any measurements you take should correspond to this aspect. If you are shopping in person, you can try out a putter to determine if its length is comfortable. However, the true way of confirming what length putter do I need is by noting down these three.
- Your Height: Take your height measurement accurately before you go putt shopping. We’ll pair the ideal putt lengths to height ranges below, but it’s always smart to know how tall a golfer you are. Not all golf club shops, especially those online, will provide you with a size chart and you’ll be asked to describe whether you are a short, medium, or tall golfer.
- Your Stance: Next, your putting style plays a significant role. Do you usually assume an upright stance when taking a shot or are you more of a bent-over and swing kind of golfer? Your common stance and your golf club’s size should be in synch so that each stroke is convenient.
- Your Swing Style: Another part of golfing that matters when determining the right kind of putter for you is assessing your swing path and arm length. How much do you tend to stretch out your arm and swing? The appropriate putter length can increase the reliability of your stroke and enhance the roll of the golf ball.
– What Length Putter Do I Need?
The standard putter length is 35 inches, and it usually works for most golfers. However, since your putter should match you, know that you don’t have to settle for a traditional putter size.
When browsing putters and asking what length putter do i need, you’ll usually come across three lengths. If you’ve taken your height precisely as stated above, now is the time to match:
- The 33-inch putters – for golfers who are between 5’2” and 5’4” in height.
- The 34-inch putters – for golfers who are between 5’6” and 5’8” in height.
- The 35-inch putters – for golfers who are between 6’0” and 6’2” in height.
Ultimately, the perfect putter length is more than about simply adhering to a standard. You’re looking to meet the optimal match for your unique playing style. The perfect putter length will put you at the right point of address—i.e. you’re the position of your eye will be directly over the golf ball (or the line of sight will go through it).
Other Factors:
Paying attention to putter lengths is vital. But there are additional factors to prioritize as well when you are purchasing a new putter. Unlike the length, these are the ones that become harder to change if you don’t feel comfortable using your putter.
If you don’t like how long the putter length is—which is usually the issue when people buy a standard size 35-inch putte —then you can shorten your putter to improve posture. Note that it’s important you go for professional putter adjustment to ensure perfect weight distribution and balance.
Coming to other factors, choosing right the first time is always ideal. Consider the position you take during a swing: your hands under your shoulders, with elbows resting on your midsection, near the bottom of your ribs. This is the proper point of address that enables you to maintain your target line.
And to maintain the proper point of address, you need to look beyond length and delve into other factors. These are the other facets of the putter itself or using the putt, namely the grip, the head of the putter, and overall putter weight.
Let’s discuss these factors in depth to help you understand why they matter and what you need to select for impressive shots.
- Putter Grip:
When it comes to putter grips, you’ll find three primary types of grips.
- Standard Grip: First, there is the case that you prefer using your hands and wrists when executing a stroke. Then, the standard grip is for you. The standard grip gives you the most ‘feel’ of the putt.
- Oversized Grip: On the other hand, what if you don’t like to use your hands and wrists too much during a stroke? Do you prefer letting the putter do most of the work? The oversized grip will suit you well.
- Mid-size Grip: If you’re about using your hands to do some work but would like the putt to be the kind that also adds to the performance—then don’t hesitate to go for a putter with a mid- size grip.
Remember, putting is about the ‘feel’ too. Therefore, experiment with different putter grips. If you find one that suits you, ask your local course pro or club fitter to switch out the grips on your current putter. You can easily buy a new grip and get it installed on your existing putter having to purchase a whole new club.
2. Putter Head:
Like with the putter grip, you have three main choices when choosing a putter head. These are:
- Blade Putters
- Mallet Putters
- Heel-Toe Weighted Putters
First, the blade putter head is for you if you lean toward putting strokes that go straight. This kind of putter head is sensitive, which is why make this your choice only if you’re a seasoned golfer. Keep in mind that amazing distance control plays a crucial role in using the blade putter head well.
The second choice is more forgiving namely mallet putter. As an amateur golfer, you have a lower center of gravity and may frequently execute off-center putts. No worries when you pick the mallet head, as helps overcome the imbalance. Since mallet putter heads come in a variety of shapes and alignment aids, you can get that perfect putter with more precision.
The final choice, the heel-toe weighted head is a type of blade putter. This putter too requires an expert hand, though learning golfers can still try their hand as the increased weight in the heel-toe makes them easier to use than standard blade head putters.
3. Putter Weight:
A heavier putter will give you a heavier swing weight, and a smoother stroke. On the other hand, a lighter putter will provide more feel and be more responsive to slight changes in your stroke.
Crafting a solid putting stroke involves minimal movement and is about a consistent rhythm, no matter the length of the putt. By adjusting the weight of your putt, you can effectively control your putt well—with better precision and reliability.
Understanding your club’s path can also guide you in determining the optimal weight for your putter. For a straighter path, a center-shafted putter with complete face balance is typically the ideal choice. On the other hand, a more curved path may benefit from your putter if it has a toe hang for improved performance.
If you want to ensure the perfect weight, you can test out a few putters. Additionally, find a professional who can conduct a putter fitting. If you’re shopping online, asking about putter weight ahead of making a purchase can help you acquire both the correct putter length and weight. Each aspect of your putter matters!
How To Know That Your Putter Is The Wrong Size?
Despite knowing the basics of what size putter do I need, you may still pick one that does not suit you. After all, the real test of the putter’s compatibility with your height and style is when you’re out in the course. Here’s what you need to watch out for:
- Do you feel like you don’t have control over your putter? A too-long putter can become a challenge, primarily in the control area. To use your putt confidently, get the putt that feels like it is meant for your grip and stance. While a too-long putter is a common issue, it may turn out that you need an extra-long putter to make your shots with ease!
- Are you constantly pushing or pulling your strokes? An incorrect putter length may be the culprit behind the difficulty in managing smoother shots. You can test a couple of other putter sizes, both short and long. If none of the standard putters suit you, customize your current putter with the help of a pro club fitter.
- Does your putter require you to put in too much work? The problem is not the length but the weight—of the putter head to be precise. If you want your less wrist action and arc, go for face- balance (size up). About website
Common Questions About How To Select The Correct Putter Length:
- Can I extend my putter if I feel it is too short?
Yes, while it may sound strange to lengthen a short putter, a professional club fitter CAN do it! The process typically involves extending the shaft of the putter by adding material. - My putter is too long. Is it possible to cut it down?
Yes. Make sure you choose a seasoned club fitter who can alter your club while ensuring that the balance remains intact.
Final Thoughts On What Size Putter Do I Need:
Furthermore, when it comes to putters, check your height and match your putter length. If you are shorter, you’ll need a shorter putter shaft, while someone taller will likely require a longer shaft.
Conversely, a too-long putter means you’ll stand too far from the ball—again having a wrong line of sight.
Know that at the end of the day, using a putter also comes down to how it feels. Golf is a mental sport, and a game that feels off can be about your attitude and confidence too.