If you’re experiencing a poor short game, it is likely due to the wrong length of a putter you currently use. Luckily, there are a few ways to check what the proper length of your putter should be.
Playing with the right putter length will not only ensure you play better but will prevent the potential pain you could be feeling after constantly adjusting yourself to your putter instead of the other way round. Keep on reading to find out more.
Too Short or Too Long
A putter that is too long will cause you to stand further from the ball, moving your eyes inside rather than over the ball. That could signify the arc of your putter is flatter, and the toe of your putter could be off the ground, which will push your aim left of the target.
Also, with a too-long putter, you might try to adjust that extra length by bringing your elbows too close to your body instead of letting your arms hang naturally. That would, in turn, work against the pendulum motion that is supposed to happen.
With a putter too short, you would stand closer to the ball, and your eyes would pass the target line. So, your shaft and putter path would be more upright, and the putter heel could lift off the ground aiming right. Also, if your putter is too short, you may crouch over, hence adding unnecessary pressure to your back.
How to Choose the Suitable Putter Length
You must choose the suitable putter length, as it will set you in the proper position at the address, letting you line up your putts more precisely. The proper address position is with your hands under your shoulders, elbows on your ribs, and eyes directly over the ball (you can learn more about it at indoor golf Manhattan). Below are three tips on how to measure the right putter length.
Measure at Home
You can do this with help from a friend or partner. First, you need to get into a proper putting position and let your arms hang naturally under your shoulders. Then, let your friend measure from the ground to the wrist, slightly above the top of your hands. That’s how long your putter should be.
Hold a Putter in Proper Position
You can tell if a putter is too long or too short if you hold in the proper playing stance. If you have to hold it below the grip to get into proper playing stance, it means it’s too long. If your hands are past the end of the putter, then you need a longer putter.
Choose According to Your Height
Choosing according to your height can be a great place to start, but note that these are only general guidelines.
- 6’0’’ to 6’3’’
Golfers this tall typically need putters 35 inches long, and this is the tallest stock type putter. Many golfers mistakenly play with a putter this long without realizing it doesn’t suit them, as they aren’t as tall.
- 5’9 to 6’0”
Players this tall would do best with a 34 inches putter. That is the most common putter length, as it allows many players to get their eyes over the ball.
- 5’6” to 5’9”
Golfers high 5’6’’ to 5’9’’ should use a putter 33 inches long. That one is not as available as the mentioned putter lengths, but any well-equipped golf equipment store will have it in their offer.
- Above 6’3” and below 5’6”
Players that fall out of the range of standard putter lengths will need something custom-made. Also, golf equipment professionals can make modifications to your current putter by extending it or cutting it down, so you won’t have to buy a new one if you don’t want to.
Putter Fittings
Custom fittings are growing in popularity. Many golfers love the idea of knowing what the suitable equipment is for their game. However, they often ignore the putter when it comes to custom fittings.
Putter custom fitting is an excellent way to improve your short shots and lower your scores if you’re serious about your game. Putter fitting will also give you information about your putter’s lie angle and loft, so a fitter will be able to adjust the putter for your specific stroke.
For many players, putter fitting isn’t essential unless you fall out of the range of standard putter lengths. So, if you’re 5’7’’ tall but have a 35 inches putter, you can just take your putter to a golf club repair technician to cut it down by 2 inches. He\she will also check the putter weighting and ensure it’s balanced.
Final Thoughts
Note that golfers who experience back pain or prefer to tilt less may want a longer putter. Also, players who favor tilting more may want a shorter putter. Putting needs to feel comfortable, and you should feel in control.
Putting well is easy when its length suits you. You can precisely measure yourself at home or tell by the feel whether your putter suits you or not. Also, by knowing your height, you can choose the appropriate length that feels comfortable for you, whether that be custom fitting or buying from a store. And don’t forget that you can adjust your current putter by taking it to a golf club technician. Good luck with your putting!
Author bio
Travis Dillard is a business consultant and an organizational psychologist based in Arlington, Texas. Passionate about marketing, social networks, and business in general. In his spare time, he writes a lot about new business strategies and digital marketing for DigitalStrategyOne.
