Golfers understand that choosing the right equipment can significantly impact their performance on the course. When it comes to putters, the length of the club is a crucial factor that can affect your putting stroke and overall consistency. In this guide, we’ll explore how to measure putter length correctly to ensure you have the most suitable club for your game.
Why Putter Length Matters
Before we delve into measuring putter length, it’s essential to understand why it matters. The length of your putter can directly influence your putting mechanics and, consequently, your ability to sink putts consistently. Here’s why putter length is important:
1. Alignment and Eye Position
The length of your putter affects your eye position over the ball. If your putter is too long or too short, it can lead to misalignment and make it challenging to establish a consistent putting setup.
2. Control and Feel
Putter length influences your control and feel of the putter head. A putter that’s too long might lead to a loss of control, while one that’s too short can hinder your ability to swing smoothly.
3. Putting Stroke
The length of your putter should complement your natural putting stroke. Different strokes, such as a straight-back-straight-through or an arced stroke, may require slightly different putter lengths for optimal performance.
How to Measure Putter Length
Now that you understand the importance of putter length let’s discuss how to measure it correctly:
1. Stand in a Neutral Putting Position
To measure your putter length accurately, start by standing in a neutral putting position. Wear your golf shoes and hold your current putter as you would on the green.
2. Address the Ball
Set up to address an imaginary golf ball as if you were going to make a putt. Ensure your hands, arms, and shoulders are in their natural putting positions.
3. Measure from the Sole to Your Hands
With your putter in the address position, measure the distance from the sole (bottom) of the putter grip to the crease where your hands meet your wrists. This measurement is your current putter length.
4. Consider Your Putting Stroke
Take into account your putting stroke type when assessing your measured putter length:
- Straight-back-straight-through Stroke: Golfers with this stroke typically prefer a putter that is the same length as the measurement you took in step 3.
- Slight Arc Stroke: Golfers with a slight arc in their stroke might benefit from a putter that is slightly longer than the measured length.
- Strong Arc Stroke: If you have a strong arc in your putting stroke, a slightly shorter putter may be more suitable.
5. Seek Professional Guidance
For a more precise assessment of your putter length, consult with a golf professional or club fitter. They can analyze your putting stroke and provide personalized recommendations on the ideal putter length for your game.
6. Try Different Putters
Don’t hesitate to try out putters of varying lengths before making a final decision. Golf stores often have fitting centers where you can experiment with different putters to determine which length feels most comfortable and effective for your putting stroke.
Maintaining Putter Length Consistency
Once you’ve determined the correct putter length for your game, it’s essential to maintain consistency in your equipment. Here are some tips on how to do that:
1. Custom Fitting
Consider getting a custom-fitted putter if you’re serious about improving your putting. Custom fittings take into account various factors, such as your height, posture, and putting stroke, to create a putter tailored specifically to your needs.
2. Mark Your Putter
To ensure that your putter length remains consistent over time, mark it with a small dot or line on the grip. This marker can serve as a reference point, making it easier to detect any changes in your putter’s length due to wear and tear.
3. Regular Inspection
Periodically inspect your putter for signs of damage or wear, especially around the grip and shaft. If you notice any issues, consult with a club professional to assess whether your putter’s length has been affected.
4. Experiment with Grips
Changing your putter’s grip can alter how the club feels and performs. Sometimes, a grip change can compensate for minor adjustments in putter length. Experiment with different grip styles and sizes to find the combination that works best for you.
5. Understand Rules and Regulations
If you play in competitive golf tournaments, be aware of the rules and regulations regarding putter length. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, the USGA (United States Golf Association) had restrictions on putter length. Always ensure your putter conforms to the rules of the tournament you’re participating in.
6. Practice with Consistency
Even with the perfect putter length, practice is crucial for improving your putting skills. Spend time on the practice green working on your alignment, stroke, and distance control to make the most of your well-fitted putter.
7. Reevaluate When Necessary
Your putting stroke and preferences may change over time, so it’s a good practice to reevaluate your putter length periodically, especially if you notice inconsistencies in your putting performance. Revisiting the steps mentioned earlier and seeking professional advice can help you fine-tune your equipment.
Measurement Guidelines
| Measurement Type | Description | Tools Required | Steps | Common Putter Lengths (in inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional | Measure from grip end to clubhead | Tape Measure | 1. Place putter flat on a surface. | 33, 34, 35 |
| Belly Putter | Measure from grip end to belly pad | Tape Measure | 2. Align tape along the shaft. | 39, 41 |
| Long Putter | Measure from grip end to chest | Tape Measure | 3. Record the length in inches. | 48, 50 |
| Arm Lock Putter | Measure from grip end to forearm | Tape Measure | 4. Ensure the putter is straight. | 42, 44 |
| Adjustable Putter | Measure from grip end to adjustment | Tape Measure | 5. Double-check for accuracy. | Variable |
Recommendations
| Golfer’s Height (in inches) | Traditional Putter Length (in inches) | Belly Putter Length (in inches) | Long Putter Length (in inches) | Arm Lock Putter Length (in inches) | Adjustable Putter Length (in inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 5’5″ | 32 – 33 | 38 – 40 | 47 – 48 | 40 – 41 | Variable |
| 5’5″ – 6’1″ | 33 – 35 | 40 – 42 | 48 – 50 | 41 – 43 | Variable |
| Over 6’1″ | 34 – 36 | 42 – 44 | 50 – 52 | 43 – 45 | Variable |
Adjustment Factors
| Golfer’s Posture | Length Adjustment (in inches) |
|---|---|
| Upright Stance | -1 to -2 |
| Neutral Stance | 0 |
| Crouched Stance | +1 to +2 |
| Forward Pressed Hands | +1 to +2 |
| Arm Lock Putter Technique | +1 to +2 |
Manufacturers
| Brand | Notable Models | Average Putter Length (in inches) |
|---|---|---|
| Titleist | Scotty Cameron Series | 33 – 35 |
| Ping | Sigma Series | 33 – 36 |
| Odyssey | Stroke Lab Series | 34 – 35 |
| TaylorMade | Spider Series | 34 – 36 |
| Callaway | Odyssey O-Works Series | 33 – 35 |
Myths
| Myth | Debunked |
|---|---|
| Longer putters guarantee better accuracy. | Putter length should match your posture and putting style for accuracy. |
| Tall golfers should always use longer putters. | Golfer height is just one factor; other aspects like posture matter too. |
| Short putters are only for short putts; long putters for long. | Putting accuracy depends on technique, not just putter length. |
| Adjustable putters are a gimmick; fixed length is better. | Adjustable putters can fine-tune for different greens and putting conditions. |
| Putter length doesn’t affect your putting performance. | Putter length plays a significant role in your ability to putt accurately. |
In conclusion, measuring putter length accurately and maintaining consistency in your equipment are essential steps to enhance your putting performance in golf. Remember that the right putter length is a personal choice that should align with your putting stroke and feel comfortable in your hands. By following these guidelines and remaining vigilant about the condition of your putter, you can enjoy more success on the greens and lower your scores.
