How Long Of A Putter Should I Use

Golfers often underestimate the importance of selecting the right putter length. While it may not receive as much attention as choosing the right driver or irons, the length of your putter can significantly impact your putting stroke and overall performance on the greens. In this guide, we’ll explore the factors to consider when determining the ideal putter length for your game.

Rangefinder on Discount

Factors to Consider

Several factors come into play when deciding on the appropriate length for your putter:

1. Your Height

Your height is one of the most critical factors in determining putter length. Taller golfers typically require longer putters, while shorter golfers benefit from shorter ones. Here’s a general guideline:

  • Under 5’6″ (167 cm): Consider a putter length of 32 to 33 inches.
  • 5’6″ to 6’2″ (167 cm to 188 cm): Opt for a putter length between 33 and 35 inches.
  • Over 6’2″ (188 cm): You might find a putter length of 35 inches or longer suitable.

However, personal comfort and putting style also play a role in your decision.

2. Putting Style

Different putting styles can influence your putter length choice:

  • Arc Putting Stroke: Golfers with an arcing putting stroke, where the putter follows an inside-to-square-to-inside path, often prefer shorter putters (32 to 34 inches) to maintain the proper arc.
  • Straight Back, Straight Through (SBST) Putting Stroke: Those with a straight-back, straight-through putting stroke might lean towards longer putters (33 to 36 inches) for a more stable, pendulum-like motion.

3. Comfort and Feel

Ultimately, your putter length should feel comfortable and allow you to establish a consistent, repeatable putting stroke. Experiment with different lengths on the practice green to find the one that feels right for you.

4. Custom Fitting

Consider getting custom-fitted for a putter. Professional club fitters can assess your putting stroke, analyze your posture, and recommend the optimal putter length based on your unique characteristics.

The Importance of Putter Length

Putter length impacts your putting mechanics in several ways:

  • Alignment: A properly fitted putter helps you align your eyes directly over the ball and the target line, enhancing accuracy.
  • Consistency: The right putter length promotes a consistent setup and stroke, reducing variability in your putting performance.
  • Balance: Putter length affects the balance of the club. A balanced putter encourages a smoother, more controlled stroke.

Feel and Touch: The length of your putter can influence your ability to gauge distance and control the speed of your putts.

How to Determine the Correct Putter Length

Now that you understand the factors influencing putter length, let’s delve deeper into the process of determining the correct length for your putter:

1. Self-Assessment

Start by assessing your current putting stroke and tendencies:

  • Putting Setup: Pay attention to your posture, eye position, and grip. Ensure you’re comfortable and confident in your setup.
  • Putting Stroke: Analyze whether you have an arcing or SBST putting stroke. This can help you understand your natural motion and the type of putter length that complements it.

2. Consult with a Professional

Visit a golf club fitter or professional instructor for a putting analysis. They can provide valuable insights into your stroke and recommend the ideal putter length based on your unique characteristics. They may also use advanced technology like launch monitors and video analysis to make precise recommendations.

3. Try Different Lengths

Experiment with various putter lengths on the practice green or during putting lessons. Borrow or rent different putters or have your existing putter temporarily adjusted to different lengths. Pay attention to how each length feels during your stroke and whether it helps improve your putting performance.

4. Seek Feedback

During your experimentation, seek feedback from an experienced golfer or instructor who can observe your putting and offer guidance. They can help you identify which putter length enhances your alignment, consistency, and overall putting effectiveness.

5. Consider Custom Fitting

If you’re serious about improving your putting, consider investing in a custom-fitted putter. A professional club fitter can tailor the putter’s length, loft, lie angle, and grip size to your specific needs. This personalized approach can lead to significant improvements in your putting performance.

6. Fine-Tune Your Choice

Once you’ve determined the putter length that feels most comfortable and effective for your game, continue to fine-tune your putting skills. Regular practice, including drills to work on alignment, tempo, and distance control, can help you maximize the benefits of your chosen putter length.

Recommendations by Height

Height (inches)Height (cm)Recommended Putter Length (inches)Recommended Putter Length (cm)Notes
Under 60Under 15232 – 3381 – 84Suitable for shorter golfers
60 – 70152 – 17833 – 3584 – 89Standard length for most golfers
Over 70Over 17835 – 3689 – 91Ideal for taller golfers

 Putting Styles

Putting StyleRecommended Putter Length (inches)Recommended Putter Length (cm)Notes
Arc Putting Stroke32 – 3481 – 86Shorter putters encourage proper arc
SBST Putting Stroke33 – 3684 – 91Longer putters promote stability

Common Putter Lengths of Professional Golfers

GolferHeight (inches)Putter Length (inches)Putter Length (cm)Putting Style
Tiger Woods743589Arc Putting Stroke
Jordan Spieth723486SBST Putting Stroke
Inbee Park (LPGA)683384SBST Putting Stroke
Lydia Ko (LPGA)673281Arc Putting Stroke

 Custom Fitted Putter Lengths

GolferHeight (inches)Custom Fitted Putter Length (inches)Custom Fitted Putter Length (cm)Notes
Mike Anderson7134.588Tailored for ideal balance and posture
Sarah Garcia6633.2584Fitted for enhanced feel and alignment
Robert Lee7535.7591Custom length for a consistent stroke

Conclusion

In conclusion, determining the appropriate length for your putter is a crucial aspect of refining your golf game. Throughout this guide on “How Long of a Putter Should I Use,” we’ve explored various factors that influence this decision, including your height, posture, putting stroke, and personal comfort.

It’s essential to recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to putter length. What works for one golfer may not work for another. Therefore, experimentation and self-assessment are key. Taking the time to get fitted by a professional or trying out different putters on the practice green can help you discover the putter length that feels most natural and effective for your unique putting style.

In your pursuit of the ideal putter length, remember that it’s not just about the equipment but also about honing your skills and gaining confidence on the greens. Practice and practice some more to build muscle memory and improve your feel for distance and direction.

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  • Joel Moore

    Joel Moore's journey with The Golf Mine began in September 2021. His passion for golf, supported by a Golf Management Certification, and quick learning earned him the role of Deputy Editor.

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