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.
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 60 | Under 152 | 32 – 33 | 81 – 84 | Suitable for shorter golfers |
| 60 – 70 | 152 – 178 | 33 – 35 | 84 – 89 | Standard length for most golfers |
| Over 70 | Over 178 | 35 – 36 | 89 – 91 | Ideal for taller golfers |
Putting Styles
| Putting Style | Recommended Putter Length (inches) | Recommended Putter Length (cm) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arc Putting Stroke | 32 – 34 | 81 – 86 | Shorter putters encourage proper arc |
| SBST Putting Stroke | 33 – 36 | 84 – 91 | Longer putters promote stability |
Common Putter Lengths of Professional Golfers
| Golfer | Height (inches) | Putter Length (inches) | Putter Length (cm) | Putting Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tiger Woods | 74 | 35 | 89 | Arc Putting Stroke |
| Jordan Spieth | 72 | 34 | 86 | SBST Putting Stroke |
| Inbee Park (LPGA) | 68 | 33 | 84 | SBST Putting Stroke |
| Lydia Ko (LPGA) | 67 | 32 | 81 | Arc Putting Stroke |
Custom Fitted Putter Lengths
| Golfer | Height (inches) | Custom Fitted Putter Length (inches) | Custom Fitted Putter Length (cm) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mike Anderson | 71 | 34.5 | 88 | Tailored for ideal balance and posture |
| Sarah Garcia | 66 | 33.25 | 84 | Fitted for enhanced feel and alignment |
| Robert Lee | 75 | 35.75 | 91 | Custom 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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