Golf is a game of precision, and putting is arguably the most crucial aspect of it. A poorly fitting putter can ruin your performance and make you feel frustrated on the greens. However, a well-fitted putter can improve your alignment, accuracy, and overall consistency. In this article, we will discuss whether putter fitting is worth it.
What is Putter Fitting?
Putter fitting is the process of matching the putter to a golfer’s physical characteristics, swing style, and putting technique. It involves analyzing various parameters such as shaft length, lie angle, loft, grip size, and weight to ensure that the putter complements the golfer’s body and style.
Why is Putter Fitting Important?
A well-fitted putter can help a golfer in many ways. Firstly, it can improve their alignment and setup, which are critical for making accurate putts. Secondly, it can enhance the golfer’s stroke mechanics and reduce the number of mishits. Thirdly, it can increase the golfer’s confidence and comfort level, leading to better performance on the greens. Overall, putter fitting can make a significant difference in a golfer’s game.
The Process of Putter Fitting
The process of putter fitting typically involves the following steps:
- Assessment: The fitter will begin by analyzing the golfer’s putting stroke, posture, and grip to determine their tendencies and preferences.
- Measurement: The fitter will take measurements of the golfer’s height, arm length, hand size, and eye position to determine the optimal putter length, lie angle, and grip size.
- Testing: The fitter will provide a selection of putters with different specifications for the golfer to test on the putting green. The golfer will putt with each putter to see which one feels the most comfortable and produces the best results.
- Customization: Once the golfer has selected a putter, the fitter may make adjustments to the specifications such as adding or removing weight, adjusting the loft or lie angle, or changing the grip to suit the golfer’s preferences.
Is Putter Fitting Worth It?
The short answer is yes, putter fitting is worth it. Here are some reasons why:
- Improved Performance: A well-fitted putter can help a golfer make more putts, reduce the number of mishits, and increase their consistency on the greens. This can lead to lower scores and a more enjoyable golfing experience.
- Confidence and Comfort: A putter that is well-matched to a golfer’s physical characteristics and preferences can increase their confidence and comfort level on the greens. This can help them relax and focus on making the best stroke possible.
- Cost-Effective: Although the initial cost of putter fitting may seem high, it can save a golfer money in the long run. A poorly fitting putter may need to be replaced more frequently, leading to higher costs over time.
Putter Fitting Benefits
| Benefit | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Increased accuracy | Proper fitting can help ensure consistent alignment and aim, leading to more accurate putts. | A player who previously struggled to sink putts consistently may find their accuracy improves after a fitting. |
| Improved distance control | Properly fitted putters can help golfers better gauge their distance and control their speed on the greens. | A player who previously struggled to control their distance on longer putts may find their consistency improves after a fitting. |
| Enhanced feel | A well-fitted putter can provide better feedback and feel for the golfer, leading to a more confident stroke. | A player who previously struggled with confidence on the greens may find they feel more in control of their putts after a fitting. |
| Personalized customization | A putter fitting can help golfers find a club that is tailored to their individual needs, preferences, and style of play. | A player who has struggled to find a putter that suits their swing may benefit from a fitting that provides custom options. |
| Confidence boost | By knowing that their putter has been fitted to their specific needs, golfers may feel more confident and comfortable on the greens. | A player who previously struggled with nervousness or anxiety when putting may feel more relaxed and focused after a fitting. |
Putter Fitting Factors
| Factor | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Length | The length of a putter can affect a golfer’s stance and posture, which can impact their accuracy and consistency. | A player who is too tall or short for standard putter lengths may benefit from a custom-fitted club. |
| Loft | The angle of the putter face can affect how the ball rolls and the amount of backspin generated, which can impact a golfer’s distance control and accuracy. | A player who consistently hits putts too hard or too soft may benefit from a putter with a different loft angle. |
| Lie angle | The angle of the putter head in relation to the ground can affect the golfer’s aim and accuracy. | A player who frequently misses putts to the left or right may benefit from a putter with a different lie angle. |
| Head design | The shape, size, and weight distribution of the putter head can affect a golfer’s feel, control, and performance. | A player who prefers a certain type of putter head (e.g., blade, mallet, or center-shafted) may benefit from a custom-fitted club. |
| Grip | The type, size, and shape of the putter grip can affect a golfer’s comfort, feel, and control. | A player who prefers a certain type of grip (e.g., pistol, oversized, or counterbalance) may benefit from a custom-fitted club. |
Putter Fitting Providers
| Provider | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Golf retailers | Sporting goods stores and golf shops that offer putter fitting services as part of their product offerings. | A player who wants to try out different putters and get fitted in-person may visit a local golf retailer such as Dick’s Sporting Goods or Golf Galaxy. |
| Golf manufacturers | Major golf equipment brands such as Titleist, Ping, and Callaway that offer custom putter fitting services for their own products. | A player who is interested in a specific brand of putter may contact the manufacturer directly to inquire about custom fitting options. |
| Independent fitters | Private fitting specialists or fitting studios that offer personalized putter fitting services using a variety of methods and equipment. | A player who wants a customized and personalized fitting experience may seek out an independent fitter such as Club Champion or Cool Clubs. |
| Golf courses | Some golf courses and resorts offer putter fitting services as part of their amenities, allowing players to improve their game while on vacation or during a round. | A player who is planning a golf vacation may choose a resort that offers putter fitting services, such as the PGA National Resort & Spa in Florida. |
| Online services | Some online retailers and fitting companies offer virtual putter fitting services that allow players to get fitted remotely using video analysis and other digital tools. | A player who is unable to visit a physical fitting location may opt for an online fitting service such as Club Champion’s virtual fitting option. |
Putter Fitting Costs
| Cost | Description |
|---|---|
| Free | Some golf retailers and manufacturers offer basic putter fitting services for free, as a way to promote their products or as a perk for customers. |
| $50-$100 | Entry-level putter fittings may cost around $50 to $100, and typically include a basic fitting session and recommendations for off-the-shelf putters. |
| $100-$200 | Mid-level putter fittings may cost around $100 to $200, and typically include a more comprehensive fitting session, custom adjustments, and options for customized putters. |
| $200-$500 | High-end putter fittings may cost around $200 to $500 or more, and typically include a highly personalized and detailed fitting session, extensive customization options, and premium putter models. |
| Variable | The cost of putter fitting can vary widely depending on factors such as the provider, location, and level of customization. Some golfers may spend several thousand dollars on a premium putter fitting experience. |
Additional Benefits of Putter Fitting
- Consistency: A well-fitted putter can improve a golfer’s consistency on the greens. When the putter is properly matched to the golfer’s physical characteristics and putting style, it can help produce a consistent stroke and distance control. This, in turn, can lead to fewer three-putts and more one-putts, ultimately lowering scores.
- Reduced Fatigue: A putter that is too long or too heavy can cause fatigue and strain on a golfer’s wrists, arms, and shoulders. Putter fitting can help identify the optimal putter length and weight to reduce fatigue and improve comfort during long rounds.
- Customization: Putter fitting allows for customization of the putter to suit the golfer’s preferences. This can include adjusting the grip size and shape, adding alignment aids, or changing the head design. A putter that is personalized to a golfer’s preferences can increase confidence and enjoyment on the greens.
Drawbacks of Putter Fitting
- Cost: Putter fitting can be expensive, especially if the golfer chooses to purchase a custom putter. However, many golf retailers offer fitting services for free or at a reduced cost with the purchase of a putter.
- Availability: Not all golf retailers or courses offer putter fitting services. It may require some research to find a reputable fitter in the golfer’s area.
When to Get a Putter Fitting
- New Golfers: New golfers who are just starting to develop their putting technique can benefit from putter fitting. It can help them establish good habits and mechanics early on and prevent bad habits from forming.
- Change in Physical Characteristics: A change in a golfer’s physical characteristics, such as height or arm length, may require a putter fitting to ensure the putter is still properly matched to the golfer’s body.
- Change in Putting Style: If a golfer changes their putting style, such as switching from a straight back and straight through stroke to an arc stroke, a putter fitting may be necessary to find the best putter specifications for the new technique.
- Plateau in Putting Performance: If a golfer feels like they have hit a plateau in their putting performance and are struggling to make improvements, a putter fitting can help identify areas for improvement and provide a customized solution.
Putter Fitting vs. Putting Lessons
- Putter fitting and putting lessons are not mutually exclusive. While putter fitting can provide a customized solution for a golfer’s physical characteristics and preferences, putting lessons can help improve technique and mechanics.
- Putter fitting is a one-time process that may need to be repeated if there are significant changes in the golfer’s physical characteristics or putting style. Putting lessons, on the other hand, can be ongoing to continually improve performance.
- Putter fitting and putting lessons can both contribute to a golfer’s overall putting performance and enjoyment of the game.
Conclusion
Putter fitting can be a valuable investment for golfers looking to improve their putting performance and enjoyment of the game. It can provide a customized solution that is matched to the golfer’s physical characteristics and preferences, leading to improved alignment, stroke mechanics, and confidence on the greens. Putter fitting is particularly beneficial for new golfers, golfers experiencing changes in their physical characteristics or putting style, and golfers who have hit a plateau in their putting performance. While putter fitting and putting lessons are not mutually exclusive, they can both contribute to a golfer’s overall putting performance and enjoyment of the game.
