Harper Lin
Fitting a golf putter is an important process for any golfer, as it can improve their putting and overall score. There are many variables to consider when fitting a putter, such as the player's height, stance, posture, and arm length. The putter's length, weight, lie angle, loft, and head shape are also key factors in ensuring a proper fit. Golfers may select putters based on feel, aesthetics, or because a favourite player uses a specific model. However, a proper fitting can help golfers find a putter that suits their individual needs and improves their performance. This can be done through a retail shop, a practice putting green, or even online, with the use of portable fitting devices or high-speed photography.
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What You'll Learn
- Putter length: measured from the ground to the top edge of the grip with the putter at the proper lie angle
- Lie angle: the angle formed between the shaft and the ground
- Swing weight: the weight relationship between the putter head and the putter's length
- Putter weight: determines swing tempo and speed
- Putter face: the material and texture of the putter face affect the friction between the ball and the face at impact
Putter length: measured from the ground to the top edge of the grip with the putter at the proper lie angle
Putter length is a critical aspect of achieving optimal performance in golf. The length of a putter typically ranges from 33 to 35 inches, catering to golfers of different heights and arm lengths. Players over 6 feet tall often prefer a 35-inch putter, while those between 5'9" and 6 feet typically opt for a 34-inch option. Golfers between 5'6" and 5'9" generally choose a 33-inch putter, and shorter players might require an even shorter putter. It is important to note that the standard length for PGA standard-issue putters is 33.5 inches, but professional players often use different lengths based on their physique and preferences.
To measure putter length accurately, it is recommended to use a tape measure or a yardstick that is at least 48 inches long. Place the putter face down on a flat surface, ensuring the putter can lay flat. The measurement is taken along the shaft axis from the ground line to the top edge of the grip, with the putter at the proper lie angle. This ensures that the golfer's eyes are positioned correctly over the ball.
The lie angle is crucial in putter fitting as it determines the directional control of the putt. When the loft angle is tilted, or the lie angle is incorrect, the ball will not go in the intended direction. Therefore, it is essential to adjust the lie angle so that the putter sits flat during the stroke, ensuring a smooth roll of the ball.
Additionally, the putter length affects the player's stance, posture, and alignment during the putt. An incorrect length can lead to poor putting mechanics and off-target strokes. A well-fitted putter allows the player to maintain a comfortable and balanced position, enabling a consistent stroke.
By combining the right putter length with a proper lie angle, golfers can achieve optimal performance and improve their putting accuracy and consistency.
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Lie angle: the angle formed between the shaft and the ground
The lie angle of a golf putter is the angle formed between the shaft and the ground when the club is in a normal playing position with the centre of the sole touching the ground. The greater the lie angle, the more "upright" the club is; the smaller the lie angle, the more "flat" the club is.
If the lie angle is not fitted correctly to the individual golfer, the ball will not go in the direction in which the putter head is pointing. This is because the loft angle is tilted and not parallel to the ground, forming a misdirection control angle. For example, if a golfer is putting with the toe of the club pointing upwards, this means that the putter is being held too flat for the built-in lie angle. Conversely, if the heel of the club is off the ground at address, this may be a sign that the club is too flat.
A good rule of thumb for determining your preferred putter lie angle is to consider your stroke type and how far or close you stand to the ball. If you stand close to the ball when you putt and have a straighter putting arc, a more upright putter lie angle will be better for you. If you stand further away and/or prefer a more curved putting arc, a flatter putter will likely help you make more putts.
The lie angle of a golf club can be measured by placing the club on a table or workbench with the butt end touching a wall. The club can be moved to different positions until the centre of the sole of the club is making contact with the surface. This forms a triangle, with the club, wall, and table surface forming the three sides. The lie angle can then be calculated using trigonometry. There are also industrial golf club specification gauges and loft and lie machines that can measure the lie angle of a golf club.
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Swing weight: the weight relationship between the putter head and the putter's length
The swing weight of a putter is a crucial factor in achieving optimal performance on the green. It refers to the weight relationship between the putter head and the putter's length, influencing the feel and balance of the putter during the swing.
When adjusting the length of your putter, it is essential to understand that the swing weight is also altered. For example, shortening a putter can increase its swing weight, making it feel heavier. Conversely, lengthening a putter can decrease its swing weight, causing it to feel lighter. These changes in swing weight can have a significant impact on your stroke, accuracy, and overall performance.
To optimise the swing weight, you can make adjustments to the putter head or grip weight. If the putter feels too heavy after shortening it, you can reduce the swing weight by removing weight from the head or using lighter grips. Conversely, if the putter feels too light after lengthening it, adding weight to the head or using heavier grips can help restore balance.
The ideal swing weight allows the golfer to achieve a smooth backstroke, follow-through, and distance control. A putter with too light of a swing weight can make it challenging to control the distance, especially on longer putts. On the other hand, a putter that is too heavy can also hinder distance control and make it difficult to obtain a smooth stroke.
While the weight of a putter is important, it is also crucial to find a length that feels natural and comfortable. The right length can enhance your ability to control the putter's face, while the wrong length can lead to missed putts and frustration. Therefore, when fitting a golf putter, it is essential to consider both the length and the swing weight to ensure optimal performance on the green.
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Putter weight: determines swing tempo and speed
Putter weight is an important consideration when fitting a golf putter. The weight of the putter head determines the swing tempo and speed. If the putter is too light, it becomes difficult to achieve a smooth backstroke, follow-through, and distance control. On the other hand, if the putter is too heavy, it becomes challenging to achieve any kind of distance control, especially on longer putts.
The weight of the putter head is typically measured in grams, and most technical specification sheets will specify the exact weight. The putter swing weight, on the other hand, refers to the feel and balance of the putter during the stroke. It is measured on a scale from A to F, with A being the lightest and F being the heaviest. The swing weight is influenced by the distribution of weight across the grip, shaft, and head of the putter. A club with a light total weight but a high proportion of its weight in the head will have a high swing weight and feel heavier. Conversely, a club with a heavier total weight but a lower proportion of its weight in the head will have a lower swing weight and feel lighter.
Adjusting the swing weight of a putter can be done by adding or removing weight from the head or grip. Lead tape is a popular and inexpensive way to add weight to the putter head, with a four-inch strip adding approximately two grams of weight. Some putters also feature adjustable weights in the toe or heel that can be used to fine-tune the swing weight. It is important to note that while small adjustments in swing weight may not seem significant, they can have a noticeable impact on performance.
When determining the optimal putter weight, it is essential to consider the golfer's individual preferences and putting style. Some golfers may prefer a heavier putter that provides a smoother motion, while others may opt for a lighter putter that allows for easier acceleration. Ultimately, the goal is to find a putter weight that feels comfortable and natural for the golfer, enabling them to make consistent and accurate strokes.
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Putter face: the material and texture of the putter face affect the friction between the ball and the face at impact
When it comes to fitting a golf putter, there are several factors to consider. One of the most important variables is the putter length, which must be measured and fitted with the golfer in their putting stance. The stance involves the golfer being slightly bent over at the waist, with knees slightly bent, arms hanging down vertically, and eyes directly over the ball. The putter length is measured along the shaft axis from the ground line to the top edge of the grip, with the putter in the proper lie angle. While there is no maximum putter length, the USGA has set a minimum of 18 inches for conforming putters.
Now, let's delve into the specifics of the putter face and its impact on your game:
Putter Face Material and Texture: The material and texture of the putter face play a crucial role in the friction between the ball and the face at impact. Different materials and textures can influence the ball speed, acoustics, and overall feel of your putts. Grooved putter faces, for instance, are known for producing more "overspin" on the golf ball, resulting in a higher-pitched sound and a distinct feel for solidly struck putts. On the other hand, face inserts, typically the softest and cheapest option, can alter the feel of the putter. Ultimately, the choice of putter face material depends on personal preference and the desired feel and performance.
Acoustics and Feel: Acoustics is an essential aspect of determining good versus bad feel. The sound and vibrations created at impact influence your perception of the quality of contact. A putter with no visible mill marks will generally produce a firmer feel and a higher-pitched sound due to the maximum surface area contacted by the ball. Conversely, a putter with more visible mill marks will result in a softer feel and a more muted sound as the valleys in the milling reduce the surface area of contact.
Face Milling and Roll: The type of face milling you prefer will depend on your personal preference and the type of golf ball you use. While grooves on a putter face were once marketed as enhancing "good roll" or "hole-seeking spin," recent studies suggest that these grooves do not impact the roll significantly. Instead, it's important to understand that the only way to impart upward glancing blows on a golf ball with a putter is to perform an unnatural motion that lifts the putter up in the air at impact. Therefore, achieving a "good roll" relies more on the dynamic loft of the putter, which refers to the loft at the point of impact. A putter with lower loft will cause the ball to jump up less, allowing it to contact the ground sooner and start rotating due to friction.
Toe Hang and Impact: The toe hang of a putter is critical because it directly relates to how you square the face at impact. It is the first design feature addressed by manufacturers. Motion capture technology, high-speed cameras, and physics have shown that putting is predominantly governed by the face angle at impact. Therefore, choosing a putter with the right toe hang for your swing will help ensure that you consistently square the face at impact, promoting better accuracy and control.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to find a base measurement for length. A yardstick can be used to measure the distance in inches from the ground to the base of the player's wrist bone. This will help determine the right putter length. The putter length is then measured along the shaft axis from the ground line to the top edge of the grip, with the putter in the proper lie angle. The golfer must also find a length that feels natural and comfortable.
The lie angle of the putter is crucial. If the lie angle is not fitted correctly to the individual golfer, the ball will not go in the intended direction. The loft angle and the lie angle are connected, and when the loft angle is tilted, another angle is formed, which can cause the ball to go left or right of the intended target. The weight of the putter is also important as it determines swing tempo and speed. The golfer needs to have enough weight in the head to achieve a proper feel and balance of the putter.
Many golfers focus on the aesthetics of the putter or choose a putter because their favourite player uses it. Some golfers also do not realise the importance of proper putter fitting and accept the playability of their current golf clubs. It is important to understand how putters work and how different putter designs can impact the golfer's stroke.
