Trevor Ng
The length of a golf putter is critical to the game. Playing with a putter that is too long or short can drastically affect your putting performance. The right putter length will put you at the proper point of address, with your eyes directly over the ball or inside of it. Your height is one of the most critical factors in determining the right putter length. A taller golfer may need a longer putter, while a golfer under 6 feet tall will likely need a shorter putter. If you find that your putter is the wrong length, you can lengthen or shorten it by adding an extension or a new shaft.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Height | The height of the golfer is one of the most critical factors in determining the right putter length. A putter that is too long or too short can drastically affect putting performance. |
| Putting style | The golfer's putting style is another vital factor in selecting the right putter length. Those with an arc-style swing may benefit from a longer putter, while those with a straight-back-straight-through stroke may prefer a shorter putter. |
| Stance | Some golfers prefer an upright putting stance, while others prefer a bent-over posture. A longer putter may suit those with a more upright stance, while a shorter putter could be ideal for a bent-over posture. |
| Eye position | When addressing a putt, the golfer's eye position should be directly over the ball or inside the ball. If the putter is too long or too short, the golfer's eyes will be either outside or underneath the ball, leading to incorrect alignment. |
| Hand and elbow position | The golfer's hands should be positioned under their shoulders, and their elbows should rest on their midsection, near the bottom of their ribs. |
| Putter head design | The design of the putter head can influence the overall feel and balance of the putter. For example, mallet-style putters with more weight towards the back may affect the ideal putter length for certain golfers. |
| Grip size | The grip size can affect the overall length that feels comfortable. A larger grip may require a slightly shorter putter to maintain the right balance and feel. |
| Shaft extension | Lengthening the putter shaft can be done by adding a shaft extension or a brand-new shaft. This can be done by a professional or as a DIY project, but it may affect the swing weight and how the head feels when putting. |
| Custom fitting | A professional club fitter can help determine the correct putter length by considering factors such as height, putting style, and swing path. They can also extend or shorten the putter shaft if needed. |
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What You'll Learn
Lengthening a putter yourself
Lengthening a putter can be a straightforward DIY job if you have the right tools and knowledge. However, it is important to understand the implications of making a putter longer, as it can significantly impact your stroke, accuracy, and overall performance.
To lengthen a putter yourself, you will need to remove the grip, add an extension or a new shaft, and then refit the grip. Firstly, you will need to remove the grip using the appropriate tools. You can then lengthen the shaft by epoxy glueing a small piece of old shaft or a shaft extension in place. Finally, you can refit the grip. If you are using a new grip, you may need to add weight to the head of the putter to restore balance.
When lengthening your putter, it is important to consider the swing weight. Lengthening the putter will make it feel lighter, so you may need to add weight to the head to compensate. You can do this by adding lead tape to the back of the putter head or using a heavier grip.
It is recommended that you test your putter after making any adjustments to ensure that you are comfortable with the new length and that you are making consistent contact with the ball. You can do this by setting up a target about 10 feet away and making several putts towards it. Pay attention to your comfort level and the consistency of your strokes. If you are not happy with the results, you can always adjust the length again until you find what works best for you.
While lengthening your putter can be a DIY job, it is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to putter length. The ideal length will depend on factors such as your height, putting style, posture, and arm length. If you are unsure about adjusting your putter length, it may be worth consulting a professional club fitter to ensure that your equipment is tailored to your unique swing.
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Visiting a pro shop
When visiting a pro shop, you can expect the club fitter to take into account various factors to determine the ideal putter length for you. These factors include your height, putting style, swing path, and posture. They might also consider the type of putter you currently have and whether any adjustments can be made to lengthen it while maintaining its balance and weight distribution.
The process of lengthening a putter shaft typically involves removing the grip, adding an extension, and then refitting the grip. This can usually be done for a relatively low cost, as suggested by a user on a forum who got their putter lengthened for £15. However, if you need a new grip, this will add to the overall cost.
While lengthening your putter shaft can be a simple process, it is important to consider the potential impact on the putter's balance and weight. As one source notes, lengthening the shaft can make the putter head feel slightly heavier. Additionally, trimming the putter will adjust the swing weight and make it heavier. Therefore, it is recommended to seek professional assistance to ensure that any adjustments are made correctly and do not negatively affect your putting performance.
When choosing a pro shop to visit, you may want to consider one that offers putter fitting services. This will ensure that you receive specialised advice and assistance in lengthening your putter. You can also ask about the different types of putter extensions available, such as shaft plugs or extenders made from aluminium or graphite. Ultimately, the goal is to find a putter length that improves your putting prowess and helps you sink those crucial putts.
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Considering your height
When it comes to selecting the right golf putter, your height is a critical factor. The right putter length ensures that you maintain a comfortable and balanced stance, which is essential for executing consistent strokes.
If you are between 5'0" and 5'2" tall, a putter length of 32.5 inches is recommended. For individuals between 5'2" and 5'4", a 33-inch putter is generally suitable. Those who stand at a height of 5'4" to 5'6" should opt for a slightly longer putter, typically measuring 33.5 inches. If your height falls between 5'6" and 5'8", a 34-inch putter is the ideal choice.
For taller golfers, the putter length will also increase. Individuals measuring between 5'8" and 6'0" in height should consider a putter length of 34.5 inches. If you are above 6'0", a putter longer than 35 inches is often necessary. Golfers who stand taller than 6'2" usually require a putter length exceeding 36 inches.
It is important to remember that while height is a significant factor, it is not the only consideration when choosing a putter length. Other factors, such as arm length, posture, putting style, and swing path, also come into play. For instance, if you have longer arms, you may need a shorter putter to ensure your hands do not fall significantly below your waist during the stroke. Additionally, your posture and setup can impact the putter length required. If you stand tall and close to the ball, you will likely need a longer putter, whereas a shorter putter may be more suitable if you bend over the ball.
Custom putter fitting services can help you determine the optimal putter length for your unique height, stance, and swing dynamics. These services use advanced tools like launch monitors to gather data and provide a more precise fit, ensuring that your putter is tailored to your individual needs and helping you achieve better accuracy and consistency in your game.
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The impact on your swing
Lengthening your golf putter can have a significant impact on your swing. The length of your putter influences the lie angle and swing weight, which are critical to achieving consistent and accurate strokes.
Lie angle refers to the angle between the shaft of the putter and the ground when you address the ball. Adjusting the length of your putter can change this angle, affecting your eye position at address. If your eyes are too far over or underneath the ball, you may see an incorrect line and adjust your backswing unconsciously, leading to missed putts. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that any length adjustments made to your putter do not compromise the lie angle.
Swing weight, on the other hand, refers to how heavy the club feels during the swing. It is influenced by the length and weight distribution of the putter. Lengthening your putter will generally make it feel lighter, while shortening it will make it feel heavier. This change in swing weight can affect your timing, control, and ability to square the face at impact, leading to inconsistencies in your stroke. It is important to note that the effect of length adjustments on swing weight is not uniform across different clubs.
To optimise your swing, it is crucial to find the right balance between the length of your putter and its swing weight. This may involve adding weight to the head or using lighter grips if you've lengthened your putter and it feels too light. Conversely, if you've shortened your putter and it feels too heavy, you can remove weight from the head or use lighter grips to reduce the swing weight. Understanding how swing weight works and its relationship with putter length will enable you to make informed decisions about any adjustments you make to your putter.
It is worth noting that the impact of lengthening your putter on your swing is highly individualised. Factors such as your height, arm length, and wrist-to-floor measurement play a role in determining the optimal putter length for you. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a professional club fitter or golf pro to ensure that any adjustments made to your putter length are suitable for your specific needs and do not negatively affect your swing.
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Pros and cons of a longer putter
The use of longer putters in golf has been a topic of debate and discussion among golfers and enthusiasts alike. While some golfers prefer the traditional putter length, others have found success with longer options. Here are some pros and cons of using a longer putter to help you make an informed decision:
Pros of a Longer Putter:
- Stability and Control: The extra length of a longer putter provides more stability and control during the swing. The added weight in the grip above the hands creates a counterbalanced effect, resulting in a smoother and more controlled swing.
- Simplified Technique: Longer putters offer a simpler technique, especially for golfers who struggle with their putting. The more upright posture promotes a straighter backswing and follow-through, reducing the arc of the putter. This simplicity can help golfers focus more on making accurate putts.
- Reduced Wrist Action: The design of longer putters, with hands split on the grip, effectively reduces wrist action during the swing. This reduction in wrist movement can lead to more consistent and controlled putting strokes.
- Improved Aim: The upright stance that longer putters encourage can improve your aim. Standing taller over the ball may provide a better view of the target line, helping you visualize your aim spot more effectively.
Cons of a Longer Putter:
- Reduced Feel and Distance Control: One of the main disadvantages of longer putters is the reduced feel and difficulty in controlling distance. The added length and weight can make it challenging to develop a delicate touch for shorter putts.
- Anchoring Concerns: The use of anchoring, where the putter is fixed against the body, has been a controversial topic. While anchoring can provide stability, it has been banned by the USGA and R&A since 2016. This ban significantly impacted the appeal of longer putters, as many golfers questioned their effectiveness without anchoring.
- Limited Customization: When switching to a longer putter, golfers may need to make adjustments to their putter shaft and loft. Longer putters often require stiffer shafts to maintain stability, and the extra length can affect the flexibility at the head end. These factors may limit the customization options available to golfers.
- Perceived as a "Last Resort": Some traditional golfers view longer putters as a "last resort" option. The belief is that golf should be played with a conventional putter, and longer options may be seen as a crutch rather than a legitimate choice.
Ultimately, the decision to use a longer putter depends on personal preference and putting style. While longer putters offer benefits such as stability and simplified technique, they also come with drawbacks related to feel, anchoring, and customization. Experimentation is key, as golfers should take the time to try different options and find the putter length that suits their game and comfort level.
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Frequently asked questions
Lengthening your golf putter can help you improve your performance. If your putter is too short, you will need to stand too close to the ball, which will put your eyes outside of the golf ball. On the other hand, if your putter is too long, you will need to stand too far from the ball, which could put your eyes too far inside of the ball.
The ideal length for a golf putter depends on various factors, including the player's height, putting style, and swing path. Standard putter lengths are 33 inches, 34 inches, and 35 inches, but this length may not be suitable for everyone.
To determine if your golf putter is the correct length, check your eye position when addressing the ball. Your eyes should be directly over the ball or slightly inside. Additionally, your hands should be under your shoulders, and your elbows should rest on your midsection, near the bottom of your ribs.
Yes, it is possible to lengthen your golf putter yourself. You will need to remove the grip, add an extension or a new shaft, and then refit the grip. However, it is recommended to consult a professional club fitter or a pro shop to ensure the putter is lengthened correctly and does not affect its performance.
Longer putters can lead to less control and accuracy, especially for golfers with a bent-over putting posture. They can be more challenging to control during the stroke and may affect the swing weight and overall feel of the putter.
