Junior Golf: Mastering The Putter

what is putter golf for junior

A putter is a golf club used to make short and slow strokes, with the aim of rolling the ball into the hole from a short distance. Putters are designed to give golfers technical advantages, such as a smooth stroke, good glide, and a sweet impact. They are also the only clubs that may have a grip that is not perfectly round and can have a bent shaft. When choosing a putter for a junior golfer, it is important to consider factors such as length, weight, style, and personal preference. Juniors should try different putters with different head weights, but caution should be taken to avoid putters that are too heavy, as this can lead to excessive body movement and wrist action.

Characteristics Values
Purpose To hit the ball into the cup on every hole
Clubhead Design Flat, low-profile, low-loft striking face
Clubhead Weight Standard putter head weighs approx. 350 grams
Shaft Length 32-35 inches (81-89 cm)
Grip Non-circular, larger in diameter, no taper, flat surface for thumbs
Style Length, weight, look and feel
Stance Feet facing forward at hip-width, ball slightly ahead of center, hands and arms hanging down
Putting Technique Straight back and forth stroke

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Putter length and weight

The length and weight of a putter are crucial factors in selecting the right putter for a junior golfer. Most junior golfers are still growing, so it is essential to choose a putter that is the right size for the player's current height and needs. While a little extra length may not be harmful, a putter that is too long can cause issues with the player's stroke and consistency.

The ideal putter length is influenced by several factors, including the golfer's height, putting style, and swing path. For juniors, it is recommended to consider the player's height and choose a putter that matches their height. This can be done by setting up as if to putt, bending the knees, arching the back, and tilting the head towards the hole. The putter length should allow the golfer to grip the club with their arms hanging naturally.

The weight of the putter is also important, as it affects the player's ability to make a smooth stroke. A putter that is too heavy can lead to excess body movement, more wrist action, and a loss of rhythm. Junior golfers may not have the strength to handle adult club weights, so it is crucial to choose a putter with a lighter weight. Custom options are available from companies like iGEN Golf, which offer adjustable weight systems that can be upgraded as the junior golfer grows.

Additionally, the length and weight of the putter are interrelated. Changing the club head weight will also affect the overall length, as maintaining the same balance in the player's hands is essential. A longer putter may be more suitable for golfers with an upright stance, while a shorter putter may be better for those with a bent-over posture. The swing path and putting style should also be considered when evaluating the ideal putter length.

Overall, selecting the right putter length and weight for a junior golfer requires thoughtful consideration of various factors. It is important to choose a putter that not only looks and feels good but also promotes a consistent stroke and enhances the golfer's performance.

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Putter head weight

The putter head weight is an important aspect of a golf club's design and can significantly impact a golfer's performance, especially in junior golf. Putter head weight refers to the weight of the club's head, which is typically measured in grams. It is an essential factor in determining the overall weight and balance of the putter.

The weight of putter heads can vary, typically ranging from 330 grams to 370 grams, with an average weight of around 350 grams. Some putters may have heavier or lighter heads, depending on the player's preferences and playing style. Lighter putter heads, weighing around 335 grams, can provide more feel and control, especially on faster greens. However, they may require more force to strike the ball on slower greens. On the other hand, heavier putter heads, in the range of 360 to 370 grams, offer more stability and are better suited for slower greens, as they require less force to achieve the desired ball speed.

The choice between a lighter or heavier putter head depends on several factors, including the player's strength, putting style, and the speed of the greens they typically play on. Some golfers prefer the added control and feel of a lighter putter head, which allows for more aggressive strokes. Others may opt for heavier putter heads to reduce the risk of the ball getting away from them on fast greens, as heavier putters tend to provide more stability and require smaller putting strokes.

Additionally, modern putters often come with interchangeable or adjustable head weights, allowing golfers to customise their putter according to their preferences or playing conditions. This versatility enables golfers to experiment with different weights and find the optimal setup for their game. For example, some putters offer removable weights, typically ranging from 10 grams to 20 grams, that can be added or removed to fine-tune the overall weight and balance of the putter.

Ultimately, the choice of putter head weight is a personal decision, and golfers should select the weight that feels most comfortable and helps them achieve consistent and accurate putting strokes. Consulting with a professional club fitter can also help golfers find the putter weight that best suits their swing and playing style.

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Grip size

The grip size of a putter is important for junior golfers as it can affect their control, comfort, and consistency. A grip that is too large or too small can make it difficult for the junior golfer to properly hold the club and execute a smooth swing.

When selecting a putter grip size for a junior golfer, it is important to consider the player's stroke style and desired feel, rather than solely focusing on their hand size. Junior golfers should experiment with different grip sizes to determine what works best for them. Some golfers may prefer a thicker grip for straighter strokes, while others may opt for a slimmer grip to achieve more arcing strokes.

Additionally, the weight of the putter grip is a crucial factor. A heavier grip will make the putter head feel lighter, while an overly heavy putter head should be avoided as it will be more challenging for the junior golfer to control. It is generally recommended to choose a putter that allows the junior golfer to make a stroke with their body remaining still, as this promotes a smooth and consistent swing.

For junior golfers, it is also important to ensure that the putter is the right length. The length of the putter should allow the golfer's arms to hang naturally, with their hands comfortably reaching the grip. If the putter is too long, it can cause the junior golfer to compromise their stance and affect the accuracy of their shots.

In conclusion, when selecting a putter grip size for a junior golfer, it is crucial to consider the player's stroke style, desired feel, and the overall length and weight of the putter. Experimentation with different grip sizes and putter lengths can help junior golfers find the setup that provides them with the best control, comfort, and consistency in their game.

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Putter type

Length

It is important to choose a putter with the correct length for the junior golfer. A putter that is too long will result in an incorrect stance and the "lie" of the club being off, making consistent contact with the ball difficult. The junior golfer's hands should hang down in a relaxed, natural position, and the putter should be gripped where they fall. The junior golfer's wrist should not be more than an inch and a half from the top of the club.

Weight

The weight of the putter is also a key consideration. A putter that is too heavy for a junior golfer can lead to excessive body movement and wrist action, and can make it difficult to keep the putter on a good arc. Junior golfers should try different putters with different head weights, but caution should be taken to avoid putters that are too heavy, as this can result in less feel. A standard putter head weighs approximately 350 grams.

Style and Look

The style and look of the putter are also important factors. The putter should set up flush on the green and be pleasing to the eye. The grip size should also be appropriate for the junior golfer, as this is important for a square clubface.

Face Material

The choice of putter face material depends on the sound and feel the junior golfer prefers, as well as their budget. The two main types of putters are those with a face insert and those with a milled face. Face insert putters are typically mid-range priced and are associated with a softer feel and sound. Milled face putters can also be made to have a softer feel and sound.

Head Balance

Junior golfers may benefit from matching their stroke type to the appropriate putter balance. A face-balanced putter is designed for golfers with a straight putting stroke, while a toe-balanced putter is for those with an arc stroke.

In summary, when choosing a putter type for a junior golfer, it is important to consider length, weight, style, look, face material, and head balance to ensure the putter is the correct fit and inspires confidence in the junior golfer.

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Putter stance

Golf putters for kids and junior golfers come in many varieties, and choosing the right one is important. However, the putter alone does not make a junior golfer great at putting—there are many psychological and physiological factors at play. One of the most important steps in developing a solid, consistent game is getting the golf stance right.

A proper golf stance is fundamental to achieving consistency, power, accuracy, and control in your golf game. It is the base from which every great swing is born. A good stance allows you to set up the same way for every shot, leading to more consistent ball striking. It also helps you control the clubface better, reducing the chances of erratic shots.

The proper golf stance involves standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and weight evenly distributed between both feet. Your spine should be straight with a slight forward tilt from the hips, and your arms should hang naturally from your shoulders.

When it comes to putting, there are many variations in how golfers set up, but here are some fundamentals for a good putting stance:

  • Keep everything, including your ball and hand position, as neutral as possible.
  • Set up with the putter head first and dissect the middle of your feet with the shaft.
  • Stand with your feet facing forward at hip-width, the golf ball slightly ahead of center.
  • Hands and arms should hang down in a relaxed, natural position, and the putter should be gripped where they fall. It is okay to choke down on the grip a bit, but not more than a couple of inches.
  • Minimal wrist movement—the motion should primarily come from your shoulders.
  • Keep your head still throughout the stroke, with your eyes looking straight down or slightly inside the ball.

Frequently asked questions

A putter is a club used in golf to make short and low-speed strokes, with the aim of rolling the ball into the hole.

The putter has a flat, low-profile, low-loft striking face, which is designed to get the ball rolling forward. It also has features that are unique to putters, such as bent shafts, non-circular grips, and positional guides.

The length of a putter is important for junior golfers. If it is too long, the golfer will have to compromise their stance and the "lie" of the club. A good way to check the length is right is to take your posture, let your arms hang naturally, and grip the putter. If your wrist is within an inch and a half of the top of the club, the length is good.

Juniors should try different putters with different head weights. However, caution should be taken with heavier putters as they can lead to excessive body movement and wrist action. Lighter putters generally provide better control.

The putter should not only be the right size but should also look and feel good. The grip size should be appropriate for the junior, as it is important for a square clubface.

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