Only a golf lover knows how important a putter is. After all, a golfer makes 50% of his shots through this golf club. The right putter has a high potential of influencing the results. But, each putter is different and choosing the right one is a must. At the end of this post, you will know how is putter length measured. And how you can get the best putter to ace your golf game.

How is a Putter Different from Other Golf Clubs?

The putter is the golf club that you use to finally hit the ball into the cup on every hole. The face of this club is flat and is used to move the ball forward and not to lift the golf ball from the ground. It’s the most important golf club in your golf bag.

Why does Putter Length Matter?

1. While using a short Putters::

• You will bend a little more than your normal posture.
• Your eyes won’t be on the ball but ahead of the ball.
• The toe of your putter is down on the ground and the heel is in the air.

End Result: You will miss the hole as the ball will not travel as expected.

2. While using long Putters:

• Your body will be stiff and you will lose the flexibility of normal posture.
• Your eyes won’t be on the ball but behind the ball.
• The heel of the putter is down on the ground and the toe is in the air.

End Result: You will miss the hole again as the ball will not travel as expected.

3. While using a Putter of proper length::

• Your body will be in a comfortable position with all flexibility.
• Your eyes will be on the ball.
• The center of the putter will sit on the ground.

End Result: You put the ball directly in the hole.

How to measure the length of the putter?

Putters come in many varieties. Heal Shafter Putters, Non-Offset Center Shaftedr Putters and Offset Putters are the most famous. And measuring proper putter length is different for different putters.

Necessary Requirements for Measurements: The only requirements are a flat surface and a 48-inch aluminium ruler/measuring tape. Try to use an inch ruler as it gives better measurement than a tape measure. And keep in mind that the center of the putter should be touching the ground. It should not be lifted from either side otherwise it will lead to incorrect length.

1. Measuring Heel Shafted Putter Length:  You can measure it like you measure an iron bar. Place your putter on the flat surface. Put one edge of the ruler along the back of the club and check where the grip ends i.e. top of the grip. The number on the ruler will give you the right putter length.
2. Measuring non-offset center shafted putters: The above method won’t work with this putter. It will give you different lengths of the putter. Because the shaft of this putter starts from the middle of the putter and not from the heel.  To measure the length of this putter, you have to put the ruler in the middle of the putter. It should be in line with the shaft of the putter to the top of the grip. This will give you the correct putter length.
3. Measuring offset putters Length: Offset putters are also measured like heel-shafted putters. The only difference will be that the ruler will not touch the behind of the club. It will touch somewhere in front of the club. The measurement has to be taken where it meets the end of the grip.

How to know which putter length is best for you?

Till now you have found out how to measure the length of different putters. Now, let’s see different methods for measuring the correct putter length for you. The best putter length varies according to your height, putting style, correct posture etc. So, let’s dive into different ways of measuring ideal putter length:

First Method: Wrist-to-Floor Measurement

Follow these simple steps to get your right putter length:

Step-1: Assume Putting Stance: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Now, imagine holding the putter in your normal position when getting ready to hit a putt.

Step-2: Align your eyes: Make sure your eyes are in a straight line with the ball. It should not be in front of or behind the ball.

Step-3: Measure from Palm to Floor: With the help of the ruler, measure the distance from the middle of your palm straight down to the ground. Mark that point on the ground. Now measure the number. We will call it P.

Step-4: Measure from point to the ball:: Now from the point of the ground measure the distance to the middle of the ball. We will call it B.

Step-5: Get Putter Length: Now with the help of a mathematical formula, we can find your standard putter length. The formula is (Square of P) + (Square of B) = (Square of H). H is your perfect length according to your correct position.

Second Method: Stance-Based Measurement

This method will get you the best putter that will be perfect fit for you according to your height and correct posture and you can replace your old putter with a new correct length putter. Follow the next steps:

Step-1: Assume Putting Stance: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Now, hold the actual putter in your normal position when getting ready to hit putt.

Step-2: Align your eyes: Make sure your eye position is directly above the golf ball. You can check the alignment by dropping a second golf ball.

Step-3: Drop a second ball: Hold the second golf ball at eye level and drop the ball straight down. If this golf ball hits the golf ball on the ground, your eyes are perfectly aligned. Aligning eyes with a golf ball makes the putting stroke natural and efficient.

Step-4: Optimize Your Putter Length: While holding the putter, take a look at your body position. If you’re bent over a lot, you are using a short putter. You have to replace your current putter with a longer putter.

Factors Affecting the length of the putter:

1. Lie Angle:   Lie angle is the difference between the angle of the shaft of the putter and the angle of the sole when the clubhead hits the ground. Most putters have a lie angle of around 70 degrees. To determine your ideal lie angle, you’ll need to be in the putting position. Stand over the ball with your arms naturally hanging down. The putter should be in your hands so the fitter can see the head resting on the ground. If your lie angle is right, the sole should rest flat. If it’s off, the toe of the putter should tip up or down.

1. Height: Height is the most important factor for different putter lengths. If you’re shorter, you’re more likely to use a shorter putter. And, if you’re taller, you’ll find that a longer putter is more beneficial. It’s all about finding the ideal length that fits your height.
2. Arm Length: Arm length has also a huge impact on putter length. Many times taller golfers have shorter arms and shorter persons have longer arms. If you’re a taller golfer with small arms, you may need a longer putter. And, if you are a shorter person with longer arms, you might need a shorter putter.
3. Putting Stroke: The length of putter is also affected by your putting stroke. You should continue to work on your putting stroke until you find a sweet spot. For example, if you like to make a big sweeping arc, you’ll need a longer stroke length. So, keep working on your stroke style.

Common Putter Lengths According to Height

Putters come in different lengths, ranging from 32 to over 52 inches. If you have a standard putter from a golf store, the length of your putter will be between 34 and 35 inches. If you’re getting a putter measured at 34 ⅓ inches, you’re likely going to be using a 34-inch putter. You can check your standard putter length according to your height from the putter length chart below:

The United States Golf Association (USGA) has some restrictions on the length. According to their general guidelines, putters must have a minimum length of 18 inches.

Final Thoughts:

There is no perfect putter length. Golfers of different heights will require different putter and their golf putter length depends on their personal preference and the right position. You can be a tall person but you can find a shorter putter more comfortable. No one can tell you the correct putter length unless you hit the ground and try to make some putts in your comfortable putting stance.

FAQ’s

What Is the Standard Putter Length?

The standard putter length for a male is 34 to 35 inches, while for a female putter, the standard putter length is around 33 inches. The average length of a putter is 31 to 35 inches.

Should I opt for a putter fitting?

It’s a personal choice whether you want a custom fitting from a golf store. You will get the best putter but it will be more expensive.

What size putter should a 5’11 man use?

A 5’11” man can use a variety of putter lengths, but the right size will likely be around 34-35 inches. This falls within the most common range for off-the-rack putters.

What is Reverse Overlap Grip?

Reverse Overlap is like shaking hands with your left hand on top of your right hand and your right hand on top of the grip, which helps you control your stroke. In Interlocking Grip, your fingers are interlocked for extra stability. It is helpful when you’re trying to avoid the putter “yips.”