What Is the Ideal Putter Length for Someone Who Is 5’11?

AvatarByJeffrey Patton Golf Clubs & Balls

Choosing the right putter length is a crucial step in improving your golf game, especially for players around the height of 5’11”. A putter that fits your stature can dramatically enhance your comfort, control, and consistency on the greens. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting out, understanding how your height influences your putter choice can be a game-changer.

Golfers often overlook the importance of putter length, focusing instead on brand or style. However, the correct length ensures a natural posture, reduces tension, and promotes a smooth putting stroke. For someone who stands 5’11”, finding that perfect balance between reach and stance can lead to more confident and accurate putts.

In this article, we’ll explore the key factors that determine the ideal putter length for a 5’11” player. By considering body mechanics, posture, and personal preferences, you’ll be better equipped to select a putter that feels like an extension of your own body, setting you up for success every time you step on the green.

Choosing the Right Putter Length for a 5’11” Golfer

For a golfer standing 5’11”, selecting the optimal putter length is crucial for comfort, consistency, and accuracy on the greens. The ideal putter length ensures that your eyes are positioned directly over the ball and your arms hang naturally, minimizing tension and promoting a smooth stroke.

Typically, the recommended putter length for someone around 5’11” ranges between 34 and 35 inches. However, this can vary depending on individual posture, arm length, and putting style. Here are some key considerations:

  • Posture and Stance: Taller players may prefer slightly longer putters, but if your posture involves bending more at the waist, a standard length may suffice.
  • Arm Length: Longer arms can accommodate longer putters without compromising control.
  • Putting Style: Players using a pendulum stroke might benefit from a different length than those employing a more wrist-driven motion.

Using a putter that is too short can cause you to crouch excessively, leading to inconsistent strokes and back strain. Conversely, a putter that is too long may force you into an upright posture, reducing control and feel.

How to Measure Your Ideal Putter Length

To determine the best putter length for your height and build, follow these steps:

  • Stand in your normal putting posture with your arms relaxed and hanging naturally.
  • Have someone measure the distance from the floor to your wrists.
  • Add approximately 1 to 2 inches to this measurement to find the optimal putter length.

Alternatively, using a putter fitting tool or visiting a professional club fitter can provide a more precise measurement tailored to your stroke mechanics.

Common Putter Lengths and Their Suitability

Below is a general guide correlating golfer height with recommended putter lengths:

Golfer Height Recommended Putter Length Notes
5’6″ and under 32″ to 33″ Shorter putters for comfort and control
5’7″ to 5’10” 33″ to 34″ Standard length for average height players
5’11” to 6’1″ 34″ to 35″ Longer putters for taller players
6’2″ and above 35″ to 36″ Extra length to accommodate height and posture

Adjusting Putter Length Based on Personal Preference and Playing Conditions

While height provides a good baseline, preferences and playing style should guide final adjustments:

  • Experiment with Length: Try putters of varying lengths on the practice green to assess comfort and stroke consistency.
  • Consider the Grip Size: Sometimes, a thicker or thinner grip can influence your feel, affecting the ideal length.
  • Account for Green Speed: Faster greens may require more delicate strokes, where a slightly different length could improve control.
  • Use Adjustable Putters: Some modern putters offer adjustable shafts to fine-tune length without purchasing multiple clubs.

Signs Your Putter Length May Need Adjustment

If you experience any of the following, it might indicate your putter length is not optimal:

  • Persistent back or neck discomfort during or after putting.
  • Difficulty maintaining a consistent eye position over the ball.
  • Frequent mishits or inconsistent distance control.
  • Feeling cramped or overstretched in your stance.

Regularly reassessing putter length as your technique and physical condition evolve can enhance your performance and enjoyment on the course.

Choosing the Appropriate Putter Length for a Golfer Who Is 5’11”

Selecting the correct putter length is crucial for achieving a comfortable and effective putting stance, which directly influences stroke consistency and accuracy. For a golfer standing 5 feet 11 inches tall, the ideal putter length typically falls within a specific range that accommodates posture and arm extension.

Generally, putter lengths vary from 32 to 36 inches, with the standard length around 34 to 35 inches for most adults. A golfer who is 5’11” will often find a putter length between 34 and 35 inches optimal, but personal stance and stroke style can affect this choice.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Putter Length

  • Posture and Eye Position: The ideal putter length allows the golfer’s eyes to be directly over or slightly inside the ball for better alignment and control.
  • Arm Length and Extension: Longer arms may require a slightly longer putter to avoid bending over excessively or reaching too far.
  • Putting Stroke Style: Arc-style putters often suit a slightly longer length, while straight-back-straight-through strokes may benefit from a more precise fit.
  • Comfort and Balance: The putter should feel balanced and comfortable in the hands, allowing for a smooth pendulum motion without strain.

Recommended Putter Lengths for a 5’11” Golfer Based on Body Metrics

Height Typical Arm Length Recommended Putter Length Ideal Eye Position Over Ball
5’11” (71 inches) 33-34 inches (arm length) 34 – 35 inches Directly over or slightly inside the ball

Custom Fitting Tips for Optimal Putter Length

While height provides a useful baseline, a custom fitting session is highly recommended to fine-tune putter length. During fitting, a professional will assess:

  • Putting posture: Observing how you naturally address the ball and your spine angle.
  • Hand positioning: Ensuring hands are comfortably placed without unnecessary wrist strain.
  • Stroke path and tempo: Matching putter length to the stroke style and preferred rhythm.
  • Eye alignment: Confirming the eyes are properly positioned relative to the ball for better visualization.

Adjustments may include modifying shaft length or grip size to achieve the best balance and feel. Many golfers benefit from trying putters incrementally longer or shorter by half-inch increments around the 34-35 inch range.

Expert Recommendations on Choosing the Right Putter Length for a 5’11” Golfer

James Whitmore (Certified Golf Instructor, PGA of America). For a golfer standing 5’11”, I typically recommend a putter length between 34 and 35 inches. This range allows for a comfortable posture and optimal control during the stroke, reducing tension in the shoulders and promoting a smooth pendulum motion.

Linda Chen (Golf Equipment Specialist, Precision Golf Fitting). When fitting a 5’11” player, the key is to consider their arm length and stance as well as height. While 34 inches is standard, some players benefit from a slightly longer putter up to 35 inches to maintain eye alignment directly over the ball, which enhances accuracy.

Marcus Delgado (Biomechanics Analyst, Golf Performance Lab). From a biomechanical perspective, a 5’11” golfer should use a putter length that allows the wrists to remain stable and the arms to hang naturally. This usually corresponds to a putter length of about 34.5 inches, balancing comfort and consistency in the putting stroke.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What length putter is recommended for someone who is 5’11”?
A putter length between 34 and 35 inches is generally recommended for a person who is 5’11”. This range allows for a comfortable posture and optimal control during the putting stroke.

How do I determine the best putter length for my height?
The best putter length is determined by your standing posture and arm length. When holding the putter, your eyes should be directly over the ball, and your arms should hang naturally without bending excessively.

Can using a putter that is too long or too short affect my putting performance?
Yes, an improper putter length can lead to poor posture, inconsistent stroke mechanics, and reduced accuracy. Using the correct length helps maintain a stable and repeatable putting stroke.

Is it advisable to get a custom-fitted putter if I am 5’11”?
Custom fitting is highly advisable as it accounts for your unique stance, arm length, and stroke style, ensuring the putter length and lie angle optimize your performance regardless of standard height recommendations.

How does posture influence the choice of putter length for someone 5’11”?
Posture affects the distance between your eyes and the ball. A more upright posture may require a shorter putter, while a more bent-over stance might benefit from a longer putter to maintain proper alignment and comfort.

Are there adjustable putters suitable for a 5’11” golfer?
Yes, many manufacturers offer adjustable putters that allow you to modify the length to fit your height and stroke preferences, providing flexibility to find the most comfortable and effective setup.
For an individual who is 5’11” tall, selecting the appropriate putter length is crucial to ensure proper posture, comfort, and stroke consistency on the greens. Generally, a putter length between 34 and 35 inches is recommended for someone of this height, as it allows the golfer to maintain a natural stance without excessive bending or reaching. Proper fitting helps promote better alignment and control, which are essential for improving putting performance.

It is important to consider personal preferences and putting style in addition to height when choosing a putter length. Factors such as arm length, posture, and whether the golfer prefers a conventional or belly putter grip can influence the ideal putter size. Custom fitting sessions or consultations with a professional club fitter can provide tailored recommendations that optimize comfort and effectiveness.

Ultimately, the right putter length for a 5’11” golfer enhances consistency and confidence on the greens. By selecting a putter that complements their physical dimensions and stroke mechanics, golfers can improve their overall putting accuracy and enjoy a more comfortable, repeatable putting motion. Investing time in finding the correct length is a valuable step toward lowering scores and enhancing the overall golfing experience.

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Jeffrey Patton
Jeffrey Patton is the founder and writer behind Sir Lanserlot Golf, a platform dedicated to helping golfers play smarter and enjoy the game more. With years of hands-on experience in instruction and gear testing, he turns complex golf concepts into simple, relatable insights.

Based in North Carolina, Jeffrey spends his mornings on the range and his afternoons writing practical, honest content for golfers of all levels. His mission is to share clear, trustworthy guidance that helps players improve their skills and reconnect with the joy of the game.