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

AvatarByJeffrey Patton Golf Clubs & Balls

Choosing the right putter size is a crucial step for any golfer looking to improve their game, and height plays a significant role in this decision. For someone who stands at 5’11”, finding the perfect putter length can enhance comfort, posture, and ultimately, putting accuracy on the greens. Understanding how your height influences the ideal putter size is key to unlocking better control and consistency during those critical moments on the course.

Golfers often overlook the importance of matching their putter to their physical stature, which can lead to awkward stances and less effective strokes. While 5’11” is considered slightly above average height, it presents a unique set of considerations when selecting a putter. Factors such as arm length, stance preference, and putting style all intertwine with height to determine the most suitable putter length.

This article will explore the relationship between your height and putter size, offering insights into how a properly sized putter can transform your game. Whether you’re a casual player or a dedicated golfer, understanding these fundamentals will set the foundation for making an informed choice that feels natural and improves your performance on the greens.

Determining the Ideal Putter Length for a 5’11” Golfer

For a golfer standing 5’11”, selecting the correct putter length is crucial to ensure a comfortable stance, proper posture, and optimal putting stroke. The right putter length helps maintain a natural eye position over the ball and promotes better alignment and control.

Generally, a golfer’s height is a primary factor when choosing putter length, but arm length and posture also play significant roles. At 5’11”, most golfers find that a putter length between 34 and 35 inches provides the best balance of control and comfort.

Key considerations when determining putter length include:

  • Posture: How bent over you are at address affects the ideal putter length. Taller players with an upright posture may use standard lengths, while those who bend more may prefer slightly shorter putters.
  • Arm Length: Longer arms might require longer putters to maintain proper hand position.
  • Putting Style: A more upright stroke could benefit from a longer putter, while a pendulum stroke might require a shorter length for better control.

Standard Putter Lengths and Recommendations

Putter lengths typically range from 32 to 36 inches. The average putter length for male golfers is about 34 to 35 inches, which aligns well with someone who is 5’11”. However, individual differences in stance and comfort may require adjustments.

Golfer Height Recommended Putter Length Notes
5’8″ and below 32″ to 33″ Shorter putters help maintain a comfortable stance
5’9″ to 6’0″ 34″ to 35″ Standard lengths generally suitable
6’1″ and above 35″ to 36″ Longer putters accommodate taller players or upright posture

For a 5’11” golfer, starting with a 34-inch putter is often ideal, with adjustments made based on personal preference, stance, and stroke feel.

How to Test Putter Length for Optimal Fit

To confirm the best putter length, perform a few simple tests on the practice green:

  • Address Position Test: Stand in your natural putting stance with the putter soled behind the ball. The putter grip should reach near the midpoint of your forearm, and your eyes should be directly over or just inside the ball.
  • Comfort and Control: Make several putts using different lengths (if possible) to see which length offers the best control and confidence.
  • Putting Stroke Analysis: Record your stroke or have a coach analyze it to determine if your current length promotes a smooth, consistent motion without forcing adjustments.

Additional Tips for Selecting the Right Putter Size

  • Consider the grip size in conjunction with length. A larger grip can reduce wrist action, which may affect the feel at different lengths.
  • If you prefer a blade-style putter, standard lengths usually work well, but mallet putters can sometimes benefit from slightly longer shafts.
  • Custom fitting sessions with a professional can provide the most accurate putter length based on precise measurements of your height, arm length, and stroke style.

By focusing on these factors, a 5’11” golfer can select a putter length that enhances comfort, alignment, and putting performance.

Choosing the Optimal Putter Length for a Height of 5’11”

Selecting the appropriate putter length is critical to achieving a comfortable stance, consistent stroke, and improved accuracy on the greens. For an individual who stands 5 feet 11 inches tall, there are several factors to consider to determine the best putter size.

The standard putter length typically ranges from 32 to 35 inches, with 34 inches often considered a default length for many adult golfers. However, height alone does not dictate the ideal putter length; arm length, posture, and stroke style also influence the correct fit.

Recommended Putter Length Range

  • Standard Length: Most golfers around 5’11” use a putter length between 34 and 35 inches.
  • Adjustments for Posture: Golfers with a more upright posture may prefer slightly longer putters (up to 35 inches).
  • Stroke Style Consideration: Those with a more pendulum-style stroke often benefit from standard lengths, while those who use a slight arc may adjust accordingly.

Measurement Guidelines

Height Suggested Putter Length Adjustment Notes
5’9″ – 6’0″ 34″ – 35″ Standard length; adjust based on posture and arm length
Less Upright Posture 33.5″ – 34.5″ Shorter length to promote better eye alignment
More Upright Posture 34.5″ – 35.5″ Longer length to maintain comfortable stance

Fitting Tips for 5’11” Golfers

For a golfer who is 5’11”, the following fitting tips can help ensure the putter length promotes an effective putting stroke:

  • Check Eye Position: When addressing the ball, your eyes should be directly over or slightly inside the ball. Standing upright, if your eyes fall too far inside or outside the ball, adjust putter length accordingly.
  • Posture Assessment: Stand naturally as if ready to putt. If you have a hunched or bent posture, a slightly shorter putter may help maintain comfort and control.
  • Stroke Type: Identify whether your stroke is a straight-back-straight-through motion or an arc stroke. Arc strokes sometimes require a slightly shorter putter to promote natural wrist action.
  • Test Different Lengths: Try putters ranging from 33.5 to 35 inches to evaluate comfort, alignment, and stroke consistency.

Custom Putter Fitting Considerations

Professional club fitting can provide precise recommendations tailored to your specific body measurements and putting style. During a fitting session, a fitter will consider:

  • Hand position relative to the ball
  • Arm length and wrist hinge
  • Eye line and posture angle
  • Stroke mechanics and tempo
  • Lie angle and grip size

These factors can influence subtle length adjustments, sometimes as precise as a half-inch, which can significantly improve putting performance.

Summary of Putter Length for 5’11” Golfers

Height Suggested Length Notes
5’11” 34″ – 35″ Standard length range for balanced posture and stroke

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

Michael Trent (Professional Golf Coach, PGA Certified). For a golfer standing 5’11”, I recommend a putter length between 34 and 35 inches. This range typically allows for a comfortable posture and optimal control during the stroke, preventing unnecessary bending or overextension that can affect accuracy.

Linda Chen (Golf Equipment Specialist, Precision Golf Fittings). When selecting a putter size for someone who is 5’11”, it’s essential to consider both height and arm length. Generally, a 34.5-inch putter works well for this height, but a custom fitting session is ideal to ensure the putter complements the player’s stance and stroke mechanics perfectly.

David Morales (Biomechanics Analyst, Sports Performance Institute). From a biomechanical perspective, a 5’11” golfer benefits from a putter length that promotes a neutral spine angle and relaxed shoulders. Typically, this corresponds to putters in the 34 to 35-inch range, which help maintain consistent wrist action and improve putting stability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the ideal putter length for someone who is 5’11”?
For a height of 5’11”, a putter length between 34 and 35 inches is generally recommended to promote a comfortable and natural putting stance.

How does height affect putter size selection?
Height influences the length of the putter needed to maintain proper posture and eye alignment over the ball, which is crucial for consistent putting performance.

Can a 5’11” golfer use a standard putter size?
Yes, golfers who are 5’11” often fit well with standard putter lengths, typically around 34 inches, but personal comfort and stroke style should guide the final choice.

Should arm length be considered when choosing a putter size for 5’11” players?
Absolutely. Arm length, along with height, affects how a golfer stands and swings, so it should be factored in to ensure the putter length supports a relaxed and effective stroke.

Is it beneficial to get a custom-fitted putter at 5’11” height?
Custom fitting is advantageous as it tailors the putter length, lie angle, and grip size to your unique body measurements and stroke, enhancing accuracy and comfort.

What are the signs that a putter is too long or too short for a 5’11” golfer?
If the golfer feels cramped or has to bend excessively, the putter is likely too short; if the golfer stands too upright or struggles to control the stroke, the putter may be too long.
For an individual standing 5’11”, selecting the appropriate putter size is crucial to optimize comfort, posture, and stroke consistency. Generally, a putter length between 34 and 35 inches is recommended for this height range, as it allows the golfer to maintain a natural stance without excessive bending or reaching. Proper putter length helps promote a smooth, controlled putting stroke, which is essential for accuracy on the greens.

It is important to consider personal preferences and putting style when choosing a putter size. Factors such as arm length, posture, and whether the golfer prefers a conventional or belly putter can influence the ideal putter length. Custom fitting sessions or consultations with a golf professional can provide valuable insights and ensure the putter is tailored to the golfer’s unique physical attributes and technique.

Ultimately, selecting the right putter size for someone who is 5’11” enhances overall performance by improving comfort and consistency. Investing time in fitting and testing different putter lengths can lead to better confidence and lower scores on the course. Proper equipment alignment with the golfer’s stature is a fundamental step toward mastering the short game.

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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.