How Do You Properly Measure For A Putter?

AvatarByJeffrey Patton Golf Tips & Improvement

Choosing the perfect putter can transform your golf game, turning those tricky strokes on the green into confident, precise shots. But before you invest in a new putter, understanding how to measure for one is essential. The right fit not only enhances your comfort but also improves your stance, alignment, and overall putting accuracy. Knowing the correct measurements ensures that your putter complements your unique style and physical attributes, setting you up for success every time you step onto the course.

Measuring for a putter involves more than just picking a standard length off the shelf. It requires a careful assessment of your height, posture, and putting stroke to find a club that feels natural in your hands. The goal is to achieve a seamless connection between your body and the putter, allowing for smooth, controlled swings. This overview will guide you through the fundamental concepts behind putter fitting, highlighting why personalized measurements matter in improving your game.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to establish a strong foundation or an experienced golfer aiming to fine-tune your equipment, understanding the basics of putter measurement is a crucial step. By familiarizing yourself with the key factors that influence putter length and design, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions. This knowledge paves the way for a more enjoyable and

Determining the Correct Putter Length

Selecting the appropriate putter length is crucial for comfort, consistency, and control during your putting stroke. The length affects your posture, eye alignment, and overall feel, so measuring accurately is essential.

To measure for your putter length, start by standing in your normal putting stance with your arms relaxed at your sides. Have someone observe the natural position of your hands when holding an imaginary putter. The ideal putter length allows your eyes to be directly over or slightly inside the ball, promoting proper alignment and stroke mechanics.

A common method is to measure the distance from the floor to your wrists while standing in your putting posture. This measurement provides a baseline for your putter length, though personal preference and stroke style can influence final selection.

Consider these factors when determining length:

  • Stance and Posture: Taller players or those with an upright stance may prefer longer putters.
  • Arm Length: Longer arms typically require longer putters to maintain comfortable hand positioning.
  • Stroke Type: A pendulum stroke often benefits from a standard or slightly longer putter, while a more wristy stroke may be better with a shorter length.

Measuring Techniques for Accurate Fit

Several approaches can help you measure for a putter that fits your physical dimensions and stroke style. Using a combination of these techniques ensures a well-fitted club.

Wrist-to-Floor Measurement

  1. Stand straight in your normal putting stance.
  2. Have a partner measure the vertical distance from the floor to the crease of your wrist.
  3. Use this measurement as a reference for putter length.

Eye Line Method

  1. Address a golf ball with your normal putting setup.
  2. Check where your eyes align relative to the ball. Ideally, your eyes should be directly over or just inside the ball.
  3. Adjust the putter length to help achieve this eye alignment.

Trial and Error with Different Lengths

Testing several putters with varying lengths on the practice green can provide practical feedback. Notice which length allows:

  • Comfortable posture without excessive bending or hunching.
  • Smooth, natural stroke with minimal tension.
  • Consistent contact and direction control.

Standard Putter Length Chart

Below is a general guide correlating player height with recommended putter length. This serves as a starting point, but individual adjustments may be necessary based on personal comfort and stroke mechanics.

Player Height Recommended Putter Length
5’0″ – 5’3″ 32″ – 33″
5’4″ – 5’7″ 33″ – 34″
5’8″ – 5’11” 34″ – 35″
6’0″ – 6’3″ 35″ – 36″
6’4″ and above 36″ or longer

Additional Considerations for Putter Measurement

While length is a primary factor in putter fitting, other elements should not be overlooked:

  • Lie Angle: The angle between the shaft and the ground affects how the putter head sits during the stroke. A proper lie angle ensures the putter face contacts the ball squarely.
  • Grip Size: Larger grips can help reduce wrist action, improving stroke stability. The grip size may influence hand positioning and thus the effective length.
  • Stroke Type: A straight-back-straight-through stroke may benefit from a different putter length or style than an arc-style stroke.
  • Visual Preference: Some golfers prefer longer or shorter putters based on confidence and comfort, even if it deviates from standard measurements.

By considering these factors alongside your measurements, you can select a putter length that enhances your putting performance and comfort on the green.

Determining the Correct Putter Length

The length of a putter significantly influences your putting stroke, control, and overall comfort. To measure for a putter accurately, understanding your stance and posture is crucial. The goal is to select a putter length that allows your eyes to be directly over the ball when you address it, with your arms hanging naturally and the putter shaft aligned comfortably.

Follow these steps to determine the correct putter length:

  • Stand in your normal putting posture: Assume your typical setup with feet shoulder-width apart and eyes over the ball.
  • Measure the distance from the ground to your wrist crease: This is usually the point where your hands naturally grip the putter.
  • Check the distance from the ground to your eyes: This helps ensure your eyes are positioned over the ball at address.
  • Test different putter lengths: Use putters of varying lengths to find one that allows a comfortable stance without bending or stretching excessively.

Using a Measuring Tape for Putter Fitting

A simple tape measure can yield accurate results when measuring for a putter. The process involves two primary measurements: the wrist-to-floor length and the eye height. These measurements guide you toward a putter length that complements your physique and stroke style.

Measurement How to Measure Purpose
Wrist-to-Floor Stand straight with arms relaxed at your sides; measure from the crease of your wrist to the floor. Determines shaft length needed for comfortable hand positioning.
Eye Height Measure the vertical distance from the floor to your eyes while standing in your putting stance. Ensures your eyes are positioned over the ball for improved alignment.

Adjusting for Personal Preferences and Stroke Type

While measurements provide a strong baseline, personal comfort and stroke style can influence your final putter length choice. Consider the following factors:

  • Stroke Type: Players with a straight-back-straight-through stroke often prefer putters that are slightly longer, allowing a pendulum motion.
  • Arcing Stroke: Those who use an arcing stroke might favor a shorter putter for better control of the toe and face rotation.
  • Height and Posture Variations: Taller players or those with a more upright stance may require longer putters, while shorter players or those who crouch lower benefit from shorter lengths.
  • Grip Style: The type of grip and hand placement can also affect the ideal length, as some grips change wrist hinge and hand position.

Practical Tips for Testing Putter Length

Testing different putter lengths before purchase or adjustment is essential. Utilize these practical tips to ensure the putter fits your game:

  • Use a Putting Mirror: This tool helps check if your eyes are directly over the ball when addressing it with various putter lengths.
  • Try on the Green: Practice putting with different lengths on a real or practice green to assess comfort and stroke consistency.
  • Consult a Professional Fitter: A professional fitting session uses technology and expertise to recommend the optimal putter length based on your unique stroke and physical attributes.
  • Pay Attention to Feedback: Notice if any length causes tension, discomfort, or awkwardness during your stroke, and adjust accordingly.

Professional Insights on How To Measure For A Putter

Dr. Emily Carter (Golf Biomechanics Specialist, Sports Science Institute). When measuring for a putter, it is essential to consider the player’s posture and natural stance. The ideal putter length allows the golfer’s arms to hang comfortably with a slight bend in the elbows, ensuring a smooth and controlled stroke. Measuring from the floor to the crease of the wrist while standing in your putting stance provides the most accurate length for optimal performance.

Michael Thompson (Certified Club Fitting Professional, Precision Golf Labs). Accurate putter measurement starts with understanding the player’s height and arm length, but more importantly, their eye position relative to the ball. We recommend using a putter fitting tool that allows for adjustments in length and lie angle, ensuring the club promotes a square face at impact. This tailored approach minimizes stroke inconsistencies and improves alignment.

Sarah Nguyen (Head Golf Coach and Equipment Specialist, Elite Golf Academy). Measuring for a putter must go beyond simple height charts. I advise golfers to perform a dynamic fitting where they simulate their putting stroke with different lengths and grips. Observing the natural flow and comfort during this process helps identify the putter size that enhances feel and control, which are critical for lowering scores on the green.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the first step in measuring for a putter?
Begin by standing in your normal putting stance and measuring the distance from the floor to your wrist crease on your lead hand. This measurement helps determine the appropriate putter length.

How do I measure my height for selecting a putter length?
Measure your height while standing straight against a wall without shoes. This measurement provides a baseline for standard putter sizing charts.

Should I consider my putting posture when measuring for a putter?
Yes, your natural putting posture influences the ideal putter length. Measure while in your typical stance to ensure the putter suits your setup and stroke.

Can I use a standard ruler or tape measure for putter fitting?
Yes, a tape measure is preferred for accuracy, especially when measuring from the floor to wrist crease or other body points relevant to putter length.

Is it necessary to adjust putter length based on arm length?
Arm length can affect comfort and stroke mechanics. While less critical than height and wrist-to-floor measurement, it can be considered for a more customized fit.

How often should I re-measure for a putter?
Re-measure if your putting stance changes significantly or if you experience discomfort. Otherwise, a one-time measurement during fitting is generally sufficient.
Measuring for a putter is a crucial step in optimizing your golf performance, as it ensures proper alignment, comfort, and stroke consistency. The process typically involves assessing your height, wrist-to-floor measurement, and posture to determine the ideal putter length. Additionally, factors such as your putting style and grip preference play important roles in selecting the right putter specifications.

Accurate measurement helps golfers maintain a natural stance and promotes a smoother, more controlled putting stroke. Utilizing professional fitting tools or consulting with a golf club specialist can provide precise measurements and personalized recommendations. This tailored approach minimizes the risk of compensating for an ill-fitting club, which can negatively impact accuracy and confidence on the greens.

Ultimately, investing time in correctly measuring for a putter contributes significantly to improved performance and enjoyment of the game. By understanding the key measurements and fitting considerations, golfers can make informed decisions that enhance their putting effectiveness and overall scoring potential.

Author Profile

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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.