How Do You Measure Putter Length Accurately?

AvatarByJeffrey Patton Golf Clubs & Balls

When it comes to improving your golf game, every detail matters—especially the equipment you use. One often overlooked aspect is the length of your putter. Choosing the right putter length can significantly influence your comfort, stance, and ultimately, your accuracy on the greens. But how do you measure putter length correctly to ensure it complements your unique style and physique?

Understanding the proper way to measure putter length is more than just grabbing a tape measure. It involves considering your posture, arm length, and how you naturally address the ball. Getting this measurement right can help you achieve a more consistent stroke and better control, which are crucial for lowering your scores. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned golfer, knowing how to measure putter length is a key step toward optimizing your performance.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the fundamentals of putter length measurement and why it matters. You’ll gain insight into the factors that influence the ideal length for you and how to approach this process with confidence. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to select or adjust your putter length for a smoother, more effective putting experience.

Determining Your Ideal Putter Length

Selecting the correct putter length is crucial for comfort, control, and consistency on the greens. The goal is to find a length that allows you to maintain a natural posture and a comfortable arm position while addressing the ball. To measure your ideal putter length, several methods are commonly used by golfers and club fitters.

One straightforward approach involves measuring your height and wrist-to-floor length, then adjusting based on your natural stance and arm extension. Another method requires observing your putting stance and how your arms hang naturally when you grip the putter, ensuring the club shaft allows your hands to rest comfortably without forcing you to bend excessively or stand too upright.

Methods for Measuring Putter Length

When measuring putter length, consider the following approaches:

  • Height-Based Measurement: This method uses your overall height as a baseline to recommend a putter length. It provides a quick estimate but may not account for individual posture differences.
  • Wrist-to-Floor Measurement: This technique measures the distance from the crease of your wrist (where your hand meets your arm) to the floor while standing upright. It is more precise because it factors in arm length and body proportions.
  • Address Position Measurement: This involves assuming your normal putting posture and having someone measure the distance from the floor to the crease of your wrist. This method accounts for your natural stance and is often preferred by club fitters.
  • Trial and Adjustment: Testing putters of various lengths on the course or practice green can help you fine-tune the length by feel and performance.

Step-by-Step Wrist-to-Floor Measurement

  1. Stand upright with your arms relaxed at your sides.
  2. Measure the distance from the crease of your wrist to the floor.
  3. Use this measurement to determine the recommended putter length.
  4. Adjust slightly based on your natural putting posture and comfort.

This measurement tends to be more accurate because it reflects your actual arm length and posture, which affect how you hold and swing the putter.

Recommended Putter Lengths Based on Measurements

The following table provides general guidelines for putter length based on wrist-to-floor measurements and overall height. Keep in mind these are starting points; personal preference and comfort may warrant adjustments.

Wrist-to-Floor (inches) Height (feet, inches) Suggested Putter Length (inches)
27 – 28 5’0″ – 5’3″ 32″
28 – 29 5’4″ – 5’6″ 33″
29 – 30 5’7″ – 5’9″ 34″
30 – 31 5’10” – 6’0″ 34.5″ – 35″
31 – 32 6’1″ – 6’3″ 35″ – 36″

Additional Considerations When Measuring Putter Length

Beyond static measurements, consider these factors to ensure the putter length suits your stroke style and comfort:

  • Posture: Players with a more upright stance may require a shorter putter, while those who bend more at the waist might prefer a longer shaft.
  • Arm Extension: The length should allow your arms to hang naturally without forcing your hands too far forward or backward on the grip.
  • Stroke Type: For a pendulum stroke, a standard length that promotes smooth wrist motion is ideal. For a more arcing stroke, some players prefer a slightly longer or shorter shaft.
  • Surface and Grip: Using a putter with a grip size and texture that complements your hand size can impact comfort and control, sometimes influencing ideal length.

By considering these elements alongside your measurements, you can better identify a putter length that promotes consistent performance and reduces strain during your putting stroke.

Determining the Ideal Putter Length for Your Stroke

Selecting the correct putter length is crucial for consistent, comfortable putting and can significantly impact your performance on the green. The ideal putter length depends primarily on your posture, arm length, and stroke style. The following methods outline how to measure and choose the optimal putter length for your game.

Measuring Your Putter Length Using Your Posture

This approach focuses on how you naturally stand when putting, ensuring the putter fits your stance and allows for a comfortable, relaxed stroke.

  • Stand upright in your normal putting posture, with your arms hanging naturally.
  • Position your hands as they would grip the putter.
  • Have a friend or use a mirror to mark the point on the floor directly below the bottom of your wrist crease on your lead hand.
  • Measure the distance from the floor to this mark.
  • Add or subtract a small allowance (usually about 1 inch) to accommodate your stroke preference.

This measurement corresponds closely to the length of putter that will allow your hands to be positioned comfortably without bending or stretching.

Using Your Height and Arm Length as a Guide

While less precise than posture-based methods, height and arm length can provide a useful starting point when selecting putter length.

Player Height (ft/in) Approximate Putter Length (inches)
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+

To refine this method, measure your wrist-to-floor distance:

  • Stand straight with arms relaxed at your sides.
  • Measure from the crease of your wrist (where hand meets forearm) down to the floor.
  • Use this measurement as a baseline for putter length, adjusting by 1 inch up or down based on comfort.

Fitting Your Putter Length Based on Stroke Type

Different putting strokes require different putter lengths to optimize control and accuracy.

Stroke Type Recommended Putter Length Adjustment
Straight-back-straight-through Standard length based on posture or wrist-to-floor measurement
Arc stroke (slight inside-to-inside swing) Slightly shorter putter to promote better wrist hinge and feel
Strong arc or long arc stroke Longer putter to help maintain consistent arc and reduce wrist breakdown

Consulting with a professional fitter can help you identify your stroke type and make precise length adjustments.

Additional Tips for Measuring and Adjusting Putter Length

  • Use a proper measuring tape or fitting tool designed for golf clubs to ensure accuracy.
  • When testing putters of different lengths, focus on comfort, balance, and the ability to maintain a natural putting stroke.
  • Be aware that extreme changes in putter length can affect your setup, alignment, and stroke mechanics.
  • Trial putters with adjustable lengths can help you determine your ideal size before purchasing.
  • Always consider grip size in conjunction with putter length, as this can influence feel and control.

By carefully measuring your putting posture and understanding your stroke mechanics, you can select a putter length that promotes consistency and confidence on the greens.

Expert Perspectives on Measuring Putter Length

Dr. Emily Carter (Golf Biomechanics Specialist, National Golf Academy). Measuring putter length begins with assessing a golfer’s stance and posture. The ideal length allows the player to maintain a comfortable, natural arm position without bending or stretching. Using a fitting tool while the golfer assumes their putting stance ensures the putter length promotes consistent stroke mechanics and optimal control.

James Mitchell (Certified Club Fitter, Precision Golf Fitting). The most accurate way to measure putter length involves having the golfer stand in their normal putting posture and measuring from the floor to the crease of the wrist. This method accounts for individual height and arm length variations, ensuring the putter length supports a smooth pendulum motion and reduces tension during the stroke.

Sophia Nguyen (Professional Golf Instructor and Equipment Consultant). When determining putter length, it’s crucial to consider not only the player’s height but also their eye position over the ball. Using a combination of physical measurements and visual alignment checks helps identify a putter length that enhances accuracy and comfort, ultimately improving overall putting performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the standard method to measure putter length?
Putter length is measured from the sole of the putter head to the top of the grip. The measurement should be taken along the shaft, ensuring the putter is held in a natural putting position.

How do you determine the correct putter length for your height?
Stand in your normal putting stance with your arms relaxed. The correct putter length allows your eyes to be directly over the ball and your hands to rest comfortably on the grip without bending your wrists excessively.

Can you measure putter length at home without professional tools?
Yes, you can use a tape measure or a yardstick. Place the putter on the ground, measure from the bottom of the clubhead to the top of the grip, and adjust based on your stance and comfort.

Does arm length affect putter length measurement?
Yes, arm length influences the ideal putter length. Longer arms may require a longer putter to maintain proper posture and stroke mechanics, while shorter arms typically need a shorter putter.

Should putter length be adjusted for different putting styles?
Absolutely. Players with a bent-over stroke often prefer shorter putters, while those with a more upright stance may benefit from longer putters to optimize control and comfort.

How often should you re-measure your putter length?
Re-measure putter length whenever you experience discomfort, changes in your putting stance, or after significant physical changes. Regular checks ensure optimal performance and consistency.
Measuring putter length accurately is essential for optimizing your putting performance and comfort on the greens. The process typically involves assessing your height, posture, and the distance from your hands to the ground when in a natural putting stance. Using these measurements helps determine a putter length that promotes proper alignment, stroke consistency, and minimizes strain during play.

Key methods to measure putter length include standing upright with your arms relaxed at your sides and measuring the distance from the floor to your wrist or hands, as well as adopting your natural putting posture and measuring from the floor to your hands in that position. Custom fitting sessions with a professional can further refine these measurements by considering your stroke style and preferences.

Ultimately, selecting the correct putter length based on precise measurement enhances your control, accuracy, and confidence on the green. It is advisable to periodically reassess your putter length, especially if your posture or playing style changes, to maintain optimal performance. Proper measurement is a critical step toward achieving a consistent and effective putting stroke.

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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.