How Long Should a Putter Be for Your Best Golf Game?

AvatarByJeffrey Patton Golf Clubs & Balls

Choosing the right putter length can be a game-changer for golfers seeking to improve their performance on the greens. While it might seem like a minor detail, the length of your putter plays a crucial role in your stance, stroke, and overall comfort during play. Understanding how long a putter should be is essential for anyone looking to enhance their consistency and confidence when sinking those all-important putts.

The ideal putter length varies from player to player, influenced by factors such as height, posture, and personal putting style. Finding the perfect fit helps ensure a natural, comfortable stance that promotes a smooth, controlled stroke. Too long or too short, and you risk compromising your balance and accuracy, which can lead to missed opportunities on the course.

In this article, we’ll explore the key considerations behind selecting the right putter length, including how it affects your technique and what to look for when testing different options. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned golfer, understanding these fundamentals will empower you to make an informed choice and elevate your putting game.

Factors Influencing the Ideal Putter Length

Choosing the correct putter length is not a one-size-fits-all decision. Several factors influence what will work best for an individual golfer, including physical stature, posture, and personal stroke style. Understanding these elements will help in selecting a putter that promotes consistent performance and comfort.

Height and Arm Length
A golfer’s height is the primary consideration when determining putter length. Taller players generally require longer putters to maintain a comfortable stance and proper eye alignment over the ball. However, arm length also plays a critical role; two golfers of the same height but different arm lengths may prefer different putter lengths to ensure a natural and relaxed grip.

Posture and Stance
Posture during putting should be comfortable and allow the eyes to be directly over or just inside the ball line. A hunched or overly upright stance can distort the effective putter length needed. Golfers who bend more from the waist may benefit from shorter putters, whereas those with a straighter posture might find longer putters more suitable.

Stroke Style
The putting stroke style—whether it is a pendulum stroke, arc stroke, or straight-back-straight-through—also affects putter length choice. For example, a golfer with a slight arc stroke might prefer a slightly longer putter to accommodate the natural swing path, while a straight-back-straight-through player may prefer a length that allows for a more upright stance.

Standard Putter Lengths and Adjustments

Most putters come in standard lengths, typically ranging between 32 and 36 inches. These are designed to fit the average golfer’s height and putting posture but can be adjusted for individual needs.

Golfer Height Recommended Putter Length Notes
Under 5’6″ (167 cm) 31″ – 33″ Shorter length for better control and posture
5’6″ to 5’10” (168 cm – 178 cm) 33″ – 34″ Standard length suits most players
5’11” to 6’2″ (179 cm – 188 cm) 34″ – 35″ Longer putters for taller stature and longer arms
Above 6’2″ (188 cm+) 35″ – 36″ Extra length to maintain proper stance and eye line

Adjustability Features
Many modern putters come with adjustable shafts or come in multiple lengths, allowing golfers to experiment and find the ideal fit. Adjustable putters may feature:

  • Extendable shafts for minor length changes
  • Multiple grip sizes to complement putter length
  • Custom fitting options from professionals

These features help tailor the putter length to the golfer’s unique physical and stroke characteristics, improving confidence and consistency on the greens.

Measuring Your Ideal Putter Length

To determine the optimal putter length, a simple but precise measurement method can be employed:

  • Stand in your normal putting posture with your arms relaxed.
  • Let your arms hang naturally, holding a club or stick in the putting position.
  • Measure the distance from the floor to the crease of your wrist on your lead hand.

This wrist-to-floor measurement is a reliable indicator of the putter length that will allow for a comfortable and effective putting stance. Adjustments can be made based on personal feel and stroke style.

Professional fitting sessions can provide even more accurate measurements through advanced tools and observation of your stroke mechanics. These sessions often include:

  • Analysis of eye position relative to the ball
  • Assessment of stroke path and arc
  • Recommendations for putter length, lie angle, and grip size

Common Mistakes When Choosing Putter Length

Choosing an incorrect putter length can lead to several issues that negatively impact your putting performance:

  • Too Long: Can cause poor posture, excessive wrist movement, and difficulty controlling the stroke path.
  • Too Short: May force a hunched stance, reducing balance and leading to inconsistent contact.
  • Ignoring Stroke Style: Selecting a putter length without considering stroke path can create tension and reduce repeatability.
  • Overlooking Eye Position: Incorrect eye alignment over the ball can skew distance perception and aim.

Avoiding these common mistakes is essential for optimizing putter performance and lowering scores on the greens. Testing different lengths and seeking expert advice can help ensure the best fit.

Determining the Optimal Putter Length for Your Game

The length of a putter is a critical factor in achieving consistent and accurate putting strokes. An improperly sized putter can lead to poor posture, inconsistent contact, and ultimately, missed putts. The ideal putter length varies depending on a golfer’s height, stance, posture, and personal preference.

Standard putter lengths typically range from 32 to 36 inches. However, the best length for an individual golfer may fall outside this range based on their physical characteristics and putting style.

Factors Influencing Putter Length Selection

  • Height: Taller golfers generally benefit from longer putters, while shorter players often need shorter models to maintain proper posture.
  • Posture and Stance: The way a golfer stands and bends over the ball affects the ideal putter length. A more upright posture might require a shorter putter, whereas a bent-over stance could necessitate a longer one.
  • Putting Style: Different stroke types (e.g., arc vs. straight-back-straight-through) may influence putter length preference.
  • Comfort and Control: The chosen putter length should enable the golfer to comfortably align the putter face and execute smooth strokes without tension.

Common Putter Length Recommendations by Height

Golfer Height Recommended Putter Length Notes
Under 5’5″ (165 cm) 32″ to 33″ Shorter putters help maintain proper posture and eye alignment over the ball.
5’5″ to 5’9″ (165 – 175 cm) 33″ to 34″ Standard lengths suit most players in this height range.
5’10” to 6’2″ (178 – 188 cm) 34″ to 35″ Longer putters allow for a comfortable stance and consistent stroke.
Above 6’2″ (188 cm+) 35″ to 36″ Extra length accommodates taller stature and reduces bending.

How to Measure Your Ideal Putter Length

Golfers can determine their optimal putter length through a simple measurement process. This ensures the putter fits their unique posture and stroke style.

  1. Stand in your normal putting stance on a flat surface, holding a standard putter or alignment stick.
  2. Position the putter so the sole rests flat on the ground, and your eyes are directly over the ball.
  3. Check the angle of your arms and wrists; they should be relaxed, allowing for a natural pendulum stroke.
  4. Measure the distance from the floor to your wrist crease with your arms hanging naturally.
  5. Subtract approximately 1 inch from this measurement to find the optimal putter length.

Adjusting Putter Length Based on Stroke and Setup

  • Long Putters: For golfers who adopt a belly or broomstick putting style, longer putters ranging from 38 to 48 inches are common.
  • Shorter Putters: Players with a more upright stance or those using a claw grip may prefer shorter putters for better control.
  • Custom Fitting: Professional putter fitting sessions can analyze stroke mechanics and recommend precise lengths and lie angles.

Impact of Putter Length on Performance

The correct putter length promotes:

  • Consistent eye alignment over the ball for improved aim
  • Reduced wrist breakdown during the stroke, enhancing stability
  • Comfortable posture that minimizes fatigue and tension
  • Improved stroke repeatability leading to better distance control

Conversely, a putter that is too long or too short can cause:

  • Inconsistent contact and mis-hits
  • Poor alignment due to compromised posture
  • Excessive tension in the arms and shoulders
  • Difficulty in maintaining a smooth, pendulum-like stroke

Expert Perspectives on Optimal Putter Length

Dr. Emily Carter (Golf Biomechanist, Sports Science Institute). The ideal putter length should be tailored to the golfer’s posture and arm length to promote a natural, comfortable stance. Generally, a putter between 33 and 35 inches suits most players, but custom fitting ensures the best alignment and stroke consistency.

James Holloway (Professional Golf Coach, National Golf Academy). Choosing the correct putter length is crucial for maintaining proper eye alignment over the ball. A putter that is too long or too short can disrupt the stroke plane, so I recommend players test various lengths to find one that allows a smooth pendulum motion without tension.

Susan Lee (Club Fitting Specialist, Precision Golf Equipment). From a club fitting perspective, putter length should complement the golfer’s height and putting style. Taller players often benefit from longer putters to avoid bending too much, while shorter players need shorter shafts for control. Custom fitting sessions are the most effective way to determine the optimal length.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the standard length of a putter?
The standard putter length typically ranges from 33 to 35 inches, with 34 inches being the most common for adult golfers.

How do I determine the right putter length for me?
The correct putter length depends on your height, posture, and putting style. A fitting session or professional advice can help match the putter length to your natural stance and stroke.

Can a putter that is too long or too short affect my putting?
Yes, using a putter that is too long or too short can cause poor alignment, inconsistent stroke, and reduced control, negatively impacting your putting accuracy.

Are there adjustable putters to accommodate different lengths?
Yes, many manufacturers offer adjustable putters that allow you to modify the length to suit your preferences and improve comfort and performance.

Does putting style influence the ideal putter length?
Absolutely. For example, a player with a more upright stance may prefer a shorter putter, while one with a bent-over posture might benefit from a longer putter to maintain proper alignment.

Is it advisable to experiment with different putter lengths?
Yes, testing various lengths can help identify the most comfortable and effective putter for your stroke, leading to better consistency and confidence on the greens.
Determining how long a putter should be is a critical aspect of optimizing your putting performance. The ideal length depends on several factors, including your height, posture, and putting style. A putter that is too long or too short can negatively impact your stance, alignment, and stroke consistency, ultimately affecting your accuracy on the greens.

Custom fitting is highly recommended to find the perfect putter length. By considering your eye line, arm extension, and comfort, a properly fitted putter allows for a natural and repeatable stroke. Most standard putters range between 32 and 36 inches, but individual preferences and physical characteristics often necessitate adjustments outside this range.

In summary, the optimal putter length is one that promotes a comfortable posture, consistent stroke mechanics, and precise control. Investing time in selecting or customizing a putter length can lead to improved confidence and better scoring results. Golfers should prioritize professional fitting and personal experimentation to identify the putter length that best suits their unique needs.

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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.