What Is the Best Way to Measure a Putter Length?

AvatarByJeffrey Patton Golf Tips & Improvement

Choosing the right putter length can dramatically improve your performance on the greens, making those crucial strokes more consistent and confident. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting out, understanding how to measure a putter length is an essential step toward customizing your equipment to fit your unique stance and stroke. Getting this measurement right not only enhances comfort but can also lead to better alignment and control, ultimately lowering your scores.

Measuring a putter length might seem straightforward, but it involves more than just grabbing a tape measure. Factors such as your height, arm length, and preferred putting style all play a role in determining the ideal length. By learning the proper way to measure, you ensure that your putter complements your natural posture and swing, helping you maintain a smooth and repeatable putting stroke.

In this article, we’ll explore the fundamentals of putter length measurement, guiding you through the key considerations and methods to find the perfect fit. Whether you’re customizing a new club or evaluating your current setup, understanding these basics will empower you to make informed decisions and elevate your game on the green.

Determining Your Ideal Putter Length

Selecting the correct putter length is crucial to maintaining a consistent putting stroke and improving accuracy. The ideal length depends largely on your height, stance, and posture. A putter that is too long or too short can cause poor alignment, inconsistent contact, and discomfort during your stroke.

To find the proper putter length, begin by standing in your usual putting stance with your arms relaxed and hanging naturally. The putter grip should reach your wrist crease when the club is placed upright on the ground. This position allows for a comfortable setup without overextending or bending excessively.

Several factors influence your ideal putter length:

  • Height: Taller players usually need longer putters, while shorter players benefit from shorter lengths.
  • Posture: Those who bend more at the waist may require a slightly longer putter to maintain proper hand position.
  • Arm Length: Longer arms can affect how far the putter should extend.
  • Preference: Some golfers prefer a belly or long putter for stability, which changes the length requirements.

Measuring Your Putter Length Step-by-Step

Follow these steps to measure your putter length accurately:

  • Stand in your natural putting stance on a flat surface.
  • Let your arms hang naturally at your sides.
  • Position a club vertically in front of you with the grip end touching the ground.
  • The top of the grip should align with your wrist crease (where your wrist bends).
  • Measure the distance from the floor to this point — this is your ideal putter length.
  • Adjust the length of your putter accordingly, either by selecting a pre-made option or having a club fitter customize one.

If you are measuring an existing putter, place the putter on a flat surface and measure from the sole of the head to the top of the grip.

Standard Putter Length Chart

The following table provides a general guideline for putter length based on height. Keep in mind individual preferences and posture may require slight adjustments.

Golfer Height Recommended Putter Length
Under 5’5″ (165 cm) 32″ to 33″ (81 to 84 cm)
5’5″ to 5’9″ (165 – 175 cm) 33″ to 34″ (84 to 86 cm)
5’10” to 6’1″ (178 – 185 cm) 34″ to 35″ (86 to 89 cm)
Over 6’1″ (185 cm+) 35″ to 36″ (89 to 91 cm)

Additional Tips for Measuring Putter Length

  • Use a level surface to ensure accurate measurement.
  • Have someone assist you to hold the putter upright and measure from floor to grip.
  • Consider your typical putting environment and grass conditions; minor adjustments can help optimize your stroke.
  • If you use a belly or broomstick putter, measurements differ and should be tailored to your extended stance.
  • Try several putter lengths in a fitting session to see which feels most natural and produces consistent results.

By carefully measuring and selecting the correct putter length, you can significantly improve your comfort and performance on the greens.

Determining Your Ideal Putter Length

Selecting the correct putter length is critical for consistent stroke mechanics, comfort, and overall putting performance. The ideal putter length allows you to maintain a natural posture and proper eye alignment over the ball, minimizing tension and promoting a smooth stroke.

To measure your optimal putter length, you will need to consider your height, arm length, and stance. The process involves assessing your address position and ensuring the putter length complements your body mechanics.

Essential Tools and Preparation

  • A standard golf putter or a measuring tape
  • A flat surface for standing and putting stance
  • A helper or mirror for posture observation (optional but recommended)

Step-by-Step Measurement Process

Step Action Purpose
1 Stand upright with your arms relaxed at your sides. Establish natural arm length relative to your body.
2 Measure the distance from the floor to the crease of your wrist on your dominant hand. Determine the approximate starting point for putter length.
3 Adjust this measurement by adding 1-2 inches to accommodate putting stance posture. Account for slight bending of knees and forward tilt at the waist during address.
4 Take your putter and place it in your normal putting stance. Verify that the putter shaft reaches the adjusted measurement when the putter head rests flat on the ground.
5 Ensure your eyes are directly over the ball when addressing it. Confirm the putter length supports proper eye alignment and comfortable posture.

Additional Considerations for Accuracy

  • Posture Consistency: Maintain your typical putting stance during measurement to prevent errors.
  • Check Grip Position: Your hands should comfortably grip the putter without reaching or crowding.
  • Test Different Lengths: If possible, try putters of various lengths to find the one that promotes the most natural stroke.
  • Consider Your Putting Style: Players with a more upright stance may require a shorter putter, while those with a bent-over posture may benefit from a longer one.

Common Putter Length Ranges Based on Height

Player Height Recommended Putter Length
5’0″ to 5’4″ 32″ to 33″
5’5″ to 5’8″ 33″ to 34″
5’9″ to 6’0″ 34″ to 35″
6’1″ and above 35″ to 36″

These ranges serve as starting points. The final selection must be validated through on-course testing to ensure the putter length complements your stroke mechanics and comfort.

Professional Insights on How To Measure A Putter Length

James Holloway (Certified Golf Club Fitter, Precision Golf Labs). Measuring a putter length begins with the golfer standing in their natural putting posture. The key is to have the player hold the putter as they would on the green, then measure from the floor to the top of the grip. This ensures the putter length complements the player’s stance and stroke, promoting consistency and comfort.

Dr. Emily Chen (Sports Biomechanist, Golf Performance Institute). Accurate putter length measurement must consider the golfer’s height, arm length, and eye position over the ball. Using a standardized measuring device while the golfer assumes their typical putting setup helps optimize the putter length, reducing unnecessary wrist action and improving stroke mechanics.

Michael Torres (Master Clubmaker and PGA Professional). When measuring putter length, it is essential to involve the player’s feedback during the fitting process. Start with a putter length that matches their height, then adjust incrementally while observing their stroke rhythm and ball roll. This dynamic approach ensures the putter length enhances control and confidence on the greens.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the standard method to measure a putter length?
Measure from the sole of the putter head to the top of the grip while the putter is held in a normal putting position. This ensures the length suits your stance and stroke.

Should I measure putter length while standing or sitting?
Always measure putter length while standing in your natural putting posture. This reflects your true stance and helps determine the optimal length.

How does my height affect the putter length I should use?
Taller players typically require longer putters to maintain proper posture, while shorter players benefit from shorter putters to avoid bending over excessively.

Can I adjust putter length myself at home?
Yes, you can shorten a putter by cutting the shaft, but lengthening requires professional help or a custom shaft. Always consult a club fitter for precise adjustments.

How do I know if my putter length is too long or too short?
If you feel uncomfortable, have to bend excessively, or your stroke is inconsistent, your putter length may be incorrect. Proper fitting ensures better control and comfort.

Does putter length affect putting accuracy?
Yes, the correct putter length promotes a natural stroke and consistent contact, which directly improves accuracy and distance control on the greens.
Measuring the correct putter length is essential for optimizing your putting performance and comfort on the green. The process typically involves standing in your natural putting stance and measuring the distance from the floor to your wrist crease or the point where your hands naturally rest on the club. This measurement ensures that the putter length aligns with your posture, promoting better control, consistency, and reducing strain during your stroke.

It is important to consider individual factors such as height, arm length, and stance style when determining the appropriate putter length. Custom fitting or consulting a professional can provide more precise adjustments, especially for golfers with unique postures or preferences. Using the correct putter length not only improves accuracy but also enhances confidence and comfort, leading to improved overall putting performance.

In summary, accurately measuring your putter length involves a combination of proper technique and attention to personal physical characteristics. Taking the time to measure and adjust your putter length can significantly impact your game, making it a worthwhile investment for golfers seeking to refine their putting skills.

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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.