What Size Putter Is Best for Someone Who Is 5’11?

AvatarByJeffrey Patton Golf Clubs & Balls

Choosing the right putter size is a crucial step for any golfer aiming to improve their game, and height plays a significant role in this decision. For someone who stands 5 feet 11 inches tall, finding a putter that complements their stature can enhance comfort, posture, and ultimately, performance on the greens. Understanding how your height influences putter length and style can make a noticeable difference in your putting consistency and confidence.

Golfers often overlook the importance of matching their putter size to their body dimensions, leading to awkward stances or swings that hinder precision. For a 5’11” player, the ideal putter length balances reach and control, allowing for a natural setup and smooth stroke. This balance is essential because a putter that’s too long or too short can cause tension and misalignment, affecting the ball’s path.

In the following sections, we’ll explore how height impacts putter selection, the factors to consider when choosing the right size, and tips to help 5’11” golfers find their perfect fit. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, understanding these elements will set you on the path to more confident and effective putting.

Choosing the Correct Putter Length Based on Height

Selecting the right putter length is essential for achieving a comfortable stance, proper posture, and consistent stroke. For a golfer who is 5 feet 11 inches tall, the standard putter length generally falls between 33 and 35 inches. This range tends to accommodate the natural positioning and arm length typical for someone of this height.

When determining the ideal putter length, consider these factors:

  • Posture: Your spine angle and how you bend over the ball influence whether you need a slightly longer or shorter putter.
  • Arm length: Longer arms may require a longer shaft to maintain a comfortable grip and stroke.
  • Comfort and alignment: The putter should allow your eyes to be directly over the ball, promoting better alignment and accuracy.

It is advisable to test putters within the 33 to 35-inch range to find the best fit, as personal preferences and swing mechanics can affect the ideal length.

Standard Putter Length Guide by Height

The following table offers a general guideline for putter lengths based on player height, which can serve as a starting point for selecting the appropriate size for someone who is 5’11”.

Player Height Recommended Putter Length
5’5″ and under 31″ – 32″
5’6″ – 5’10” 32″ – 34″
5’11” – 6’2″ 33″ – 35″
6’3″ and taller 35″ – 36″

This table provides a general framework, but individual adjustments are often necessary depending on your specific body mechanics and putting style.

Methods to Measure Your Ideal Putter Length

To ensure your putter length suits your height and stance, you can perform a few measurements and tests:

  • Eye Line Test: Set up to putt as you normally would. Your eyes should be directly over the ball or slightly inside the target line. If your eyes are too far inside or outside the line, consider adjusting the putter length.
  • Hand Position Test: When gripping the putter, your arms should hang naturally with a slight bend at the elbows. If your hands feel too high or low, this may indicate the putter is too long or too short.
  • Body Position Test: Your spine angle should be comfortable without excessive bending. A putter that is too long may force you to stand upright; too short may cause you to hunch.

Using these methods, you can fine-tune your putter length beyond height-based recommendations.

Custom Fitting Options for Precise Length

For golfers serious about optimizing their putting performance, professional custom fitting is highly recommended. A certified club fitter will take into account:

  • Your height and arm length
  • Putting stroke type (arc or straight back and through)
  • Eye line and posture measurements
  • Grip preference and style

Custom fitting can include adjustable putters or cutting the shaft to an exact length, ensuring maximum comfort and stroke consistency.

Additional Tips for Selecting Putter Length

  • Try multiple lengths: Even if you are 5’11”, testing putters from 33” to 35” can help determine the best feel.
  • Consider shaft material: Different materials can affect the weight and balance, influencing your stroke.
  • Use alignment aids: Putters with alignment lines can assist in maintaining proper eye position and stance.
  • Remember personal preference: Ultimately, comfort and confidence with the putter length will impact your performance more than any guideline.

By focusing on these considerations, a 5’11” golfer can select a putter length that promotes a smooth, consistent putting stroke and greater accuracy on the greens.

Choosing the Right Putter Length for a 5’11” Golfer

When determining the ideal putter length for a golfer standing 5 feet 11 inches tall, several factors must be considered to ensure optimal posture, stroke consistency, and comfort. The length of the putter directly affects the golfer’s setup and ability to maintain a steady and repeatable putting stroke.

Generally, the standard putter length ranges between 33 to 35 inches. For a golfer who is 5’11”, the recommended putter length typically falls toward the upper end of this range, but individual preferences and stance variations may influence the final choice.

Factors Influencing Putter Length Selection

  • Posture and Setup: Taller golfers often require slightly longer putters to maintain a comfortable, athletic posture without bending excessively.
  • Arm Length and Wrist Position: The length of the arms and natural wrist hinge will impact how the golfer feels during the stroke.
  • Stroke Type: A straight-back-straight-through stroke may benefit from a different putter length than an arc stroke.
  • Putting Surface and Conditions: On faster greens or uneven terrain, a golfer may prefer a putter length that promotes stability.

Recommended Putter Length Based on Height

Height Recommended Putter Length
5’8″ and below 33 inches
5’9″ to 6’0″ 34 to 35 inches
6’1″ and above 35 to 36 inches

For a golfer who is 5’11”, a putter length of 34 to 35 inches is generally ideal. This length allows for a comfortable setup without excessive bending at the waist or overextension of the arms.

Custom Fitting Considerations

While height provides a useful starting point for choosing putter length, a custom putter fitting session is highly recommended. Professional fitting takes into account:

  • Actual posture and spine angle over the ball
  • Arm length and wrist-to-floor distance
  • Preferred grip style and hand position
  • Stroke tempo and arc

During the fitting, various putter lengths and lie angles can be tested to find the configuration that produces the most consistent roll and alignment comfort.

Additional Tips for Selecting Putter Length

  • Test multiple lengths: Try putters ranging from 33 to 36 inches to see which feels most natural and balanced.
  • Evaluate your stance: Ensure your eyes are positioned over or slightly inside the ball for optimal alignment.
  • Consider adjustable putters: Some modern putters feature adjustable shafts that allow fine-tuning of length on the course.
  • Comfort and confidence: Ultimately, the putter length should promote a stroke that feels smooth and repeatable.

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

James Mitchell (Certified Golf Instructor, PGA of America). For a golfer standing 5 feet 11 inches, selecting a putter length between 34 and 35 inches typically offers the best balance of control and comfort. This range allows the player to maintain a natural posture and promotes a smooth, consistent stroke without unnecessary strain on the back or shoulders.

Dr. Emily Chen (Sports Biomechanist, Golf Performance Lab). When considering putter size for someone who is 5’11”, it’s crucial to evaluate not only height but also arm length and stance style. Generally, a 34.5-inch putter suits this height well, as it helps optimize the golfer’s eye position over the ball, improving alignment and reducing the risk of putting errors caused by poor posture.

Robert Langford (Golf Equipment Specialist, Fairway Innovations). For a 5’11” player, a mid-length putter around 34 to 35 inches is recommended, but customization should consider personal comfort and stroke mechanics. Many golfers in this height range benefit from a slightly longer putter if they prefer a more upright stance, which can enhance stability and confidence on the greens.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What putter length is ideal for someone who is 5’11”?
A putter length between 34 and 35 inches typically suits a person who is 5’11”, allowing for a comfortable posture and proper stroke mechanics.

How do I determine the best putter size for my height?
Stand upright with your arms relaxed at your sides; the putter grip should reach your wrist or just below when the club is resting on the ground. Adjust length to maintain a comfortable, natural stance.

Can using the wrong putter size affect my putting accuracy?
Yes, an improperly sized putter can cause poor posture, inconsistent stroke, and reduced control, negatively impacting accuracy and distance control.

Should I consider my arm length as well as my height when selecting a putter size?
Yes, arm length influences your setup and stroke. Players with longer or shorter arms than average for their height may require custom putter sizing for optimal performance.

Is it better to use a longer or shorter putter if I am 5’11” and have a bent putting stance?
If you adopt a bent stance, a slightly shorter putter may help maintain control and consistency, but fitting should be personalized to your posture and stroke style.

Are there adjustable putters suitable for someone who is 5’11”?
Yes, many manufacturers offer adjustable putters that allow length customization, providing flexibility to find the ideal fit for your height and stance.
When selecting a putter size for someone who is 5’11”, it is essential to consider factors such as the golfer’s posture, arm length, and putting style rather than relying solely on height. Typically, a putter length between 33 and 35 inches is recommended for individuals around this height, but personal comfort and stroke mechanics should guide the final choice. Proper fitting ensures better control, consistency, and accuracy on the greens.

Additionally, custom fitting sessions can provide valuable insights by analyzing the golfer’s stance, eye alignment, and natural putting motion. These assessments help determine the optimal putter length and grip size, which can significantly improve performance. It is also important to test multiple putter lengths to find the one that feels most natural and promotes a smooth, repeatable stroke.

In summary, while height offers a general guideline for putter sizing, the best approach for a 5’11” golfer is to focus on individual biomechanics and preferences. Investing time in proper fitting and experimentation will lead to selecting a putter that enhances confidence and effectiveness on the course.

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.