Putter length question

[caniac6]

I have always used a 35 inch putter. I am only 5' 8''. I did an online fitting on the Ping website, and they recommended a 33'' putter. What are the benefits of using a putter of the correct length? My biggest challenge is distance control. I am usually too long, very rarely leave anything short.

'

[sandtrap]

Correct length?

I’m 6’2” and use 32.5 3* flat

Use what works

[caniac6]

Correct length?

I’m 6’2” and use 32.5 3* flat

Use what works

That's the thing, it's not working, and I'm searching for answers. I know putters seem to be very subjective, but I am beginning to wonder if I should go through a proper putter fitting, or just use something that feels and looks good to me.

[Manz60]

using a fundamentally sound posture and set up, fit length. Properly fitted length will put your eyes over the ball (for better alignment) and cause the posture to be comfortable for most golfers.

 

Distance control: try to find your natural rhythm, then keeping this rhythm constant, just let the length of the backstroke control the speed or distance of the putt. Its a stroke, not a "hit".

 

Hope this helps

M60

[caniac6]

using a fundamentally sound posture and set up, fit length. Properly fitted length will put your eyes over the ball (for better alignment) and cause the posture to be comfortable for most golfers.

 

Distance control: try to find your natural rhythm, then keeping this rhythm constant, just let the length of the backstroke control the speed or distance of the putt. Its a stroke, not a "hit".

 

Hope this helps

M60

Thanks

[Need4spd]

I’m only 5’6” and have putted with everything from 33” to 35”. My experience is this - I get putts, particularly short ones, online better with a longer putter, but my distance control is better with a shorter model.

[WidespreadPanic]

Longer putters make me more handsy. Shorter putters let my arms hang more and use more of the big muscles. I'm 5'11 and use a 33.5

[Jagpilotohio]

A rarely talked about fact.

 

Very few people actually need a 35 inch or longer putter but the OEMs figure it’s easier to shorten a “stock” putter than lengthen one.

 

It’s true, but a heck of a lot of people grab one off the floor and up in the wrong length.

[doglover72]

Not just your height but arm hang. That said 35” probably too long for you. I’m 5’ 9” and play 33.5 inches. 34 keeps me just a bit upright while 33 has me a bit hunched. Lots of trial and error to figure this out.

[Rob McHugh]

Most amateurs don't let there arms 'hang enough'. Like most guys, I started with stock 35" putters but over a period of time I have found that a 33" putter (I am 58 years old and 6') gets me in the correct posture - eyes over the ball, and has me rocking my shoulders correctly instead of the arms coming in to play too much. I think a shorter putter is also a tad better for distance control - for me anyway. Hope this is some help. :-)

 

Let me just say, the above is in competition play; I have many putters that I give a run for weekend golf and any of them can go hot or cold on any given day regardless of length.

 

Rob

[Scottie68]

Suggest finding best head location to see the line "best", which will depend on certain factors such as eye dominance. Eyes directly over ball is a place to start, but certainly some see the line better with a different head position.

[BillyBawShanks]

I’m 5ft 11 and use a 33 inch putter. I’ve found this to be just right and helps to get my eyes over the ball.

[criley_4way]

If it is online then there is no assessment of the stroke, no look at where your eyes are over the ball, no review of the effect of change on your stroke. AKA a decent starting point or generalization but certainly not a fitting.

 

Go find a good fitter, maybe one using a SAM or similar system.

[super20dan]

try selling a putter after being cut to 33

[sandtrap]

Rather than cutting you could also try a longer grip that has a constant outer diameter and choke down to test it out

[MattMo]

No one has mentioned wrist-to-floor, which is key. I’m 6’4” w/ WTF of 38”. I just extended my putters 1/2” to 35.5”. I prefer more upright posture, easier in my back.

 

For quick reference when I’m putting in my basement, I’ll use the reflective side of a CD, with the ball sitting in the inner hole, to ensure my eyes are over the ball.