What does a shorter putter shaft help you with ?

[njlam]

Most of my putter were 35s...I bought a 34" accidentially on ebay and started making more putts....

Have now cut all my putters down to 34"-34.5"....all 40 of them...

[Kenbone]

2 hours ago, njlam said:

....all 40 of them...

[yellowjacket82]

I'm late to this one...sorry.  I am 6'2" and was fitted with SAM PuttLab by a well-known fitter for a premium fee.  I was fitted for a 36" putter in order to get my posture correct.  I have relatively long arms and use standard-length irons.  I never got used to the long length and had the putter shortened to 34" (my previous gamer length).  Now I make many more putts.  My point is that, although there is physics associated with putter fitting, it really comes down to personal preference and confidence when you  are standing over that critical putt.  Putting is an art!

[Mike_C]

On 7/4/2022 at 2:29 PM, rlb4 said:

Why not just choke down 1"? This will allow you to be a little more upright when needed if your back is sore. I realize that shortening/choking down 1" will lower the swing weight but most putters(usually only higher end ones) do not compensate head weight from the factory for different lengths.

It's weird how choking down is not the same as cutting down a putter.  Years ago I had a Ping B60 that just felt "right" if I choked down about an inch, and i rotated between it and an old Bullseye.  After many years I wanted it regripped, still with the same original Ping grip, but I also had it cut down an inch.  It was never the same, just felt so different.

 

I have a few Newport style putters that I use and some are 34, some 35, and the 35 inch ones I do choke down, am afraid to cut them down as the feel just won't be the same.  My effective "optimal" playing length I feel is really about 34 1/4 or 1/2, but am always weary of just chopping the shaft down.

[Mike_C]

On 7/4/2022 at 2:29 PM, rlb4 said:

 

Edited March 30, 2023 by Mike_C

[snowmangolf]

I’m 6’0” and switched to a 33” from a 35” this off season. Way more control and seem to have a smoother more controlled stroke too. Really looking forward to what the results look like this year. 

[EddieEdwards]

My first putter was a broomstick. It didn't last long.  Then I went to standard, still putted broomstick style.  Watching Phil with his hands just above his knees got me thinking. So I cut one down, and thats where I'm at now.  

 

I'm 5'6" and use a 29" putter.  I feel I have more control with the shorter club.  You do need to find where your eyes need to be to see the line properly.  I feel that this (parralelax effect) can be an issue if you go too short.  

 

Another issue is that your putter falls down into your bag and is a pita to fish it out.