Putters & Putter fitting

[RHenderson]

Alright I've got some questions about putters, length & fittings.

 A group of buddies & I are going to a putting lesson / session with a instructor who specializes in aim point but also putter fittings so heres a few questions I have after our phone interview.

1. How do you choose your putter, length, grip, etc. Is is scientifically or personal preference? 

2. Putter training aids or drills you use, prefer. 

3. Is there a measurement chart or fitting chart like Pings irons chart that suggests putter length by wrist to floor, or a better way? I've heard it mentioned the avg putter length on Tour is 33", and most of the Tour players I see are 5'9-6'2"+ so if this is true about 90% of the guys I see are using to long a putter.

I'm setting my new years resolution 2024  early and going on a putting learning mission.

Thanks

 

[5hort5tuff]

1) most of putter fitting to start is personal preference. Head shape, weight, grips, etc. I believe most golfers pickup what they prefer and go from there.  For me, it was a number of years of trial and error.  I had 1 putter fitting that didnt really yield any results leading to change. 

2. I like a putting mirror. It helps with your setup to see where your eyes are in relation to the ball.  A nice putting mat and lots of practice is the best drill over the winter.  Outdoors...see what you need to work on specifically first. 

3. I agree most people are using putters (and all clubs for the most part) that are a bit too large.  The best way to fit length is dynamically. Roll some putts, see where your arms hang, see where your eyes end up over/near the ball, andmake changes from there. 

 

There are so many more factors. Alignment, neck/offset, weight, loft, etc. All of which are very personal and can be determined during a good fitting, then perfected of time.

[Puttersaurus Rex]

If you want a deep dive, Bruce Rearick has good insights.

 

https://substack.com/@brucerearick

 

https://bargolfinstruction.blogspot.com/?m=0

 

i liked the older posts (2018) from the second link.

 

 

[golfinbrad]

1.  Personal preference at the end of the day.  I'm a big fan of fitting and have done that with the putter.  That said, it is someone opinion and you need to agree with.  It is nice to try different combos to see what you prefer, but the end of the day is what works on the course. 

 

2.  Putting mat in side.  Outside I use a string and the Dave Pelz putting clips.  Focus most of my practice sessions on 3 to 6 foot putts. 

 

3.  I'm 5'9" and always fit with a 33" putter.  It might be right on a spec chart, but I feel to bent over and hurts my back when I practice.  I prefer 34.5". 

 

Good luck and have fun.

[RHenderson]

@Puttersaurus Rex @golfinbrad Thanks guys for your input and the links, I will certainly check them out. I'm a firm believer in personal preference Lord knows I've tried my share of things, I'm also not a big fan of indoor fittings as I was taught the game by an old PGA pro who wanted to see the ball flight outdoors and I can relate to that, but with putting I see no reason we cannot improve indoors as long as the putting surface is good enough we learn good habits / technique rather than poor. BUT The one thing I'm guilty of is neglecting my putting, I'll work on Driver, fairway woods, irons, wedges throughout the week but neglect my putting and since I've been keeping my own stats it shows that my putting is an area I could really improve or at least get it up to where my golf game is, so I'm guilty with no one to blame but myself and I plan on changing that.

 

I have not tallied up all my rounds for 2023 but my average is 32 putts per 18, I have had a few over that and a few 28 or less so I would say pretty average for my standards with room for improvement. As like most golfers after working hard on my wedges I can see it's also helped my putting stats only because I'm hitting it much closer, but not really making that many more putts and I feel I need to be.

 

Like I said just looking for ways / ideas to improve and I'm really going to focus on becoming a better putter for 2024.

Thanks

Rich    

[MattM97]

10 hours ago, RHenderson said:

Alright I've got some questions about putters, length & fittings.

 A group of buddies & I are going to a putting lesson / session with a instructor who specializes in aim point but also putter fittings so heres a few questions I have after our phone interview.

1. How do you choose your putter, length, grip, etc. Is is scientifically or personal preference? 

2. Putter training aids or drills you use, prefer. 

3. Is there a measurement chart or fitting chart like Pings irons chart that suggests putter length by wrist to floor, or a better way? I've heard it mentioned the avg putter length on Tour is 33", and most of the Tour players I see are 5'9-6'2"+ so if this is true about 90% of the guys I see are using to long a putter.

I'm setting my new years resolution 2024  early and going on a putting learning mission.

Thanks

 

 

1. Personal preference will play the biggest factor in shape, a good fitter should offer the best option for a putter during a fitting but ultimately the customer. Length should be what sets you up comfortably over the ball where your eyes are either over or inside the ball and also comfortable for your back. Grip is personal preference as well. There are other factors that can help aim but that's pretty in depth on fittings.

 

2. Just a line on the ball is my most common one, if it rolls end over end my face is square. Also Raflewski Putting Ruler, Pelz Putting Tutor, Pelz Putting Clips. Honestly the line on the ball is the easiest for me and I'll add in the ruler for tempo, no need to over do it with aids. 

 

3. Use the Ping one but ultimately it will be what's comfortable and what gets your eyes over the ball or just inside it. Putters on tour are anywhere from 32-38" right now with guys of all different sizes. 

 

 

[Louis_Posture]

On 11/13/2023 at 6:38 PM, RHenderson said:

I've heard it mentioned the avg putter length on Tour is 33"

 

 

I would be surprised if more one or two current Tour players used a 33" putter.