Was a putter fitting worth it

[SUITS]

Historically I have always been a mediocre to bad putter. In times where I have gotten to my lowest handicaps and shot my best scores it has been my GIR and proximity to the hole that has led to scores. I am contemplating going to pine needles and doing the true spec putter fitting. 
 

I am wondering how much difference the putter fitting has changed peoples games. I currently own two putters which I like a lot but am not opposed to playing whatever fits me. My biggest problem is speed control. Typically hitting putts entirely too hard. 
 

how many of you have gotten fit and saw major difference in your putting performance. If you got fit and went the boutique custom route, did that putter stick long term? 
 

In a perfect world, I get fit and get a custom (leaning goodwood or lajosi) and stay with it for the long term. I have a birdieball in the garage and have had periods of weekly practice, which I know is a key to maintaining success. 

[MattM97]

I'm going to be in the yes camp on fitting but for specs. The shape, alignment, etc is tough to do at a lot of places but a good fitter can narrow down what you need easily and if they have a few blank heads they can draw on alignments to test.

 

I also have recent example of fitting helping me. I've done 3 putter fittings 2 years ago on Quintic and 1 recently at Ping. My first 2 came back with roughly the same specs 1-2° loft and 70-71° lie. It was confirmed the best on Quintic, any more loft I ended up with backspin.

 

As I've worked on my putting I've noticed some struggles and setup changes leaving the toe up at address. My fitting at Ping now has me at 3-4° loft ideally 4° and 69° of lie. This again was confirmed on Ping's iPing fitting and out on the putting green where my lag putting drastically improved.

 

Since Ping is a unique fitting we were able to tackle aim and alignment but if I walked out with just loft and lie changes it would have been drastically better than my old specs. Now I'll just have to wait until April to see if this is true or not.

[5hort5tuff]

I am in the yes camp...but I can acknowledge it isn't necessary. 

 

You have already said you arent a great putter...why not spend the $100 and see what is going on?

[SUITS]

3 hours ago, 5hort5tuff said:

I am in the yes camp...but I can acknowledge it isn't necessary. 

 

You have already said you arent a great putter...why not spend the $100 and see what is going on?

That’s the thought, spent $150 on worse experiments in the golf bag. 

[Phabs]

Yes. 

[philly2kuk]

Depends. I found it useful in a similar way to MattM97 in that it told me the length, loft and lie angle I needed. None of the recommended putter shapes worked for me though so I went experimenting with the specs I needed and found I putted great with blades. 
 

So I think getting the data of what specs you need then helps you find the putter you require. Just my opinion.

[SUITS]

Well, I am booked for Dec 1 at the true spec pine needles location. It’s listed as indoor outdoor which I am excited about. Sometimes I can get into a rhythm on a putting Matt or indoor setup that doesn’t seem to transfer to a real green setting. 
 

Did you all bring 1 putter with you or multiple? I own 2. 

I assume I would wear my golf shoes, not sure if sneakers would change the length discussion.

 

1. odyssey tour design ix 1. Saw over a year of play.

2. Ping karsten TR Anser 5. In play for a few months now and what I have played most recently. Leaning towards this one as I feel most comfortable with it as of now. 

[MattM97]

13 minutes ago, SUITS said:

Well, I am booked for Dec 1 at the true spec pine needles location. It’s listed as indoor outdoor which I am excited about. Sometimes I can get into a rhythm on a putting Matt or indoor setup that doesn’t seem to transfer to a real green setting. 
 

Did you all bring 1 putter with you or multiple? I own 2. 

I assume I would wear my golf shoes, not sure if sneakers would change the length discussion.

 

1. odyssey tour design ix 1. Saw over a year of play.

2. Ping karsten TR Anser 5. In play for a few months now and what I have played most recently. Leaning towards this one as I feel most comfortable with it as of now. 

 

If you have 2 then bring both they could test both and if one or either work then they could potentially bend to spec if needed. 

 

I like bringing golf shoes I wear just comfortable over the ball as some shoes like runners are super thick 

[mvhoffman]

I recently watched a youtube video of a putter fitting (I will try to find it and edit this post).  While they were able to get the specs as far as length, lie, loft, etc. they were a bit off on headshape.  It was stated in the video by the fitter "I can get you into the perfect "for you" putter but if you simply don't like the look of your putter it's not gonna work for you."  It was recommended that once it was narrowed down to spec'd putters, instead of saying to take the style/head recommended we can get you in a few different options that will "work."  It may not be the 100% best, but if it's 90% and the shape you like looking at, confidence will fill in the gaps.  It was also discussed the importance of grip size, shape, weight, etc.

[5hort5tuff]

6 minutes ago, mvhoffman said:

I recently watched a youtube video of a putter fitting (I will try to find it and edit this post).  While they were able to get the specs as far as length, lie, loft, etc. they were a bit off on headshape.  It was stated in the video by the fitter "I can get you into the perfect "for you" putter but if you simply don't like the look of your putter it's not gonna work for you."  It was recommended that once it was narrowed down to spec'd putters, instead of saying to take the style/head recommended we can get you in a few different options that will "work."  It may not be the 100% best, but if it's 90% and the shape you like looking at, confidence will fill in the gaps.  It was also discussed the importance of grip size, shape, weight, etc.

 

I agree with this. If you cant stand looking or rolling the putter they fit you into, it may be beneficial to take note of the weight, length, loft, lie, grip, etc etc and brig that info to a head shape you like. 

[Nic1972]

I had my first putter fitting yesterday and it was worth every cent. Basically it consisted of a 90 minutes putting lesson, we identified the length (35 inch), loft (3.5 - 4 degrees) and lie (72 degrees), but most importantly the swing arc, hence the neck. To my surprise I need a plumbers neck. Tested several blades, and the best option was a wider blade for more stability. But the fitter did not force me to order one. I already have a plumbers neck blade in the specs above, except the lie angle, he adjusted it, and told me to play with it for a few weeks to confirm that the adjustments improve my putting, before eventually ordering a new putter. Really liked the experience and on the putting mat it works… We will see.

[sshadow2]

TLDR;

Get one fitting. It should sustain you for the rest of your career (if you are no longer growing vertically). Beyond that it's a waste.

 

Explanation:

I've had 4 putter fittings very spaced out in my time with golf (15 years). Once I received my measurements from my very first fitting, I didn't find value in the rest. Each one, done by different companies, with 3 different systems, who had something different to say. My last, turned into more of a putting lesson and didn't have me change out my putter (one that is twice the price of an actual putting lesson).

 

Many times, it's how the fitter words things. Twice I was told that my reading suggest I should be in a blade putter (I was in a Spider X the first time) but was told to ignore that part (no explanation). Second time it was explained that due to my forward press, putters with the weight closer to face was best for me. So...I can still use mallets like I prefer, but ones that perform more blade like. In my mind, that's about $250+ (over 2 fittings) for a 30 second explanation.

 

Now, I find it much more valuable (again, I have my measurements) to simply try different putters (and grips) out within a tryout window and returning it if I don't like it. Now, I keep my putters a lot longer and only change because I stop liking what I'm looking at.

[MattM97]

1 hour ago, sshadow2 said:

TLDR;

Get one fitting. It should sustain you for the rest of your career (if you are no longer growing vertically). Beyond that it's a waste.

 

Explanation:

I've had 4 putter fittings very spaced out in my time with golf (15 years). Once I received my measurements from my very first fitting, I didn't find value in the rest. Each one, done by different companies, with 3 different systems, who had something different to say. My last, turned into more of a putting lesson and didn't have me change out my putter (one that is twice the price of an actual putting lesson).

 

Many times, it's how the fitter words things. Twice I was told that my reading suggest I should be in a blade putter (I was in a Spider X the first time) but was told to ignore that part (no explanation). Second time it was explained that due to my forward press, putters with the weight closer to face was best for me. So...I can still use mallets like I prefer, but ones that perform more blade like. In my mind, that's about $250+ (over 2 fittings) for a 30 second explanation.

 

Now, I find it much more valuable (again, I have my measurements) to simply try different putters (and grips) out within a tryout window and returning it if I don't like it. Now, I keep my putters a lot longer and only change because I stop liking what I'm looking at.

 

You should definitely check more than once cause our bodies change and specs can change over time. Mine did within a few years, plenty of pros find success in spec changes, it's not a 1 and done process. Plus the price you pay for a fitting is cheaper than buying several new putters when all you needed was a loft and lie check. 

[sshadow2]

9 minutes ago, MattM97 said:

 

You should definitely check more than once cause our bodies change and specs can change over time. Mine did within a few years, plenty of pros find success in spec changes, it's not a 1 and done process. Plus the price you pay for a fitting is cheaper than buying several new putters when all you needed was a loft and lie check. 

 

That's true in theory. But as I mentioned, I got my first measurements 15 years ago and (50lbs lighter). No measurement has changed. Barring accidents or other unfortunate circumstances (and maybe complete technique changes), I'd say only one is needed. Personally, knowing what "plenty of pros" do is irrelevant to my needs or my wallet.

Edited November 23 by sshadow2

[MattM97]

11 minutes ago, sshadow2 said:

 

That's true in theory. But as I mentioned, I got my first measurements 15 years ago and (50lbs lighter). No measurement has changed. Barring accidents or other unfortunate circumstances (and maybe complete technique changes), I'd say only one is needed. Personally, knowing what "plenty of pros" do is irrelevant to my needs or my wallet.

 

I've lost a bit more than that since my last fitting and mine did change, can't always assume what works for you works for others.

 

But as stated in this thread mostly is check specs and try as needed on your own shape and alignment. 

[sshadow2]

2 minutes ago, MattM97 said:

 

I've lost a bit more than that since my last fitting and mine did change, can't always assume what works for you works for others.

 

But as stated in this thread mostly is check specs and try as needed on your own shape and alignment. 

No doubt.

 

Lots of "Yes's" in this thread. Just offering a different opinion. One that doesn't need to be confronted.

[Binson]

If it's a weakpoint in your game, there's nothing to lose really.

[Jayjay_theweim_guy]

On 11/19/2023 at 8:13 AM, SUITS said:

If you got fit and went the boutique custom route, did that putter stick long term? 

Yes, but the 'fitting' I did was more on the lines of, "Which loft, lie, and length of this model works best for you?"  And it's essential if you want to get the most out of something like L.A.B.'s stuff.  Ping's software that runs in an iPhone and attaches to your putter, is fun and surprisingly useful too.  (Their numbers matched the ones that L.A.B. came up with.)

 

But neither of those are anything like a full SAM lab fitting or Edel's "Let's play with alignment marks and weights" or any other version of extensive fitting from what I've read.

 

I'm happy with the L.A.B. metal detector.  Though I'm going to swap to a slightly smaller grip this holiday break.

[Louis_Posture]

Fitters seem to only have inventory of heavy head putters, so for that reason I say paying for a fitting is not worth it.

However a putting technique lesson with a PGA instructor would be well worth the time and money.

[MattM97]

26 minutes ago, Louis_Posture said:

Fitters seem to only have inventory of heavy head putters, so for that reason I say paying for a fitting is not worth it.

However a putting technique lesson with a PGA instructor would be well worth the time and money.

 

Hardly anyone makes a light head these days, you always bring this up and very, very few makers are making light putters. The greens these days don't require 320g head with 7° of loft because it's not fringe anymore for greens. Only 1 maker I know of makes really light putters and only certain players want them, they also make super heavy heads too.

 

I tested at Ping with a 340g head and as still concluded that a 350g head was better for me after we added lead tape.

[ShortGolfer]

Junior putters have small light heads.  Perhaps you could extend the shaft of a junior putter or reshaft?

[5hort5tuff]

1 hour ago, Louis_Posture said:

Fitters seem to only have inventory of heavy head putters, so for that reason I say paying for a fitting is not worth it.

However a putting technique lesson with a PGA instructor would be well worth the time and money.

 

Just because a lesson with a PGA instructor is valuable, doesn't mean a fitting is not.

[Louis_Posture]

45 minutes ago, MattM97 said:

 

Hardly anyone makes a light head these days, you always bring this up and very, very few makers are making light putters. The greens these days don't require 320g head with 7° of loft because it's not fringe anymore for greens. Only 1 maker I know of makes really light putters and only certain players want them, they also make super heavy heads too.

 

I tested at Ping with a 340g head and as still concluded that a 350g head was better for me after we added lead tape.

The faster the greens the more a lighter head weight putter may be helpful. This is why Tiger added led tape (for slower greens) to his famous 318-gram Scotty Cameron putter head.

I am not saying a lighter head is best for every player, but probably 50% of players.

[Louis_Posture]

30 minutes ago, ShortGolfer said:

Junior putters have small light heads.  Perhaps you could extend the shaft of a junior putter or reshaft?

 

12 minutes ago, 5hort5tuff said:

 

Just because a lesson with a PGA instructor is valuable, doesn't mean a fitting is not.

 

The OP asked if a putter fitting was worth it. My reply was 'no, because fitters do not have inventory of lighter head weight putters'.

If there was a fitter out there offering putter head weights including 310 and 320 grams I would agree a putter fitting might be worthwhile.

[MattM97]

13 minutes ago, Louis_Posture said:

The faster the greens the more a lighter head weight putter may be helpful. This is why Tiger added led tape (for slower greens) to his famous 318-gram Scotty Cameron putter head.

I am not saying a lighter head is best for every player, but probably 50% of players.

 

And that 50% number is coming from where? I was at Ping, I was talking to their entire putter division, I asked about head weights and they said no one really plays light heads even their pros. A lot of their blades start at 340g but always have weight added. 

 

Plus the average golfer plays on slower greens so the heavier head as you just said is more beneficial vs a lighter head. 

 

Can't really argue with the company that revolutionized putting, plus has the data to back it up. 

 

I even watched a group of employees putt with a 1A and older model I couldn't identify. No one was putting well with them.

[5hort5tuff]

22 minutes ago, Louis_Posture said:

The faster the greens the more a lighter head weight putter may be helpful. This is why Tiger added led tape (for slower greens) to his famous 318-gram Scotty Cameron putter head.

I am not saying a lighter head is best for every player, but probably 50% of players.

 

I dont know a single golfer who uses a putter under 350g.  Not sure where you are getting these stats from but they dont make 320g putters for a reason

[PuffyC]

Been there. A fitting will help but it won’t magically transform you from a bad putter to a good one. At most it’ll just help make sure your putter isn’t contributing to your poor results but that has value as well.

[sheepdawg]

Give me a few putters, a decent practice green and an hour. 

[st1800e]

5 hours ago, 5hort5tuff said:

they dont make 320g putters for a reason

And that reason is?  The average golf consumer is not an outstanding putter, nor do they play regularly on faster greens.  A heavy putter can compensate for imperfections in the stroke. 
Who knows “exactly” what all the tour pros play? 

[MattM97]

4 hours ago, st1800e said:

And that reason is?  The average golf consumer is not an outstanding putter, nor do they play regularly on faster greens.  A heavy putter can compensate for imperfections in the stroke. 
Who knows “exactly” what all the tour pros play? 

 

Green agronomy has improved drastically that's why. Players no longer need to basically chip the ball on the greens they can roll it now. 

 

Stimps back in the day were like 8 on the hardest day most 4 to 6 now they're like 13 for the hardest.