Question about length...

[Mud]

how important is it?

Much is made from time to time about proper putter length and the importance of having your equipment fit to you. I am 6'3'' and currently use a 33'' shaft without much problem. I will most likely get fit for my new putter next month, and I am wondering what the benfit of a longer shaft would be other than allowing me to stand more upright (not a problem now). It seems to me that the correct lie angle and loft of the putter head are the most important parameters and that it is easy to adjust for length by choking down/up on the grip and adjusting your stance.

Still I can't help but feel that I'm missing something - am I?

[NSalvatore]

You dont want to stand to bent over at the ball and at 6'3" 33" you are. I am 6'4" and need 35" andcould go 36" if I wanted like Ernie did. If you bent over to much you wont read lines right and your mechanics will be off....you should be working a 35" with out seeing you and your stroke...there are always exceptions to the rule...but not many.

[frozen_rope]

I agree with the previous poster., furthermore, I think most putters are too flat.

 

At your height depending on your wrist-to-floor measurement, I believe a 36" to 37"putter with an upright lie angle of 73* to 75* , might feel very comfortable to you.

 

This set up would let you address the ball with a fairly erect posture, which breeds good sound mechanics.

[cleatsupkeep]

Sorry to go on a touch of a threadjack, but I was curious how much of a difference a half inch makes. I am playing a 34" putter in both, but I got fitted for 33.5". I am using Camerons, and did not want to go about replacing the grips, so I was wondering how much of a difference a half inch makes on the stroke.

 

Thanks, and sorry,

Brian

[dtgolder]

Couldn't disagree more--short putters are (for me) the only way to go.

 

More control, more of a pendulum stroke, easier to line up, and easier to get your head right over the ball.

 

Long putter = wristy stroke (unless you use a really light putter head, and then you lose the pendulum motion, and end up with pushes/pulls)

 

Flatstick success is a heavy putter head on a short shaft--I'm currently using a 500 g head on a 31" shaft, and I'm 6'2"

[frozen_rope]

Cleats,

 

Who gave you a putter fitting ?

 

My own experience is that one player can go to three different "fitters" and get three different recommended specs. It's not a science.

 

I would not worry about it if what you are using is different from what the fitting recommended.

 

On the other hand, if you are not striking putts as solid as you would like, then look for a change.

Either change your address set up, or change your putter design, or length, or lie, or all of them.

Don't be afraid to try an unconventional length or lie angle, you might find you like it.

[cleatsupkeep]

It was at Golf Galaxy, although the process seems sound, it isn't that good a value if you have a more standard and consistent putting stance and stroke.

 

They go by comfort for length, I was hoping it would be more scientific, using your height and wrist to floor, so 34" shouldn't be a problem, but I am going to get the lie angle bent, that should be a good idea, plus it's free with the fitting.

[tarik]

If it feels right then it cant be wrong. Every thing goes when it comes to putting; just look on tour and see how many different styles there are. There are short putters, belly putters, and broom putters, not to mention the many grips that players use. If you get the ball to the hole more often with a short putter than a long putter then keep putting that way, to each his own.

[Mud]

I appreciate everyone's comments, and I agree with tarik's statement that i"f it feels right, it can't be wrong".

 

I guess now the thing to do is swing some of the longer shafts and compare the results to my current set up.

Thanks for the feedback.

[frozen_rope]

I agree with Tarik only if the player is putting a good roll on the ball and making putts.

If not, the player should take a look at his fundamental technique as well as the putter he is using, especially the length and lie angle of the putter.