There are many ways to improve your game and score lower. From improving your practice routines, getting lessons, avoiding “YouTube University” and upgrading your course management skills to name a few.
You should also consider updating your equipment to ensure your golf clubs are in tune with your skill level. Golfers often neglect to update their equipment, and their game suffers.
What is it?
Fitting a professional putter.
A new putter can make a huge difference in your game. A new putter can have immediate results in a sport where swings change take weeks to transfer to lower scores.
Continue reading to learn about professional putter fittings, their benefits, costs, and all other details you need.
Putter Fitting = Confidence on Greens
Golf is difficult and the wrong equipment can make it more difficult. Although it is common for advanced and intermediate golfers to get fit for clubs, many people skip fitting their putter. I have found that drivers and putters are the best clubs to fit your game.
Why?
Because a driver is used 10–14 times per round to set yourself up on most par 4s and par 5s. Your swing speed can be improved by having a driver shaft and clubhead that match your swing speed.
Your putter is not used on every hole of every round. However, a good day of putting can save a round and make it even more enjoyable. A cold putter is something that can make you think about the game every time you play it again. This is why it’s crucial to get a putter fitting and ensure your flat stick is helping, Not hurting your game.
Here are three reasons you should have a putter fitted sooner than you think.
1. You can try different shafts and putter heads
First, you get to try on different styles before you go to a professional fitting.
In the past, this wasn’t much of an issue but as golf continues to grow there are more types of putters than ever before. Some look more like a spaceship, while others are traditional blade designs. Needless to mention, there are tons putters available for every type and level of golfer.
You can try out different clubs during a fitting to find the best fit for your stroke. This will help you become a better putter. Apart from the putter head you can also test different hang styles such as full toe (which originated with the Ping Anser design), 3/4-toe hang and 1/2 toe hanging, and face balanced.
You might be interested in heavier head weights, heel shafted blades, center shafted options, and other alignment putter points after testing. You should test different putters with different hosel lengths, loft angles, and other features with a master fitter.
The right putter head or shaft will help to get the ball rolling better and keep it on the intended line. It can also help you control your speed.
While following the data from high speed cameras is important, don’t forget that you need to love looking down at your putter too. You want it to give you confidence. Click here for more information on choosing a putter.
2. Find the right length
The second benefit to a putter fitting is to find the right putter length for your stroke. Many golfers fall prey to the false belief that they are too short. “I’m X height so I need an X length putter.” While height is a factor, it’s not everything when it comes to getting the correct length.
For male golfers, the putters range between 33-36 inches. Height is not the only factor that determines the length of your putter. Arm length and posture are also important factors. A certified professional will be able to assess your current length and determine if it should be adjusted.
Studies have shown that most golfers putter too long and that their game suffers.
3. Adjust your Putter Loft & Lie Angle
A third reason to get a fitting is to find out more about putter loft. A putter with 2-4 degrees of loft has the lowest amount. Depending upon your putting stroke and hosel design you might increase or decrease loft once you reach impact position.
Your putter loft is crucial for smooth rolling and a great start to your putt. Your loft may be too high or too low, which can cause the balls jump or skip during the putt. This causes putts to get off-line quickly and can cause them to be short of the hole.
Additionally, you can find out more about lie angle. This will affect your putting stroke in the same way as irons/wedges.
Putter Fitting Basics
You might be wondering, What does a club fitter assess during a fitting? The most common factors include loft, length, grip, lie, length and lie. But they’ll also discuss toe hang, alignment, putting mechanics, and even more data.
PXG provided me with a Trackman launch monitor so I could do a putter fitting. Some of the data include launch, launch direction and dynamic lie. Others include ball speed, headweight, counterweight, club speed and tempo.
Trying to understand this type of information on your own is quite daunting and most launch monitors don’t have the capability either. This is why it’s a good idea to leave it to the trained professionals so you can ensure the putter is right for your stroke.
Even if you don’t buy a new flat stick during your fitting, they can adjust lie, loft, and length to upgrade your current putter. You might also find a putter that suits you.
How to Find the Best Panet Fittings
If you’re ready to find a putter that is suited for your stroke, start by Googling “putter fitting near me.” This will help find the closest options available which tend to happen at local golf stores, Club Champion, or bigger chain stores like Golf Galaxy or PGA Superstore.
If you have multiple fitters near you and aren’t sure where to go, ask them the following questions:
- What technology do your use?
- What are your favorite putter brands and styles?
- Do you prefer to putt inside or outside on a putting course?
- What is the cost for a fitting? (Also ask if they waive any fees if you purchase a new putter).
Next, schedule your fitting and arrive early to hit some putts. It’s a lot easier than a full bag fitting and only takes 30-60 minutes (at most).
Plus, it’s not uncommon for them to adjust your current putter while you wait for a new one to arrive. This allows you to have multiple options for the right loft and lie.
FAQs about a proper Putter Fitting
Do you have any questions about becoming fit for a putting job? Keep reading to find out how to improve your game.
Is it worth fitting a putter?
Yes, it’s one of the best investments you can make in your golf game. Most golfers are fit enough to drive and use their irons, but they skip the putter.
This is a big mistake as you use your putter every hole (unless there is a chip in). You don’t even use your driver on every hole which goes to show how important the flat stick is to your score.
A putter that fits your stroke and height is essential for playing great golf. You might feel shaky on the greens if your putter is too short or long. Don’t make golf even more difficult by playing a putter that might not work with your stroke.
How do you fit yourself for a putters job?
When it comes to doing your own putter fitting there are a few things to think about: type of putter (blade putter vs. mallet), putter length, head weight, and grip. Each of these factors plays a major role in helping you to feel confident in your stroke.
It’s a good idea to get a professional putter fitting if possible to take advantage of new technology that makes it easier to analyze your stroke. Otherwise, it’s more of a guessing game to figure out the loft and lie angle which you’ll typically need to have done by a professional club fitter.
What length should my putter be to reach my height?
Your height does play a factor when it comes to your putter length but it’s not everything. Also, consider your arm length and how far you like to bend over to the ball. Some players have shorter arms than others, while others prefer a more rounded position.
How can I tell if my putter is right?
Putting is subjective in comparison to the rest of your clubs.
For example, when you do a driver fitting it’s easy to look at launch monitor numbers to see if it’s right for your swing. You can quickly identify and compare clubs/shafts by their spin rates, distance, or accuracy.
But its a different story. Trackman or any other launch monitor can help you see data. But confidence is the key. What can you do to feel good about the putter you are looking at?
This is why a lot of golfers have 2-3 putters in their garage and don’t get rid of them when they buy a new one. Sometimes it’s nice to have the option to switch putters in case one gets cold and you need to look at a different design.
Ultimately, it’s whatever putter gives you the most confidence at address position.
How much does a fitting of a putter cost?
A putter fitting costs between $50-$125 depending on where you’re located and which golf store does the fitting. A lot of shops will waive the fee if your putter is replaced by one they already have.
Fitting a putter is cheaper than getting fit to drive/woods/irons. You can also have an immediate impact on how your score.
What are the differences between the 3 types?
The three main types are Blades, mallets, high MOI putters.
Blade putters are both the oldest and most traditional type of putter. These are used more by professionals on the PGA Tour than by amateur golfers. They’re ideal for an in to out stroke and have plenty of toe hang to square the putter at impact but aren’t very forgiving.
Mallet putters are a more “old-school” type putter as well and have been around a few decades. These putters are best suited for golfers with a straight back, straight-through putting style. The head is also larger than a blade, making it easier to align your golf ball.
The third type is the high MOI putter. This putter is relatively new in golf. These putters, such as the TaylorMade Spider, are larger than a blade and mallet. These putters have more flexibility and better alignment than standard designs, but can be more difficult to make.
You can try out different putters during your fitting to find the one that suits your stroke best. Once you find a style, it’s best to stick with it as changing from blade to high MOI or vice versa is a big switch for most golfers.
Do your eyes need to follow the putters lead?
You want your eyes and head to stay centered until you see the golf ball rolling towards the cup. If your eyes follow the golf ball it’s easy to miss putts left and waste shots on the green.
Tiger Woods is a great example of a person who keeps his head in a perfect position. His head remains extremely still during putts and doesn’t look up until the ball is well off the face.
To hit the sweet spot more consistently and create a better roll, keep your head down and your eyes focused. You’re much more likely to hit it square and get the ball on the proper start line too.
If you need a putting drill to feel this, try to “hear” 3-5 five footers drop vs. seeing them in. This will help you avoid looking up too early and make better putts on the course.
Final Thoughts
A putter fitting is one the best and most cost-effective investments you can make in your game. It’s also one of the areas that most everyday amateur golfers skip out on and their scores suffer as a result.
A fitting will help you find the right fit, test different toe hang styles, putter faces styles, and improve distance control. It can help you become a better putter overnight and get you making putts like no other.