How to Easily and Accurately Measure a Putter’s Length

Many amateur golfers use the wrong length putter. You can find a 34-35 inch putter in a golf store.

The length of your putter may need to be adjusted depending on your height, stroke style, arm length, and arm length.

Let’s take a look at how you can easily and accurately measure the length of a putter and how to make sure it is the right option for your height.

 

Does Putter Length Matter?

The length of your putter will affect the accuracy of both your posture and the swing arc. If your putts don’t have the right length, they will be inconsistent.

Swing Arc

The correct length putter will have its center flat on the ground. A putter that is too long will have its heel on the ground, while the toe of your putter will be up in the air. You will notice a shorter putter’s toe on the ground, while the heel might be up.

When you have the putter setup, and it’s not flat on the ground, expect it to impact the way you swing the club back. Some golfers will notice a difference in the position of the putter.

Posture

When putting, it is important to be in a good posture. For a perfect stroke of putting, it is important to ensure your eyes are above the golf ball. It is possible to analyze the target line if your eyes are above the golf ball.

Consistency

A putter that is correctly fitted to the putting stroke, height, style, and technique of golfers will help them make consistent putts. The thing to remember is that there’s quite a bit of precision in a putting stroke, and without the proper putter, accuracy becomes difficult.

 

How to Measure a Putter’s Length

It doesn’t have to take too much effort to measure the length of the putter. However, it’s certainly easier to get a large 48 inch ruler to complete this process.

Step 1: Gather the Materials

You will need a 48-inch ruler and a flat surface to measure your putter.

Step 2 – Position the Putter

To measure your putter correctly, position it so that it is flat on its ground. Some golfers have difficulty with putters being too long or with the heel or toe positioned higher or lower. However, you can measure the putter by placing it flat on the ground.

Step 3: Measure

Your ruler should be placed on the ground at the heel. You should be able hold the shaft of your putter as close as possible to the measuring stick. Keep the measuring stick as close to your putter’s angle as possible.

Step 4: Take a look at the Measurement

The ruler’s ruler will show you the length of the putter. This is the distance where the butt end of your putter meets the ruler. For most golfers, this will be between 33-35 inches. Measure the putter from the top of your grip to ensure that the center of the putter head is still on ground.

 

Most Common Lengths For Putters

The most popular lengths for putters include 33, 34, or 35 inches. They are designed for different heights as well as players with different arm lengths.

33 Inch Pan

A lady golfer will often carry a 33-inch putter in her golf bag. Most women’s golf sets are sold with a 33 inch putter that is stock and standard. The best thing about the shorter putter shaft is that it gives you more control over shorter putts.

Some golfers like to be a little more flexible when putting. To improve consistency and smooth strokes, some golfers will move closer to their ball. A 33-inch putter is suitable for tall players if it provides the right level of comfort and consistency.

34 Inch Putter

The standard length putter measures 34 inches. The 34-inch putter is the standard length putter used by most golfers on PGA Tour. Nearly all other options on the market are available in a 34-inch version.

A 34-inch putter is great because it can be used by players of average height.

35 Inch Putter

The 35-inch putter can be used by tall golfers. Most of the time, players that are using this putter are 6’1″ or taller. While belly putters will be slightly longer than these 35-inch putters (but they are still able to putter), it also raises the possibility of a completely different type putter.

A 35-inch putter may seem too long for you. You can always cut it down. Counter balanced putters require that you be aware of how a shorter shaft can affect the feel and feel of the club in your hands.

A professional fitting your putter is the best option for those who have a premium putter.

Custom Length Putter

The USGA rules of Golf are very flexible when it comes to the length of the putter. You will be allowed to use a putter measuring 30 inches or 37 inches. Your putter will be legal as long it is between 18-48 inches in length.

 

Quick Guide to Choosing the Right Putter Length

You can do a custom fitting to determine the length of your putter using launch monitors specifically designed for a putting stroke. For most golfers, however, this is not enough to determine the putter’s length that will be most successful.

The chart below will give you a quick estimate based upon your height. This will confirm our point that the standard 34 inch putter works well for average height players. If you see that you fall within a ½ inch of the current length of your putter, chances are you are fine to continue using it.

If you’re off by more than an inch, it may be time for a putter fitting to have your putter length adjusted. This decision can also be affected by your arm length and your stance.

For more information on determining the right putter length based on height, please visit our article on putter height.

Player Height	Putter Length
Less than 5’0”	32”
5’0” to 5’2”	32.5”
5’2” to 5’4”	33”
5’4” to 5’6”	33.5”
5’6” to 5’8”	34”
5’8” to 6’0”	34.5”
6’0” to 6’2”	35”
6’2” to 6’4”	35.5”
6’4”+	36”