Many amateur golfers are using a putter that is the incorrect length. When you purchase a putter from the shelves of a golf store, it is likely 34 or 35 inches.
However, putter length may need to be customized depending on your height, putting stroke style, 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?
Putter length will determine the accuracy of your posture as well as the swing arc. Without the proper putter length, you will find that your putts are very inconsistent.
Swing Arc
When you have the correct length putter, the center of the putter sits flat on the ground. When a putter is too long, the heel of the putter rests on the ground with the toe of the putter up in the air. For putters that are too short, you will notice the toe being down on the ground while the heel could be up in the air.
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 the putter comes more inside or outside based on the way the putter sits at setup.
Posture
The posture of a golfer is very important when putting. One of the major checkpoints in a perfect putting stroke is ensuring that your eyes are over the golf ball. When eyes are over the golf ball, it becomes possible to properly analyze the target line.
Consistency
For golfers to make consistent putts, they need a putter that is properly fitted to their putting stroke, height, and style. 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
Measuring the length of the putter does not have to be a big project. However, it’s certainly easier to get a large 48 inch ruler to complete this process.
Step 1: Gather Materials
To properly measure a putter, you will need a flat surface (the floor is fine), a long 48 inch ruler, and your putter.
Step 2: Position The Putter
To get the correct measurement of your putter, you will need to position it with it resting flat on the ground. Some golfers struggle with putters being the wrong length and the heel or toe positioned up or down; however, when you measure, lay the putter flat.
Step 3: Measure
Take your ruler and put it down on the ground at the heel of the putter. From here, you should be able to hold the shaft of the putter as close to the measuring stick as possible. If your putter has a slight angle to it, keep the measuring device close to that angle.
Step 4: Read The Measurement
The putter length is the number that you see at the top of the ruler where the butt end of the putter matches up on the ruler. For most golfers, this is going to be between 33 and 35 inches. Makes sure to measure the putter to the top of the grip and that the center of your putter head is still on the ground.
Most Common Lengths for Putters
The three most common lengths for putters are 33, 34, and 35 inch putters, Each of these is designed for golfers of different heights and players that also have varying arm lengths.
33 Inch Putter
The 33 inch putter is often found in the golf bag of a lady golfer. Most women’s golf sets are sold with a 33 inch putter that is stock and standard. One of the great things about this shorter putter shaft is that you will feel some added control on shorter putts.
Some golfers like to have a bit more bend in their stance when they are putting. They will often get closer to the ball to improve consistency and create a smooth stroke. Even tall players can use a 33 inch putter if they find it to be the right comfort level and consistency.
34 Inch Putter
The 34 inch putter is the standard length putter. Most golfers on the PGA Tour use a 34 inch putter, and almost all options for sale on the market come in a 34 inch version.
One of the great things about a 34 inch putter is that it works for a wide range of players that would consider themselves to be average height.
35 Inch Putter
The 35 inch putter is for golfers that are tall. Most of the time, players that are using this putter are 6’1″ or taller. Belly putters will, of course be longer than these 35 inch putters, but that also brings up the idea of an entirely different type of putting stroke.
If you have a 35 inch putter that does seem to be too long for you, there is always the possibility of cutting it down. With counter balanced putters, you must be careful as to how the decrease in shaft length will impact the feel of the club in your hands.
For those with a premium putter looking to maintain or improve upon performance, taking your putter to a professional to have it fitted is likely the best solution.
Custom Length Putter
The USGA rules of golf are pretty lenient when it comes to putter length. If you find a 30 inch putter or a 37 inch putter is a better fit for you, you will be allowed. As long as your putter falls between 18 and 48 inches, it will be considered legal.
Quick Guide to Figuring Out Which Putter Length is Right for You
To determine the proper putter length, you can go through a custom putter fitting using launch monitors targeted explicitly towards a putting stroke. However, for most golfers, this is a bit more than is necessary to get a general idea of the length of a putter that will give the most success.
For a quick estimate based on your height, you can use the chart below. This will prove our point that the 34 inch putter works quite well for the average height player. 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.
However, when you are off by an inch or more, that may be time to get a putter fitting and have your putter length adjusted. Also, keep in mind that arm length, as well as your typical setup and stance, can play into this decision.
To find out more information about determining the proper putter length by height, check out our full article on putter length by height here.
| 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” |
Brittany Olizarowicz
Britt O has been playing golf since the age of 7. Almost 30 years later, she still loves the game, has played competitively on every level, and spent a good portion of her life as a Class A PGA Professional. Britt currently resides in Savannah, GA, with her husband and two young children.