Putting Greens News & Blog

Putter Fitting

Wednesday, May 3rd, 2006

When it’s time to buy new golf clubs, it is common practice to let a professional fit them for you. There are many variables that account for a good club fit, such as club head speed, shaft stiffness, length, etc. When getting fitted for your next set of clubs, don’t forget the putter. While it is the most commonly overlooked club in a bag during fittings, a putter is the most commonly used club on the course. And, one of the fastest ways to improve your score is to have a putter that fits you properly.

While most pro tour players have been fitted for their putters for over 15 years, putter-fitting has only recently become popular among amateur golfers. A putter must fit a golfer’s particular needs, as the mechanics of putting are critical. If a golfer wants any chance repeatability in her stroke, she must have a putter that fits properly. There are now facilities all over the country that offer putter-fitting services. What’s more, a golfer can go online and research the best putter for their type of stroke. As the putter is the most personal club in your bag, it is important to find a putter that appeals to you in an emotional as well as a performance-driven way.

Here are a few things to consider when you’re being fit for a new putter:
•Length—Putter length depends on your style and your height. If you typically putt bent over and extend your arms, then a shorter style is more ideal. It has been determined that length accounts for 50% of distance.

•Hosel Type—The hosel affects the way the putter swings. In order to keep your hands in front of the ball, the putter should have increased offset; where the head sits behind the shaft.

•Face material—If you prefer a softer feel on the green, try a putter with a polymer face. If you like a harder, more crisp feel to your putt, try a metallic-faced putter.

•Lie angle—Lie angle accounts for 95% of the putt’s directional control. Make sure the putter’s lie angle is roughly 70 degrees. If the toe sits off the ground, putts will miss to the left. If the heel sits off the ground, putts will miss to the right.