Choosing a putter that fits your game is usually the most overlooked when it comes to golf clubs, but it can be a crucial factor to lowering your score. The following tips make it easier to select the right putter for you to help improve your game.
1.Select a Putter that Fits your Stroke
Putters are weighted differently to suit different types of strokes. Do you naturally make a straight-back-straight-through path? Or do you find it more comfortable to have a slight to strong arc in your putting stroke? Choosing a putter style depends on personal preference.
Here are a few putter-types will differ based on your stroke:
- Face-balanced putters are best for players with a straight-back-straight-through putting stroke
- Moderate-to-high toe-hang are best if you have a arcing stroke
- High MOI putters are a nice middle ground aiding with either putting strokes.
2. Choose a Putter-Style
Putter heads come in all different shapes and sizes, but it really boils down to your preference. Do you prefer a mallet head or more of a blade head? Do you prefer a sight line or none? If you prefer a square putting style with a faced balanced putter, you may benefit from a mallet head with sight line. If you are an arc putter, you may benefit from a blade putter with no sight line.
3. Find the Right Length
The length of a putter is determined by the golfer’s size, putting stroke and comfort level. A putter that is too short or too long can cause problems with how the arms and hands interact with the club during the backswing, contact with the ball and the follow through.
The standard length for conventional putters are 35 inches for men and 33-34 inches for women, but don’t be afraid to try other lengths if you’re uncomfortable with the one you have now.
4. Find the Right Putter Weight
Some putters are light and others are heavier. A standard 35-inch putter is weighed around 330 to 350 grams.
- Light putters are generally thought to be easier to putt well with on fast greens
- Heavier putters create more stability through impact and are used on slower greens
- A 35″ putter needs 330 grams head weight
- A 34″ putter needs 350 to 360-gram head weight
- A 32″ to 33″ putter needs 370 to 380-gram head weight
5. Find the Right Putter Lie Angle
The lie angle is the angle formed by the shaft and sole of the putter head when the putter is held in a neutral position. The lie angle of a putter promotes good posture and eye position over the ball.
If the toe of the putter is sticking up in the air, you could push the ball slightly to the left. On the other hand, if the toe of the putter is down and the heel is up in the air, you could push the ball slightly to the right.
The standard lie angle for most off-the-shelf putters is between 70 and 72 degrees.