As the head golf coach at Tell Me More Golf, with over 50 years of coaching experience, I’m going to talk to you about putter length. More specifically, we’re going to look at putter length by height and help you get it right.
Have you ever stood over a putt and thought that your putter isn’t quite right. Does it feel too long for you? Or maybe it’s too short? Lots of players have a putter length that is sub optimum and that can be a problem, least of all because it’s likely to cost you shots on the green.
Putter Length Fitting Chart
When it comes to putter length, every golfer is different and the most important thing is what’s most comfortable for you. However, there are some general guidelines regarding putter length and the height of a golfer.
Here is a generic putter length fitting chart:
| Player Height | Suggest Putter Length |
| Under 5 feet | 32 inches |
| 5’0” to 5’2” | 32.5 inches |
| 5’2” to 5’4” | 33 inches |
| 5’4” to 5’6” | 33.5 inches |
| 5’6” to 5’8” | 34 inches |
| 5’8” to 6’0” | 34.5 inches |
| 6’0” to 6’2” | 35 inches |
| 6’2” to 6’4” | 35.5 inches |
| Above 6’4” | 36 inches |
These are guidelines only, so it’s not a case of every golfer who stands at six feet having to use a 35 inch putter. There are many cases of players using golf putters that are shorter or longer than the suggested lengths above, and they do this because that’s what feels comfortable for them.
That said, in general, golfers of the above heights tend to typically be best suited to putters of the corresponding lengths. This is because most players in each of those height categories tend to find their best in terms of distance control and swing weight when using putters of the recommended length.
For example, a golfer of 6’5” is highly likely to putt better with a 36 inch putter than they would using a 34.5 inch putter. This is because a 36 inch putter will be best in terms of shaft length, which will help at address position.
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How To Measure Putter Length
This may seem relatively straightforward, and hey, it is, though it’s also easy to get it wrong, or get confused.
When measuring the length of a putter, it’s best to do it the right way.
The right way involves measuring from the center of the club face on the putter head, all the way up the shaft until you reach the butt end of the grip.
The distance between those two points is the length of the putter.
Putter Length For 5’5 To 5’9
If you stand somewhere between 5’ 5” and 5′ 9”, then it’s highly likely that putters shorter than 33 inches are unlikely to be suitable for you.
Of course, there are exceptions, though generally speaking, you’ll want something between 33.5 inches and 34.5 inches.
Golfers who are 5’ 5” are likely to be best off with the 33.5 inch option, as the chart above suggests. In contrast, if you’re a golfer who stands at 5’ 9”, unless you prefer the feel of a shorter putter, you’re going to be best suited to a putter that stands at 34.5 inches in length.
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Putter Length For 5’10 To 6’0
Golfers who stand at 5’ 10” will typically opt for a putter that is 34.5 inches in length, though it’s not uncommon for golfers at this height to use either a 34 inch putter or a 35 inch putter. Again, it comes down to personal preference. I did in fact work with one golfer of 5’ 10” who putted best with a 34 inch putter, which according to generic guidelines would be too small for him, though this was the length that best suited his putting stance.
Putter Length For 6’1 To 6’4
The big guys. If you’re a golfer who stands six feet and one inches off the ground, or even taller than that, then you’re going to need golf clubs that are a little on the long side, that’s just the way it is.
In general, taller players need a longer putter, something that extends beyond the standard putter length. When it comes to putter length, the tall guys almost always opt for a 35.5 inch putter. If you’re really tall, and by that I mean 6’ 5”, 6’ 6” or even 6’ 7”, then the 36 inch option is going to be the way to go.
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Average Putter Length
This part isn’t an exact science, and the average putter length can differ from place to place or manufacturer to manufacturer. For example, in one golf shop, most of the putters available, may be 34 inches in length, while go into another pro shop, and you may find more 33.5 inch models. However, it is generally accepted that the average putter length is between 33 and 35 inches.
Most putters that are readily available in golf stores and pro shops fall somewhere between, with both 34 inch and 34.5 inch putters being incredibly common.
Are Putter Fittings Worth It?
When it comes to golf equipment and golf clubs in general, a professional fitting is recommended.
So, yes, putter fittings are absolutely worth it.
If possible, you should seek professional fitting assistance when selecting a putter. The reason is simple. Doing so will allow you to get the perfect putter, one that is right for you in terms of height, and one that suits your putting stroke.
You can of course purchase a putter right off of the shelf in a golf store or from one of the numerous golfing outlets online and you’ll probably get along just fine, but with putter fittings readily available, you’re best bet is to get fitted, especially if you’re looking to improve and make progress with your short game.
You may think that you current putter does a good enough job and maybe it does, but if you’re looking for something new, or when the time comes for you to get an upgrade, I’d strongly recommend having a custom putter fitting, as this will help you to get the best putter and the right putter length.
Have you ever watched the PGA Tour and wondered how those guys are so damn good at putting?
Well, sure, it’s because they’ve got the talent, but the fact that they’re all using putters that are the perfect for them, in terms of length and putter type.
In summary, having the proper putter length, the length that is correct for you, can make a big difference and will help you to shoot the scores that you desire.
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TellMeMoreGolf.com – Frequently Asked Questions
How long should my putter be for my height?
It is important to select the correct putter length. You can do this based on your height. Of course, it’s not an exact science, and everybody is different. Some taller players like shorter putters because they feel more comfortable, and vice versa. That said, there is a general guide for putter height based on the height of a player.
See the chart above for putter length guidelines. These guidelines show suggested putter lengths based on player height.
How tall should you be for a 35 inch putter?
This is a guideline only, but typically, players using a 35 inch putter are between six foot and six foot, two inches in height.
How long should a 5’10 male’s putter be?
This won’t be the case for every 5’10 male golfer out there, but typically, a male golfer of 5’10 will use a putter that is 34.5 inches in length. It’s also not uncommon for golfers of this height to use 34 or 35 inch putters, as it all comes down to personal preference.
What length is Tiger Woods’ putter?
For much of his career the legendary Tiger Woods, who is widely considered as the greatest golfer of all time, used a 34.5 inch putter, though he reportedly switched to a putter that is 35.5 inches in length in recent times.
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