Although putters all tend to look the same, there is actually quite a lot of difference when you get down to it. Not all putters are created equal and if you’re using the wrong one, chances are you may be pretty frustrated on the green. If you haven’t been professionally fitted for a putter, you may want to think about this, since it can have a dramatic impact on your game. However there are a few rules of thumb that you can follow when shopping for a new putter on your own.

1. Club length matters.

The longer the putter, the more crunched up you’re going to be when you address the ball. Now, if you are a tall player, obviously you’re going to need a putter that is a bit longer. Here’s how to tell what length of putter is going to be right for you.

Stand like you normally would when you put, and assume the proper stance. The distance from your hands to the ground will be the ideal putter length. Your stance should feel natural and you should not feel scrunched up or bent too far over. Assume as natural a stance as possible, even if you’ve been using a putter that is too long or too short. When you find that natural medium, you’ll know exactly how long your putter should be. Ask a friend to measure for you, or put a tape measure on the ground and bring it up in one hand when you assume your stance. You can use your foot to tap the button to hold the tape in place once you’ve found the right length.

2. Face length matters too.

If you look at putters, some are almost comical with how long the faces are. There is a lot to be said for learning to put the right way with a traditional putter, but many people prefer to go for the very long putter because they believe it gives them more control.

The best advice is to start with a normal putter and see where your problem areas are. If you need a little more oomph to your shot, or a little more control, you may want to consider going with a different face. If possible, try to get the pro shop to lend you a few different varieties to try on the putting green. You will be able to see which face length suits your personal style the best.

3. Going to extremes.

Now that we’ve talked about ideal club and face length, it’s important to discuss a trend that has been circulating for some time. These “Belly” putters or “Broomstick” putters are gaining in popularity and for some players, they may be ideal. The concept with this overly long putter is that you are not using your wrists as much, so if that is a problem for you, this type of club may be perfect.

The bottom line when it comes to putters is finding the one that works with your body and your putting style, not against it.

Photo Credits: 1

Originally posted 2008-08-20 05:22:31. Republished by Old Post Promoter