What happens if putter is too short?
Emma Payne
Published Jan 22, 2026
A putter that is too short will cause you to stand closer to the ball, with your eyes past the target line. Consequently, your putter path and shaft will be more upright. The heel of your putter could also lift off the ground causing it to aim right.
What happens when you shorten a putter?
Cutting an inch or so off the butt end of the shaft won't make an awful lot of difference to the total weight of the putter, but will make a significant difference to the swing weight, so you may need to add weight to the head.
Is 34 inch putter too short?
Bottom line, most people are using putters that are too long for them. Very few men will need a 35-inch putter and very few women will need a 34-inch putter. Even if you're on the taller side—over 6 feet for men and over 5 feet 8 inches for women—it still doesn't mean you'll need a longer putter.
How long should your putter be based on height?
The length of the putter will be directly related to your height. If you are 6 feet or taller, you will need a 35 inch putter, 5'9″ to 6″ suggests a 34 inch putter, while 5'6″ to 5'9″ suggests a 33 inch putter.
Are putters supposed to be short?
Most putters range from about 32 to 52 inches, and they're designed to keep your eyes over the ball. The shaft of your putter should fall neatly in line with your forearm when you're in the address position. It's common for golfers to choose a putters too long for their game.
17 related questions foundWhy do pros use shorter putters?
Many players with longer arms wield shorter-than-standard putters because they feel their arms can hang more freely, thus eliminating tension in the stroke.
Should your eyes be over the ball when putting?
When you turn your head to look at the hole, it will appear left of its actual position, which can result in a pull for right-handed players. Instead, you should keep your eyes over a spot just inside the ball, a few inches toward your feet.
How do I know if my putter is too long?
When the putter is too long there are two things that typically occur:
- The player will grip the club so that his arms are not hanging straight down from his shoulders.
- The player will be positioned such that his eyes are not over the target line and the putter is not sitting flat on the ground.
How long should my putter be at 6 2?
Long Putter Sizing Guidelines
If you're 6 feet 2 or taller, use a 54-inch putter, and if you're 6 feet 1 to 6 feet 2 tall, use a 53-inch putter. Guidelines recommend a 52-inch putter if you're 6 feet to 6 feet 1 tall and a 51-inch putter if you're 5 feet 11 to 6 feet tall.
Who should use 35 inch putter?
In general, golfers with a height of 5'9″ – 5'11” should use a 34″ length putter, 5'8″ and below should use a 33″, and those above 6′ should use a 35″ putter. A golfer's posture also contributes to putter length. Upright posture suggests a longer putter, while hunched over suggests a shorter one.
Can I use a 35 inch putter?
Is a 35-inch putter too long? In general, I would say yes, a 35 inch putter is too long for most golfers. Based on the sizing chart from above, unless you're over six feet tall or have shorter arms, 35 inches might be ruining your chances of sinking putts.
How short can your putter be?
All golf clubs, including putters, must be at least 18 inches long. While woods and irons are also limited to 48 inches in length, putters have no such restrictions. Putter length is measured from the top of the grip straight down the shaft to the sole of the club head.
Does shortening a putter change the lie?
Shortening will make the swing weight less, but bear in mind that a putter is less likely to be swung like any other club (hopefully lol) and therefore the change in swing weigh is much less perceptible. The lie angle of the putter will also be affected, so bear this in mind too with regards to your stroke.
Should you choke down on putter?
The longer the putting stroke, on the short putts, the more chance there is for a deceleration into the ball and the putter face getting offline. Choking down on the putter will allow you much more solid struck putts when attempting those important winning putts.
Is 32 inch putter too short?
32- inches seems to be short but this depends on your setup and stature, which I am sure your PGA professional took into account when fitting you. An average height male - about 5' 9' -- should be able to use a 34 and maybe 33 inch putter very successfully.
What length putter do most pros use?
Virtually every Tour player is fit to their putter. But almost no amateur players do that! The average height of a PGA Tour player today is 6' and he uses a 33.5 inch putter on average. You guys are using a 35 inch putter on average because that is the "standard" putter.
Should putter face be flat?
Perfect Fit
You know your putter fits you when the sole of the club lies flat on the ground when your eyes are over the ball at setup. You're ready to roll the ball off the sweet spot— just as the putter was designed!
What is the standard putter length?
The standard putter length you're going to find on the market is 35 inches. But here's the thing – a 35 inch putter is too long for most golfers. If we're determining putter length by height, a 35 inch putter is really only suitable for golfers that are 6 feet to 6 feet 2 inches in height.
Is it possible to lengthen a putter shaft?
I have extended many putters and have used pieces of shafts before but usually use a steel or aluminum extension. They are very inexpensive.
What length putter does Jordan Spieth use?
The putter Spieth used to hole the deciding putt was a 35-inch Scotty Cameron 009 prototype — a TOUR-only model he has been using since he was 15. "The 009 was my favorite putter [as a junior golfer]" Spieth said at the 2015 PGA Merchandise Show.
Where should my head be when putting?
Putting Posture – Video Summary
- Your eyes should be positioned directly over the golf ball. ...
- With a full swing set up, your head would be held in a position that runs in line with the angle of your spine (i.e. you feel as though you're are looking down your nose at the ball).
Should head be behind ball when putting?
You might have been told that when you putt, your eyes should be over the ball (above, right). But if you set up that way, your perception of the putting line can get distorted.
What should I focus on when putting?
Where the face is pointing at impact is virtually all that matters in terms of direction. So when you practice your putting mechanics, focus on striking the ball with a square face.