Custom fitting putters

[bobmac]

Following on from another post.........

As I'm sure most of you know, all the experts suggest you address a putt with your eyes directly above the ball.
This way, your arms can swing the putter freely along the target line.

When I fit someeone for a putter's length, here's what I do........

I ask the person (call him Smiffy) to stand as he would do to a putt and let his arms hang freely from his shoulders. Then bring the hands together under the centre of the chest.
That is where Smiffys putter grip should be.
That way, your arms can swing freely up and down the target line without any manipulation of the hands or wrists.
I do know some people bend over alot, they then have to stick their elbows out (gull winging) and if they putt well, don't fix it.

I do see lots of people who's putters are too long, but if you watch all the GOOD putters on tour, they are probably around 31-34 in, depending on how tall they are.

If you are having trouble with your putter length, go and see your local mars bar seller and seek his/her advice.

 

[Alex1975]

Can you chop a putter down or does it alter the way it works?

 

[USER1999]

Can you chop a putter down or does it alter the way it works?

Depends which end you cut off.

 

[fundy]

you can chop them down Alex but can affect the swingweight slightly, that said if it becomes too light can always just add a bit of lead tape to the back

 

[bobmac]

Sure, as long as you dont cut too much off.
Your local pro could do it for you in 5 mins costing no more than £2-£4 if he saves the grip.
If you dont like it, he can lengthen it again for about the same price.
If you start cutting off 3/4/5 inches, then the balance and the lie of the face will suffer a bit.
Ask your pro

 

[bobmac]

Can you chop a putter down or does it alter the way it works?

Depends which end you cut off.

 

[fundy]

Al

how long is your Ping? 35"? If so Ive got a Yes thats a bit shorter (33 1/2" i think) if you want to try it before cutting down yours

 

[Alex1975]

Ask your pro

You are my pro..


Na, I had a chat with my fitter about it and he was worried about swing weight. Mine is a 35" and maybe should be a 34". I am putting pretty well really so this is more interest than anything. He said the same as you in that he sees too many people with putters that are too long.

I think Fundy wants my Ping for his Scotty so I dont want to cut it down cos Steve is tall

 

[fundy]

nah dont like the holes in the Ping Al, wouldnt swap the Scotty for anything currently, so keep yer eyes off!!!!!!!!

 

[Oddsocks]

Can you chop a putter down or does it alter the way it works?

Depends which end you cut off.

ha ha booom booom

 

[GB72]

I think that alot of the problem is that very few shops (pro or high street) stock any variety of putter lengths. You can try as many types as you like as long as you want a 35 inch shaft. I know that my putter is too long but I grip down on it a bit and am putting well at the moment so it works for me but if a 34 inch shaft had been available when I went to buy it then I would have had one.

 

[Region3]

Can you chop a putter down or does it alter the way it works?

Depends which end you cut off.

Cheers Murph, just had to explain why I found my spreadsheets so funny!

 

[Alex1975]

Can you chop a putter down or does it alter the way it works?

Depends which end you cut off.

Cheers Murph, just had to explain why I found my spreadsheets so funny!

hehe no kidding I was just asked what I was grinning at by the lady who sits opposite me. "oh just something I was thinking about" I said

 

[Driven2Distraction]

[/QUOTE] You are my ho' ..

[/QUOTE]

fixed

 

[Driven2Distraction]

on a more serious note.......

if most "good" putters on Tour use 31-34..... who would use a 35? (some pretty tall tour players out there)

I'm 6'2" and use a 35..... is this a contributing factor in my atrocious putting?

 

[Alex1975]

on a more serious note.......

if most "good" putters on Tour use 31-34..... who would use a 35? (some pretty tall tour players out there)

I'm 6'2" and use a 35..... is this a contributing factor in my atrocious putting?

Someone with short arms. My mate is a bit taller than me but should have shorter clubs as his arms hang a good 6" below mine.... Monkey boy!

 

[Basher]

Good thread Bob!

I'm a low gripper too. My normal putting posture sees me gripping the shaft with my hands right at the bottom of the grip with my right index finger actually touching the steel shaft. Obviously this leaves a shed load of grip visible above my hands.

Would you suggest my putter was too long in the shaft?

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Had my Anser 2 cut down to 34 and I love it. OK the head is a bit of an antique now and with the new grip its a bit like Triggers broom but the weight feels gorgeous and I always feel like I can make a smooth stroke. Going to get the Pathfinder out again this week and start making sure I'm back and through and then get out onto the putting green and really work on it with a mirror to check my eyeline and shoulders.

 

[bobmac]

Would you suggest my putter was too long in the shaft?

It'd definately worth checking with your pro.
As I said, it doesn't cost much to get it shortened and if you dont like it you can always get it lengthened again.
Better to find a shorter putter first and give it a try