Putter Length

I have been experimenting with my putter length. I am now using a 32" putter. It seems short But it worked great for a while. I was out practicing putting yesterday for about 3 hours. Today my back is killing me from bending so much. I noticed a lot of the pro's who are around my height 5'11" are using anywhere from 34.5 to 36" putters. How do you determine the correct putter length?

Thanks,

Nick

Perhaps it is the 3 hour practice that is the culprit causing your back pain. I am a little taller than yourself, and I use a 34" putter. I too get a sore back if I practice my putting too long. That being said I have never had a sore back after playing a round of golf.

Ping has a pretty good putter fitting system that is available at most golf retail outlets. If the store clerk understands how to use the information the fitting device gives you, not only will you know the proper length, but also the correct lie, and loft angle that will benefit your putting the most. JMHO...GJS

There are two general guidelines I use when fitting for a putter.

1) The shaft and the forearms are in alignment.
2) The eyes are over the ball.

This dictates what length to use in my fitting procedure. Granted, I work from a TLT base, and move from there.

Nick
Here is a website that addresses your question.
The Long and Short of Putter Length and Lie
Hope this helps...it helped me.
Regards,
Golfseeker

hi
i went to the broom-handled putter and in the winter sometimes use my boomerang putting aid for hours and don't get and back pain as i don't bend at all, i do have back problems and thats why i went for the long putter (52 inch). i was so shocked when my putting changed from poor to good with just changing the putter. i have since changed my stance to a sidesaddle stance and i face the hole and look at the hole when putting too and i think i have went from the worst putter in the group i played with to the best putter in just over a year. its now one part of my game i don't think about i just get on and play.
if your looking for a new putter then give a broomhandled or a belly putter a go you might find like me your putting changes a lot for the better.
cheers
bill

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I have the same problem with my back fatiguing. If I remain in my putting posture for 1 minute straight my lower back starts to get slightly tired and effects the back-shoulder muscles during the stroke.

Wouldn't it be better to strengthen your back to a point where it does not fatigue in your posture? Wouldn't increasing this strength benefit all swings (putting,finesse, power)? I assume the best exercise is simply remaining in the posture as long as posture, but adding light resistance. I already do deadlifts/squats for my power swing.

OK put two sticks in the ground, with a string tied to each (say 4' apart). Lay a small mirror on the ground, under the string. Set up into your normal stance, when you can put your eye over the the putter head (straight down), with the reflection of the string lined up, ground and reflection in mirror as one, chocking down on the grip to get this alignment, that is your putter length.
I started with a 35 " putter, cut it down to 32.5 ".
Then after cutting down the shaft, use same set up routine as before, you'll be very surprised in the results.
Also remember not to hump over to get string aligned as one, keep good posture, with back in a more natural straight line, not arched over, eyes over putter head, arms hanging low in a natural hang, where they are free to form putting stroke.