Putter Basics
Don Bonrud March 15th, 2011
The putter accounts for roughly 43% of the strokes in an average round of golf and is one of the most important clubs to fit. The average player will have in excess of 30 putting strokes per 18 hole round. Putting is the most individual part of the game with each and every player having his or her own putting style.
The most common type of putter is heel toe weighted with the other being face balanced. A player with a straight back and straight through stroke would benefit from a face balanced putter while a player with an in to in stroke would benefit from a heal balanced putter.
Blade, semi mallet and mallet putters are just a matter of personal preference.
Ideal putter fitting has the player’s eyes directly over the ball. If the putter is too short the eyes will be outside the putting line and if the putter is too long the eyes will be inside the putting line.
Weight is also a key factor in the performance of a putter. If you have a problem getting the ball to the hole, play on slow greens or have a quick putter stroke then you would benefit from a heavier putter. If you consistently hit past the hole or play on very fast greens then a lighter putter would be best for you.
The grip is also an important consideration. If you have a tendency to use your wrists in your putting stroke then a larger grip would work best for you.
