Golf provides both fun and fitness for people of all ages and skill levels. Not only do you get to enjoy the great outdoors, but you'll also experience a life-long challenge as you perfect your game. While many aspects of golf require mental focus and concentration, putting in particular requires precise, controlled movements. To maximize your putting skills, choose a putter that fits your body and allows you to play comfortably as your skills progress.
Step 1
Visit a well-stocked golf shop or sporting goods store and try putters of varying lengths. According to "The Golf Magazine Putting Handbook," the standard shaft length for putters is 35 inches. Start with a 35-inch putter and test the fit. Stand with your feet flat and hold the putter at the very end of the grip. The head of the putter should rest on the floor as you maintain a natural posture, with no hunching over or choking up on the grip. Experiment with different sizes until you find one that fits.
Step 2
Try putters with different lie angles to find one that fits your stance. Lie-angle represents the angle between the shaft and head of the club. According to "The Golf Magazine Putting Handbook," a standard lie-angle is only a few degrees away from 90 degrees. If this angle doesn't fit, try upright putters with a sharply angled head, or flat putters that form a 90-degree angle between the head and shaft. A well-fitting putter allows you to strike the ball at the desired angle while maintaining your natural stance and swing.
Step 3
Examine the head of the putter to compare designs. Look for heel-toe style heads, which are the most common, and also the best model for new golfers according to the "Complete Golfer's Handbook." Mallet-head putters are much larger, and feature a bigger sweet spot for intermediate and advanced golfers. Blade-style heads are typically used only by traditionalists because their small size requires very precise technique.
Step 4
Check to see how the shaft is aligned with the head of the putter when you look straight along the length of the shaft. An offset head, or offset hosel design allows you to see the ball and club more easily than a standard hosel club. The choice between these two is largely a matter of personal preference, so try both to see which one you prefer.
Step 5
Read the manufacturer's specifications for each putter to compare material options. Clubs are made from a wide variety of materials, so try steel, graphite and aluminum options to see which ones you prefer. According to "The Golf Magazine Putting Handbook," steel putters feature the lowest price and solid performance for beginners. If you prefer a softer touch when putting, look for brass putters, which are known for their high level of responsiveness and "feel."
References
- The Golf Magazine Putting Handbook; Peter Morrice; 2000; New York
- The Complete Golfer's Handbook; Gary Player; 2000; Connecticut
Member Comments