Recently while conducting a putting clinic at a local country club I noticed two consistent violations of proper putter fitting essentials.
- Some men and nearly all women, beginning and experienced alike, were gripping down on their putters by 3 to 4 inches because they were using putters that were too long. The top sections of most putter grips have flat areas to assist with alignment and to help prevent over using the wrists. When the golfers placed their hands down near the steel shaft it kept them from getting the benefit of the flat portions of the grip. This problem could easily be solved by cutting the shaft down to the correct length and installing a new grip. This relatively inexpensive task can be quickly done by most pro shops or golf shops.
- Many of the golfers had either the toe or heel of their putter off of the ground at address or else they were standing with their eyes positioned well inside of the ball location in order to keep their putter heads flat on the ground at address. In most of these cases they were using putters with lie angles that were incorrect for their physical size and putting posture. Those golfers who addressed the ball with the putter heel or toe in the air were building in alignment and stroke errors, and increasing the chances of catching part of the putter on the ground in a way that would twist the putter head off line. Those golfers addressing their putts with their eyes considerably inside of the ball/target line were creating alignment difficulties. These areas can be quickly checked by getting a friend to observe your putting address position.
The importance of proper length and lie angle in golf putter fitting can not be overstated. These areas are vital to helping the golfer become the best putter they can be.