Golf putters: how to choose the correct length, lie, and head type

Golf putters are the most used club in any round — and paradoxically, the one that receives the least technical attention at the time of purchase. Discover the best golf tips and techniques at Golfriend's. Improve your swing, optimise your short game and lower your handicap with our guide for golf enthusiasts.

The putter is the club we use most during a round, yet it is also one of the most commonly mischosen. Length, lie and head type all have a direct impact on posture, alignment and face stability at impact. In this guide, we explain how to choose a putter that suits your stroke.

Why choosing the right putter matters so much

The putter is the club that accumulates the most strokes throughout a round. In an 18-hole course, between 35 and 45% of total strokes are putts. A systematic error in direction — even by one degree — translates into constant misses without an apparent technical cause. In many cases, that error is not in the player’s swing: it is in the club’s configuration.

Putter length: the first parameter you must adjust

The standard length of golf putters available on the market is usually 34 inches for men and 33 inches for ladies’ versions. However, in the golf world, “standard” does not mean “universal”, and that nuance is what defines your consistency on the green. A club that does not fit your natural posture will force you to compensate with your body, directly affecting the pendulum and the impact.

How to determine the correct length

The key is to adopt your usual position — back tilted and arms relaxed: your hands should hang just below your shoulders.

If the club is too long, you will push your elbows away from your body; if it is too short, you will create unnecessary tension in your back.

Height can be used as an initial reference point, but it should not determine putter length on its own. Posture, arm length, torso angle and eye position over the ball can mean that two players of the same height require different putter lengths.

If you are unsure between two lengths, the best approach is to try both during a fitting.

The putter lie: the most ignored parameter

The lie is the angle formed by the shaft of the putter with the ground when the club is resting in its correct position. It is, without a doubt, one of the most important — and surprisingly most misunderstood — adjustments when choosing the right equipment. An incorrect lie can ruin even the best of strokes: if the angle does not adapt to your posture, the clubface will tend to point to the left or right at the moment of impact.

What happens when the lie is incorrect

If the lie is too flat (heel lifted), the putter will tend to open the face, sending the ball to the right. If it is too upright (toe lifted), the face closes and the ball goes to the left. The correct adjustment allows the entire sole to rest flat on the green. Brands such as Evnroll work with precise tolerances in their CNC manufacturing to guarantee a consistent lie. Their SweetFace technology even incorporates reference points that help the player position themselves at the perfect angle for every stroke.

Head type: blade, mid-mallet or mallet

Once you are clear on the length and the lie, the head type is the third variable. If you haven’t done so yet, check our article on the difference between mallet and blade putters. The choice between a compact design or a perimeter-weighted one is not just a matter of aesthetics, but of how the club moves during your stroke.

Blade

The blade is the most classic shape: thin head, concentrated mass and a well-defined sweet spot. This design offers a lot of feedback on impact and responds naturally to arched strokes. Although it penalises off-centre hits more, it greatly rewards refined technique. It is the preferred choice for experienced players who value feel and control over forgiveness.

Mid-mallet

The mid-mallet occupies the space between the blade and the full mallet. It has slightly more mass in the perimeter — and therefore slightly more MOI (Moment of Inertia) — without losing the visual familiarity of the classic design. It is an excellent option for players who have a moderate arched stroke and are looking for extra stability without making the jump to a larger head.

Mallet

The mallet has the largest head and offers the highest MOI. It redistributes weight towards the perimeter and the back, which stabilises the face against off-centre hits and facilitates alignment. Models like the TaylorMade Spider Tour X or the innovative LAB Golf, represent the most advanced evolution to minimise torque and keep the face square throughout the path.

Putter loft: a technical detail with real impact

The standard loft ranges between 3 and 4 degrees. This angle is fundamental because the loft helps lift the ball out of the micro-depression in the grass so that it begins to roll purely as soon as possible. Adjusting this parameter according to your posture — especially if you perform a forward shaft lean — is key to improving roll quality. Finding the exact balance for your technique is the first step to mastering distance on the green.

The putter grip: more important than it seems

The grip is the only point of contact between the player and the club. Its diameter, shape and weight affect the tension of the hands. Thicker grips help reduce excessive wrist activity, while thinner ones offer a greater sense of control and feedback.

Putter fitting: the most effective way to get it right

The most effective way to choose well is to perform a real fitting. At Golfriend’s, we have a personalised fitting service where we analyse your stroke to precisely adjust the length, lie and head type to your game. In our golf putters section, you will find brands such as Odyssey, Scotty Cameron, TaylorMade, Ping, LAB Golf and Evnroll. Visit our online golf shop or come see us to ensure your next putter is the definitive one.