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Putter Selection

Next to drivers, putters are the clubs most often replaced by a golfer. Selecting the right putter is not an easy task. Here are six considerations Miles of Golf feels are important when choosing a putter:

1. Alignment is key. Alignment of the putter is key to making putts. Dave Kendall says "if the putter is not lined up to the target, it is an accident if the ball goes in." It is clear that some putters are easier for a golfer to line up than others. The single most important criteria in selecting a putter is finding one that you can line up to the target. There are alignment-training tools available that can be helpful in assuring the putter is lined up properly.

2. Making the ball roll properly. Putters have loft just like an iron or wood. The proper loft to strike a putt is 4 degrees. If the loft is greater than or less than 4 degrees, the ball will bounce when struck. Most putters come with 4 degrees of loft. If your hands are in front of the ball at impact, loft needs to be added to the putter. Conversely, if your hands are behind, the putter needs to be de-lofted. Most good putters have their hands vertical to the ball at impact and require a standard 4-degree loft. Putters can be bent to different lofts.

3. The length. Putter length is typically from 33-36 inches and depends upon the height and putting posture of the golfer. Most tour players use shorter putters because they are putting with their arms extended to eliminate hand movements in their putting stroke. Putters can easily be made longer or shorter to accommodate every golfer.

4. The sole must be flat to the ground. If a putter is not flat to the ground, it will be difficult to roll the ball straight. The angle where the putter head attaches to the shaft determines if the putter is flat to the ground and this angle can be changed. Before changing the angle, called the lie angle, be sure your eyes are directly over the ball when you putt. If they are not over the ball, you might want to try this before changing your lie angle.

5. Putter balance. Putters are either "face balanced" or not. Most putters are not. To determine if a putter is face balanced, lay it on a flat surface with the head free to rotate. If the head rotates so it is horizontal to the ground, it is face balanced. When selecting a putter, you will probably prefer one type of balance. Once you know the balance you prefer, you can eliminate many putters from your selection process.

6. The face of the putter. Putter faces are made of many different materials. These materials effect whether the putter feels soft or hard when it strikes the ball. The best face for you is the one that feels the best when striking the ball.