Why Off-the-Rack Putters Can Limit Your Putting Success

Off-the-Rack putters are mass produced andmeans their hands are too low on the grip and
therefore can not offer many choices. This lack oftherefore don't rest properly on the flat portion of the
choices prevents most golfers from ever reachinggrip. This results in grip/alignment inconsistencies. This is
their true putting potential because it forces them to "fitespecially true for most women and junior golfers
their putter". It is highly desirable for the golfer's putterbecause nearly all off-the-rack putters are several
to "fit them".inches too long for them.
Most off the rack putters today have limited lengthPutter lie angle will determine whether the golfer soles
choices of 33-35 inches, are set to a 17 or 18 degreethe putter on the ground correctly at address. If the
lie angle, and have 3 to 5 degrees of loft. They forceheel or toe is off the ground, visual alignment can be
the golfer to fit them.thrown off and the presence of loft on the putter face
The average golfer can not reach their putting potentialwill cause significant directional errors. This can be
with such putters.especially significant with long, face-on and side saddle
Putter length is crucial in allowing the golfer to use aputters. Directional errors of nearly 1.5 inches on a ten
posture that is most comfortable for them. Afoot putt have been demonstrated for putters with 5
comfortable posture is key for having the eyesdegrees of loft when not properly soled.
properly positioned relative to the golf ball and targetAlso, if golfers have to fit themselves to their putter's
line. It is also key for staying relaxed while putting andlie angle it can force them to hold their hands and arms
to avoid back problems from extended puttingtoo high or too low. Maintaining such a "forced" position
practice sessions.is very difficult during the actual stroke and will surely
Tall golfers who should be using a 36-38 inch puttercause stroke inconsistencies. And, finally such a
have to bend over considerably to use an off-the-rack"forced" position will make it impossible for the golfer to
putter. The resulting incorrect posture, back strain andrelax their arms and hands during the stroke thus
increased tension limit their putting success.creating undesired tension.
Nearly all Conventional putter grips today have a flatA golfer can only achieve their true putting potential
portion to assist the golfer in achieving the proper handwhen their putter actually fits them. Custom putters are
position relative to having the putter face alignedavailable that let the golfer select the length they want
correctly. The most successful putters today like Tigerand then allow them to adjust the lie angle for a
Woods, Loren Roberts, Brad Faxon and Zach Johnsonperfect set up. A well fitted golf putter will encourage
putt with their arms fully extended. With today'sa smoother more consistent putting stroke, better
extended arm putting strokes, most non-tall golfersalignment and ultimately increase the golfer's
have to choke down on off-the-rack putters toconfidence.
achieve a correct and comfortable posture. This