Comfort is the biggest factor when selecting a putter.  Some golfers like a thin blade putter, while others are more comfortable with a mallet head. A perimeter-weighted putter makes some golfers feel secure. Generally speaking, a putter should fit your height. A taller golfer uses a longer putter, and smaller golfers want a shorter one. However, there are some tall golfers who may want a small putter because it gives them a greater feel for the stroke.

It doesn't matter what the pros say or your buddies use. Find the putter you are comfortable with and stick with it. 

About The Author

Steve Silverman is an award-winning writer who has been covering sports for 28 years. He is the author of "The Minnesota Vikings: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly" (Triumph Books, Chicago) and two other books on the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers.

The Putting Set Up

By Hank Haney

Putting is a lot of personal preference but there are certain characteristics that most great putters use. Let’s start with the grip. The first thing is that you want a reverse overlap grip where the index finger of your left hand is overlapping the little finger of your right hand, opposite of what you would do in the full swing. When you set up to the ball, ideally I would like to see your eyes directly over the ball, but there are great putters that have their eyes set up inside the ball. I do not see any with their eyes set outside the ball. When you set up to the ball its position should be forward in your stance, off you left toe. You can have it back to the middle if your upper body is set back, but you never see a great putter with the ball set opposite his right foot. When you look at it from  you will see the putter set flat on the ground or toed up a little bit but never with the heel up in the air. So these are just a few of the things that I see great putters do, it gives you a little leeway you may have your own style, but remember:

1) eyes over the ball;

2) putter flat on the ground; and

3) ball off your left heel. That is a good place for you to start if you are struggling with your putting.

About the Instructor

Hank Haney
Hank Haney Golf

Ranch
2791 S. Stemmons Freeway
Lewisville, TX 75067
Tel: 972-315-5300

Hank Haney is the instructor to PGA Tour Pros.  He is listed as one of Golf Magazine's Top 100 Teachers and Golf Digest's  #4 instructor in the world.