Don't Overlook Loft and Lie on a Putter

The loft and lie angle on your Putter needs to match your swing, posture and setup or you will be short of your best on the Putting Green. For the manufacturers it is the scientific business of degrees.

The golf fanatics that are scientists and lab technicians have discovered that the most efficient loft on a putter is 4° at impact. When your ball comes to rest on the green it actually embeds itself slightly in the surface. Therefore, it stands to reason that a putter requires a bit of loft to launch the ball out of its 'nest' but then we are interested in forward roll as soon as possible.

Too little loft and the ball will skid along and be easily diverted off line by any indentation. Too much and the ball will bounce along the patch. Both result in poor putting and a lot of frustration.

But remember when checking lofts on Putters, your Putting style will impact what loft works best for you. If you tend to lean your hands forward when putting, then you will decrease the loft of the Putter face at impact, so you'll need a loft greater than 4°. If you lean slightly backwards on the putt, you'll increase loft at impact so maybe a little less than 4° is best for you.

The standard lie angle of a putter is around 71°. Basically, the angle between the sole of the putter and the shaft is its lie angle. A very fine balance exists between lie angles. 1° too upright and the putter will actually become 'draw biased' (leeks left). 1° too flat and the putter becomes 'fade biased' (leeks right).

Remember the posture on your Putting stroke will also influence what Lie Angle is best for you and that means a careful match between shaft length and your height.

If you want to become a better putter, first eliminate any insecurity around your equipment. Poorly fitted technology has no sympathy, but good customisation definitely benefits you. Scotty Cameron Putters are ideal for custom fit. Then make sure the technology in the Putter works for you. It's true that often simply changing your putter will improve your game, but making sure you are properly fitted will sustain that improvement.

Come into the shop and let me take a look at your putter. I'll quickly tell you if your technology is holding you back. Make the 'little big club' the perfect club for you.