As I’ve learned more about the world of putters, loft is something that I realized is incredibly important, yet often overlooked. So it got me thinking how
In order to measure putter loft, you can follow these simple steps:
- Stand the putter in a vertical position, make sure the bottom of the putter is flat on the ground.
- Take some type of angle measurement tool like a protractor and hold it against the heel or toe of the putter
- Record the angle of the face
What is Putter Loft?
Putter loft is the angle that the putter face is tilted in its vertical position. When the putter is standing up straight, its face should have some type of tilted angle, this is referred to as the loft.
There are 3 types of loft positive, neutral, and negative.
Positive Loft: When a putter has a positive loft, it means that when the club is standing vertically, the face of the club is tilted slightly upwards (having a positive angle). Positive loft is generally recommended for most golfers as it is the easiest way to get a bit of lift and forward roll on the ball.
Neutral Loft: A putter with neutral loft means that it actually has no loft at all. More specifically, when the club is standing vertically, the putter face is not tilted upwards or downwards, there is absolutely no angle on the putter face when it has a neutral loft.
Negative Loft: When a putter has negative loft, it means that when the club is standing vertically, the face of the club is tilted slightly downwards, towards the ground (at a negative angel).
Negative loft is great for golfers who may like to put with the ball towards the front of their stance. The negative loft helps reduce the angle at which the ball is being struck, thus reducing the amount of air the ball might get when hit. This will ultimately give the golfer a smoother and more consistent putt.
What is Effective Loft?
Effective loft is the angle at which you are making contact with your ball during your swing. It can be the same or different as the loft that your putter comes with.
For example, if you are putting with the ball closer to the front of your stance, you might be making contact with the ball later in your swing when your club is in more of an upwards position. In this case, your effective loft will be higher than your putter’s built-in loft.
What Angle of Loft is Illegal?
According to the USGA, the loft of a putter can be anywhere between 10 degrees and negative 15 degrees. If the loft exceeds these dimensions, then the putter is considered illegal. Generally, only adjustable putters (putters that allow you to tilt the head to adjust the loft) have the capability to exceed these rules.
How is Putter Loft Measured?
While there is expensive machinery available to precisely measure the loft of your club, there is another affordable way to do it as well. So the best way to get a measurement for your club is by standing it up straight, with the bottom of the club flat on the ground and measuring the angle with a protractor. Hold the protractor up to the heel or toe of the club and you should see the loft of your putter.
If you do not have a protractor available, here is a loft and lie measuring tool that you could purchase
What is the Standard Putter Loft?
The standard putter loft is between 3 degrees and 4.5 degrees. This range is generally what most retail putters have. It is suitable for most golfers as it gives them enough of a hop to get good distance while keeping control.
While it is recommended that you get custom fit for a putter to see what loft is recommended, this range should be what you are looking for if you decide not to get fitted.
Why Does A Putter Have Loft?
Pretty much every club available has a loft (with the exception of neutral loft and negative loft putters), and it serves the same purpose.
The reason a putter has loft is to give the golf ball a little bit of lift off of the grass in order to gain momentum. Without loft, the golf ball would be dragged across the ground, causing the ball to lose a lot of speed and distance. Without loft, the golf ball would never be able to leave the ground to gain momentum as there would be a ton of friction with the grass.
Can You Add a Loft to a Putter?
Yes, there are some very simple ways to add loft to a putter. You can either take it into a shop and have it adjusted, or you can do it yourself as well. The most common way to do it yourself is by bending the head or the hosel of the putter.
- Place the putter head into some type of vice.
- Use your tool to start bending the head in the direction of your desired loft
- Take the club out of the vice and measure the loft on the club
If you are going to do this yourself please make sure you do thorough research on how to bend the head of the club and make sure you have all of the proper equipment. If not, you may risk damaging your club permanently.
