A common problem faced by professional club-fitters is that previously there has not really been an effective, reasonably priced way to properly fit a golfer for a putter. A clubfitter would have to sell a lot of putters at a premium price to be able to justify investing in a state-of-the-art computerised putter fitting system that costs thousands of pounds. It was only when the shaft-to-head connecting devices were introduced for fitting drivers that it became possible to use the same method to fit putters.

The latest system from FazFit is ideal for putter fitting. By using several different shaft lengths and a couple of putter heads along with the FazFit connectors, it is now possible to fit golfers to the correct putter specifications without spending a fortune.

We put together some research utilising the Tomi True Putt and here are the findings:

The majority of club golfers are using putters that are too long. This is because the standard putter length is 35", and so that's what the golfer plays even if they end up choking down on the grip. To get a golfer set

up properly with a good stance, arms hanging straight and eyes over the ball, the correct club length is vital. By using the FazFit system it is possible to use three, four or even five different shaft lengths to determine the right length.

Here is the sequence for custom fitting putters:

1. Shaft length

This is relative to the players posture, technique and physique, but also be aware that putter lengths should be relative to the type and speed of the greens surface. Putting on slow greens requires more physical effort and movement with a short putter, so a shaft that is too short can cause a loss of distance control and accuracy.

2. Lie

The putter shaft length will mostly dictate this. As the shaft length changes, in many cases the lie of the club has to be altered. Again, with a FazFit system and three clubheads with different lies, it is possible to quickly change both length and lie.

3. Loft

There are lots of theories on this and again, this factor is very much driven by the putting surface and speed. The slower the speed of the green the more lofted the putter should be, with the opposite applying for fast greens. Optimal dynamic impact loft should be between 3 and 4 degrees.

This does not mean the putter should have this loft, but that it should perform with this dynamic loft at impact with the ball.

4. Putter Weight

An easy mistake to make when deciding to shorten the player's putter is not to take into account the loss of total weight, and the result is a short and light putter, which may feel good initially, but remember heavier putters force the larger muscle groups to control the putt. When it comes to putters, swing-weight is not as important as total weight. By using the FazFit system, it is possible to maintain a good total weight with even very short putters by using special heavyweight putter shafts. Both Nippon and True Temper have specialised heavy shafts weighing up to 218 grams as opposed to a standard fit shaft, which weighs between 100-120 grams.

Understanding ball strike sequence is essential if you are to fit the perfect putter to your customer. The sequence is as follows:

• Impact
• Launch and Spin - this is mostly governed by putter loft
• Land and Skid - skidding is the unwanted part of the sequence and needs to be reduced as much as possible.
• Roll - the sooner the ball is rolling forwards the less chance there is of ball deviation for line and speed when it returns to the ground after impact.

It is also very useful when fitting to know acceleration, clubhead path, angle of attack, face angle and swing length, which until recently was only available by spending a fortune on a computerised system, but now Accusport has introduced the TOMI Putting System, which does all of the aforementioned plus more, for a fraction of the cost.

There are many little tricks that have been developed over the years, mostly coming from the Tour players, to find the perfect custom fitted putter: weighing down the shaft with sand or lead powder; counter-balancing the grip (back weighting) using lead tape or shaft butt plugs; and face balancing using lead tape or the purchase of a face balance putter. All of these make for a putter that is perfectly matched to the player's ability and game.

There is a huge choice when it comes to putter grips, so it is useful to have a selection of different shapes, weights, styles and sizes when conducting a fitting.

Even without a putter analyser it is now possible to offer a comprehensive and professional service for a price that won't break the bank. Selling custom-fitted putters for dough makes good business sense and will also improve your customers' handicaps.

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