33 Inch Mallet Putter: How to Choose the Right Length (2026)

By Owen Palmer

Updated November 2026

A 33 inch mallet putter is a common length for golfers of average height who stand fairly upright over the ball. In this guide, you will learn how to test whether 33 inches suits your setup, how to adjust it if it almost fits, and what to watch for when buying one. The goal is a putter that lets your eyes sit over the line and your hands hang naturally without hunching.

Check Your Current Putting Posture

Length problems almost always show up in your posture. Set up to a short putt on a mat and look at where your eyes and hands land. If you have to bend deeply from the hips and your forearms sit far from your body, the putter is likely too long. If you stand tall and your hands sit too close to your thighs, it may be too short.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 6 Best Mallet V Blade Putters for Every Stroke (2026).

A useful check is the hang of your arms. With your putter in your normal grip, let your arms relax. Your hands should rest just in front of your thighs, with the grip end roughly level with the palm of your hand when it’s held the way you normally hold it.

Measure Your Fit Before You Buy

Stand in your natural putting stance with a club or a yardstick at ground level beside your ball. Note your eye line in relation to the ball and the distance from the ball to your hands. Most fitters use a rough guideline: taller golfers with a more upright stance often land near 34 to 35 inches, while shorter golfers or those who bend more typically sit closer to 32 to 33 inches. A 33 inch model is a sensible starting point for many average-height players, but test it before committing.

Use a Simple Setup Test

Place a ball on the mat and take your normal putting grip.
Look down. Your eyes should sit directly over or just inside the ball-to-target line.
Make five short strokes, keeping your head still.
If your wrists break or your shoulders rise, adjust the length.

Adjust Lie and Lie Angle for Your Stance

Length and lie work together. A putter with a lie angle that is too upright can make a correctly measured 33 inch shaft feel too long, because the toe lifts and the face aims left or right. Address the ball, then check that the sole sits flat on the ground with the face square. If the heel or toe hovers, ask a clubfitter about lie adjustment before changing length.

Decide Whether to Buy Off the Shelf or Get a Custom Length

Many mallet putters ship at 33 or 34 inches, which makes a 33 inch model easy to find. If your test shows a half-inch difference, a fitter can often cut or extend the shaft. Owners often report that small length tweaks make the biggest difference to comfort over long practice sessions. For frequent players, a fitted putter is worth the extra time.

Common Mistakes

Choosing length based on driver height alone. Putting posture is different.
Ignoring lie angle when testing length.
Testing only one putt. Make at least 10 strokes to see consistent posture.
Gripping too tightly, which can make a correct length feel wrong.
Matching a friend’s putter without checking your own stance.

Recommended Gear

Putting mirror or alignment mirror: lets you check eye position and posture at home. View on Amazon
Full-length putting mat: provides a consistent surface so you can repeat your setup and length test. View on Amazon

FAQ

Is a 33 inch mallet putter good for short golfers?

Often yes. Shorter golfers who stand fairly upright may find 33 inches comfortable, though some prefer 32 inches if they bend more.

How do I know if my putter is too long?

If your hands sit far from your body or your shoulders feel tense, the length is probably too long. Check your eye line over the ball to confirm.

Can I change the length of a mallet putter myself?

Cutting a shaft is possible but risky. A professional clubfitter can adjust length and lie safely and accurately.

Conclusion

A 33 inch mallet putter suits many average-height golfers, but the only reliable test is your own posture over the ball. Measure your eye line, check your hang, and make a series of practice strokes before deciding. A proper fit helps you keep your head still and your stroke repeatable on every green.

Ready to choose one?

About Owen Palmer

Owen Palmer is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our putting & short game guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.

About the author

Owen Palmer

Owen Palmer writes reviews and buying guides for Putting For Par.