In the fitting world, WTF means “Wrist To Floor.” It refers to measuring the distance from your wrist joint to the floor to determine proper club length.
I recommend going to a professional for a club fitting.
However, if you are going to take measurements at home, it’s a good idea to have someone assist you.
Wear your golf shoes or a pair of tennis shoes. Put on something close to what you would normally wear at the course. Stand on a flat surface. Measure from your wrist joint to the floor.
• It’s important to stand up straight with your arms hanging normally at your side for regular clubs.
• For putters, take your normal putting stance with your arms hanging straight down from your shoulders.
The reason it is a good idea to have someone help you is that if you bend to look at the ruler even slightly the measurement could be off by inches.
Note: Posture at address for full swings or putts varies from person to person. Something to keep in mind. Find the clubs that fit you.
Ways to find the proper putter
- Take your normal putting stance. With your arms hanging straight down from your shoulders, measure from your wrist joint to the floor. That distance is the proper length putter.
- Find a putter you like at your local golf shop. I did this for almost every putter I’ve purchased. The big difference is that a “standard putter” is the proper putter length for me.
- You can also go by your height. While there are no hard and fast rules on putter length these days, here is a general guide by height.
6’ and up – 35”
5’9” to 5’11” – 34” putter
5’3” to 5’9” – 33” putter
5’ to 5’2” – 32” putter
You don’t want to be in a shrugged position because the putter is too long or bent over too far because the putter is too short. You need to feel comfortable.
This video is on why you need the proper length putter.
Regular club length
Typically, it’s more important to find the proper length for your long and short irons. Like your 5 iron and pitching wedge for example. Most people could hit a stock 7 iron or close to that.
Visit a pro, get measured and make sure you know the proper length clubs to buy.
It’s a great idea to hit new irons using hitting tape to see where the ball mark is on the club face.
Here is a video on finding the right length clubs.
Charts for the proper length
These will get you in the ballpark.
Here is an explanation from Callaway.
“Wrist to Floor” distance and 5-iron length from wishongolf.com
27″ to 29″ = 36 1/2″
29+” to 32″ = 3/4 37
32+” to 34″ = 37 1/2
34+” to 36″ = 38
36+” to 37″ = 38 1/4
37+” to 38″ = 38 1/2
38+” to 39″ = 38 3/4
39+” to 40″ = 39
40+” to 41″ = 39 1/4
41+” to 42″ = 39 1/2
over 42″ = 39 3/4 and up
The emphasis should be on you feeling comfortable in your normal golf posture with all your clubs.
Here is how a fitting went for me
I’m 6′ 2″ tall. The measurement from my wrist joint to the floor is 35 inches standing straight up and arms straight down.
For my putter, the wrist to floor distance was 32 inches. I’m in the ballpark with a 35 inch putter. If I choke down to far or if I shortened the club I have to bend over too much.
My stock 5 iron was 37.75 inches.
For my irons, the pro I went to suggested 1″ over on the length or 38.75 inches long. He also suggested 3 degrees upright on the lie.
So the charts above are Ok, but go see a pro for a fitting.
Also, don’t just accept stock length shafts with a stock lie. Standard or Stock is not right for everyone.
Important note: Buy clubs that you can have bent if necessary.