How to Add Weight to Your Putter: The Ultimate Guide

Adding weight to your putter can significantly improve your game, offering benefits like increased stability, a smoother stroke, and enhanced distance control. But knowing how to add weight effectively is crucial. This guide will explore various methods, helping you choose the best approach for your skill level and budget. We'll also delve into the potential drawbacks to consider before you start tinkering with your putter.

Why Add Weight to Your Putter?

Many golfers find adding weight to their putter improves their performance. Here's why:

• Increased Stability: Extra weight reduces putter head movement during the stroke, leading to a more consistent and controlled swing path. This is especially beneficial for golfers with inconsistent strokes or those prone to shanking the ball.

• Smoother Stroke: The added inertia dampens vibrations, resulting in a smoother feel and improved feedback. This can lead to a more confident and rhythmic stroke.

• Enhanced Distance Control: A heavier putter allows for more precise control of distance, minimizing those frustrating short or long putts. This is especially crucial on longer putts.

• Improved Feel: Some golfers simply prefer the heavier feel of a weighted putter, finding it more satisfying and contributing to increased confidence on the green.

Methods for Adding Weight to Your Putter

There are several ways to add weight to your putter, ranging from simple DIY solutions to professional modifications. Let's examine each method:

1. Adding Weight Tape

This is the most accessible and affordable method. Weight tape is a lead tape specifically designed for golf clubs. It's easy to apply, allowing you to experiment with different weight distributions to find your sweet spot. You can add it to the sole, back, or even the top of your putter head, adjusting its placement to fine-tune your swing. However, be cautious not to add too much weight, which might negatively impact your swing.

2. Using Weighted Putters Grips

Many manufacturers offer putters with heavier grips. Switching to a weighted grip is an easy way to add substantial weight without significant alterations to the club itself. The added weight is distributed throughout the grip, affecting the overall balance and feel of the putter. This method is simple and generally less likely to void any warranties.

3. Installing Weight Screws

Many putters are designed to accommodate weight screws. These screws can be added to pre-existing holes, or you may need to have holes drilled by a professional club fitter. This method allows for precise weight adjustments and is generally considered more permanent than tape. You can select weights of varying sizes to find the perfect balance. This method offers more precise control over the distribution of weight compared to tape.

4. Adding Weight to the Shaft

While less common, some golfers add weight to the shaft, usually near the grip. This can help stabilize the swing, but it can also change the swing weight, which might not be desirable for everyone. This option requires a professional fitter and may not be suitable for all putters.

How Much Weight Should I Add?

There's no magic number; the ideal weight increase depends on individual preferences and swing characteristics. Start with small increments (e.g., 10-20 grams) and gradually increase the weight until you find a comfortable and effective balance. It’s recommended to start with weight tape to experiment before committing to more permanent modifications. Overdoing it can lead to a heavy, unwieldy putter.

Potential Drawbacks of Adding Weight

While adding weight can improve your game, it's important to be aware of potential drawbacks:

• Altered Swing Weight: Adding significant weight might alter the swing weight, potentially making the putter feel unbalanced or difficult to control.

• Warranty Issues: Modifying your putter might void its warranty, so check with the manufacturer before making any significant alterations.

• Head-Heavy Feel: Adding too much weight to the head can make the putter feel head-heavy, leading to an inconsistent stroke and potentially causing injury.

• Over-compensation: It’s possible you over-compensate for the added weight leading to other putting issues.

Should I Consult a Professional?

If you're unsure about the best approach or want a precise adjustment, consulting a professional club fitter is highly recommended. They can analyze your swing, suggest appropriate weight adjustments, and ensure the modifications are made correctly. They can also assess whether your current putter is suitable for modification, or if a different putter might be more suitable.

By carefully considering these factors and choosing the appropriate method, you can enhance your putting performance by adding weight to your putter. Remember to start small, experiment, and prioritize a comfortable and effective stroke over simply adding as much weight as possible.