Counterbalanced Putter
Also known as: counterbalanced putter, counter balanced putter, counter-balanced putter, counterweighted putter, putter with weight in the grip
A counterbalanced putter adds weight near the grip end, usually with a longer shaft and a heavy, oversized grip that extends above your hands. The extra weight up top offsets the heavy head, which can steady the stroke. You hold it at normal height, with the extra length above your hands.
A standard putter is light at the grip and heavy at the head. A counterbalanced putter moves more mass toward the hands. GOLF.com describes it as a longer putter, usually paired with a larger and heavier grip, that increases head stability.
The idea is that a more balanced putter is harder to jerk or twist. Once it is moving, it is less likely to wobble off line. Some golfers find it helps tempo on short putts.
It is legal as long as you don't anchor it. The extra length must not be held against your body during the stroke.
Tips by skill level
Try one on a practice green for a few days before buying. The heavier feel takes time to judge.
Check whether the head still feels heavy enough for long lag putts. Some players lose distance feel with more weight up top.
Example
His short putts get jabby under pressure. He tries a counterbalanced putter, and the heavier feel smooths out his stroke.
Why it matters
Counterbalancing is a legal way to add stability to a putter. It is worth testing if your stroke gets jumpy.
Common mistakes
- Anchoring the extra length against the body
- Gripping at the very top of the grip
- Buying one without testing feel
- Expecting it to fix poor aim
Frequently asked questions
Does a counterbalanced putter help?
It can, especially for golfers whose hands get jumpy on short putts. The design aims to make the putter head more stable. Test one first, as some players dislike the heavier feel.
Is a counterbalanced putter legal?
Yes, as long as you don't anchor it. Rule 10.1b bans holding the club against your body during the stroke, so keep the extra length free.
Sources
Related terms
- Putter FittingPutter fitting matches a putter's length, lie angle, loft, and balance style to a golfer's actual stroke path, using putting-specific measuring tools.
- Putter LengthPutter length is fit to a golfer's height, arm length, and preferred posture. Most standard putters run 33 to 35 inches, but a mismatched length forces a compensating posture that changes lie angle and face position at address.
- Long Putter and the Anchoring RuleYes, a long putter is legal. The club length limit does not apply to putters. What is banned is anchoring: under Rule 10.1b you may not hold the club or a gripping hand against your body, such as your chest or belly, during a stroke.
- Face-Balanced PutterA face-balanced head is weighted so that, resting the shaft across a finger, the face points at the sky rather than rolling over. The design resists twisting through a straight-back-and-through motion, and it is most often found in mallets.
- Swing WeightSwing weight measures how heavy a club feels in the swing, based on where its weight sits. It uses a letter-number scale (commonly C9 to D5), not grams.
Related guides & benchmarks
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