A counterbalanced putter adds weight to the grip end, usually with a longer shaft and a heavier head. The idea is to make the putter more stable and reduce wristy, jerky strokes. Many golfers who struggle with consistency, or the yips, find them helpful. Here's how they work.
How they work
- Extra weight in or under the grip.
- Heavier head to balance it.
- Longer shaft, typically a few inches longer, gripped down.
- Higher balance point, which reduces the influence of the hands and wrists.
Who might benefit?
- Golfers with a wristy or jabby stroke.
- Golfers with the yips. Read the putting yips.
- Golfers who struggle with short putts. Read how to hole more short putts.
Potential drawbacks
- Less feel for some golfers on long putts.
- Different feel that takes time to adapt to.
- Distance control needs practice.
How to use one
- Grip down so the extra length sits above your hands.
- Rock the shoulders; keep the wrists quiet.
- Practise lag putting to calibrate pace. Read putting on fast and slow greens.
The rules
Counterbalanced putters are legal. You must not anchor the club against your body when making a stroke. Read conforming golf equipment.
Fitting
Try one on a putting green or in a fitting. Match head style and toe hang to your stroke. Read how to choose a putter and putting stroke: arc vs straight back.
A simple test to see if it suits you
You don't need to commit to a new putter straight away. Try this at a shop, fitting centre or your club:
- Hit ten 4-foot putts with your normal putter and ten with a counterbalanced model. Count how many go in.
- Hit ten 30-foot putts with each and note how close they finish.
- Notice how the stroke feels: smoother, more stable or sluggish?
- Repeat on another day, as first impressions can be misleading.
If the counterbalanced putter improves short-putt consistency without hurting your distance control, it may be worth trying on the course.
Counterbalanced vs other designs
| Design | What it does | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Counterbalanced | Extra weight in the grip and a longer shaft for stability | Golfers with wristy or jerky strokes |
| Heavy head | More weight in the head to promote a smooth, pendulum stroke | Golfers on slower greens or with quick tempo |
| Face-balanced | Face points up when balanced on a finger; suits straighter strokes | Straight-back, straight-through strokes |
| Toe-hang | Toe points down; suits arcing strokes | Golfers with more arc. Read putting stroke: arc vs straight |
| Arm-lock | Grip rests against the lead forearm | Golfers struggling with wrist action or the yips. Read putting yips |
Adjusting your setup
Counterbalanced putters are usually longer than standard. You might:
- Choke down so the end of the grip sits above your hands.
- Stand slightly taller to match the extra length.
- Keep your eyes over or just inside the ball.
- Use a slightly lighter grip pressure, letting the weight steady the stroke. Read grip pressure.
Common mistakes
- Choosing by feel alone: test results on the green matter more.
- Wrong length: if the shaft is too long and you don't choke down, posture suffers.
- Expecting a cure-all: stroke mechanics, routine and green reading still matter. Read how to putt: fundamentals.
- Switching too often: give a new putter at least a few weeks of practice.
Practice drills
- Gate drill: two tees just wider than the putter head, to check a square, stable stroke.
- Ladder drill: putts of 10, 20, 30 and 40 feet to calibrate distance with the new weighting.
- Pressure drill: make ten 3-footers in a row before finishing a session. Read putting drills to stop three-putting.
Frequently asked questions
What is a counterbalanced putter?
A putter with extra weight in the grip end to stabilise the stroke.
Are counterbalanced putters legal?
Yes, if not anchored to the body.
Do counterbalanced putters help the yips?
Many golfers find they reduce wrist action and smooth the stroke.
Should I grip down on a counterbalanced putter?
Yes, usually by a few inches.
Do counterbalanced putters help with long putts?
They can steady the stroke, but some golfers find distance control harder at first because of the different weight. Practise lag putts before using one on the course.
Can I add weight to my existing putter grip?
Yes. Heavier grips and weights inside the grip are available, but changing the balance affects feel; test before committing.
The bottom line
Counterbalanced putters can stabilise a wristy stroke and help with short putts. Try one, grip down, rock the shoulders and practise distance control. For more putting advice, read how to putt: the fundamentals.