A standard putter runs 33–35". A belly putter runs 41–46". A long (broomstick) putter runs 47–50".
What You'll Need
- Steel or graphite shaft extension (length depends on conversion target)
- Two-part shaft epoxy
- Counterweight — heavy putter grip, CounterCore weights, or lead/tungsten tip weights (typically 100–200g+ for belly/long conversions)
- New putter grip — likely longer than standard (15"–17" or two-piece for long putters)
- Hook blade, double-sided grip tape, grip solvent
- Shaft cutter
- Rubber shaft clamp and bench vise
Step 1 — Determine the Target Length
Measure the player from the floor to the navel (belly putter) or from the floor to the sternum/chin (long putter).
- Standard: 33–35"
- Belly: 41–46" (typically reaches the midsection)
- Long/Broomstick: 47–50" (reaches the chest or chin)
Order an extension long enough to cover the conversion plus 1–2" of extra length to trim down at final fitting.
Step 2 — Remove the Existing Grip
Cut the grip off and strip the tape per our Re-Grip a Golf Club guide.
Step 3 — Install the Extension
Follow Steps 2–4 of our Length Adjustment guide:
- Match material — steel-to-steel, graphite-to-graphite.
- Match the inside diameter to the shaft butt (.580" or .600").
- Mix two-part shaft epoxy. Coat the insertion end of the extension and the shaft butt interior.
- Push the extension fully home and let cure 24 hours.
Step 4 — Cut to Final Length
Once cured, cut the extension to the player's target playing length. Deburr the cut edge.
Step 5 — Counterbalance Aggressively
This is where belly/long conversions differ from a standard length extension. Without significant counterweighting, a 46–50" putter feels head-light and unstable. Plan for one or both of:
- Heavy putter grip: 100g+ grips like the SuperStroke SSR2 Squared (109g) or oversized models from Garsen/JumboMax/Lamkin
- Internal butt weight: 50–100g+ of lead, brass, or tungsten tip weight epoxied into the butt of the shaft, OR a SuperStroke CounterCore weight (25g/50g/75g) screwed into a Tech-Port grip
Tour-level long putter setups often combine both: a 100g grip plus a 75g CounterCore weight equals 175g+ at the butt end. See our Counterbalance a Putter guide for details.
Step 6 — Install the Grip
Use a longer grip appropriate to the new length:
- Belly putter: 15–17" grip (e.g., Zenergy Flatso 17")
- Long putter: 17"+ or two-piece grip (e.g., Zenergy Tour 1.0 2-Piece, adjustable to length)
Install per the standard re-grip procedure, with extra solvent given the longer tape surface area.
Step 7 — Cure and Test
Let cure 4–6 hours minimum, then test the player's stroke. Re-measure swing weight — counterbalanced long putters typically read very low or even negative on the swing weight scale, which is correct and expected.