By and large, the putter sees more variation in design than any other club in the bag.
There are several things to consider when choosing a putter type — from a blade or mallet head shape to the neck design according to different strokes.
However, one variable rarely discussed is the weight of the putter shaft.
In this article, I’ll discuss how a heavy putter shaft can help stabilize your stroke.
Ready? Let’s get into it!
Heavy Putter Shaft
Generally, a heavy putter shaft adds control and stability to the putting stroke. A lighter shaft will make a putter feel more head-heavy, which some golfers prefer. However, this can make a putter lack forgiveness, resulting in off-center hits.
Standard vs Heavy Putter Shaft
Standard putter shafts weigh around 120 grams. Heavy putter shaft options weigh up to 160 grams, offering more reliable direction by adding stability to the stroke.
In short, heavy putter shafts can help with the following:
- Improved stability in the putting stroke
- Easier to roll putts over longer distances
Nippon’s NS Pro series has a heavy putter shaft option that weighs a whopping 160 grams — 40 grams heavier than a standard putter shaft.
According to Nippon, the NS Pro heavy putter shaft helps to create a “sense of stability when the player is putting under pressure.”
So, how exactly does this work?
Essentially, the heavier shaft weight helps to add a level of consistency to the stroke, making it easier to find the sweet spot. This is due to a combination of the extra weight and stiffness, making the shaft less prone to twisting through impact.
Similarly, heavy putter shafts make it easier to roll putts over a longer distance. This makes it easier to control your lag putting, limiting the number of three-putts.
For everyday golfers, it’s a great shaft upgrade to consider.
A lot of the time, amateur golfers lack precision on approach shots. This means they’re often faced with long-range putts — sometimes with plenty of slopes to navigate.
The extra stability on a heavy putter shaft can make it easier to find the all-important sweet spot. Likewise, it can make the putter swing more naturally for good speed.
How to Change a Putter Shaft
Changing a putter shaft is a fairly simple task that can be completed at home.
The first step is to ensure you have the correct tools for the job:
- Vice with a rubber clamp
- Blowtorch or heat gun
- Hosel cleaning brush or drill bit
- Sandpaper
- Two-part epoxy glue
Now, let’s cover the full process from start to finish!
Step 1: Remove the Putter Head
The first step is to remove the putter head from the shaft.
Clamp the putter horizontally into the vice, giving yourself clear access to the hosel.
Then, apply heat to the hosel using a blowtorch or heat gun. Essentially, this will soften the original epoxy glue used to bond the putter head to the shaft.
Once softened, twist the putter head off the shaft. It shouldn’t require much heat to soften the glue — just apply heat for a few seconds on each side.
Step 2: Clean the Hosel
Now, it’s important to clean any residue off the hosel before attaching the new shaft.
I recommend using either a hosel cleaning brush or a small drill bit for this part. That way, you can remove any excess glue that might affect the new bond.
Step 3: Prepare the New Shaft
The next task is to prep the new shaft.
Cut the shaft to the desired length — provided it’s not already pre-cut to length.
Next, use sandpaper to lightly sand the tip of the shaft that sits within the hosel. This will allow the epoxy to form a strong bond between the shaft and the hosel.
Step 4: Attach the New Shaft
Finally, it’s time to glue in the new shaft!
Mix the two-part epoxy substance into a smooth gel-like texture.
Then, apply a thin layer of epoxy inside the hosel. Also, put an additional thin layer of epoxy on the sanded tip of the replacement shaft.
Set the tip of the shaft inside the hosel. Wipe away any excess glue, before leaving it to dry and cure for around 1-2 hours.
PRO TIP: Since there’s not much force in a putting stroke, you typically won’t have to wait as long after replacing a putter shaft than a full-swing club. 1 to 2 hours is plenty!
Check out the video below by GolfWRX. It demonstrates the entire process, from removing the putter head from the shaft to inserting the replacement shaft:
Final Thoughts
In summary, a heavy putter shaft can add stability to the putting stroke. This adds a level of forgiveness, making it easier to consistently find the sweet spot.
If you often find yourself struggling to gauge the distance on longer putts, perhaps try using a putter with a heavier shaft. In effect, the extra weight can help naturally swing the putter in the stroke, giving you the best chance at setting up a short second putt.
I recommend you test out several putters before settling on one. Consider the head shape and weight, along with the weight and length of the shaft.
Ultimately, putting is all about feel. It’s worth experimenting to feel confident with the putter in your hands, giving you the confidence to roll putts under pressure.
