What is the most critical factor in putter fitting?

The most critical factor in putter fitting is hands/shaft angle at impact. This aspect directly influences how the putter interacts with the ball and the ground at the moment of striking, which is crucial for achieving a consistent roll and accuracy. The angle formed by the hands and shaft at impact can determine the trajectory of the putt, the amount of forward roll, and how effectively the putter face squares to the target line. A proper fit ensures that the golfer can consistently return the putter to this optimal angle, promoting better performance.

While shaft material, putter length, and face balance are important considerations in putter fitting, they do not influence the impact as directly as the hands/shaft angle does. Shaft material may affect the overall feel and responsiveness of the putter, putter length can influence posture and aim, and face balance can affect the putter's arc during the stroke, but they do not directly dictate how the clubface meets the ball in the crucial moment of impact. Therefore, focusing on the hands/shaft angle at impact is key to maximizing a golfer's putting effectiveness.