You bought a new putter or a new bag. You try to clip the putter in place, and it just does not work. The clip slides off, it will not snap in, or the putter keeps falling out. You are not alone. Most golfers hit this wall at some point.
This problem happens for one simple reason: the attachment method on your putter clip does not match the storage system on your golf bag. They were not designed to work together. But the good news is that you usually do not need to buy new equipment to fix it.
The Three Main Reasons Putters Clips Fail
Before you start modifying anything, you need to find out which type of mismatch you have. There are only three common causes.
Magnetic interference. Many modern putter clips use a magnet on the headcover that sticks to a metal ring or plate on the bag. If your bag has a plastic molded putter well, there is no metal for the magnet to grab. The clip will just hang loose.
Physical obstruction. Some bags have a dedicated putter slot that is too narrow, too shallow, or shaped differently than your clip. The plastic tabs on the clip might be too wide to slide into the slot. Or the clip itself might be too tall and hits the top of the bag divider.
Wrong attachment point. Your bag may use a D-ring, a webbed strap, or a simple velcro loop. Your clip might be designed for a specific style of ring that your bag simply does not have. The clip has no way to hook onto anything.
Figure Out Which Clip Type You Have
Look at the headcover that came with your putter or the clip you bought separately. There are three main designs.
Magnetic clip. This has a magnet sewn into the fabric of the headcover. It may also have a metal strip on the back. It sticks to anything metal on the bag. If you can hold the headcover near the bag and it snaps into place without any physical hook, it is magnetic.
Velcro strap clip. This has a fabric strap with a velcro pad. You wrap it around a ring, a strap, or a handle on the bag and then press the velcro closed. This is the most universal type, but only if the strap is long enough.
Fixed plastic tab clip. This has a rigid plastic hook or tab that slides into a dedicated slot on the bag top. It usually clicks into place. This type only works if the slot on your bag is the exact same shape and size as the tab.
Examine Your Golf Bag’s Putter Storage
Now look at your bag. Different bags store putters in very different ways.
Dedicated putter well. This is a molded plastic tube or recessed area on the top of the bag. It is often separate from the other club dividers. It may have a magnet built into the bottom or a metal ring at the opening. Measure the opening width and depth. Some wells are designed for specific putter grips, not specific clips.
14-way or 4-way divider top. If your bag does not have a dedicated putter well, the putter just goes into one of the regular slots. Some of these slots have a separate sleeve or a velcro loop inside. Others are just empty holes.
D-ring or webbed strap. Some carry bags and cart bags have a D-ring sewn onto the outside. Others have a loop of webbing. These are usually meant for a clip to attach to.
Match Your Clip to Your Bag
Here is where you get your answer. Compare what you found in the two steps above.
| Your Clip Type | Bag Must Have | Likely Mismatch |
|---|---|---|
| Magnetic | Metal ring, metal plate, or embedded magnet in the bag | Plastic putter well with no metal |
| Velcro strap | Any ring, strap, or loop that the strap can wrap around | Strap is too short or the bag has no exposed loop |
| Fixed plastic tab | Dedicated slot of matching size and shape | Slot is too narrow, too shallow, or nonexistent |
How to Fix Each Type of Mismatch
Once you know what is wrong, you can fix it without buying a whole new bag.
Magnetic clip on a bag with no metal
This is the easiest fix. Buy a small self-adhesive metal plate. These are sold online as putter magnet adapters or as magnetic cabinet door plates. Peel the backing and stick the plate onto the inside of the putter well or onto the outside of the bag where the magnet would hit. Let it cure for 24 hours before using. Your magnetic clip will now stick firmly.
If you want a cleaner look, some companies sell adhesive metal rings that fit around the opening of the putter well. You can also buy a magnetic putter headcover adapter that replaces the headcover entirely.
Velcro strap too short
If the strap barely wraps around the ring but will not close, you have a couple of options. Use a small zip tie to extend the strap. Loop the zip tie through the ring, then wrap the velcro strap around the zip tie. Cut the excess zip tie flush.
Or replace the entire velcro clip with a universal velcro headcover. These are cheap and work on any bag that has any kind of attachment point.
Fixed plastic tab will not slide in
Start by checking if the tab is installed correctly. Some tabs can be rotated 180 degrees. You may have it upside down. Try flipping it.
If the tab is just slightly too wide, use a fine file or sandpaper to gently shave down the edges of the plastic tab. Go slow. Test the fit after every few passes. You only need to remove a tiny amount of material.
If the bag has a removable putter well insert, pull it out. Some bags have a plastic insert that creates a specific slot shape. Removing it opens up a wider slot that your tab can fit into.
Clip installed backwards or upside down
This happens more than you think. Look at the clip closely. The hook or tab should face toward the inside of the bag, not outward. The clip should sit flush against the bag top, not angled up. If it seems wrong, unscrew the clip, flip it 180 degrees, and retighten.
When You Must Replace Something?
Not every problem has a cheap fix. Here is when you should just buy a new part.
Replace the headcover if the clip is permanently sewn into the fabric and cannot be adjusted. Many putters come with a sewn-in clip that cannot be removed. If that clip does not fit your bag, get a universal headcover.
Replace the bag only if the putter well is too shallow to hold your putter grip at all. Some putter wells are designed for standard size grips, and aftermarket oversize grips will not sit in the well. A clip will not fix that. You need a bag with a deeper putter well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a putter clip on a cart bag if my bag is a carry bag?
Yes, but only if your carry bag has a D-ring or a webbed loop that the clip can attach to. Most cart bags have these. Many lightweight carry bags do not. Check your bag before you try.
Will a putter clip damage my bag’s fabric or finish?
A magnetic clip will not damage fabric. A Velcro strap can leave lint or wear marks over time. A fixed plastic tab should not scratch plastic dividers, but it can scuff painted surfaces. Use a small piece of felt tape on the back of the clip if you are worried.
Are there universal putter clips that work with any bag?
Not truly universal, but velcro strap clips come the closest. They work on any bag that has a ring, a strap, or a loop. Magnetic clips are almost universal if you add a metal adapter plate.
My putter clip came with my putter, but it does not fit any bag. Is it defective?
Most likely not. Many putters ship with a clip designed for a specific brand of bag. If you bought a putter from a brand that also makes bags, the clip may only work on that brand’s bags. It is not a defect; it is a compatibility restriction.
How do I remove a stuck putter clip without breaking it?
Spray a small amount of lubricant like WD-40 into the clip mechanism. Let it sit for five minutes. Gently wiggle the clip side to side while pulling it out. If the clip uses a screw, remove the screw first. Do not use excessive force or the plastic will crack.