Putters
The Right Putter
Your putter is the most used club in your bag. Each hole requires your putter at least once (and for most of us twice, if not more!). The green is where matches are won and lost.
Based on shaft length:
If your aim is to produce quality puts then its important to get the right putter length for your height. The minimum length limit is set at 18 inches but the maximum length is your decision.
Standard length- This 33 to 36 inch putter lets your arms hang down and gives you that famous pendulum swing to get the ball rolling towards the cup.
Belly length- This 41-46 inch putter offers three points of contact. It allows you to anchor the putter against your body. Although this putter requires a little more practise, it is easier on the wrist.
Long putters - Ranging between 48 and 52 inches, the long putter is also called the broom-handle for obvious reasons! Normally used by experts, this putter requires a completely different kind of grip. It can be rested near the chin, chest or at the belly button.
Based on design:
Blade - this traditional design features a small head and a flat look and is suitable for most greens. These are ideal for golfers who have a straight putting stroke.
Peripheral weighted - this putter is not face balanced and thus is ideal for golfers with an in to out stroke. It offers more head than the standard blade putter and is used by both amateurs and experts alike.
Mallets - Bigger sized and heavier, the mallets are face balanced and offers a soft hit although the head is large. It helps reduce backspin and would be great for a straight through.
Based on putter faces:
Your putter face material would largely depend on the speed of the greens and the ball that you have selected.
Metal faced - Apart from traditional steel other materials like bronze, copper, brass, aluminium, titanium and zinc are also used. A metal face putter gives you noise feedback so you can actually hear the connection!
Insert faced - This variety of metal putters has a non-metal insert to ensure a smoother roll and a softer feel. It offers a wide area for pure strikes as weight is added to the toe and the heel.
Groove faced - Missed putts result when the ball skids, slides, hops or spins upon impact. This can be avoided when grooves are placed on the putter face. The ball is gripped by the groves and is lifted so it is ready to roll.
Other classifications:
Putters can also be classified on the bases of shafts and hosels. There are three main varieties- Heel shafted, centre shafted and offset. Further, your choice of putters can be based on the kind of grip that you desire. However, the primary consideration should be your level of comfort. So try a lot of putters, and choose the one that feels the best.
The goal is to find a method that is simple, swings the putter in a consistent arc and strikes the ball in the same spot on the face every time.
The movement of the putter is completely created by the rotation of shoulders around your neck. This movement will create a consistent arc.
Your hands and arms must be relaxed and quiet during the stroke. Any movement from your hands and arms will create inconsistency.
Your lower body and head and neck must be motionless during the stroke. Again, any movement will lead to inconsistency.
It is recommend that you hold the club in your palms so that your forearms and the shaft are on the same plane this makes them work as one unit. Your shoulders should be parallel to the target line. The back of your neck should be close to horizontal, which will allow your shoulders to move more up and down, which makes the putter swing in a straighter line. It is important that you understand that the set-up will allow the putter to swing in a straight line; you should not try to manipulate the putter with your hands and arms.
Developing touch
Good putters have a great control of distance and can adjust easily to different speed greens. There must be both a lot of feel drills in your practice and an emphasis on distance control when you play.
Use three to six balls and hit each ball a different distance.
Make several rehearsal strokes prior to each putt trying to feel the energy needed. An example is to place three balls on the same line at 20, 25 and 30 feet from the hole. Take your time and try to make each putt, then repeat the process from different directions and lengths for uphill, downhill and level putts.
Develop a consistent putting routine
Gather information about the shot. I like to walk around (before it's my turn) and especially walk near the line from the hole to my ball to feel the slope.
Choose a line and commit to your choice. I like to choose an aiming point to the side of the hole. Take several rehearsal strokes with two goals: visualizing the ball going into the hole and feeling the energy needed for perfect speed.
The stroke: Set-up to the ball. Rotate your head so your eyes track in a straight line to your aiming point and back (not the hole except for straight putts). Make your best stroke. Keep everything still until the putter stops then rotate you head to watch the ball. Hold this position until the ball stops rolling.
When you look at the differences between the good and bad putters;
Good putters have a concept for their stroke and stick with it
Poor putters change their technique and/or their putter frequently
Good putters concentrate more on distance and feel
Poor putters focus on their stroke and the line
Good putters have confidence
Poor putters don't, even when they are making some putts
