Is it you or is it your putter? Be confident that your putter works with your technique, not against it.
Know Your Stroke Path
Different putter heads suit different stroke paths. Analyze your stroke path.
There are two main stroke paths: the straight-through stroke and the arc stroke.
Next time you are putting, watch your technique.
Try observing and asking yourself these questions:
Is your stroke path straight back and straight through?
Does your stroke path have an arc?
Is it a slight arc or a strong arc?
If you don’t know your stroke path or can’t immediately tell by observation, you can test yourself!
Find a straight line on your putting surface. This could be a pattern on your floor. Or use an alignment stick or a masking tape line.
Line up to a target with the heel of your putter parallel to the straight line.
Make a natural putting stroke and pause midway through your follow-through. Check where your putter head is relative to the reference line.
Does it cross the reference line? If it hasn’t, your stroke path is straight and doesn’t have an arc.
This is important to know when choosing a style of putter!
Putter heads have different head designs and balance weighting suited to different stroke paths.
Knowing your stroke path allows you to choose a putter that complements your natural tendency. Choosing the right putter for your stroke path increases your accuracy and confidence.
Putter Design
Putter Head Style
There are three basic putter head styles.
- A blade putter head complements a slight arc.
- A mallet complements a straight stroke.
- A high MOI head is the most forgiving. MOI measures the putter’s face resistance on off-centre contact. The higher the MOI, the less the putter will twist during strokes. This putter style complements an inconsistent stroke. MOI heads are suited to either a straight or an arced stroke path.
Putter Head Balance
Putter faces are face balanced or toe balanced.
To test this, place the putter on a flat surface with the clubhead overhanging the edge.
If the toe hangs down, it is toe balanced. This balance is more suited to an arcing stroke.
If the face stays up, it is face balanced. Face-balanced putters suit a straight back and through stroke.
Putter Shaft Length
Having a putter that is too long or too short can also affect your accuracy.
The correct length of the putter depends on your height, arm length, and posture.
Many golfers play with putters that are too long.
To find your optimum putter length, get into your putting position. Let your hands hang naturally. Have someone measure from the ground to above the top of your hands. This should be the length of your putter shaft. Choose a putter that length, or have your putter adjusted for you.
Putter Grips
Some players prefer to use thick grips on their putters. Using a thicker grip helps to improve control by engaging the shoulder muscles and limiting wrist motion.
SuperStroke is the most common manufacturer when it comes to large aftermarket putter grips. They host a variety of styles, sizes, and colours and are carried in many main golf outlets and pro shops.
Online Tools for Picking a Putter
Try one of these online putter fitting tools as a guide to what putter may be most suited to your technique:
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