Better Putting Starts With a Balanced Putter
Having a balanced putter leads to sound putting. If the putter itself can pass the simple spin and push test, a foundation for good putting can be made. If a putter is not balanced, it will torque at address and during the stroke; the putter will become a variable along with speed, slope of the breaks, greens condition, and length. Confidence in the putter will lead to a solid putting stance and more success.
Most putters will fail one or both of the simple check tests. The first is the spin test. With the grip pointing down, hold the putter just below the head between the palms. Spin the club. The more waggle it has the more unbalanced it is. The second test is the push test. Place the end of the grip on the floor and hold the club with one hand just below the head. With a finger of the free hand, push where the “sweet spot” is marked. If the head moves there is no real “sweet spot.” If the putter fails one or even both, how is the putt going to be accurate?
A proper length of the putter is also a major factor in putting. A proper stance will dictate the proper length of the putter. A solid stance will begin with having the eyes over the ball; this allows the seeing of the desired putting line. Feet should be about shoulder width. Players should place their hips over the heels; this will build the foundation. The arms should drop below the shoulders to allow for a natural pendulum motion. Now the player should grip the putter; this grip will be the proper length for the club. With the off-the-rack putters many players might be gripping the steel shaft. The length should be adjusted. This fitted putter will help dictate a solid stance time after time.
With a balanced and fitted putter, the player’s thoughts such as … the hole is up hill and goes right to left … if I shift into second gear quicker, I can improve gas mileage … the green is a little wet … I wonder if the guys at the office understand my report … can be addressed without the worry of the putter itself or even the stance being a problem.
The secret behind golf is to be comfortable and eliminate as many variables as possible.
