Buying the Perfect Putter - Putting Series #1

By David Schreyer
dschreyer@canongategolf.com
Canongate Performance Centers

Putting is simply the most important part of the game. It is also the most neglected. I have seen this from beginners to tour players. It sometimes seems that because the physical challenge isn't as great in putting, golfers just wait to see what their outcome will be. Instead, let’s start working on our putting. To get started correctly on this journey to become better putters, let’s first consider which type of putter might be right for you. There are basically two types of putters that the manufacturers produce these days.

The first type of putter we will discuss is the Face Balanced putter. To determine the type putter you currently have, find the balance point of your putter. Balance the putter on one finger. This point is usually in the lower portion of the shaft. Note if the face stays parallel to the ground; if so, you have a face balanced putter. This putter is designed so that the club face will swing in a perpendicular angle to the target line. This method is also called “Square to Square” or the Dave Pelz method of putting. As the putter is taken back in the back stroke, the blade of the putter will stay square to the line. Since the fulcrum position (center of your body) or the swing point does not move, the club face will slightly close. So that means on the return to the impact position, the face will square as it moves back to the fulcrum point. Then, as the club paces the impact position and moves up the through swing, the face will continue to stay square to the target line, causing the opposite reaction. The face will then open because the club has moved forward of the fulcrum position.

The second type of putter discussed would be the Toe -Thrower. Apply the same balance point test and you will notice the toe of the putter will point downward in varying degrees. This type of putter will allow the toe of the putter to pass the heel of the putter much easier in the stroke. This method is called the Arc Method. Instructors such as Pat O'Brien and Stan Utley teach this method. In this stroke the toe of the putter slightly swings open to the target in the back stroke, aligning the shaft and the face position. As the club swings back to the fulcrum position, the shaft and face remain in alignment and the face will square. After the impact position, the toe of the face will release past the heel (but notice the face and the shaft are still in alignment.)

Now you need to determine which of these two methods is your natural tendency: the Square-to-Square” method or the Arc method. Then apply the proper putter to the proper method. If you determine you have the wrong putter type, it might be time to invest in a new putter. I usually will suggest matching the putter to your stroke rather than changing your stroke to match your putter. What we do naturally is always best. When you are on the 18th hole trying to win a buck off your buddy, we want you making a natural motion.

Making the Tough Shots - Knock Down/Punch Shot

By Kevin Kirk
Senior Director of Instruction
The Woodlands Performance Center

As golfers, we are trying to control three ball flight variables

• Distance
• Direction
• Trajectory

The knock down/punch shot is a shot played at a lower trajectory than normal and usually used in one of three distinct situations.
1) Playing into the wind.
2) Playing a shot designed to land short and roll up.
3) Playing a shot to get out of trouble.

There are two basic techniques that can successfully create a shot with low trajectory. Either technique will work with practice, although most golf instructors would encourage you to consider using Technique One when possible, due to the fact that it is simple, predictable, and requires less effort and change from your normal swing. Both techniques should be developed and practiced before you attempt them during play or competition.

Technique One – Reduced Club Head Speed
Technique one uses reduced club head speed and reduced loft to lower the ball flight. The following example illustrates this technique.

Problem: Bob the Golfer is confronted with a shot of 150 yards. From a good lie, in ideal conditions, Bob normally uses a full swing 7 Iron. In this particular situation, the wind is gusting in Bob’s face, so he wants to play a lower trajectory shot that will penetrate the wind.

Solution: Bob should do the following

• Position the ball in the center of his stance.
• Select a 5-6 Iron
• Use ½ to ¾ of a normal backswing
• Swing the club forward to a full finish

Using this technique, Bob is allowing the reduced club head speed and reduced loft to lower the shot trajectory instead of fighting the club and challenging the swing.

Technique Two – Altering the Starting Position
Technique two requires the golfer to alter the starting position and swing to create the impact conditions necessary for a lower shot trajectory. The following example illustrates technique two.
Problem: Bob is facing the same 150 year shot into the wind, this time however the ball is in a lie that requires a steeper angle of attack to hit the ball cleanly. Examples of this shot would be when the ball is sitting down in the rough or in a divot.

Solution: Bob should do the following

• Position the ball in the back half of the stance
• Place 60% of his weight on the lead foot at address
• Select a 6 or 7 iron
• Use ¾ of his normal backswing length
• Keep his weight in his lead food throughout the swing.

Using this technique, Bob uses the altered starting position and weight distribution to allow a steeper angle of attack during the swing, resulting in the impact conditions necessary to create the lower trajectory ball flight. (Note that in many cases the post swing impact portion of the swing is greatly reduced due to the ground interrupting the motion of the club.

Always remember, if you need assistance on your golf swing, tough lies, or any other aspect of your game, there are many excellent golf instructors who would be more than willing to work with you. Please don’t hesitate to contact them.

The Woodlands Performance Center
Houston
281-863-1424

Canongate Performance Centers
Atlanta
770-880-0788