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.