MISCELLANEOUS
PUTTER FITTING
1).. Which Style Putter
2).. Putter Grip?
3).. Putter Length?
Which style putter should I use?
The putt consists of many things, address, grip pressure, alignment, stroke and more. However the basis for which all putts start with is the stroke. All other things aside the correct putter head style for your putting stroke is essential for consistent putts.
The basic style of putter head is determined by your putting stroke. To find out which putting stroke you have, do the following.
- Put a yard stick on the living room floor pointing at your target.
- Set up for a putt with the toe of the putter on the front edge of the yard stick.
- Make your normal putting stroke and observe:
- Did the toe of the putter remain on the edge of the yard stick through out the stroke? (AA)
- Did a little gap appear between the toe and the yard stick edge on the back stroke and follow through? (BB)
If your stroke was (AA): Then the putter heads in which the shaft points to the center of the top of the putter head are the better choice. In other words if you were to extend the shaft line down to the head (Ignoring any bends) the shaft would hit some were in the middle between the toe and heal.
If your stroke is (BB): Then a putter head were the shaft enters the heal of the putter head would be the better choice.
Tests have showed that matching the correct head style to the appropriate putting stroke improves consistency and feel. With 40% plus of the strokes in a round occurring on the dance floor, consistency and feel are a couple good things to have built into you putter.
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Which putter grips is best?
Pistol, mid size, over size, pistol, jumbo, round, flat paddle, smooth, cord, triangle, and on and on. Talk about confusing.
Style..
The paddle grip or the putter grip with the flat top side is the grip to use. Consistent alignment results from this style grip and that is the place we all want to start.
The next three choices depend entirely on your comfort level, which in turn will help you maintain soft hands and consistent stroke. Any tenseness in the hands will result in an open or closed putter face at impact. If you don't believe me, grab your putter, get in your putting stance, now tighten either hand and watch the putter. Nuff said...comforts the key.
Size, Material & Design
..This choice is yours. We all can get our hands on hundreds of putters, start handling some putters and only concern yourself with how the material feels, how the shape of the grip feels and does the size feel right. You'll find the one that fits, feels, and suits your comfort level.
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How long should my putter be?
It simply amazes me that a club responsible for 40% or more of the strokes you accumulate in a round of golf receives the least amount of attention when it comes to custom fitting.
Here are some things that usually indicate the wrong length putter.
- Scuffing the sole of the putter on take away or just prior to impact. (To Long)
- Topping or hitting a lot of putts thin. (To Short) Note: excessive body movement will also cause topped/thin putts.
- Eyes not directly over the ball.(Eyes beyond ball=to short) (Eyes short of ball= to long)
- You fidget and move around a lot while setting up to putt as if trying to get comfortable. (To long and/or to short).
There is one thing that is absolutely necessary when you measure the length of your new putter. Your eyes must be directly over the ball. You will never be a great putter if your brain has to deal with compound angles. A piece of string with a small weight tied at one end and held beside your eyes at putting address will quickly show you if your eyes are directly over the ball. Another way is to lay a mirror on the floor..place the ball on the mirror and get into your putting stance. The mirror will show you were your eyes are located.
With the above in mind let's find out the length putter you need.
- Take your normal putting stance.
- Use the piece of string or mirror to see if your eyes are directly over the ball .
- If your eyes are not over the ball
- Loosen your hands so they will be able to slide up or down the grip.
- While adjusting your stance (moving closer, more upright, what ever) and the same time allowing your hands to slide up or down on the grip. Establish a comfortable stance and hand location that now has your eyes directly over the ball.
- Once you have done this, put a piece of tape at the place were your top hand last touches the grip.
- If your upper hand is above the end of the grip, measure the amount of your hand that is above the grip end and write it down.
- Now measure from the very bottom of the putter to the piece of tape.
- If your hand was off the grip, measure to the end of the grip and add the measurement you took above.
- If you are absolutely sure the adjusted stance and hand position are something you can adjust to then this is the measurement you put in the putting order form.
- Also measure the length of your current putter to put in the order form.
To see how to measure the length of a golf club...
Go here
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