What type of putter should you be?

What kind of putter are you? Or... what kind of putter should you be?


Are you frustrated by your putting?  Do you feel that you can make more putts but don't know where to begin?  Would you like to have more confidence over a 6 foot putt but but is that possible when you haven't made a 6 footer in over 3 months?


Indeed what makes a good putter?  Simply put the best putters in the world start by matching their putting styles to their personality.  Determining what kind of personality you are will determine what kind of putter should you be?


Personality Test... For Putting
Are you a Analytical Putter or a Feel Putter?  This question is quite easy to answer.  Analytical putters (roughly 35% of players) are people who: tend to be bound by structure, are very punctual, and prefer a higher degree of order and routine in their daily lives.  These players tend to be more technique and process orientated in their game.  Feel putters (the other 65%) are those who: prefer a more flexible routine, they may have a desk be a bit messier (yet can still be in order).  These players tend to be more creative and feel orientated players.


Once it is determined weather you are a analytical or feel putter it is then time to commit without reservation to the principals of that style.  Making this choice clarifies the seemingly confusing and sometimes contradictory putting principals seen in the golf publications.


Analytical putters should:
   - choose either a mallet or a putter with a straight alignment aid.
   - draw a line on their ball.
   - putt to a straight point beyond the hole and allow gravity to take the ball to the hole.
   - swing the putter with the putter face square to the line (Pelz).
   - practice on drills properly aligning the putter face to a certain point.


Feel putters should:
   - choose a heel weighted putter
   - determine the entry point of the putt by using an image of a clock around the hole.
   - swing the putter with a slight amount of putter face rotation and keeping the putter "on plane" (Utley).
   - practice with drills while looking at the hole.


Most players are stuck somewhere in between the two styles.  Many will even change styles through the course of a season and, worse, even during a round!  The more likely a player is the change the less likely they are to actually make a putt.


If you would like to learn more about the principals of putting please do not hesitate to contact me.
Your friend in golf...
John

Can't take your range game to the performance arena? Try random practice

As an instructor, I work with a lot of students who are concerned about the specifics of their swings.  Of course, students want to know WHAT they need to practice but few students know HOW to practice.  And how to practice is as, if not more, important than what to practice!  On the back of my business cards you will see: "Quality practice over quantity."  I fully believe that 10 practice balls hit with a single purpose is better than 100 without a purpose.

Additionally, utilizing the principles of “random” practice over “block” practice (which I will discuss below) will achieve a higher quality of practice, which allows the student to reach swing goals more quickly and facilitates permanent change.   Random practice is practice  that replicates playing golf.  The player randomly picks clubs and targets for every shot.  Each shot becomes its own unique event. This is a quantum shift from hitting a group of wedges, followed by a group of 7-irons, followed by a group of driver swings...  After all, when in golf are you ever able to hit the same shot consecutively?  The answer is almost never.    The best way to practice is, after a good stretching and warm up session, to rotate club and shot selection after every shot.  Hit a driver, followed immediately by a 7-iron and then a chip shot, then back to the driver and so forth.

Rotating through these shots will decrease the quality of your practice results but will GREATLY increase your playing results.     A great place to practice randomly is in the short game area.  It is easy to hit a good chip or a good putt after the player has tried it two or three times first.  But on the golf course the player has only one chance!  When practicing, take two or three clubs and hit a short chip followed by a long chip followed by a pitch shot with every club and then rotate the club.  This will greatly improve your feel and touch around the green.

If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact me.
Your friend in golf.
John

Off Season Ideas for your game

When the weather is turned too hot (or too cold) many of my students have asked me how they can continue to develop their game.  Actually the possibilities are almost endless and most of them do not include swinging a golf club at home or the possibility of remodeling your den with a 5 iron...

The first thing a players should do is assess the state of their game. What areas need work and what golf equipment needs to be repaired or replaced? Are your grips too worn? Is it time to replace the spikes in your golf shoes or buy a new pair? Is your golf bag too heavy?  (Remember - the best sales on golf bags and clubs come during the off season.)

Here are some quick ideas to inspire you this off season:
1) Make a significant swing change!  With a break in your performance expectations take the the time to greatly improve your swing.  Dramatically improve your handicap by seeing our PGA professionals today.
2) Evaluate your golf equipment. Bring your clubs into the golf shop and let one of our PGA professionals address any equipment changes, fitting issues or simply re-grip your clubs.
3) (Re) Read the U.S.G.A. Rules of Golf.  The ability to use the rules of golf in your favor is a great advantage to every player.
4) Participate in our MyTPI program and work on exercises specifically developed with your goals (and schedule) in mind.  Take 20 minutes three times a week to dramatically improve your stability and flexibility.
5) Read some of the classic golf literature.  Some of my favorites include: "Scotland's Gift: Golf" by C.B. McDonald, "The Greatest Game Ever Played" by Mark Frost, "The Confidential Guide to Golf Courses" by Tom Doak, and "The Match" by Mark Frost.
6) Work on your short game.  Everyone knows this is the area they can develop and improve the most.  Now is the time to get going!
7) Travel to a warmer climate.  Yes, this is your approval to travel and enjoy golf in a warmer climate.

If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact me.
Your friend in golf.
John