Instruction
The Ultimate Putting Program (Part 1): The design of your putter influences aim
Imagine holing a putt in a golf outing, and hearing one of your teammates say, “That’s exactly where you were aiming.”
I bet you’ve never heard that before, especially after making a putt. Through my experience fitting putters, I have been shocked to learn how poorly people aim their putters. In fact, 97 percent of golfers think they are aiming at their target when in reality they are aiming somewhere else. I am also impressed to find out how easy it is to improve a person’s ability to aim their putter. The physical makeup of your putter is probably causing you to aim poorly, assuming that you align your body relatively parallel to your target line. Your brain interprets the physical makeup of your putter in a way that influences your aim, and by changing its physical components you can ultimately change your perception of your putter, allowing you to aim it better.
It is helpful to have the right equipment, and fortunately for me, I have access to what many consider the world’s most advanced putter fitting system. A simple test that you can do at home is to aim your putter at a target with a backdrop behind it and position a laser against the face of your putter (you will need a partner to help with the laser). This will identify where you are aiming and give you a point of reference to begin improving. From there, you can begin to try different head shapes, hosel configurations, sight lines, etc. to find a putter that you aim better.
As a general rule of thumb, roundness, whether it be head shape or hosel configuration, will likely cause a golfer to aim to the right, whereas squareness and straight lines will cause a golfer to aim more to the left. This being said, a mallet putter may influence a right-aim bias, and a blade putter may influence a golfer to aim to the left. A putter with multiple sight lines will generally be aimed to the left, and a putter without sight lines is likely to be aimed more to the right.
Length, lie, loft and degree of offset also have a profound impact on a golfer’s ability to aim. So if a golfer has a tendency to misalign his or her putter to the left, I suggest trying a mallet putter with minimal offset and without sight lines. On the other hand, if a golfer misaims to the right, I suggest that he or she try a blade putter with an offset plumber’s neck hosel, and multiple sight lines (Note: These directional tendencies are true for right-handed golfers. The opposite would be true for left-handed players).
Aim is a two-dimensional concept that is horizontal as well as vertical. Sight lines toward the back of a putter may cause a golfer to effectively increase loft, whereas sight lines towards the front of a putter can cause a golfer to deloft a putter. The degree of offset may also influence a golfer’s perception of loft, thus causing him or her to produce a forward press. If the effective loft of a putter is not accurate at impact, it will require a compensating action in the stroke to create a pure roll of the ball.
Confidence is a key ingredient in this game, and knowing that you aim your putter correctly should significantly increase your confidence. Remember that these are general suggestions, and if you are really serious about improving this aspect of your game I suggest you consult with a certified putter fitter.
To Continue With The Ultimate Putting Program:
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Not the dreaded headcover under the armpit drill! As if your body is defective and can’t function by itself! Have you seen how incredible the human machine is with all the incredible feats of agility all kinds of athletes are accomplishing? You think your body is so defective (the good Lord is laughing his head off at you) that it needs a headcover tucked under the armpit so you can swing like T-Rex?
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This is a classic drill that has been used for decades. However, the world of marketed training aids has grown so much during that time that this simple practice has been virtually forgotten. Because why teach people how to play golf using everyday items when you can create and sell a product that reinforces the same thing? Nevertheless, I am here to give you helpful advice without running to the nearest Edwin Watts or adding something to your Amazon cart.
For the “scoring clubs,” having a solid connection between the arms and body during the swing, especially through impact, is paramount to creating long-lasting consistency. And keeping that connection throughout the swing helps rotate the shoulders more to generate more power to help you hit it farther. So, how does this drill work, and what will your game benefit from it? Well, let’s get into it.
Setup
You can use this for basic chip shots up to complete swings. I use this with every club in my bag, up to a 9 or 8-iron. It’s natural to create incrementally more separation between the arms and body as you progress up the set. So doing this with a high iron or a wood is not recommended.
While you set up to hit a ball, simply tuck the towel underneath both armpits. The length of the towel will determine how tight it will be across your chest but don’t make it so loose that it gets in the way of your vision. After both sides are tucked, make some focused swings, keeping both arms firmly connected to the body during the backswing and follow through. (Note: It’s normal to lose connection on your lead arm during your finishing pose.) When you’re ready, put a ball in the way of those swings and get to work.
Get a Better Shoulder Turn
Many of us struggle to have proper shoulder rotation in our golf swing, especially during long layoffs. Making a swing that is all arms and no shoulders is a surefire way to have less control with wedges and less distance with full swings. Notice how I can get in a similar-looking position in both 60° wedge photos. However, one is weak and uncontrollable, while the other is strong and connected. One allows me to use my larger muscles to create my swing, and one doesn’t. The follow-through is another critical point where having a good connection, as well as solid shoulder rotation, is a must. This drill is great for those who tend to have a “chicken wing” form in their lead arm, which happens when it becomes separated from the body through impact.
In full swings, getting your shoulders to rotate in your golf swing is a great way to reinforce proper weight distribution. If your swing is all arms, it’s much harder to get your weight to naturally shift to the inside part of your trail foot in the backswing. Sure, you could make the mistake of “sliding” to get weight on your back foot, but that doesn’t fix the issue. You must turn into your trial leg to generate power. Additionally, look at the difference in separation between my hands and my head in the 8-iron examples. The green picture has more separation and has my hands lower. This will help me lessen my angle of attack and make it easier to hit the inside part of the golf ball, rather than the over-the-top move that the other picture produces.
Stay Better Connected in the Backswing
When you don’t keep everything in your upper body working as one, getting to a good spot at the top of your swing is very hard to do. It would take impeccable timing along with great hand-eye coordination to hit quality shots with any sort of regularity if the arms are working separately from the body.
Notice in the red pictures of both my 60-degree wedge and 8-iron how high my hands are and the fact you can clearly see my shoulder through the gap in my arms. That has happened because the right arm, just above my elbow, has become totally disconnected from my body. That separation causes me to lift my hands as well as lose some of the extension in my left arm. This has been corrected in the green pictures by using this drill to reinforce that connection. It will also make you focus on keeping the lead arm close to your body as well. Because the moment either one loses that relationship, the towel falls.
Conclusion
I have been diligent this year in finding a few drills that target some of the issues that plague my golf game; either by simply forgetting fundamental things or by coming to terms with the faults that have bitten me my whole career. I have found that having a few drills to fall back on to reinforce certain feelings helps me find my game a little easier, and the “towel drill” is most definitely one of them.
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You hear that one all the time; I wish I could put my practice swing on the ball! We explain the huge importance of what to focus on to allow the ball to be perfectly in the way of your practice swing. Enjoy!
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lambo428
Jun 4, 2014 at 2:52 pm
Used to have major issues pulling my putts. Tried all kinds of putters still same problem. Worked on my breathing, dominant eye, setup etc nothing worked until I switched to the round grip. Now the ball goes where I aim it, right or wrong. Fun having some confidence for a change.
Christian M
Jan 14, 2014 at 10:40 am
Great series of articles Henry! I read an article somewhere on how a vast majority of grips on putters come from the factory out of alignment. I checked the three putters I have and two were not perfectly perpendicular to the face. I also went to a retail shop and checked a bunch and most were off there too. We’re talking a minor couple of degrees. How important do you feel this aspect of a putter is to the golfer’s success with putting? Does it dramatically change the golfer’s ability to square the face at impact or do most golfers adjust their hands to what they want the putter head to do?
Henry Stetina
Jan 15, 2014 at 11:26 am
Great question Christian. If the putter grip is on crooked it will certainly lead to various aim and alignment problems. I don’t believe many golfers will adjust their hands to accommodate for a faulty grip as many won’t even notice that it is not on straight. They will probably put the putter in their hands in a way that allows the thumbs to be on top of the flat portion of the grip as most golf instruction suggests. A grip that is twisted by 2 degrees will likely cause a person to misaim the putter by 2 degrees or misalign their body by 2 degrees creating an awkward path. Neither are good. A few degrees can make all the difference in putting.
Bumpon......
Jun 4, 2014 at 8:08 pm
I prefer un-square. Until I made my own with adjustable features, I only ever had square. Its the conventional way. Mine is adjustable to be square, open or closed. closed is a problem as it promotes a pull. Stats of 33 per round( with conventional putters) dropped to average 29 with the ability to tweak every aspect of a putter and interactions. Throw on a laser line device and see exactly what your stroke gives in aim.
Jim
Jan 2, 2014 at 8:25 pm
Nice points on the aiming, I’ve seen many people think they aim properly and do not. Last year I made a concerted effort to fix this. I use the aiming logo on the ball to aim it exactly where I need to. However, I’ve noticed that if I just set it down and aim it, it doesn’t always point to where I need it to point. So I actually bring it to my eye and aim it, then set the ball down.
I also use the SKLZ putting mat with very precise white alignment aids that show me if I putted it where my alignment line on top of the putter indicates. It has been huge in helping me develop a square stroke. I put the butt of my grip directly even with the ball with eyes over the line, and it pretty much hits it straight every time. My green reading needs some work but I consider myself a better than average putter. Also being able to use a mat at home to practice helps a ton when I know I can’t make it out to the practice green (gotta pay the bills after all.)
joro
Jan 2, 2014 at 9:43 am
Ah, the obvious. Well stated Henry as most people do not have a clue. I mean that positive and not just a snide comment. They have no clue and go by what is pretty and expensive, not practical.
Henry Stetina
Jan 7, 2014 at 1:44 am
Thanks. You are correct. There are a lot of flashy golf clubs that grab the eye of golfers but they might not be the most effective ones out there.
Richard
Dec 28, 2013 at 6:31 am
Hi Henry, great article. I was wondering what you think of the versa line of putters and if they also have an aim bias the same as that of an identical putter without the versa paint scheme.
Henry Stetina
Dec 28, 2013 at 10:36 am
Richard, Great question!! Our brain is constantly trying to make sense of the world. In terms of aiming a putter, any shape will influence how we aim it. This is also try for color. The same head shape, hosel configurations, etc that I mentioned in this article are true for the versa line. The unique thing with the versa is the color scheme. I have not tested any of these putters yet so I don’t have any factual information but I can certainly say that the colors will influence various aim biases. Depending on the color scheme (white-black-white or black-white-black) can also create different aim biases. It seems to me that these colors create more squareness within the putter so it is likely that a person may aim it more left. It is also likely that a person may aim them dead center since it is easier to see the colored line perpendicular to the target line. It just depends on each individual and how they perceive the design.
Again, great question!
golfer4life
Dec 26, 2013 at 12:06 pm
Henry,
I can not for the life of me understand why people are questioning whether aiming a putter correctly is not important? Unless I’m completely lost, I believe this was to identify that different putters can and will change aim. There’s always big shots out there that have to debate everything instead of taking an article for what it is worth and applying that information. This article never stated to be the end all of aiming woes. Thank you for the information in the article. I for one will at least try to apply some of the information to future fittings I conduct. Thanks for the article
G4L
Henry Stetina
Dec 28, 2013 at 10:27 am
G4L, You are absolutely correct! I don’t understand it either. I am not saying that putter design is the “magically cure” for everyone’s aiming woes, but it is something that is important that most people don’t realize. Thank you for your feedback. I am glad to have your input.
HAK
Dec 23, 2013 at 10:31 pm
interesting stuff guys, I’m of the opinion that length and lie determines one natural arc. Rotational needs are dependent on the arc. Unfortunately no current putters will remain ‘square’at address and ‘square’to the arc when put into motion without outside influence from the hands(the positive putter is good at address but becomes unstable went put into motion). The Backstryke was close too but really opens up when put into motion and shuts hard in or after the transition. Someday someone will figure out a way to do both, until that time our hands have to be trained to try to square up the face or variation thereof to the path. I like the info about the lines and alignment left or right, I have an old Bill Haas aluminum mallet that has three lines on it and they are intentionally aimed open to the true face angle… I believe that some of the pro’s back in the fifty’s already knew this through trial and error but the info got buried and lost…
Henry Stetina
Dec 28, 2013 at 10:24 am
Hak, Great info. Thanks for the comment. I have been experimenting with a new “heel-balanced” putter and I find that it has very little, if any, face rotation. It is a bit different looking and feeling so it is taking me some time to understand and feel comfortable with but I think it may be exactly what you are talking about in terms of the next big thing. What are your thoughts?
Gray
Dec 20, 2013 at 5:38 pm
I love the article Henry, I am looking forward to many more from you.
Gib15
Dec 19, 2013 at 11:46 pm
This is a great article and discussion. I just want to add my two cents. I am a former mini tour player in late 90’s who was plagued by bad putting. A couple of years after I was no longer playing regularly and working at a TPC course, we got a Slazenger/Kirk Currie putter fitting system. I gave it a try and was fitted by one of the other assistants there. The results were that I was aiming about 6-8″ right with my putter I was using according to the laser line. It was a anser type putter. He gave me a putter with about 1/4 offset and viola, I was spot on with the laser the very first time I lined it up.
I played some of the best golf for some time after. So, for me, I just needed a properly designed putter to help me aim correctly.
I think people get caught up looking at how even tour pros can aim correctly and still putt well. I talked with Loren Roberts on several occasions and he knew he did not line up properly, but the key point is that he had spent many hours honing a stroke that could produce repeatable results.
For the majority of us, we have another career and so do not have the time to practice enough to get similar results like the pros. So, it makes sense to have a putter that is designed to help ones eye(s) line up properly to start. And once your mind and body becomes trained, then you will begin putting much more consistently in my opinion. Because if you are aimed correctly at the start, before you pull the putter back, what compensations do you need to make to get the ball on the proper line? None as long as the face comes back where it started, and that is the trick. But if you are aimed correctly at the start, your margin for error goes up.
Thanks for the great info Henry, I look forward to the future articles.
Henry Stetina
Dec 28, 2013 at 10:38 am
Gib15, Great info. Thanks for sharing. The difference between a made putt and a missed putt is so small that any improvement can make a world of difference. As a competitive golfer you have had the opportunity to see how valuable one stroke is.
Thank you for your feedback!
joro
Dec 19, 2013 at 10:14 am
Aiming the Putter is very important, how you stand, how you hold the Putter, well what works, but aiming is it. Then you have take a square face at impact and a solid strike in the right direction. After that it is up to the grass and roll of the ball. Having a comfortable feeling Putter and being confident. I think the best aid is a laser attached to the face to see the real line.
The eyes are very important. Seeing the line is not easy for a lot of people. I see the hole left of where it really is. Being a left handed Golfer with a dominant left eye give that impression. I remember Nick Faldo was always going where he saw the hole, I believe it was short and left cause that is where he saw the hole. A Dr. in london had been working with Golfers doing Triangulation as to where the hole was and where people thought it was and had Nick visualize the hole to “see” the hole one cup right and long. He then started making Putts.
Bottom line is that there is no magic, just information and ability.
Henry Stetina
Dec 19, 2013 at 7:57 pm
Absolutely. This is a great story on Faldo. This is true for most golfers. Setup and putter design greatly influences a person’s perspective of how to aim it to the target.
Great post joro. Thanks!
Dave
Dec 18, 2013 at 11:13 am
Henery, are you referring to me? There is a lot more to it than that. That may be a good combo for one person but not another. Everyone is different.
Henry Stetina
Dec 19, 2013 at 7:53 pm
No. That is under Gray’s comment
gray
Dec 17, 2013 at 8:58 pm
so is one sightline on the flange and two on the topline the best combo?
Henry Stetina
Dec 17, 2013 at 9:02 pm
There is a lot more to it than that. That may be a good combo for one person but not another. Everyone is different.
Dave
Dec 17, 2013 at 7:50 pm
I learned a long time ago i aim right of target. Tested for it. From the rear, I see lt clearly
Ill set the putter on line, then get in position. My aim now looks off, but I trust what
I saw from the rear. On occasion, especially long putts, ill look at the target, instead of the
ball. I believe that visual, is the most accurate ever for me. It should be the routine.
Adjustability, there is a putter called the Arrowhead putters. Unbelievable, near infinite, adjustability tip to grip. I own it, play it, aim it, love it.
Henry Stetina
Dec 19, 2013 at 7:55 pm
I have practiced while looking at the target. It doesn’t necessarily help with aim but I think it is great to develop awareness of the target. I feel, too many people are bound by mechanics and not focused enough on the target.
Henry Stetina
Dec 15, 2013 at 10:45 am
Chris and J,
I am glad you both have found an instructor who you believe in. That is a very nice thing to have. Good luck to you in your quest to better golf.
Though we are not going to agree on this topic, we can agree to disagree. That is ok.
As for me, I have reason to believe that aim is the first and most important aspect to fitting putters. Through my experience and the experience of the people that I work with, we have a tremendous amount of success with this process. The studies that we have conducted at MIT and Campbell PGM have shown great success rates! Our sources on the PGA Tour agree, support and utilize our method of fitting putter. One player/coach who use our fitting system was able to excel his game enough to win a major in 2013.
The key to learning is to be open minded and accepting of other opinions. I will look into what your instructor has written on the internet. I hope you learn more about the information that I have offered. Great discussion. Good luck to you both.
HS
Chris
Dec 15, 2013 at 6:03 pm
You are right, it is ok to disagree on approaches and players have to find what works best for them.
Looking forward to your future articles. I am open to any and all information and approaches that might help me improve my game.
j
Dec 16, 2013 at 9:35 am
Henry,
It is absolutely ok to disagree.
For the record, Bruce is not my instructor, but I have learned a lot from his articles and posts.
As you said, the key to learning is being open minded to exploring differing views and then determining which is best for you personally.
That is why I am always reading articles like yours and trying to learn more about why you believe this system is a good way to approach improving putting
Henry Stetina
Dec 16, 2013 at 5:36 pm
J, I am glad you were able to ask Bruce, but I find it rather interesting that he can identify a 2 degree in-to-out path and a 2 degree closed face without the use of SAM. It is astonishing that, as a human, he can identify and match a putter that precisely. He must be a human radar. I see why your are infatuated by him.
j
Dec 16, 2013 at 10:28 pm
also he was just giving an example with the 2 degrees path and 2 degrees closed face, not sure he was or was not claiming to do it without SAM. Like I said i have not had a formal lesson from him
if you re-read the response he never claimed not to use SAM to measure strokes, just not to fit putters.
also, in your response you did make light of his response but never did actually say whether or not you thought his method/explanation makes sense or not.
can you give your opinion on if you feel his explanation/method is valid? and can you say where your method has advantages/disadvantages compared to his?
thanks
JM
j
Dec 12, 2013 at 9:24 pm
Chris made my point more succinctly than I did. My point in all the posts is that “correct” aim is not as important as “consistent” aim, and there is more than one way to approach correcting or finding the most effective aim for a given stroke.
If you would truly like to learn how to fit for stroke biases and rotational needs, simply get in touch with Bruce Rearick through his academy (Burnt Edges Consulting, he has a blog as well) or over at PutterTalk website in Bruce’s corner. I believe he has a lot of knowledge, data and stats on how to fit based stroke biases and rotational needs.
He does not promote one method over another but he does know the advantages, disadvantages and protocol to follow to make each method effective.
Not sure how much of his data he considers proprietary but he shares quite a bit of information on PutterTalk
Henry Stetina
Dec 12, 2013 at 11:55 pm
I glanced over Bruce’s information and he seems to be a reputable golf instructor. I am going to have to set aside more time to go through his information in more detail. Thank you for sharing.
One thing that I want to mention is that I found it a bit ironic that in one of his articles he states “When working with my clients I find our longest discussions are about the visual aspect of the game. It shouldn’t be a surprise. Vision is the most influential of all the senses when we play golf. Where are we and where do we intend to go are constant and critical questions. Where to align the body to swing the club? What direction does the club appear to be pointed as viewed from the side? What is our perception of the target’s location when viewed from a side on position? Getting an accurate picture to use when making these decisions can be difficult.
The problem is we trust what our eyes tell us, even if the “picture” they create is not accurate. This inaccuracy occurs much more often than we realize. Since visual and perceptual inaccuracies have an influence on the basic fundamentals of our golf shots, it has to be difficult to set ourselves correctly if we don’t see the direction accurately.”
Here is a quote from someone writing about his experience with Bruce “The first step in the process was determining my set up and posture, as dictated by my vision.”
What are your thoughts?
j
Dec 13, 2013 at 9:19 pm
My thoughts are I too believe vision and perception of line is a very important and critical area that needs to be addressed.
I believe that once the setup and posture are determined, then the student should choose how they will control the putter or a source of motion (shoulders, arms, etc).
The combination of setup, posture and source of motion will then determine the arc of the stroke.
Face angle at impact will determine the left/right bias/tilt of the arc needed to start the putt on intended line. If face angle is left of path then path/arc will need to have a right tilt/bias to start the putt online.
The amount of arc, impact face angle, amount of natural face rotation and arc bias/tilt will determine the rotational requirements of the stroke which will determine what type of putter setup will be most ideal/consistent for the individuals stroke.
Then the student can be fit into the right putter setup (toe hang, hosel type, hosel location, etc) for their stroke and find out what lines, dots, etc (maybe none) on the putter will be needed so they can aim where they need to aim it in order to start the ball online, which may or may not be where they intend to start the putt.
Obviously we both agree vision/perception of line/aim are very important to putting, just differing opinions on the most effective and consistent way to solve the vision equation
Henry Stetina
Dec 14, 2013 at 12:28 am
Let me know if I am understanding you correctly. If your student is right handed and has an in-to-out path, instead of fixing his path you fit him for a putter that he aims left with more toe hang, thus compensating for his path. Is that correct? If not, will you walk me through the steps as simply as possible?
How do you determine how hosel type, location of hosel, offset, sight lines, etc. influence aim? Do you use SAM?
Do you train your students using a chalk line of string? If so, why?
It sounds to me that we are debating what came first, the chicken or the egg? Or in our scenario it is more like, what came first, faulty aim or faulty path? I believe path is a result of aim, whereas you believe that aim is a result of path.
J
Dec 14, 2013 at 10:06 am
First off I am in no way a teacher or a fitter just a student of the game.
I believe in going with changing as little as possible to get consistent results. Instead of trying to get students to work toward “optimum” or “ideal” I believe in working towards consistent and effective.
It sounds to me like you believe in changing what is needed to work toward perfect aim which requires a perfectly square to path and square to target stroke with a face perfectly square to the arc. Am I correct?
Like you said, we both believe all of these components need to be addressed we just have different views on how to correct them.
I believe SAM would be a good way to figure out what works.
As for the example of student above I believe you would need to know face angle at impact and how big his arc angle is. I assume you mean in to out in relation to target, correct?
I believe aim is only faulty if it does not lead to consistent results and I think aim is a result of setup, posture, head/eye position and also influenced by stroke path, face angle.
Chris
Dec 14, 2013 at 12:27 pm
Henry, sorry I didn’t respond sooner; been busy….I am not an instructor but a student of Bruce’s as well. I not trying to promote one method over another trying to debate what came first. What Bruce explains in his first discussions with a student is that it is important to see the correct line otherwise the subconscious will attempt to make corrections and create manipulations. These manipulations lead to inconsistencies in the putting stroke. Consistent aim also comes with consistent setup. With proper setup/vision my mind can now correctly interpret the line of the putt, as a result I can now more accurately aim. I personally see aim as being a result of proper setup.
I find it interesting that you used the phrase faulty path. Why is the path “faulty” If I see the correct line with an open stance and shoulders open to the line, my normal tendency will be have the stroke path be more to the left. If I consistently setup the same way and my putter fits that setup, I can more reliably duplicate that path over time. Other things besides setup that can influence path are how I choose to move the putter (shoulders rock, shoulder rotate around spine, arms only no shoulders, left arm, right arm). If we look at methods that are promoted by instructors we see that Pelz is a rock shoulder, Stockton is left hand, Utley is arms, O’brien is more rotate shoulder to name a few. Are any of them wrong? No. Each approach has an impact on how the putter swings and each of those approaches changes the path bias of the stroke. You can seach the internet and find SAM analysis of pro players and very few have not left or right bias.
Regarding the selection of hosel type, location, offset, etc. Bruce does promote the use of a SAM. But hosel location (heel, center, or in between) is basically determined by position of the ball related to how close or how far away from you, Offset is determined based on path direction and whether the putter needs to be open or closed to the putters path. Weight/COG can then be used to fine tune the putters position to the path. As an example, my personal stroke is left biased and need the putter to be more open to the path at impact to start the ball on my intended line.
What drill do we use. Bruce promotes using a dime (similar to a string drill). Put the dime 16″ in front of your ball. Using any length stroke you should be able to roll the ball over the center of the dime. If you can’t consistently hit your line it is not possible to work on distance control and reading break.
Overall, I think the “Swing your swing” commercial with Arnie’s voice applies to putting just as much as the full swing. I can fit the putter to my swing or I can change my swing to fit the putter. I personally found it easier to fit the putter to my swing. I have had putting instruction in the past with limited success, but for me my most recent instruction has resulted in long lasting results and a better understanding of how and why I putt the way I do.
j
Dec 16, 2013 at 9:38 am
Also I asked Bruce this question and here was his response:
Has nothing to do with aim and fixing a directional problem by changing your aim is a huge mistake. I want the face square to the target line at IMPACT. With an inside out stroke that requires a face closed to the path the same amount that the path direction is to the right. Example pat 2 degrees right requires a face 2 degrees closed to the path to be square to the target line.
A putter with full offset will tend to swing closed to the path. At least more than one without offset.
The longer you focus on aim and think it has a direct correlation to impact, the longer you will struggle with your putting. Once you chose a line focus, on what makes it go that direction.
and:
NO I don’t use SAM to fit putters. we build the putter based on what the player decides to do with his stroke and then fit the putter so it enhances those choices.
I use a straight line only to determine where they see it best.
No one has a perfect path. Futile to try and change it. Messes with your visual perception.
How do I determine hosel configuration?
Because I have seen and tracked the results of 150,000 measured strokes and how hosel configuration influences putter position relative to path direction and putter rotation.
and:
His stroke is inside out because he is right handed, and he uses it to control his stroke. So to fix the path I would have to change his source of motion. No reason to do it
goodwalkspoiled
Dec 12, 2013 at 5:47 pm
Interesting article. One of the great putters was Bobby Locke who virtually hooked his putts into the hole.
You would have had some fun with him …………..!
Henry Stetina
Dec 12, 2013 at 10:53 pm
“If it aint broke, don’t fix it.” – Locke was a master. I wonder if he could have even been better with better equipment.
joro
Dec 19, 2013 at 10:20 am
Locke was amazing. I had lunch one day with Kel Nagle and Bruce Crampton and Bruce Devlin and they talked for a long time about Bobby. They said he could putt with a stick in a cow pasture he was that good with his little hooky stroke. I don’t know if he could have been any better with all that goes on today. Although he probably could have gotten confused and worse, LOL.
Like Lew Worsham who was asked to write an article about how he hit that low wedge and hit bounded once and stopped dead. He thought and thought about it and after he wrote the article never had the shot again. HMMMMMMMM Bottom line, don’t try to figure it out, just do it.
VT Tarulis
Dec 12, 2013 at 12:55 pm
Many golf ball manufacturers and golfers put an alignment line on the ball, then use that to align their putter and stroke. How does that impact your thought process about putter design?
Henry Stetina
Dec 12, 2013 at 10:59 pm
Great question VT! In general, lines cause people to aim left. That is also true for the line on the golf ball. The research done by Edel Golf shows that people who use a line on the golf ball for aiming purposes actually aim worse than when they don’t use the line. I imagine if a person aims slightly right of the target, the line on the ball may actually help since it would counter the initial miss-aim. As a whole if a golfer feels more confident with using the line on the ball for aiming purposes by all means go for it. At the end of the day confidence over powers most equipment issues. Do you use a line on your ball?
VT Tarulis
Dec 13, 2013 at 12:25 pm
I use the manufacturer’s line on the ball, and for me it’s a confidence builder. Now I need to pay attention to where I miss. What I really like about your article is the reliance on data from Edel and other sources.
Mike
Dec 13, 2013 at 11:55 pm
i would try a few rounds of golf without the aiming line to find out if this could work better on my putting.
Layne
Dec 12, 2013 at 10:55 am
Layne
December 12, 2013 at 10:53 am
Henry:
I have a question that is only unique to me so I hope you can help. I’m almost 60 years old and I have had 3 strokes (medical strokes not golfing strokes)I play to a low single digit because the strokes have not affected anything except putting. When I use my right hand for anything that requires minimal control I struggle, putting, pouring a drink,threading a needle. This has affected my putting greatly. I now putt by using a 48? putter cut to 43?. But this is how I putt. I hold the putter with my right hand at the top and swing the putter with my left hand back and forth. It really has eliminated two things that I use to do, not recoiling on the stroke and not “coming out of a putt” (I hope I haven’t confused you too much) What I’m having trouble with is finding a putter that is best for this stroke. With this stroke I always add anywhere from 1*to 2* of loft so immediately the putt doesn’t start rolling smoothly. I have an Odyssey putter and the loft is 4*,but when I putt, by the time the putter hits the ball it’s almost 6* (Using the Ping putter app). My biggest problem on all putts of 10 feet or more is speed and as a result I 3 putt on average about 3 times a round unless my irons are really dialed in that day.
Do you have any suggestions or is there a putter out there with say 1* or 2* of loft?
Thank you for your time and I hope you have an answer.
Henry Stetina
Dec 12, 2013 at 11:27 pm
Layne,
This is an interesting scenario. First off congratulations on being a low single digit. That is a great accomplishment for anyone much less someone who has had three strokes.
My initial thoughts were for you to try a heavier putter but I imagine that is what you have done by cutting down a long putter. Those putters are generally heavier than a standard length model. The weight of the putter is extremely important and I will discuss it in more detail in an article that will be release Sunday night. It is dependent on your stroke type though. Do you consider your grip as being cross-handed? Are your hands touching or separate? Do you keep the grip end of the club relatively still and only swing the clubhead?
The loft portion of your question is easy since you can get a putter with less loft so that when you add loft during the stroke you can actually roll it without skid. Getting a putter with loft more suitable for your stroke should greatly improve your ability to control speed. I imagine a putter with 0-2 degrees will work better for you. Yes, there are plenty of putters with less loft. I am a fitter for Edel and we offer 0-2 degrees. I assume other companies do as well. You could always have your putter adjusted but that may change the shape of it.
Now in response to your method of stroke… Have you tried anchoring the putter to your chest or belly? Have you considered some form of arm-lock similar to Matt Kuchar (you would need more loft for this method; maybe 5-9 degrees)?
Layne
Dec 13, 2013 at 5:38 pm
Henry:
The putter I’m using is an Odyssey White Hot Pro and the weight is 450 grams. When I putt the top or right hand is at the end of the grip and the bottom hand or left is about 10-12 inches apart from the right hand. The top hand remains still,it never moves, the bottom hand swings the putter back and forth. Because of the new anchoring ban the top hand is about 1″ away from my body and the right forearm is about 1″ too,so nothing is anchored. I can’t tell much of a difference if my putter is achored or not. I have tried the Kuchar method and as well as the putting with a long putter the way a long putter is supposed to be used, but because of the medical problems, if my right hand is not stationary I can’t putt at all, that’s why I have come up with the method I currently use and under tournament conditions it’s the only thing that seems to work. I also found that a 48″ putter has a lie angle of about 79* and when I cut it down it allows me to stand closer to the ball which makes it feel more comfortable for me.
I’m certainly interested in getting a putter with very little loft.
Thank you for your quick reply.
Henry Stetina
Dec 16, 2013 at 6:29 pm
Layne,
It sounds as though it would be difficult to keep the putter still with your right hand. I have a friend who has a brain injury that causes his hands to shake and he had a hard time with this method. He had success by completely taking his hands out of the stroke (using the hands as clamps).
I would focus on the loft to see if that helps. I would also try practice with my left hand only. Putting one handed would certainly take the right hand out of the equation. It may take a little practice though. Let me know your thoughts.
db
Dec 12, 2013 at 9:11 am
Henry great article!
I’m not sure what some folks are thinking when they make comments like, it would be better to worry about the aim during the stroke rather than where your aimed before you stroke?? To me at least. this seems counter intuitive and your chasing mistakes now. At least if I know Im aimed correctly before I start moving anything, I can then build a stoke that works rather than chase the errors I made in step 1.
Another example of this, is if anyone has used the Putting Tutor from Dave Pelz, you will know that you can set that thing up dead straight at the hole, and when you step in and set up, it feels like your aimed wrong. Its fascinating, I encourage you to try it.
I for one will be looking to get properly fit this winter. thx again.
Henry Stetina
Dec 12, 2013 at 10:34 am
DB, Thanks for this input. You are absolutely correct. Aim is step 1 and I see reason to correct aim so not to have to compensate for it within the stroke. From my experience, I have also noticed that when golfers learn to aim correctly they become more confident, which is a really nice thing to have.
You are correct about the Putting Tutor or any other training aid for that matter. It doesn’t seem to make sense to use a tool that doesn’t look straight to the target. Its like trying to force a square peg into a round hole.
Chris
Dec 12, 2013 at 7:50 am
Henry,
It appears there is a limit to the number of replies that can be posted for a comment. Continuing on about how tour players don’t necessarily aim square to the target line. This is most likely related to the players perception of the line based on their current setup position (eyes,posture, stance) and the results they have experienced.
There are really two ways to address the incorrect perception of the line from the ball to the hole. The first is your method which is putter. Your proposal is that the poor aim is caused by the putter design and by changing the putter characteristics you fix the aim. The second is to have the player adjust their posture, eyes, and setup to actually see the line correctly.
Since the ultimate goal is consistency of stroke, The second approach would then enable to the player to use putter design to handle stroke tendencies (stroke biases and rotational needs) instead of compensating for visual perception.
With the adjustment of aim in the first approach it seems I now need to change how the player strokes the putt.
Henry Stetina
Dec 12, 2013 at 10:26 am
Chris,
What you’re saying does make sense. How do you suggest we fit for stroke biases and rotational needs?
I like this discussion. Thank you for your professionalism.
Layne
Dec 12, 2013 at 10:53 am
Henry:
I have a question that is only unique to me so I hope you can help. I’m almost 60 years old and I have had 3 strokes (medical strokes not golfing strokes)I play to a low single digit because the strokes have not affected anything except putting. When I use my right hand for anything that requires minimal control I struggle, putting, pouring a drink,threading a needle. This has affected my putting greatly. I now putt by using a 48″ putter cut to 43″. But this is how I putt. I hold the putter with my right hand at the top and swing the putter with my left hand back and forth. It really has eliminated two things that I use to do, not recoiling on the stroke and not “coming out of a putt” (I hope I haven’t confused you too much) What I’m having trouble with is finding a putter that is best for this stroke. With this stroke I always add anywhere from 1*to 2* of loft so immediately the putt doesn’t start rolling smoothly. I have an Odyssey putter and the loft is 4*,but when I putt, by the time the putter hits the ball it’s almost 6* (Using the Ping putter app). My biggest problem on all putts of 10 feet or more is speed and as a result I 3 putt on average about 3 times a round unless my irons are really dialed in that day.
Do you have any suggestions or is there a putter out there with say 1* or 2* of loft?
Thank you for your time and I hope you have an answer.
j
Dec 12, 2013 at 9:23 pm
Henry,
Chris made my point more succinctly than I did. My point in all the posts is that “correct” aim is not as important as “consistent” aim, and there is more than one way to approach correcting or finding the most effective aim for a given stroke.
If you would truly like to learn how to fit for stroke biases and rotational needs, simply get in touch with Bruce Rearick through his academy (Burnt Edges Consulting, he has a blog as well) or over at PutterTalk website in Bruce’s corner. I believe he has a lot of knowledge, data and stats on how to fit based stroke biases and rotational needs.
He does not promote one method over another but he does know the advantages, disadvantages and protocol to follow to make each method effective.
Not sure how much of his data he considers proprietary but he shares quite a bit of information on PutterTalk
Rich
Dec 12, 2013 at 4:40 am
My game would go mental if I thought about putting this much. I think that’s problem these days with all us golfers. Too much thinking and not enough just playing the game. Have more fun, get lower scores.
Henry Stetina
Dec 12, 2013 at 10:40 am
You are correct in saying there is too much thinking and not enough playing. This way of putter fitting allows golfers to be fit for a putter and then not need to think about it anymore. To improve, a person first needs to get the right tool for the job. Would you agree?
The Tufted Puffin
Dec 11, 2013 at 1:27 pm
This is an excellent article and discussion. I did a putter fitting with Andy Thompson at Totally Driven in Minneapolis a few years ago and found out that from 8 feet I was aimed 6 inches to the right of the hole when I thought I was aimed to dead center. I was not too surprised because at that time I was a poor putter and mostly missed to the right. I was very frustrated with my putting and I tried all sorts of lessons and tips about alignment, head position, hand position, arm position, grip, and swing path but nothing seemed to help. I still sucked which is why I went to Andy. Long story short, I ended up with a new putter that I aim dead on to my target and that was fit for distance control too. My putting has greatly improved and I am enjoying the game so much more. Since the new putter my handicap has steadily dropped from a 12 to an 8 and it is still dropping. So I say fit the putter to the golfer’s eye and fit it for distance control too.
Henry Stetina
Dec 11, 2013 at 7:34 pm
That is great Andy! Thank you for sharing!
Andy
Dec 11, 2013 at 9:32 am
Henry,
This fitting system you mention is exactly what Bettinardi Golf has in their Studio B locations in MN,IL, and GA. They have a laser and a board that checks everything that is discussed and I know they use the V1 fitting technology. Might be worth to check into their fitting software.
Henry Stetina
Dec 11, 2013 at 9:36 am
That is interesting Andy. I will look into that. I know the guys at Boccieri (Heavy Putter) also fit putters based on head shape, sight lines, and color.
Thanks for your input.
Chris
Dec 10, 2013 at 9:04 pm
reading through the comments and people asked for statistics. Looked on the Science and motion website (SAM Puttlab people) and found an article that reveals some statistics about PGA pros and putting. The article is: http://www.scienceandmotion.com/minicms/publications/ARGC07_SAM_PuttLab_Concept_and_Tour_Data.pdf but the stats are:
The average of the Tour players for aiming the putter face is slightly right by 0.35°. What is quite surprising is the wide distribution of aiming over the group. The SD of 1.56° indicates that more than 55% of the players aim to a target outside of the hole on a straight 4-m putt. The average consistency of each player is 0.67°.
On average, the Tour player hits the ball with a slightly open face of 0.3°. The group SD is now reduced to 0.59°, which means that deviations in aiming are normally corrected by impact. The average path direction at impact points 0.8° to the left, thus in the opposite direction than the face. The compensation of an open face on a path pointing to the left allows the ball to still go straight. On average, the Tour player’s putter face is 1.1° open relative to the putter path at impact. The group SD of the path direction at impact is 2.24°, which is higher than the SD of the face angle at impact.
Generally PGA tour pros: aim right, swing left, and leave the face open at impact to compensate.
Henry Stetina
Dec 11, 2013 at 6:03 pm
If I understand this correctly, Table 2 shows that, on average, Tour players’ face angle is .35 degrees to the right at address and .30 degrees to the right at impact. Sure sounds like their impact position is very similar to where they start at address.
Henry Stetina
Dec 11, 2013 at 6:04 pm
Chris,
Thank you for the data!
Chris
Dec 11, 2013 at 9:11 pm
The interpretation of the results is farther down:
The average of the Tour players for aiming the putter face is slightly right by 0.35°. What is quite surprising is the wide distribution of aiming over the group. The SD of 1.56° indicates that more than 55% of the players aim to a target outside of the hole on a straight 4-m putt. The average consistency of each player is 0.67°. We did not find any correlation between accuracy of aim and SD of face angle at impact (Pearson correlation r = 0.07, p > 0.01). But we found a significant correlation between SD of aim and SD of face at impact (r = 0.62, p < 0.01) and SD of path direction at impact (r = 0.47, p < 0.01). From these results, we conjecture that the consistency of aim seems more important for consistent ball direction than the average direction of aim for elite players. This does not mean the accuracy of aim is of no importance, but rather that accurate aim seems only of value if it can be repeated consistently.
Chris
Dec 11, 2013 at 9:52 pm
From my interpretation of this data, players (even tour pros) can aim all over the place as long as they consistently return the putter to the same impact position. Ultimately, consistent setup (whatever that is for the player) and consistent stroke equals consistent putting.
From an instruction/fitting perspective if a player always setup 5 degrees open but manages to roll the ball on the intended line, would you change the stroke and putter to setup square?
Henry Stetina
Dec 12, 2013 at 12:19 am
I figured I would get a response like this. I will need to look into these numbers a little more. I don’t have a degree in statistics yet so it takes me a bit longer to understand this info. haha.
In all seriousness, if someone consistently rolls the ball on their intended line then there is obviously no need for them to be fit for a new putter. People usually don’t seek instruction or club fittings when they are playing well.
Also, Tour players practice a lot so they are able to repeat their stroke patterns to some level of consistency. But even though they are really good, there is certainly room for improvement.
Henry Stetina
Dec 10, 2013 at 6:53 pm
I think some people are entirely missing my point. The first step that all of us take when attempting a putt is to place our hands on the putter. The second step is to aim the putter at the target. My article is about how putter design has a great influence on how we aim the putter at the target; at address. That is it. Of course there is a lot more to putting than this, and I plan to address it in later articles. I am aware that it is important to have a putter face that is square-to-the-target at impact, but that is much easier to do when the putter is square-to-the-target at address.
I find it interesting that people are accusing me of advertising for Edel Golf. My article is in no way an advertisement for Edel Golf. I do work for Edel Golf and I support what they do, but the information that I have mentioned is true for all putter companies, not just Edel. Edel Golf offers the only fitting system that addresses putter design as a reason for faulty aim, and that is why I support them. I have read many articles from instructors who use Trackman or SAM Putt Lab as their way to gain information for an article. I wonder if those articles are advertisements for Trackman and/or SAM Putt Lab. I doubt it….
What? NO!
Dec 10, 2013 at 7:45 pm
First step: Build your posture based on the putter that has been fit for length and lie.
Second step: place the putter behind the ball. That doesn’t require one to aim it at the target. The target was established before one even steps into their posture.
Henry,
Show me some good stats on how many pros return the putter square to target at impact. It’s easier for the majority of pros to aim and return a face that is either slightly open or closed. Now ask a weekend warrior to rebuild their stroke so they get to these mythically better o.o° aim and impact points, and see how frustrated they get. People progress much faster and more consistently if they use their natural tendencies instead of fighting them.
Stop building yippy strokes
j
Dec 10, 2013 at 10:05 pm
True enough about articles from instructors using Trackman/Puttlab but those instructors usually are not trying to sell trackman or sam puttlab units to students, but I bet you sell Edel putters to your students.
Edel is a fitting system designed to sell putters, period. Trackman and SAM Puttlab are data collecting devices. Two different situations in my opinion. I am sure Edel wants people to believe that there system is just a fitting tool but it is really designed to sell putters.
Even if we agree faulty aim needs to be fix that still does not justify using the Edel putter fitting method as the only way to fix it.
Aim is influenced by posture, head/neck position, eye position in relation to ball and eye dominance. You could just as easily fix other factors without just fixing the putter setup.
Dont get me wrong, the Edel system is unique and it definitely has its merits, I just don’t see it as a total putting solution
just my opinion and again I appreciate the open, honest discussion
Henry Stetina
Dec 10, 2013 at 10:11 pm
What are you even talking about? Are you an anti-Edel guy? I am simply speaking of how putter design influences aim biases. That includes length, lie, and loft as well as posture, head/neck position, and eye position. I am explaining an aspect that is often over looked or unknown by most golfers. Why are you so desperately trying to prove me wrong?
j
Dec 10, 2013 at 11:04 pm
I’m talking about fitting putters and improving putting, I thought that is what we were all talking about.
I am not anti-edel, I think it is a decent system for what it is designed to do, but it is not perfect in my opinion. Why are you so worried about my opinion of Edel?
You are not simply “speaking of how putter design influences aim” as you claim, you are actually suggesting that the putter should be fit based on what design/style you aim most accurately. As referenced by this excerpt:
“From there, you can begin to try different head shapes, hosel configurations, sight lines, etc. to find a putter that you aim better.”
My thought is that the putter should be first fit for the players stroke and its rotational requirements. I don’t want to necessarily find a putter I “aim” better, I want to find a putter I “stroke” better and have good feel with and then I can adjust my eye position to get the needed aim.
We disagree on the importance of using putter design to influence/change aim, it is okay to disagree, it doesn’t mean I am trying to prove you wrong, it just means I don’t agree with everything you wrote.
I am simply trying to get your input on why you choose the Edel theory of changing putter design to influence aim as opposed to changing other variables to influence aim.
I agree aim must be addressed, I just think it is easier to adjust aim with eye position rather than putter design/style/shape. Just my opinion, if that is anti-Edel, then so be it. Like I said I am just trying to learn more about your thoughts on putter fitting and putting improvement.
i’m not trying to prove you wrong. I am asking questions related to the article and to putter fitting and improving putting. I thought since you wrote an article and asked for comments about improving putting you would enjoy and expect questions and feedback on your article.
nik d
Dec 10, 2013 at 6:43 pm
makes sense to me. my teammate chase had a hell of a time this last spring.. every putt missed miles right. older odd e see (dumb joke)mallet with an undintended bent shaft (heel) so it was way upright for him, which is contradicting as to why he missed right. anyhow, I bought him an old Wilson 8802 and he started missing them left! even when I flattened the lie angle! so hes an in between a blade and mallet. mid mallet perhaps. yeah, I like this article! but nuff said. don’t overthink it. just stroke it
Henry Stetina
Dec 11, 2013 at 1:43 pm
Haha. Some funny comments. Overall, you are definitely on the right track. Thanks for sharing
Lasers, mirrors, and frustration
Dec 10, 2013 at 4:44 pm
So a person whose address aim is left or right of the target is suppose to go against their natural tendencies (even if they have little practice time) to make sure the putter face is pointing at the target even though it is incredibly hard to bring the putter back to that exact degree of aim at impact? That sounds like a way to sell a new system or putter.
Why not advise people to play WITH their natural stroke/posture and have the putter fit so that it works at impact – the moment of truth? Aiming at address is for Edel’s marketing team, not “tip” articles.
Should we also be concerned with aiming our irons and driver at address, or is OK to set them up a little open or closed? I’ll ask a tour player and a weekend warrior.
Henry Stetina
Dec 10, 2013 at 6:35 pm
“Why not advise people to play WITH their natural stroke/posture and have the putter fit so that it works at impact – the moment of truth?” So how do you suggest we fit a putter based on someones “natural stroke?”
“Should we also be concerned with aiming our irons and driver at address, or is OK to set them up a little open or closed?” Not sure where you get your information, but YES, alignment is very important!
Lasers, mirrors, and frustration
Dec 10, 2013 at 6:44 pm
How do you fit a driver? Do you look at their feet and posture before you see their ball flight and where it lands? Or do you have them hit a few shots first and then give them advice? What if they have an open driver face at address and hit nice high draws?
People have tendencies. It is MUCH easier to work with their natural tendencies rather than rebuild a natural stroke. You speak of not having a lot of practice time, so you must agree keeping a natural tendencies is the way to go.
Lasers, mirrors, and frustration
Dec 10, 2013 at 6:50 pm
Find the natural bias in their stroke and match a putter to that. Allow their vision of the line to create their posture. Their posture determines the lie and length of the putter.
Henry, Have you on hand the stats for how many tour pros address their putts open faced?
Trying to fix a person’s aim at address is just more lesson money.
Henry Stetina
Dec 10, 2013 at 7:05 pm
Ok. You’re bouncing around a bit. If you’re not looking at a person’s alignment as a reason for their ball flight, you are simply fixing the symptom and not the actual ailment. I am certainly not claiming to be the best instructor around, but I can assure you that any goo instructor will look at alignment to start any lesson.
Most people create “tendencies” in response to their aim patterns. If someone aims 2″ right of the hole, they will likely pull or close the putter face to compensate for the poor alignment. If we correct the alignment it is likely that they will correct the path. The same is true for a person who aims left of the target and learns to slice the ball. What would you fix first??
Stefan
Dec 10, 2013 at 3:57 pm
Excellent article! Henry, what about two-ball-putters? Where would they fit in with their aiming system? I heard from a study that two-ball-putters actually hurt your aiming?
Lasers, mirrors, and frustration
Dec 10, 2013 at 4:46 pm
The majority of two ball players aim left. Aiming at address is almost pointless. worry about how the putter is returned to impact and if that degree works with your stroke.
Henry Stetina
Dec 10, 2013 at 6:31 pm
Two ball putters are just like any other; it depends on the individual. A two-ball putter has a lot of roundness in the head shape as well as a round hosel. This could cause a person to aim it to the right. Everyone sees differently so unfortunately there really isn’t a concrete answer.
Lasers, mirrors, and frustration
Dec 10, 2013 at 6:36 pm
60% of right handed two ball players aim left.
Lasers, mirrors, and frustration
Dec 10, 2013 at 6:51 pm
that’s a concrete stat
Henry Stetina
Dec 10, 2013 at 7:06 pm
Do you have a source?? Where is the data?
Darryn
Dec 10, 2013 at 3:33 pm
A we just getting too caught up with putter alignment at address? Shouldn’t we be focusing on putter alignment at impact which is greatly determined by the balance of the putter. Paralax error pretty much eliminates our ability to project any straight lines on a putter to the hole, why wouldn’t you allow the golfer to aim where their eyes are consistently making them aim which I might add doesn’t change, then fit the correct balance putter to allow the golfer to square the putter up at impact which is where is really matters!
Less toe down bias if ur open at impact and more toe down bias is your closed at impact, pair this up with the correct length, lie, loft and grip thickness and you’ve set yourself up for some seriously consistent putting!
Keep it simple…
Brand Me Silly
Dec 10, 2013 at 4:34 pm
I love this comment. It states why this article is bad information. Please delete this article as it will do more harm than good. Thanks, MIT
Henry Stetina
Dec 10, 2013 at 6:28 pm
Please inform me why this is bad information.
Henry Stetina
Dec 10, 2013 at 6:27 pm
Darryn, I am not too sure what you are trying to say in reference to parallax.
“Why wouldn’t you allow the golfer to aim where their eyes are consistently making them aim which I might add doesn’t change.” This is my entire point. We perceive shapes the same from day to day so why don’t we fit the putter so that we aim it at the target. This only simplifies the process.
Weight distribution (Toe vs. face vs. heel weighting) has to do with the dynamic aim of the putter (at impact). Yes, this is important but I am not addressing it yet.
You sound like a golf instructor so I have a question for you… What is the first thing that you address in a lesson, whether it be putting or full swing?
Lasers, mirrors, and frustration
Dec 10, 2013 at 6:46 pm
Henry, List the stats on how many people aim at the target and can actually return the face to the exact same angle.
Surprisingly low!
Fit the putter to the impact angle not the address angle!
Henry Stetina
Dec 10, 2013 at 7:16 pm
Ok, wise one, since you know all, do you have a better way to fit a putter?
J
Dec 10, 2013 at 8:15 pm
“The same is true for a person who aims left of the target and learns to slice the ball. What would you fix first??”
So I guess you could have “fixed” Bruce lietzke, Fred couples and every other good player who aims left and hits a cut.
If someone aims left, hits a slice and hits it good consistently I would not “fix” the slice. I would track their bad shots and see what the differences are in the bad shots then go from their trying to create more consistency and eliminate misses
J
Dec 10, 2013 at 8:32 pm
”
Lasers, mirrors, and frustration
December 10, 2013 at 6:46 pm
Henry, List the stats on how many people aim at the target and can actually return the face to the exact same angle.
Surprisingly low!
Fit the putter to the impact angle not the address angle!
Reply
Henry Stetina
December 10, 2013 at 7:16 pm
Ok, wise one, since you know all, do you have a better way to fit a putter?”
Maybe he does, but instead of being so sarcastic why don’t you post the stats of players who aim perfectly and return putter back to square? If you have stats on tour players and where they aim that would be great?
Plus if you are a teacher you should be open to learn from others and teach others without sounding condescending
And can you explain how fitting to address angle vs impact angle is beneficial and any data you have to back it up?
Great article and discussion by the way. Thanks
JM
J
Dec 10, 2013 at 8:23 pm
“Why wouldn’t you allow the golfer to aim where their eyes are consistently making them aim which I might add doesn’t change.” This is my entire point. We perceive shapes the same from day to day so why don’t we fit the putter so that we aim it at the target. This only simplifies the process.”
Why do you insist on fitting aim first? And how does it simplify things?
Why not find natural stroke and posture and fit the putter to the stroke, if it is consistent?
It should be just as easy to fit the putter to aim where each players stroke determines is ideal for their stroke as it is to fit for “perfect” aim, correct?
xxbogey2
Dec 9, 2013 at 7:57 pm
curious how much eye dominance plays a role, for instance I putt right handed but am left eye dominant. I use a mallet putter but typically aim too far left. Thanks, Dave
Henry Stetina
Dec 9, 2013 at 8:56 pm
From the studies done by David Edel, eye dominance plays a minor role in determining aim patterns. I haven’t noticed any correlation in eye dominance while fitting putters except for the fact that right handed, left eye players sometimes take longer to fit.
Some people are completely opposite to the suggestions that I mentioned in this article. You may want to try a blade putter with offset and sight lines. It is hard to tell without actually testing how certain shapes affect your aim. I wish I could be more helpful… Where do you live? You can always contact one of our fitters to learn more. I can assure you it is well worth it.
Jonathan Dudley
Dec 9, 2013 at 3:30 pm
Henry,
What exactly is this phenomena that causes alignment issues?
As an instructor at GolfTEC we address putter face squareness as face line perpendicular to target line (less concerned about exact center of hit as proper grip firmness keeps putter face consistent)
Although your article notes the importance of aim and its two-dimensional concept that is horizontal as well as vertical. Is Aim not more than the putter face to the target?
Simply, Is it the putter that is influencing the golfer or is it the golfer not having the proper ability to influence the putter or override the putter design?
In other words, by doing it the way you are suggesting, it seems that 38% is not a great statistic for being able to aim the putter…
So, it seems to make the case that AIM is only as good as your body position and your directional intentionality of the putterface to shoot the putt straight on the line you intend every time. Aiming the putter therefore accounts for not only a level of putter face squareness, but also the ability to foresee the direction of the path “the ball” will travel at the beginning of the putt and the body awareness needed to deliver the putter face in a manner that keeps it square from the ball through to the left foot.
If properly trained with correct AIM strategy couldn’t a player aim any putter correctly even before the stroke?
In conclusion, is Aim not a skill rather than a putter flaw ? (If fixing the putter to help with aim rather than fixing the golfer only accounts for 38% improvement it seems golfers are not fixed but “less worse” ).
mike
Dec 9, 2013 at 4:33 pm
You forgot to mention center shafted putters and what influence they have.
Henry Stetina
Dec 10, 2013 at 12:30 am
Center shafted putters are usually onset and tend to produce more of a right aim.
Henry Stetina
Dec 9, 2013 at 8:46 pm
Jonathan,
The phenomena that causes alignment issues that I am referring to is visual perception. It is how our eyes and brain interpret the putter, resulting in our aiming patterns. Everyone is different.
I don’t totally understand what you are trying to say. From what I gather, it seems as though you are expecting my information to lead you to the holy grail of putting. Unfortunately that is not the case. It is definitely important to align ones body relatively parallel to the target line, but from this position it is still rather difficult for most people to aim the putter face at the target. Some putters look closed and others look open…does that make sense?
“Simply, Is it the putter that is influencing the golfer or is it the golfer not having the proper ability to influence the putter or override the putter design?” Just curious why someone would want to “override the putter design” instead of being properly fit for a putter that matches the way he or she naturally sees the target line. It just seems so much easier to use a putter that you aim correctly than having to learn an entirely new setup.
Sure, people can learn to manipulate their body to aim any putter, but most don’t practice enough to have any consistency. Tour players practice enough to groove a particular stroke pattern that matches their aim bias, but even they are very “streaky.”
Aim is definitely a skill but is directly influenced by the design of the putter. That is a proven fact. I don’t know how you fit putters, but an improvement of 38% is very significant. That statistic is from putter fitting alone; without any coaching or practice.
Just curious… how do you guys at GolfTec fit putters and if a 38% improvement is not significant, what type of results are you seeing? I don’t mean to come off as sarcastic, I just don’t really understand where you are coming from.
HS
Marin
Dec 9, 2013 at 2:34 pm
Hi!
Great article!! Really interesting.
So if I miss my putts to the right it could be that a classic ansermodel would be the right thing for me? I have been using the Metal-X dartputter the last 1,5 season and I think the larger moi has helped me as well as putting a super stroke grip on since I have been feeling that my right hand is to dominant. But in your opinion I might go back to my Scotty newport 2 instead (perhaps with an even fatter super strokegrip?) I am good at lag putting, judging the right distance, but I miss too many putts from 3-4 feet. Strangely enough I am rather good at 7-10 feet in comparison. I have established that I am left eye dominant so when I am aiming i close my right eye (I am putting right handed) and I find it much easier to aim, does it make any sense to you?
Thanks again/Martin
Ps. Which is the best book you have read about mental training? Ds.
Henry Stetina
Dec 10, 2013 at 12:06 am
Marin,
You bring up some interesting points. You are correct in saying that an Anser style putter MAY help you aim better. So could more offset and/or sight lines.
I am not sold on using a large super stroke grip. My experience leads me to believe that you may benefit more from counter weighting (adding weight to the grip end of the club). I would suggest putting 30-50 grams of lead tape under your right hand and/or at the end of the club. For instance you can take the grip off and wrapping lead tape around the portion of the club where you right hand would be. Then re-grip the club as you normally would. I will also explain this in my next article.
Being that you putt better from 7-10 ft than 3-4 ft leads me to believe that you become fearful of missing as you get closer to the hole. This is extremely common as it is socially unacceptable to miss something as easy as a 3 foot putt. I too have suffered from this and it is not fun. In overcoming my fear of short putts, I looked at my two options; while standing over a putt, I could focus on what I wanted to happen (roll the ball towards my target), or I could focus on what might happen (missing the hole). I disciplined myself to focus on what I wanted to happen and would step away from the ball if any fear or doubt entered my mind. I am a strong advocate of Dr. Bob Rotella and I used his audio tapes to help me build a solid pre-shot (mental) routine. I also like Fred Shoemaker’s books. I am very big on the mental game, far more than mechanics. Let me know if this helps and if you want to share more information.
Closing one eye while aiming does help some people. We suggest that for some people.
Martin
Dec 10, 2013 at 8:05 pm
Thanks a lot for your long answer. First I want to say: You are a serious man, you know what you are talking about. Please dont pay attention to negativity posted in the thread. I am a journalist (not about golf) and my advice is just to let your articles speak for themselves! I didn´t read all the posts (why waste time), just want to give you my support! As a professional journalist I think your putting series has started very good!
I think you are right that I am more afraid of missing the short putts than I actually want to make them. Lots of good advice from you there. I will definitely try it. So maybe I should give me Scotty a new chance when the season starts again. I just dont want to let my right hand ruin my putting, so maybe I should try adding weight under my right hand. Interesting advice!
Great that I am not alone on this aiming the clubface at adress with just the dominant eye open. I guess its not just something I imagine then 🙂
Read Rotella but not Shoemaker. Read Valiante though. Think he has written some good stuff. Short putts and tee shots are my weakness in golf. I think I have been inconsistent with routine. Maybe sounds crazy but when I play alone and dont have to be polite and focus to much on other people I play better. I can get stressed on tee for example, thinking: maybe they think I take to much time, but I know that I dont. I think I have to get better at taking my time just as other players do. I am not slow as Bernard Langer, but I need some time to focus, a few practice swings, aiming, finding a target, a minitarget a few yards in front of the ball and then walk up to the ball, with a positive thought and just hit it.
Thanks again for a very friendly answer!!
/Martin
Henry Stetina
Dec 11, 2013 at 1:52 pm
Martin, Thanks for the support. I really like your advice in dealing with critics. I will definitely utilize your suggestions. In response to your comment about feeling rushed on the tee; that is very common among many players, but understand it is something that you are creating in your own mind. You are spending more energy worrying about what others think than actually focusing on what you’re trying to do. It is funny how golf exposes character traits that may be hindering us in other areas of our life. Trust me, I have been where you are. Actually I still suffer from similar anxieties. ha. I suggest becoming more in tune with your target. I believe in positive visualization and choosing small targets to fill your mind so that there isn’t any room for doubt, fear, anxiety, etc. The power of positive thought is highly beneficial.
Thank you for your feedback!!
HS
Martin
Dec 12, 2013 at 7:11 am
Lots of good advice there! Thanks a lot! Nice to hear I am not alone in this and that there is a way out of it. I really love golf…
AND I believe that aiming the putter the correct way is crucial for good putting.
J
Dec 9, 2013 at 2:25 pm
Is your goal to get people to aim at their chosen target and then fix the stroke to hit it where they aim? Or is the goal to determine stroke results and fit putter/putter aim to current stroke?
Has this been proven to be the best way to become a better putter or is that just the edel way?
Henry Stetina
Dec 9, 2013 at 2:31 pm
The goal is to get people to aim the putter at the target and fix the stroke to hit it where they aim.
This is the Edel way and has been proven successful through studies at MIT. Of the 22 metrics studied (face rotation, centerdness of contact, acceleration rates, etc.), it resulted an average improvement of 38%.
j
Dec 9, 2013 at 6:26 pm
so you are basically saying if someone can repeat their stroke consistently with the face closed 2* at impact you aren’t going to adjust aim for the consistent, ingrained stroke.
Instead you would prefer them to line up perfectly and then “fix” their supposedly incorrect stroke.
I can understand if the player is inconsistent in their stroke, but to me it seems like the goal should be to change as little as possible to create the most consistent results.
It seems to me that perfect aim would not necessarily lead to better results, but of course I have not seen the MIT studies either.
I also just read another article on GolfWRX that stated that the most successful putters on tour could be determined by the degrees of squareness to path (not squareness to target) throughout the stroke, so it seems to me like different studies have different results.
I fail to believe that the majority of tour players aim exactly where they want to hit it, not with so many different strokes out there. All of their strokes are very efficient I would imagine they adjust aim based on their most ingrained, consistent stroke.
Let me know what you think and what I am missing in the equation.
Honestly the article sounds a bit like an advertisement for Edel fittings because I have been told this is basically how they go.
Henry Stetina
Dec 10, 2013 at 12:29 am
Most people create a stroke path to accommodate for their aim bias. Someone who aims their putter 2″ to the right of the hole will probably have an out-to-in stroke or a closed face at impact to redirect the ball toward the hole. If that person putts well and is satisfied with the results, there is no reason to change it.
I do believe that most players will improve by improving their aim. It will also allow them to improve their path.
“I also just read another article on GolfWRX that stated that the most successful putters on tour could be determined by the degrees of squareness to path (not squareness to target) throughout the stroke, so it seems to me like different studies have different results.”– This is true, the putter should only be square to the target at one point; impact. In my article, I am speaking of static aim, prior to the putting stroke i.e. can you place your putter behind the ball and aim it at the target. Do you have a link to that article?
A lot of tour players don’t have perfect aim, but they practice endlessly to become proficient at their various imperfections.
Yes, I am a fitter for Edel Golf. I am not sure how this could be seen as an advertisement but ok… I am glad you are familiar with our fitting model.
Does this clear up the confusion??
J
Dec 10, 2013 at 7:56 pm
So you believe improving aim will help most golfers improve putting or it has been proven?
I thought you said studies showed a 38% improvement, is that an improvement in aim or an improvement in actual putting?
I am just trying to understand why you choose correcting aim as the starting place to work on improving putting.
If it was me i would measure the players stroke, figure out natural tendencies for path and fit the putter to the rotational requirements of their preferred natural stroke. Then make as few minor tweaks as possible to promote consistency.
It feels like an ad because you are basically going through the exact steps of an edel fitting without saying that’s what you are doing. Also you referenced edel golf when responding in the comments and said “we” have fitters nearby.
I don’t have an issue with you working for edel or promoting the edel system, just be upfront about it. Instead of calling the article the ultimate putting program maybe you could call it the Henry stetina and edel approach to improving your putting or something along those lines.
Here is the article I mentioned
http://www.golfwrx.com/135327/the-arc-vs-square-to-square-putting-method-either-or-neither/
Here is the section I was referencing.
The rotation of the putter head is measured relative to the player’s arc. Zero rotation is when the putter face remains square to the arc at any given point throughout the swing. In other words, the rotation is measured at any given point on the arc and should remain perpendicular to the tangent of the arc. The elite PGA Tour putters have minimal rotation of the putter path. Most will open the putter face less than 6 degrees on the back stroke and close less than 6 degrees on the follow through. The very best putters have less than 1 degree of rotation in both directions. To reemphasize, this is independent of the nature of their arc.
Doug
Dec 9, 2013 at 2:19 pm
Great article! I feel as if I have been struggling with my putter alignment. Is there a DIY way to attach a laser to my putter or do I need to purchase a specific alignment laser?
Henry Stetina
Dec 9, 2013 at 2:44 pm
You can do it a few different ways. I use a system that reflects a laser off of a mirror that is attached to the putter face and onto a backdrop like in the following image http://totallydrivengolf.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/edel-pictures-011.jpg
I am sure you can create some sort of wood cutout to set the laser in place and put reflective tape on your putter face.
I know Rick Wright sells a laser that is easy to use but I think his only shows horizontal aim and not vertical aim.
Where do you live? We may have a fitter in your area.
Doug
Dec 9, 2013 at 3:12 pm
Houston, Tx area. Thanks for the picture. I’m sure I could fabricate something like that.
Henry Stetina
Dec 9, 2013 at 3:26 pm
Perfect. We have two Edel fitters in your area. You can contact them at http://edelgolf.com/find-a-fitter/tx
Chris Wycoff
Dec 9, 2013 at 1:44 pm
Great article, we do a lot of SAM putter fittings in our store and aim really does show up as a consistent weakness in many golfers. Finding the best putter requires factoring in many more variables, but if you’re not aiming at the right point to start the rest becomes a bit of a moot point.
Many people can find better results if they’re open to trying different head shapes or styles. Accepting that just because a putter is made by a certain manufacturer or looks really cool doesn’t mean it’s the best one for them also helps!
Henry Stetina
Dec 9, 2013 at 2:33 pm
Chris, you are absolutely correct. This article only addresses static aim. I will address other variable such as weight distribution of the putter and its affect speed control in later articles. Thanks for your feedback!
Sonny
Dec 10, 2013 at 6:04 pm
As a proponent of putter fittings, I can attest to the level of improvement I achieved by getting fit. I used to play a SC Newport 2 1 degree flat with 4 degrees of loft for quite a while. Putting was always the worst part of my game but it was frustrating to hear that my stroke looked good but I’d seem to miss putts from everywhere.
After being fit on the SAM Putt lab system, the fitter asked me to aim at address and when I was ready he showed me that my aim with a blade putter with considerable off-set, caused my aim point to be 3-4 inches left of my target. AS for the other 28 points of data that the fitter received, he said my loft and lie angle as well as length were spot on.
Once I lined up a putt with a center shafted Odyssey Metal X Center Shafted putter, my static aim was dead center. I did not have to tweak my stroke at all.
Point is, just like we get fit for drivers or irons to fit our individual swings, putters should be no different. Fit clubs to your swing/stroke not the other way around.
Henry Stetina
Dec 10, 2013 at 7:08 pm
Thank you for your feedback Sonny. This makes complete sense. SAM Putt Lab is a great tool.
Pat
Dec 9, 2013 at 12:05 pm
I think a huge factor in aim in relation to putter design is dependent on which eye is your dominant eye.
I have read various reports from reputable sources which claim that a center shafted putter helps the aim for a right handed golfer who is right eye dominant, while a putter with more offset would be ideal for a right handed golfer who is left eye dominant.
However, I have also read the exact opposite from some other sources with good credentials.
Either way, it is clear that eye dominance plays a key roll in how a player aims a particular model of putter versus another model.
Do you have any concrete data about this? If so, could you PLEASE set the record straight as to which is correct?
Thank you
Henry Stetina
Dec 10, 2013 at 12:41 am
Our studies show that eye dominance has a minor influence on aim bias, but not enough to make any significant claims. It really comes down to the fact that everyone sees different, and the only way to know for sure is to be tested. At Edel Golf, we use the following type of setup to identify where a person is aimed.
http://totallydrivengolf.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/edel-pictures-011.jpg From there we make adjustments to the physical makeup of the putter until the person aims correctly over the target. I usually don’t even ask whether a person is right eye or left eye dominant.
I am sorry that I couldn’t set the record straight for…well maybe I did, and the result is MYTH-BUSTED… haha. I don’t know
I hope this helps.
Baby Bull
Dec 9, 2013 at 9:02 am
Great article and very timely. I am in the process of analyzing my stroke now and this put some new thoughts into my findings. Looking forward to more of your stuff.
Mike Crawford
Dec 8, 2013 at 11:45 pm
This makes soo much sense. I switched from a face balance putter with no offset (which i missed right) to a offset putter (blade) but has a plumbers neck and i make more putts now!
Henry Stetina
Dec 9, 2013 at 12:29 am
That is great to hear Mike. You are on the right track! Keep it up
chris k
Dec 8, 2013 at 11:21 pm
While I do agree with some of the comments, there’s also many factors that contribute to someone missing a putt left or right. An improperly fit putter will be more common in missing putts left and right. Club manufacturers tend to make more facebalanced putters with more alignment aids on them which, if improperly fit, will cause someone to miss to the right due to lack of toe weight to close up the face at impact, and vice versa with a ‘heavy hang’ style. I find in my fittings its because of the wrong putter style rather than sightlines and misaims that make people miss putts (while not counting out misaims as a reason either).
Henry Stetina
Dec 9, 2013 at 12:01 am
Chris, I think you are misunderstanding what I am getting at. I am not addressing the outcome of a putt; whether it finishes right or left of the hole. I am only addressing the ability to aim a putter at the target (prior to the stroke). Aim is the first step towards becoming a better putter.
Aiming your putter does not have anything to do with the balance of the putter (toe vs. face vs. heel weighting). What you are referring to does influence path and the ability to roll the ball perpendicular to the putter face, thus impacting the outcome of the putt. I will address path later in this series of articles. Does this clarify the confusion?
chris k
Dec 9, 2013 at 2:49 pm
ahh. ok I see where you’re getting at. Thanks for the clarificaiton.
Ryan
Dec 8, 2013 at 10:22 pm
This is a great read. I’m going to have to try this out; especially with the way that I putted this year. Thanks for posting!
R
Dec 8, 2013 at 9:55 pm
Never thought about putting this way. Definitely bookmarking this article.
Tyler Trimbo
Dec 8, 2013 at 9:09 pm
Do all these principals apply to a golfer that putts cross handed?
Henry Stetina
Dec 10, 2013 at 12:43 am
Everyone sees differently so these are not principles but rather educated suggestions. Cross handed players generally aim to the right because they tend to have the left forearm higher than the right. The two forearms should be parallel to the target line. Does this make sense?
gocanucksfan123
Dec 10, 2013 at 6:52 pm
Not too sure I follow… I’ve never seen a tour pro have their forearms parallel to the line that they want to putt on.