Putting Philosophy
Top players ( and most golfers ) seem only to putt really well a few times per season, and are left wondering why they aren’t consistent all year. A large majority of the reason is, there are not good adjustments by the player on different stimp speeds and grasses.
So then most players want to know how to change their putting when playing other courses. Changing their putting, will only invite variability. It would be better that they apply, designed stroke lengths. Poor adjustments are due in part, to not developing different stroke lengths to match the distance and speed of the green. The vast majority of golfers, even the best players in the world make the mistake of adjusting by changing the time of their stroke and putt by finding a feel for the different greens. This changing of time and finding a feel is not the best method to develop consistent speed control.
First of all, feel changes daily. So that means, a player that plays with feel, is really hunting for something to feel. If you are hunting, the results will vary daily just like our feelings do. It is an example of putting that leaves the outcome to chance, because it is left unchecked. That is a subjective way, a poor way, and a costly way to go about playing a game that requires precision.
My putting philosophy is to have the golfer develop the proper length of stroke to match the distance and speed of the green. This is what will allow the feel player to experience exactly what he/she is searching for. Knowing where to go back and forward will teach the player the exact feel he/she is seeking, to roll the ball the correct distance. Back and forward stroke lengths which have precise end points, serve as a visual reference and a learning system that will allow the golfer to understand their job. It is a more objective way of putting. The player now would have a clearer idea of what he/she needs to do to roll the ball for best results.
When developing stroke lengths back and forward, we must understand that good putting strokes are designed, not guessed at or wondered about. Both stroke end points are equally important, if we mean to achieve consistent ball roll out. The player must become deliberate about stopping the putter head at both ends of the stroke. By using proprioception (a term for the body’s awareness of where it is in space) that can be employed to hit the end points of the stroke. Now the player, knows where they are going. There is no hunting, and all that remains is matching the stroke time and acceleration to the stroke length. These stroke lengths will serve as the baseline parameters for the player to develop and practice from.
I hope you see that golf is a Science, but it also is an Art. There are aspects of each that must be applied. Using the Putting Philosophy of stroke parameters along with good timing, tempo, acceleration, setup lines, stroke mechanics, green reading techniques, start line precision, visual and mental concepts, will help you to sink more putts.
My goal, is that you have a clear accurate picture of what you want to do, before you do it.
Let’s get started by contacting me at [email protected] or 561-699-2616
I look forward to seeing you as a student in one of my private or class lessons.
Stan Moore, PGA Certified
“Great Putters are Trained”
SFLA’S #1 Putting & Short Game Coach