Masterful Putting...27
30 Wins and 2 Majors
When you have been successful on the PGA Tour for 25 years, you must be a good putter. In the case of Ben Crenshaw, he is renowned for his putting.
What did Ben describe as central to his success? Here are his key points, which I fully endorse:
Tempo. People walk, talk, eat, and swing each at their unique tempo. The significance of tempo in putting is that it eliminates the “hit impulse”. When the player attempts to apply a “hit” to the golf ball the muscles tense and the putter’s face and path are altered. The putting stroke is its most effective when the tempo (i.e. rate of acceleration and deceleration are consistent) is maintained.
Contact. The direction and the distance produced by a putting stroke will vary based on contact (i.e. the area of the putter's face that contacts the ball). With very few exceptions, putter heads are marked with a line or dot indicating the point at which the putter will produce the most consistent direction and distance. The ability to deliver this area to the ball is a function of setup and balance.
Visualization. Identify a spot on the high side of the hole (assuming the putt has some break) and for the duration of the stroke, hold a mental picture of the putt rolling to that spot. Never attempt to manage the stroke. Manage the mental picture and that will inform the muscles what to do.
Bottom Line: I read many articles about putting. I’ve found none more impactful than these offered by Ben.
Each Thursday we’ll bring you a helpful insight.
Swing to the target,
Ed
YouTube Videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAEGsro5bKTSibrvf4uQpfg
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