A Putting Epidemic?
A Putting Myth – A Putting Epidemic?
Creating Great Putting Speed Control!
John Dunigan in his new putting book “Hole It!” talks about what he calls “an epidemic in golf.” That myth is “Make a short backstroke and accelerate through impact.” Until recently I was not convinced that this is an epidemic – but now I am not so sure.
I recently started working with members of the Roane State Community College golf team on evaluating their Speed, Read, and Line putting skills. About 2 weeks ago we did some testing on the Centennial putting green. Right next to this green is the green for the 9th hole. So I watched about a dozen groups of golfers come through and putt on that green – and 70% to 80% of the golfers used short backstrokes with accelerating forward strokes.
Why is this a myth? Well, with a short backstroke a golfer has no alternative but to try to control speed by accelerating through the ball. And this is a difficult if not impossible way to control speed.
Is this a disease that you are afflicted with? If you have speed control issues in your putting, it is possible. Here are some starting things to consider to help you…
- First watch the Tour Pros – and see what they do when they stroke putts, particularly in the 20 to 40 foot length range – you will see that all or most all of them have symmetry in their back and forward strokes.
- Second, watch this short video from my friend Preston Combs – “The Accelerating Putter” – to see more details on accelerating and symmetrical strokes. Which one looks better for you?
- Third – what do YOU do? For long putts, have someone take a video of your stroke, and/or feel the relative backstroke and forward stroke lengths.
- Fourth, if “short and accelerate” is your putting concept for creating speed – DUMP IT! Find a putting coach near you who can help – think Stroke Symmetry!!
Knowledge Of The Truth Is The First Step To Improvement!
I Create EXTRAORDINARY Golf Clubs
You SHOOT LOWER SCORES!
TONY
