When you're hitting the ball great, nothing can be more frustrating than a cold putter. No matter how many fairways and greens you hit throughout a round, it can be all for not if you can't get any putts to drop.
For Jim Periman, he finally realized that he needed to let his putter do the work, instead of trying to guide it so much. Today, I'm going to share Jim's own words and putting thoughts because I think it may spark someone else's putter as well.
I wrote in a couple of weeks ago complaining about my putting. It finally hit me like a bolt of lightning. I don't know if I can exactly explain it but I pick my spot after reading the green and bring the putter back and let it do the work instead of guiding the putter. I went from 36 to 38 putts a round to 29 and 30 putts a round. Thank you Don for all your tips and that, plus long practice and it finally came. Amazing. Nothing beats practicing the right way. And, maybe that is just the start of something big. I am eternally grateful.
Jim
If you find yourself hitting a lot of 3 putts, you might want to try something different with your putting technique. Perhaps you need to let the putter do the work, like Jim did. Either way, you need to experiment while practicing so that you can improve your overall scores. You should never settle for being a lousy putter. Everyone has the potential to be a good putter, you've just got to put in the time and find what works best for you.
Good luck and keep it vertical!
The Surge
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Comments
Putting idea ..
Don - thanks for the video - my Mom used to tell me "let the ball do the work" in bowling, and I think the same principle applies here.
As to my putting idea - I'll probably get dismissed as a nut, but here it goes. I have been putting one-handed for over 8 years now and have no plans to return to a traditional putting technique. I started this on a practice green from a few feet and simply kept extending the distance until I felt comfortable in any situation on the green. Lots of folks ask me why, and my reply is generally the same - it works better than with two hands for me.
I also explain, to those who listen a bit longer, that a normal putt stroke has two hands on the putter, both are connected at the shoulder, and things get very complicated quickly in trying to produce a pendulum putt and keep it on line. So why not just use one hand (the back one or right hand for me) which is connected at one point to the body? It naturally produces a pendulum motion and keeping the intended line is easier. It is basically an on-on-and-on approach applied to putting.
It is far from a perfect & easy way to produce more accurate putting strokes. The putter rotating in the hand is an issue, and keeping it stabilized, especially in long putts, takes practice. It is also easy to get casual with the process and produce some lazy putts.
The fun part is watching people's reaction on the first few greens. Then after a few holes of observation I get the "huh - do you really ...?" question. The best part is at the end of the round, as I am generally regarded as the best putter of the group. I should point out that I can read greens fairly well so that helps.
Any opinions, comments, laughter or scathing comments? Appreciate any insight that says this way is actually harder, and that I am way off base here. It may be hard to convince me to switch back because putting is the most reliable part of my game and has been for quite a while.
Thanks all and keep it down the middle,
Jon
If it works don't fix it.
Hi Jon,
I've only played with one person who putted this way and he was very good. It might be worth considering an oversized grip to help stabilize the putter head and perhaps a putter with a lighter swing weight. If you haven't already done it, you might find it worthwhile to get a putter fitted to your one handed stroke. Having the right shaft length and face balancing might make you an even better putter. Changing to a centre shafted, face balanced putter has helped me a lot.
Dave
LOL .. nice idea
Thanks for the comments and the support. I have a "basic" putter that I use .. "Brass Balls" I think is the name. Offset just a bit and VERY well balanced. I have bought new drivers, woods, irons - (see my last posts for the 1-iron debate) - but I have NEVER changed my good ole, heavy, brass putter.
Also, I did switch to a large grip this past year, and I am even more comfortable putting - it works and thanks - def a recommend - at least on the stabilization front.
Down the middle and in the hole,
Jon
putting idea....
Jon,
You are not a nut at all. A few times I too have putted one handed,ie, with my rear or right hand. It surprised me how accurate the putts were and several went in with apparent ease. Even chipped from the fringe one handed to good effect. Interesting to read your comments on it. Keep on putting the ball in the wee hole. Will stick to my recently 'new putting' set up for a while yet, but if it turns pear shaped....who knows, one handed may get a go ; - ) DH
That is how I started ..
Ok - full disclosure here .. my one handed putting started when I hit a few shots from 2-3 feet. Then I noticed they always went in. Then I noticed that the 5-6 footers dropped as well. At that point I liked one-handed and practiced until it was a habit. Drove my competition CRAZY. Then I was sold : )
It is a basic pendulum putt - nuff said : )
one handed
That is one of Tigers drills. Jon if it gets the ball in the hols then why not. It does make a lot of sense really because it takes one angle (the other limb) out of the stroke. Do they call you a "one arm bandit" when you take their cash?!!
Bandito Strikes Again ..
Thanks Robert - never have played for cash, just among friends. Considering joining a league but just don't have the time these days.
Putting with a mental forward press.
I think that Surge is right about having better feel with the right side and I use it with long puts and right to lefters. I think however that left to righters feel more natural when hit with the left side.
This year has been my most challenging ever, when it comes to putting. Half of our greens had to be replaced due to winterkill. We played the first couple of months of our already to short golf season, with 9 temporary and 9 permanent greens. Oddly enough I think that this experience has made me a better putter.The very rough and bumpy temps forced me to find a way to stabilize the face of the putter through impact and develop a stroke with acceleration through the ball. Now that we are back on 18 real greens, long puts and puts from the fringe are a breeze, after all the putting on far from perfect surfaces.
One of the things that helped me adapt to putting when every surface had a different speed was the forward press and tempo thoughts. I've always used a forward press like Phil Mickelson does as a trigger to get the putter moving with a smooth tempo from a dead stop and eliminate freezing over the ball.
I still use this for any puts outside about 8 feet but am having a lot better luck with short puts now, when I substitute the forward press with a mental forward press. This eliminates any concern that I might have about what the forward press is doing to the face angle that is so critical on short puts.
My normal forward press for long puts, is the first beat of the cadence of "SLOW..SLOW..SLOW." ( FORWARD PRESS...BACKSTROKE...THROUGH STROKE).
With short puts, now, the forward press is only a "mental" one but still the first beat of the 3 part cadence. This is a trick that I picked up from a pro on the Golf Channel. Wish I could remember his name.
Our greens are still very inconsistent with every variation from superfast to Velcro so we have to be very adaptable putters. When faced with a very fast green or a very quick downhiller I find it easy to change the speed of my stroke by changing to a "VERY SLOW...VERY SLOW...VERY SLOW" cadence.
I hope that people who are fortunate enough to play on courses with consistent greens,can use something from all of this rambling.
Putting with a mental forward press
Rambling? Not in the least mate, it is surprising what 'ramblings' spark the synapses in our brains hahaha! ; - ) After reading your previous rambling on your swing speed, I altered mine slightly and there was a distinct improvement in my shots, when: "I just did it right" Before even setting up I say out loud, "Slow DOON", with an exagerated Scottish brogue! That in itself is helping to stop me trying to skin the ball! I too use a three part cadence. It used to be to the old Scot's tune, "Skye Boat Song", but have moved on. Heard an old favourite the other day, "Ginny Come Lately", by Brian Hyland. Hope it helps me. The music in those days was much more pleasant and calming than today's [IMHO] garbage, heh heh heh! Naughty me. DH
double post
Double post
Putting rythym
Dave, the idea of any and all our strokes moving to a cadence is a good one. It is all part of the tempo idea. I just got a new putter and it is designed so heavy that it assists in eliminating the small muscles- the hands so that it encourages a true pendulum stroke. Interestingly John (see video) the inventor of the L2 putter says that it is the hands, the fingers and related muscles that we typically think of as our feel/touch that are responsible for mistakes in putting and not makes in putting. In other words if our alignment (to our line or spot) is correct then it is simply about being square, tempo and size of stroke if we are using a true pendulum which is in the shoulders and not controlled by the arms and hands. This is what I think Jim may have been alluding to when he said he "lets the club do the work" instead of guiding it with the small muscles of the wrists and hands.
http://www.l2traditionalputter.com/
Now I can't fully recommend the L2 putter yet because I just got it a couple of days ago and haven't got to the greens yet to test it out. Only on home carpet so far and I love it. It's heavy, about 940 grams. The average putter is around 500 grams. The weight and large head design along with a centered shaft centered balance are designed to keep it stable and take our touchy feely hands (those tiny muscles that cause us to "guide" the putter) out of the stroke. As per usual, I will give the Surge Nation a full report after I give it a full trial.
L2 putter
Robert....
Interesting video on putter.
Look forward to your review from course!
Thanks,
Phillip
putter
Phillip, Will keep you posted. As with any new club there will be a transition period. I actually discovered the L2 at the PGA show that was in Las Vegas two weeks ago. John the gentleman in the video and designer of the putter was there and patiently spent over 30 minutes talking to me about true pendulum putting as I made putt after putt on the synthetic green it was impressive. I'm in the middle of my work week so no real grass time with it until Wednesday.
I am both excited and hopeful.
L2 Putter
Robert....
Did you get a chance to roll the rock on actual greens with the L2 Putter?
Phillip
Guinea Pig report
Okay fellow arthritis and bursitis brothers and sisters, here is my report about the anti-inflammatory support dietary supplement ANATABLOC.
I have to say after one month of use I am impressed. I stopped taking all other natural anti-inflammatory supplements in order to truly feel a difference (or not) and I must say that I give it a thumbs up. Over all less pain and stiffness, especially in my neck and shoulders where my primary issues are going on. So while I'm not a doctor (I only play one at home) I have to say that I can recommend it to those in the Surge Nation that want to give it a go.
As usual, look for the most affordable way. My wife has the discount card with GNC and got some sort of 2 for one the other day on our second bottles.
Nothing is a miracle so results will vary and I won't go into all the other things I do to maintain a healthy life style here but suffice it to say that over-all diet and exercise are all part of an over all lifestyle that help us stay as able and fit as possible.
Guinea Pig report
Robert,
Glad that the Anatabloc is working for you [co-incidence, 'anata' in Japanese, if my memory serves me rightly, means, 'You' ; - ]
Update on my left hand problem. Now I can make a complete and tight fist for the first time in years~! Yes years. So the 'crimp' with my lead,or left hand is no more a problem. No more constant pain. I have no intention of hitting anyone with it, but would have no hesitation now of reverting to my straight left jab or upper cut. Tiger balm, thankyou. This doctor at home. Good on my arthritic neck and shoulders too when needed : - ) A healthy diet and exercise doesn't have to punish us. As I await our late lunch/early dinner of fresh beef Jiaozi, steamed filled dumplings hahaha! Have a great next round with your L2 putter. DH
upper cut
DH, Glad to hear your hands are in fighting shape. Yes Tiger balm is really helpful. Another one from our local 'China Town' is White Flower. Spicy and strong.
The wife also has massage skills (met her at massage school) so we work on each other which is a lovely plus.
DJ had another great day shooting a 68 for a good finish and nice check. I heard from Harold that he will be at next weeks Web.com tourny with Surge as he does some coaching of DJ in North Carolina. DJ is trending in the righr direction now.
Give 'em a right and a left in NZ!
upper cut
Hi again Robert,
My mantra is:'If it works, use it. if it doesn't don't use it'. There are two lots of Tiger Balm, the red and the white. I used the white all up a year ago. It was spicy and strong, so maybe the same stuff.
My wife's step-father was a Traditional Chinese Doctor. He gave me a few tips and the wife is well versed in most of the techniques and what is good for particular complaints. We are both blessed it would seem. Between she and I, we do better than many of the doctors over the years I have not been 'blessed with' ; - )
Saw the results of Web.com one and smiled for DJ. Now for more upwards and onwards for him. Tomorrow is looking possible for a round after we are glued to the screen for the finish of the Deutsche Bank tournament in Boston. An exciting finish in prospect. Rocco Mediate must have stunned the Champions Tour with his 7 shot winning margin!
Left, left right from godzone NZ
DH ; - )
one-handed putting; putter fitting and weight
For those of you interested, this came from a golf lesson a couple of years ago. The instructor had us putt 10 putts one-handed, first with the right hand and then with the left. Whichever side you putt better with, is the hand you should use consistently (for one-handed putting). If you're using a two-handed (regular) putting grip, the hand/arm you putted better with one-handed should be the hand that is LOWER on the putter when you putt two-handed.
Although I'm a righty, I putt WAY better with my LEFT HAND alone, and yes, I do use "left hand low" putting grip. Give this a try and see if your putting improves, whether you do one-handed or two :)
And regarding putter fittings: I am "petite" (5'1") and use a 32" putter. I had a new Bolt putter fitted by Golftec; these putters have a choice of styles and weights for the head. The initial fitter used the heaviest head Bolt made at that time, but didn't adjust for shortening the putter, and I took it back complaining that it felt too light. When the franchise owner checked it, he had to add I forget how many grams of lead tape (I think 100+?) to the bottom of the putter to get it to match the "weight" of a standard putter since it was so much shorter. I was bummed that a "custom" putter fitting system did not come with a heavy enough head to allower for the shorter length I needed! Unfortunately for women, in particular, most off-the-rack putters are simply cut down, and the weight is not similarly adjusted to allow for that. So if you're using a shorter length, beware!! There is defintely something to be said for a putter with more weight being more stable.
Rolling rock
Philip,
Yes I did. Verdict? Love it. I will post the link to my highlighting of the first round of golf with it last week.
https://www.swingsurgeon.com/daily-video-tips/surges-5-secrets-better-golf
On that blog you will see several conversations too. Actually we have been talking about it quite a bit the last 3/4 dailes so if you want to make life easier simply put in L2 putter in the search bar and you'll be able to find them all. In addition, I encouraged the creator of the L2 to join our blog discussions and he has. John Ambrose.
He has had a nice exchange with Terry Medley that you would also benafit from to learn more. I will say Philip that if you choose to buy it John is very helpful and easy to contact on his site by phone or e mail. An extremely helpful chap and very knowledgeable about the pendulum putting method.
You need to be ready to change your over-all method as it is a really passive hands, shoulders only type of movement. Very accurate and stable. Takes some getting use to.
L2 putter
Thanks Robert!
Will most likey order 33 inch. I will call John Ambrose for hs opinion as well.
Phillip
L2 putter
Phillip,
Sounds like you can't resist either! I try to exercise some restraint when it comes to recommending anything but if I have found something I really like that may very well help my fellow Surgites I must at least share what it has done for me. We are all built different and of course there are no guarantees eh?
Like I said in other posts it still comes down to execution and practice. Make sure you review John's key video over and over. What he demonstrates and the drills he recommends really help. I found that until I got the putter in my hands I didn't really understand how passive we really need to keep our hands and forearms. I think you have heard my expression before "grip it and forget it" ? Well it truly applies to this stable, heavier putter. I don't know what style of stroke you are accustomed to but this is the first time I have ever really felt like I was using a true pendulum stroke. Any manipulation and it does not work. The other thing that I am finding is that with this putter alignment is a snap. The two prominent lines and the ability to stand the club on it's own is awesome. You literally stand the putter a couple of inches behind the ball and then just like having alignment sticks on the practice range you can then walk several feet back and looking down the line see if the lines are where you want. Then you walk in and from above check one more time to see if the lines are directly at your spot or starting line and then it's up to you if you want to look at the ball while stroking. I putt it better if I can look only at the hole (if it's under 4 feet or your spot that is on your starting line about one foot in front of your ball. (John seems to prefer the line on the ball- see video from around 4:41-7:00). See which way works best for you. Because of the MOI stability and the larger sweet spot you don't need to focus on center hits as much as with most putters. As John says "Square face, tempo, stroke size" is all you have to think about. You'll have fellow golfers say, "is that legal ?" Well it is but you'll get some looks and double takes as your putter seems to magically stand there (on slopes it will fall over sometimes so mark your ball as instructed when aligning). Then personally I still pick my spot and I only look at my spot while I simply rock from the shoulders maintaining those passive arms, gripping just firmly enough but just as in our full swing keeping the same muscle tone back and through. I want to feel like that from the putter on up through my hands, arms and shoulders are all one unit moving back and through.
Very cool Phillip. 33 inches may be right for you. Because I got the 35 inch one I have to hold the grip about 2 inches down in order for my arms to hang comfortably and avoid the elbows out look. This may sound odd but no wrist break and softly keeping that triangle back and through is it. The visual John presents with the side by side with his putting machine (pendulum) is what I want and practice. Fewest moving parts. This really has a lot in common with Don's philosophy for the full swing. I'm excited for you. Let me know what you decide.