Golf Digest South Africa — January 2018

o many golfers hear that they

should chase the ball to the

hole with the putterhead to

accelerate the club through impact

and keep the putt on line. But that

thought is actually counterproduc-

tive to making putts.The only thing

chasing the ball should be you, after it

goes in.

Following that advice can restrict

the stroke, blocking the face from re-

leasing naturally and pushing the putt

off line. Often, grip pressure that is too

tight accompanies this “chaser” stroke.

Instead, you want very light pressure,

like Jordan Spieth uses.This allows the

face to close and move back to the

RICK SMITH

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Play Your Best

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017

inside of the line of putt after impact.

That is a natural stroke with no

manipulation. Nothing is contrived,

and a closing face creates a smoother roll.

There are a few good putters who

shut the clubface going back and then

open it through impact. They can get on

hot streaks, but this technique is hard to

rely on.

To be clear:The opening and closing

of the face is subtle. You’ll hardly notice

it if you’re watching a good putter. But

it’s important. It doesn’t matter if you

have a pop stroke like Brandt Snedeker

or a longer stroke like Ben Crenshaw.

Let the putter swing naturally. And don’t

chase the ball. –with roger schiffman

“The face opens and closes

in a good stroke.”

I CAN’T ROLL IT ON LINE

Bad advice – and a tight grip – are the problem

ILLUSTRATION BY CHRIS GASH