TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK ISSUE 367 59Read the putt
Use your eyes and feet to see and feel slopes.
Observe the putts of others. But keep this
information-gathering stage separate from execution.
You can even picture a line behind the ball to help.
Aim the face
Face aim makes by far the biggest contribution to
the ball’s starting direction, so once over the ball
your first job is to aim it squarely at the path you
have identified. Eyes over the ball will help you.
Step in
Only once you have convinced yourself of the right
pace and direction should you step over that line.
Mentally, you should feel totally committed to your
read at this stage.Step in
Once you’re happy with the aim of the blade, set up
around the putter’s position. It will help you find your
most effective stance. Make one more look to
reconnect with your target before pulling the trigger.3 Improve your flow Use a routine
Familiarity breeds confidence and a state of flow, and that’s why a regular pre-shot routine puts you into
a more effective state of mind over the ball. Use this four-stage process as a guide.
1
3
2
4
BUYING TIPS
Where do you even
start with a putter?Red is the new black
Red putters have been a
massive on tour this year, so if
you’re looking for a new
mallet or MOI style flatstick
we reckon you’d be daft to
not at least try one. Why are
they so good? It all comes
down to the colour contrast
between the red head and
green background, and how
red helps you focus, and
increase your attention to detail
(see page 83 for more).Which putter rolls it best?
It’s a difficult one to answer, but
after our robot and human putter
roll test we have to say the
Odyssey O-Works insert was top
drawer. EVNRoll’s variable width
grooves pattern was similarly
impressive and not far behind
were the Ping True Roll and
TaylorMade Pure Roll inserts.Align, align, align
If a putter blade is 1° open or
closed from eight feet a putt is
missed, so don’t cut corners
when it comes to
setting up
square to
your target.
There’s tons of
sightlines and
alignment aid styles to help, just
make sure you’re comfortable
with yours. It doesn’t matter if
there’s one line, a dot or two golf
ball sized discs on the top of a
putter, just make sure it focuses
your attention directly on your
impact location.Suits you, sir
Whether you swing the putter
straight up and down the line or
try to arc like some of the best
players in the world, having a
putter to compliment and not fight
your stroke is crucial. Generally,
face balanced putters work better
for straighter strokes – the greater
the toe hang, the more arc that’s
required.Go large with the grip
Oversized putter grips are
so popular that lots of
brands install them as
standard now. There’s
masses of choice when it
comes to shape and size.
Give some a go to find out
which floats your boat.