For Manzella Academy Only - Putting Misery
- Thread starter blehnhard
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To obtain true distance control you need a consitent surface.You are very unlikely to find that on your local putting green (they are always contoured, with no level area of any size)..
Use a carpet at home. If you use the same piece, you will get consitent feedback of what is happening.
basically use a medium pace carpet, (not fast) and simply move your putter back and forth with no stress or force. This will become known as your "core" putt. The ball will always travel roughly the same distance, preferably about 6-7 feet.... practice this putt over and over....
From this starting point you have a solid baseline for all other putts on whatever speed greens you encounter...
Generally my core put will travel 9-10 feet on a normal green, which is perfect.
From the base putt simply experiment with lengthening your backswing to encompass different SET distances, say from 10 to 15 to 20 to 25 etc...these are level putts remember, gradient putts must be adjusted, but even then that adjustment is consistent with gradient, and can be applied to any putt of the same gradient.. Get used to seeing your gradients in a disciplined manner, perhaps cataloging then as steep medium soft etc. and practice learning the adjustments for each...
For example I might find a medium gradient putt of 20 feet requires me to hit it as if it were a 30 foot putt on the level..etc...
How good you get is up to you, but bear this in mind...one putt is equal to a 300 yard drive, it is one stroke and any good round of golf you will use your putter more than any other club in your bag. makes sense to sort it out then...
I don't want to sound too critical, but in my mind stuff like this is what makes people THINK TOO MUCH when it comes to putting, especially regarding distance control.
I've always believed that you get better at what you practice. And if you practice a ton of flat putts on your carpet at home, how good do you think you'll be at reading and executing uphill/downhill/sidehill putts on the course?
Everyone always seems to be looking for a shortcut when it comes to practice. I laugh when I see someone asking, "How do I practice long putts/short putts/big breaking putts?" Why not by simply hitting a lot of long putts/short putts/big breaking putts? See what your results are (i.e. not reading enough break on big breakers) and then adjust. Sheesh.
lookingtolearn
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I agree with the idea that simplicity is best and you need to practice what you want to get better at, but you still need to know how to do it. If you keep practicing and ingraining the wrong moves, you will get worse, not better.
Holeout,
You didn't read my posts correctly.
I said learning putting was a progressive process..
The above was a response to a question.
I understand your point, but yours is more concerning technique whereas my post is addressing learning feel and distance control. Technique can certainly help some in this, but if you don't actually hit a bunch of different length putts, you're just asking to be caught off guard on the course.
I read your posts correctly, and I understand what you're saying. I just feel that your approach, with the core putts and cataloging gradients, is kind of overkill and something that very few people will either try out or stick with.
...
Precicely, that's why people continue to struggle with their putting. they don't want to put in the initial work....therefore they will only ever be mediocre putters at best, and will continue to justify their mediocrity with a multitude of excuses...
BTW my initial response was to the question of "What are the best drills for practicing distance control?" That is one answer (but is not the exact way I putt)....Core putting is a well known approach..it doesn't belong to me..
Precicely, that's why people continue to struggle with their putting. they don't want to put in the initial work....therefore they will only ever be mediocre putters at best, and will continue to justify their mediocrity with a multitude of excuses...
BTW my initial response was to the question of "What are the best drills for practicing distance control?" That is one answer (but is not the exact way I putt)....Core putting is a well known approach..it doesn't belong to me..
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Precicely, that's why people continue to struggle with their putting. they don't want to put in the initial work....therefore they will only ever be mediocre putters at best, and will continue to justify their mediocrity with a multitude of excuses...
BTW my initial response was to the question of "What are the best drills for practicing distance control?" That is one answer (but is not the exact way I putt)....Core putting is a well known approach..it doesn't belong to me..
I understand. I just think that the "core putt" business is junk. You think Arnold Palmer had a "core putt"? I'm willing to be proven wrong, but I think the best putters trust instincts over "gradient measuring" and "core putts".
That's just my opinion on the matter.
Yup. thats why you need to learn distance control initially above all other things....
I've missed something somewhere. What did you "put your father in" and who/what is "GM"?
Thanks,
p
lookingtolearn
New
I think he was referring to a belly putter.
And GM is Geoff Mangum from the putting zone. I believe Damon has worked with him and incorporates a lot of his ideas in his teaching. I am currently working on the movement he advocates and it's pretty interesting stuff.
I figured out he was referring to a belly putter about 5 min after I posted. I never would have figured out he meant Geoff Mangum! Thanks.
I have seen some of GM's videos on YouTube and I have his book.
I just started the book and it seems complicated to me, but it supposed to be simple...I think it's too soon to tell.
Thanks again,
p
I have seen some of GM's videos on YouTube and I have his book.
I just started the book and it seems complicated to me, but it supposed to be simple...I think it's too soon to tell.
Thanks again,
p
lookingtolearn
New
Here is one thread where Damon has discussed some of GM's ideas:
http://www.brianmanzella.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6072
http://www.brianmanzella.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6072
Thanks for the link. Wow...and I thought GM's book was seemed complicated.
Damon Lucas
Super Moderator
Hi pm,
On certain levels, it IS complicated, only because it needs to be to explain fully his ideas, debunk others' ill-thought ideas, and to provide a comprehensive text and framework for putting instructors.
On other levels, for example the drills section and various explanatary chapters, it is pretty simple. Just flick through to areas that interest you.
Also, we need to be mindful that this is BM's forum, and while various discussions interest various parties, he has stipulated that those days are past.
Thanks, Damon
On certain levels, it IS complicated, only because it needs to be to explain fully his ideas, debunk others' ill-thought ideas, and to provide a comprehensive text and framework for putting instructors.
On other levels, for example the drills section and various explanatary chapters, it is pretty simple. Just flick through to areas that interest you.
Also, we need to be mindful that this is BM's forum, and while various discussions interest various parties, he has stipulated that those days are past.
Thanks, Damon
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