Putters: How Much Offset?

[Chris Sturgess]

What do you all think about the benefits or problems of a putter having a large or small amount of offset. I think offset is the right word, I'm talking about the shaft being set ahead and at an angle to the face. Most all putters have this. It seems that the more offset then the more you would have to have a forward press/lean to have a square clubface. But what about the release of the putter in those cases, when does that happen wayt after impact? ever? I'm starting to think 0 offset is best. Your thoughts?

 

[Damon Lucas]

I think as close to zero is ideal.

There are those who will aim differently based on the amount of offset, and those whose current strokes depend on an amount of offset to square the clubface, but I would say those people would be using the wrong cues to putt well.

 

[tbyeaton0627]

Different amount of offsets, different geometric head shapes, different line patterns (or no lines or dots) and colors will aim people differently...find one that takes dead aim

 

[birdie_man]

Why is close to zero ideal?

Are you saying due to aiming?

Could you explain/reword your 2nd paragraph Damon?

 

[Damon Lucas]

A putter face is the same as 'almost' every other putter face(except for those with radiused faces)... it is a slab.

As such, if you used the putter face for aiming, rather than the shaft, or the hosel, or the back of the putter, or the shape of the putter, or the lines, or the colors, or anything else, you will learn to aim more accurately.

You should be looking for a perpendicular relationship between the putter face and the line of the putt...

Imagine if we had this same discussion about the full swing...ie we tried to teach golfers to aim based on the hosel, or the top line of the golf club, or the depth of the head, or the color, or any other 'less than reliable source.

 

[Damon Lucas]

I'd say zero is ideal because there is minimal visual interference..just my opinion.

As far as rolling the pill, I don't see any benefits to having any offset.

Interested to hear why offset might help with stroke mechanics...

 

[Chris Sturgess]

Yeah I would like to know why almost all putters have an offset? What is the benefit? Is there any? Why did they all decide to do this?

 

[Chris Sturgess]

Anyone?

Puttmad?