Putting release

[bcoak]

Since the putting stroke is so small I would think it would be hard to take the information from the new release and apply it to this stroke. However, I think you can on a small scale. A lot of talk is about letting the putter head fall to the ball (Mangum). In order to do this you can't move the handle or drag the handle (Stockton like approach). I have been practicing trying to keep the down stroke "long" by making sure the whole putter swings down, not moved by the grip. It is a feeling and hard to explain but it feels good and gives time to release.

 

[ekennedy]

I would think belly style putters would be the epitome of going normal.

 

[SteveT]

I believe Geoff Mangum advocates a "gravity-assisted" putting stroke with a shoulder rocking or torso rotating stroking radius. If your wrists are "releasing", you are lashing the putter through the stroke and introducing unwanted actions. I think he would ask you to keep your hands and wrists quiet while holding a firmer hand grip... but you can ask him on his website.

As for belly putters, they are always "normal" because they are a fixed radius if you pivot it from the butt end with applied hand action. If you rock your shoulders and keep your hands quiet, the radius increases with the pivot axis somewhere in the upper torso if everything is in unison. If your torso rotation is different than the shaft rotation, the putter is rotating at the butt end against the belly or chest.. and then you've got a compound pendulum and you will need good luck.

 

[grahler]

Steve T,

Are you a pro or do you just respond to many threads?

 

[SteveT]

Steve T,

Are you a pro or do you just respond to many threads?

I'm neither a pro nor a qualified teacher... I'm just an internet golf semi-scientific golf ex-spurt... hell, I hardly golf much any more... and it's the dead of winter in my neck of the woods. I would like to think I contribute to Brian's fine forum as he charges ahead to bring his teaching expertise and new scientific approach to golfers worldwide.

I'm pleased you read my many and hopefully relevant postings... so what do you think of them?

 

[magicmarker]

I have also been going 'normal' with my putting stroke lately and have found it to be a benefit, especially with distance control.

 

[ZAP]

All I know is my ball rolls way better when my CP is moving up as I strike the putt. I also like to release the putter as if I am using a belly putter.