Example of a very compact structured follow through action.

During much of my 37 years of teaching this game, whenever I have discussed distance control in putting the golf ball, I often refer to the stroke as being symmetrical in nature. I talk about trying to make the stroke alike in terms of backstroke size and pace back and through. Today, I still believe that method/image for many can be extremely productive. I’m also suggesting to others an entirely different method.

If you have ever used a hammer to drive a nail into a wall you know that your backstroke and through stroke are radically different in size with all the force being absorbed by the head of the nail driving it into the wall.

For 37 years I have watched what seems like thousands of putts finish short of the hole, rather than well past. Guess what folks, if the ball doesn’t reach the hole it can’t go in!! I often now (depending on the individuals symptoms) suggest regulating the distance the ball will travel primarily with length of backstroke and then delivering at crisp compact structured impact to the back of the ball. Some might refer to this as a “pop stroke”. While watching the best players in the world in recent times, I see more and more strokes/strikes with a putter (chipping and often greenside pitches as well) that are as I call it the Hammer and Nail style of stroke.

This method seems to provide better acceleration through the impact area. The number one goal I’d like every person who plays this game to embrace the next golf season, is to break the code! Experiment with this style. Make every putt you strike either find the bottom of the hole or pass the hole. Statistically, what if every putt you hit last season that you left short, next season reaches or passes your objective, some would find the hole! How would the possibility over the course of an entire season affect your scoring average and therefore your handicap? How would this affect amateur golf as a whole?

Let’s change our chances to score by loading the stroke with the size of our backstroke and then deliver the “loaded force” to the back of the ball with a confident strike and a compact, structured follow through. Once you have had ample time to work with this method, I would love to hear your feedback. Ample time is not a day or week but over the course of months. Ample practice between rounds will be needed to feel comfortable with any change of method. Be patient.

If World #1 Seve Ballesteros listened to TP’s advice on his putting perhaps you should!!

Contact: Receive world class coaching. Reach out to Tom Patri directly to book advanced coaching in regards to your putting stroke. tpatri@mindspring.com 239-404-7790