(PART II)

Continued from blog entry – “Putting . . . PART I”

DIRECTION:
I like my students first and foremost not to change their style because styles are preferences, but to first clearly understand their styles, then choose based on the facts whether change is needed.

Set up two clubs approximately 3-4′ from the hole along a putt line that is flat and slightly up hill in condition. Then set down a third club against the end of the two parallel clubs at the end opposite the hole. The two parallel clubs should be just wider apart than the width of your putter head.

Now that your putting lab is set up, the process is as follows:

1. Place your putter face against the back of the third club (flat).
   Ask yourself if this is optically what your putter face normally looks like to you at address.
   If not, your face condition has not been square and needs regular attention.
   .
   
2. Make several strokes between the tow shafts without a ball present.
   If your putter head is either arching or moving outside to inside abruptly, you might want to consider if this is the simplest method of getting the putter head to find a constant path.
   If your answer is no, I would suggest consulting your PGA Professional with your findings to discuss possible set up or even equipment changes (Often the lie or loft of your putter has affected the way you’ve trained your optics).

Remember, according to hard statistical facts, the putter strikes 43% of the shots you hit in a round of golf. You want your putting condition (set up and stroke) to be as sound as possible.