The fundamentals of putting (by SAM Academy)
1. Setup and Aiming
A proper setup position is a prerequisite of a good putt. Setup includes body posture, gripping the putter, alignment of body relative to the ball and the target line, and aiming of the putter itself. In a neutral setup with a square putter face you can simply swing the putter back and forth like a pendulum to start the ball on the intended line. The setup is in particular important for direction control in putting. (Read more…)
2. Face and Path Direction
The putter face angle at impact and the swing path direction at impact are the critical factors which determine the initial direction of the ball, as rhythm and timing of the swing are the most important factors for distance control. Direction control starts with a neutral setup position where all body lines are aligned parallel to the intended target line. (Read more…)
(Click image to enlarge)
3. Putter Path and Impact Spot
The consequence of hitting the ball outside of the sweet spot of the putter is poor ball contact with corresponding direction and distance errors. Critical aspects for proper impact spot are solid setup and a consistent swing path. Often an inconstant impact spot is consequence of a corresponding inconsistent swing behaviour. (Read more…)
4. Spin and Launch
The effective loft of the putter at impact and the vertical putter path angle through impact determine the launch angle and the spin of the ball. On fast greens a flat launch angle of the ball and initial top spin are preferred, to avoid skidding. (Read more…)
5. Putter Face Rotation (New)
Controlling putter face rotation is crucial to hit the ball with exactly the intended face angle and thus the most important dynamic aspect of putting to control the direction of a putt. (Read more…)
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Effects of Loft and Rise Angle to ball roll
The force vector applied to the ball determines launch angle and ball spin: 1. The effective loft at impact determines launch angle (appr. 80%); 2. The difference between loft and rise determines ball spin (effective loft > rise = backspin, effective loft < rise = topspin)
- W. M. Land, G. Tenenbaum, P. Ward & C. Marquardt: Examination of Visual Information as a Mediator of External Focus Benefits, in: Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 2013, pp 250-259.
- C. Marquardt: The Vicious Circle Involved in the Development of the Yips, in: S. Jenkins (ed.) Annual Review of Golf Coaching, 2009, pp 67-78
- C. Marquardt & M. Fischer: Movement kinematics of the Golfer’s Yips, in: D. Crews & R. Lutz (eds.) Science and Golf V, 2008, pp 216-223.
- C. Marquardt: The SAM PuttLab: Concept and PGA Tour Data, in: S. Jenkins (ed.) Annual Review of Golf Coaching, 2007, pp 101-114.
- T. F. Stickney II: Length of Stroke and Timing Signatures in Varying Handicap Levels, in: Annual Golf Coaches’ Review Research Paper, 2007.
Episode 1 – Start ball rolling early
To start the ball rolling early on fast greens you should reduce the launch angle to not more than 2 degress. As launch angle is controlled by the effective loft at impact, you might either reduce the static loft on your putter, or you can use a small amount of deloft of the putter shaft. In any case make sure that the hands are always over the ball and the shaft ist not leaning backwards, as this might add loft to impact.