Which comes first, putting lesson or putter fitting?

crazygolfnut · December 13, 2008

Do I get fit for a putter before or after I have a lesson?

I was in Golf Galaxy today looking at Rife putters. The Pro looked at me and said that with a lesson, he could help me /change my putting stroke so I would be more consistent. I do need some help because I tend to flip my wrists. The next sentence he said that I should have my putter fitted to my stroke. If my stroke needs to be fixed / changed, should I wait until after I have a lesson to have a putter fitted. Or maybe buy a standard putter and fix my stroke to accommodate it. :rolleyes:

EJ Mac · December 13, 2008

A lesson would probably be a good idea if you don't have much confidence in your stroke and having flippy wrists is certainly not a good thing as it has a tendency to do a lot of harm to accomplishing the task at hand.

bbslurp413 · December 13, 2008

Fitting

Juan73 · December 13, 2008

If it were me... I would get my stroke fixed FIRST.... before any fitting.

Here is why, if you get fitted, with a poor stroke, .... and then you take a lesson, the putter might not be what you should be using. Simple logic to me.

DISCLAIMER: While I am not a pro, nor did I stay in a Holiday Inn Express, I did finish 3rd out of 271 at the most recent World Golf Hall of Fame Putting Championships, and my coach is Mike Shannon who also is Tiger Woods putting coach.

scotchblade · December 13, 2008

Besides the flippy wrists, how are your green reading skills and ability to match speed to your chosen line?

Speed is crucial, a putter fitting won't help with that, only practice.

Lesson first.

rybo · December 13, 2008

Go for a lesson that includes a fitting. kill two birds with one stone.

This way the instructor can ensure the putter and stroke are working in unison. By far the best way to handle this.

If you are fit prior to the lesson what exactly will you be fit to? If you are fit after a lesson how will you be sure the putter is working with your new stroke?

alfie · December 14, 2008

To me, I would say lesson 1st, fitting afterwards (once u've gotten a more consistent stroke)...

SwingMan · December 14, 2008

You can't possibly be fit with a putter until you find your stroke.

Find a technique that fits you.

Then find a putter that fits the stroke

PuttingDoctor · December 14, 2008

Find a teaching professional you can relate to first. With some luck he/she will also be able to fit you once you develop your new technique.

If you can travel away from the cold midwest this winter book a session in Orlando at the RIFE V1 Studio and get both.

mmp · December 16, 2008

I would think you want to address your stroke first and then go for a fitting. I have been thinking about doing an edel putter fitting for a while now, but I believe they run about $300-$500. I also believe that includes the price of the putter, but I could be wrong. Search for Edel using the search tool and you will get all the info you need regarding his fitting process and ideals.

OT are teaching pros versed in putter fitting as well. I was thinking about talking to my pro about modifying my current putter (cheap method for time being)?