So who's going to try putting with their eyes closed?

[bluedot]

Here's my answer to the OP:

 

I don't know who IS going to try putting with his eyes closed, but I know who is NOT going to try that.

[Fairway14]

For those wanting to try eyes closed putting the key is to first look at the hole/target then have your eyes follow the line back to the ball. Once back at the ball close eyes and immediately stroke the putt.

The above will work well. Closing eyes and delaying the start of the stroke will not work well.

[nsxguy]

I gotta tell you guys. I tried it today at the store and it was much more effective than I thought it'd be; especially accuracy/starting the ball on line. Distance would take some getting used to though.

 

To my surprise I made 18 out of 18 from 4 feet straight it - and center cut. Very surprising as I inevitably pull or push at least 1 or 2 when I practice that length putt.

 

I'm thinking that when looking at the ball while putting or even looking at the putter head (I know, I know) you sense or see when it doesn't go back quite the way you want and "correct" going forward.

 

But with your eyes closed, you're only thinking of distance and putting a good stroke on the ball - so nothing in your line of sight and no correcting going on going forward towards the ball, just a nice smooth stroke.

 

That said I'm not switching anytime soon.

 

But (especially) if you're having trouble it's worth a little experimentation.

[harolease]

Isnt this the same as the quiet eye theory ?

After my eyes have read the green I don’t like to look at the ball or putter   I often look at a spot in front of the ball to putt through (like Dave Stockton) but if I find my eyes scanning lots and can’t focus on a spot I am comfortable with I closing my eyes to help steady my glaze 

[oiler45]

I am a decent lag putter but absolutely horrible from 4 feet in - I can't stop following the putter head back on short putts. Last two rounds I closed my eyes on all short putts - I missed only one attempt in two rounds. I was self-conscious about it at first but because i wear sunglasses no one noticed. Not sure this is a cure but using it only on short putts seems to work for me   ....  so far   .....  

[T-MAC]

I've tried.  It's fine for practice and to try and get a feel for distance control but I wouldn't do it during a match.