Putting

[bpratt]

Every day, different feel

I'm a decent player (index is 1.4), but I need to be a more consistent putter. The thing that has me baffled is that some days I see lines easily and my putter feels great, almost like I'm more coordinated. Other days I can't see lines and the putter feels like a sledgehammer. I can't find any specific action--nothing in what I do before the round--to explain this. And I can't find any way to shake off the bad feel on those days. In fact, I know the instant I hit my first putt on the putting green whether I have feel or not.

Here are the questions: Does anybody else have this issue, or am I simply insane and in need of Dr. Gio Valiante? Is there something you do before you play to try to increase your feel?

[lars]

i get like that at times. usually due to poor sleep, too much cafiene (Sp?), or some other stress in my life.

 

when i feel this on the practice green, first i try to not focus on the hammer hands. then typically do feel drills to try and loosen up. either ladder drill or lagging to the fringe from any spot on the green. I also try and loosen up my grip pressure and make sure to release tension in my forearms/hands.

 

hope this helps.

[peter3]

Maybe you need new glasses?

[bpratt]

Thanks for the advice. I'll give the ladder drill a shot. The odd thing is that these two problems--inability to see lines and hammerhands--always go together, never one without the other.

 

I actually thought about getting my eyes checked, Peter, but I figure I would never have the good days (which, thankfully, are still the majority) if that were the problem.

[tarik]

This happens to me every so often, and when it does I will switch my grip from my typical overlap to a left hand low. After putting the ball for about fifteen minutes I go back to my usual grip and it feels much better. This may sound weird but I also use two different grips when I play. I will either use a single finger overlap or a double, it just depends on which one feels better that day.

[taylormadefan]

One word, routine.

 

The more you keep things the same the more you will be able to retain that "feel" especially under pressure.

 

Practice your full routine every time, when you're on the practice green, during a practice round, whatever. If you don't have time to through your full routine before you hit a putt, don't hit it.

 

For me, I look at the line behind my ball, step up to the ball, take two practice swings while looking at the target, slide the putter in position behind the ball, take my stance, look at the target again, and go.

 

If you watch Tiger, he's the same every time, no deviation unless he's tapping in. Routine is the key to consistent feel in putting.

 

He's not Dr. Gio, but if you haven't i think you should read Bob Rotella's Putting Out of Your Mind. Awesome book, no technique involved in it, just mental stuff and pratice suggestions which have helped me tremendously. I'm still a bit streaky, but since reading it, the hot streaks have gotten longer and the cold streaks have gotten shorter. :stop: