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Putter is perhaps the most important club in a golfer's bag. It is the club that is used the most on the green and can make or break a round of golf. In this post, we will take a detailed look at putters and how they can help improve your game on the green.
Types of Putters
There are several types of putters available on the market, each with its own unique design and features. Here are some of the most common types of putters:
Blade Putters: These putters have a classic and timeless look. They are made of a single piece of metal and have a small, rectangular head. Blade putters are known for their precision and control, making them a popular choice among low handicappers.
Mallet Putters: These putters have a larger head, usually made of metal or a composite material. The larger head gives the putter a higher MOI (moment of inertia), which makes it more forgiving on off-center hits. Mallet putters are a popular choice among mid-handicappers.
Heel-Toe Weighted Putters: These putters have weight distributed towards the heel and toe of the clubhead to increase stability on off-center hits. They are a popular choice among mid- to high-handicappers.
Center-Shafted Putters: These putters have the shaft attached to the center of the clubhead, rather than the heel or toe. Center-shafted putters are known for their straight and smooth stroke and are a popular choice among players with a straight putting stroke.
Choosing the Right Putter
Selecting the right putter can be a daunting task, especially with the numerous options available on the market. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing a putter:
- Length: The length of the putter should be based on your posture and setup on the green. A putter that is too short or too long can lead to poor aim and alignment, resulting in missed putts.
- Lie Angle: The lie angle of a putter refers to the angle between the shaft and the ground when the clubhead is resting on a flat surface. A putter with the wrong lie angle can cause the club to sit too upright or too flat, leading to poor contact and inaccurate shots.
- Head Weight: The head weight of a putter refers to the weight of the clubhead. A putter with a heavier head will have a slower, smoother stroke, while a lighter head will have a quicker, more responsive stroke.
- Grip: The grip on a putter is an important factor to consider, as it affects the feel and control of the club. There are several types of grips available, such as corded, rubber, and multi-compound grips. It is important to choose a grip that feels comfortable in your hands and promotes a smooth, consistent stroke.
Putting Techniques and Tips
Improving your putting game requires more than just having the right putter. Here are a few techniques and tips to help you sink more putts:
- Establish a pre-shot routine: A pre-shot routine helps you focus on the task at hand and eliminate distractions. It should include a few practice strokes, setting up to the ball, and a deep breath to calm the nerves.
- Align the putter correctly: Proper alignment is crucial for accurate putting. Stand behind the ball and align the putter with the target line. Use an alignment aid, such as a line on the ball or a coin on the green, to ensure that your putter is pointing in the right direction.
- Maintain a consistent tempo: Consistency is key when it comes to putting. Maintaining a consistent tempo and speed will help you sink more putts. Try to take the same number of practice strokes and make a smooth, fluid stroke on every putt.
- Use your dominant eye: Your dominant eye plays a crucial role in putting alignment. Stand behind the ball and hold your putter up to your dominant eye. If the putter is aligned with the target, it means that your eye is directly over the ball and the putter.
- Practice, practice, practice: The more you practice, the better you will become at putting. Try to spend at least 30 minutes each day working on your putting. You can use drills and games to make practice more fun and enjoyable.
Putter Maintenance and Care
Taking care of your putter is important to ensure that it performs at its best. Here are a few tips for maintaining and caring for your putter:
- Clean the clubhead: Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe down the clubhead after every round. This will remove any dirt or grime that may have accumulated during play.
- Protect the clubhead: Use a headcover to protect the clubhead from damage when it is not in use. Headcovers are especially important for blade putters, as they are more prone to dents and scratches.
- Replace the grip: The grip on a putter wears out over time and needs to be replaced. A worn-out grip can affect the feel and control of the club, leading to poor performance on the green.
- Check the loft and lie angle: The loft and lie angle of a putter can change over time due to wear and tear. It is important to have these checked periodically to ensure that the putter is performing at its best.
In conclusion, putters play a crucial role in a golfer's game. Choosing the right putter, practicing proper technique, and maintaining and caring for the club are all important factors in improving your putting game. With the right putter and a little bit of practice, you will be sinking putts like a pro in no time.
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