Roll ‘em in the Superbowl Shotgun

While memories of last week’s rain fade, the February 7th, Superbowl Shotgun is fast approaching. To help your scoring game get on track in time to win your foursome, here is Redhawk’s Director of Instruction, Steve Adamiak, PGA:

“Putting is such an overlooked part of the game. Did you know statistics say 43% of our strokes come with the putter? Sometimes stats are skewed, but the simple fact is that good putting is essential to lower scores.

One way of making sure your putting is a strength not a weakness is to get fit properly. I see so many people who take the time to get the right driver fit on a launch monitor, yet the putter seems to get “no respect” (think Rodney Dangerfield). It is most likely a “feel club” in the average players’ bag, yet is rarely fitted properly. Having the putter face even half a degree offline at impact can lead to missing a putt by up to three inches. As those who have played surely know, that could be all it takes to add shots to the scorecard while losing your confidence.

Do yourself a favor at the start of 2010 by making sure your putter is the right fit for you.  Try this test to see if you need to get your putter checked soon:

1.  Balance the shaft of the putter horizontally on your index and middle fingers

2. Decide whether the putter is:  a.) down severely or slightly toe down, b.)  if the face is level, or c.) if the toe is slightly above the heel

The putter’s construction can definitely influence the putting stroke.  And your answer may shed light on why the putter works (or doesn’t!) for you.

People who try to putt on a slightly inside-to-inside arc prefer a slightly toe down putter.  Those who want to create a straight-back straight-through motion prefer a face balanced putter.  If this test has raised some questions in your mind as to whether your stroke preference and the putter in your bag match, could mean it’s time for a professional fitting.”

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