Proper Putting Stroke Mechanics (1/2)

By Ed Mitchell, PGA
November 2006

The most recent debate about the proper putting stroke centers around two styles:

Straight-back/straight-forward or inside/square/inside. Regardless which stroke is used, certain mechanics remain the same.

1. Stroke path must start the ball on the intended line.
2. Putter face must be square at impact to the intended line.
3. Contact must be consistently in the center of the face.
4. Putter head speed determines the distance the ball rolls.
5. Move putter head at a constant rate of acceleration during forward stroke.
6. Develop a consistent stroke time for all putt lengths.

Putter Path

It is often said that putting is all about "feel". However, to develop feel golfers need to practice a consistent stroke. It is helpful to know certain data about your putting stroke mechanics so you can practice to improve on what the data tells you. The following data points describe what you "feel" and will illustrate what you should work on to improve your stroke mechanics

Putter Face Angle To Path

[Source] http://www.clubrepairnews.com/techreport/tech-putting-stroke.htm