Thursday, May 26, 2011

How to Select a Golf Putter

By Carl R Hartley


Putting is the most precise, if not exasperating, part of playing golf. The golf putter is a club that can be used from as close as a few inches from the hole to over ninety feet. It can make or break the possibility of a golfer returning to the clubhouse with a tale to share about the great round he/she just shot. Therefore choosing the right putter to use is critical to the success of any golfer.

Many different qualities go into the structure of a good putter. Because of the precise nature of putting, putters should facilitate an accurate impact on the ball, a textbook stroke, and good glide. Moreover careful attention should be paid to the club's length and shaft angle. Correct measurements of these are best accomplished when considering the physical size and length of limbs of a golfer, and the golfer's stroke.

Poor performance on the green can sometimes be attributed to excessive wrist action. When a player uses his wrists too much, control over the putter may be lost. One solution to this problem is the selection of a putter with a long shaft that can rest on his sternum. Anchoring the putter like that, along with a stroke that is smooth like a pendulum, can get a golfer on the right track to better putting.

A mid-length putter may also have the same effect. This kind of putter will rest one or two inches above the belly button and is thus nicknamed a "belly putter." Anchoring at the stomach area gives the golfer a single hinge spot and will help him gain control over each putt.

One club that is gaining interest among golfers is the chipper. This putter hybrid looks similar to a putter and is used around the green. With a putter-like stroke, this club creates some lift on the ball which is important when the ball rests in the rough or is stuck in a sand trap. As there are not many uses for this club, a lot of players opt to leave it behind and not take up space with it in their bags.

A training putter is also becoming popular in the golfing world. These are putters designed to be used on indoor putting greens that people put in their homes or offices for the purpose of practicing. These have a hinged joint and curved club face. Sometimes the curve is very drastic. The curved face makes the golfer hit the ball squarely at the center and the hinged joint promotes steadiness.

All types of putters are available for purchase at a number of retail outlets. An internet search will yield many results for online retailers offering huge selections and competitive prices. By going to a retail store in person or by shopping at the clubhouse of your favorite golf course you give yourself the opportunity to test out the clubs before making a decision.

By having the right putter, you can shave several strokes off of your game and significantly lower your handicap. How mice will it be to stop requesting a mulligan every round?




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment