Putter for stroke type?

slicer79

Challenge Tour Pro
Joined
Jan 7, 2012
Messages
1,152
Location
Ireland
Visit site
I was wondering what are people's views on putter type fitting certain strokes better?

I've used the Ping app and cradle and know that I've a stroke that slight arc but almost in strong arc. Going on that information I should not go near a face balanced putter. However I've often picked up an Odyssey 2 ball and thought it was something I could use.

How much faith would you put in the fit for stroke guidance?
 
IMO it's like the Mizuno gizmo that recommends 3 shafts based on your swing. A good starting point but don't be afraid to ignore it altogether if something else works.

According to the Ping app I'm on the heavy side of a slight arc, and I use a face balanced putter. I've tried varying degrees of toe down putters and can't keep them steady through the stroke.
 
Up to a point it makes sense to use a putter that corresponds to your stroke but, if you practice enough, after a while you should be able to putt reasonably with anything.
I, allegedly, have a slight arc stroke but can't abide the feel of a putter that has any toe hang at all. I can feel to toe accelerating through and overtaking the heel. Have used a face-balanced putter for the last 20 years.
 
Its also the area that we can get closest to the Pros..no real reason for anyone to be a "bad" putter if a bit of effort goes into it.
 
When I got fitted for my putter I was pushing the ball to the right of the hole.

I putt in an arc and the fitter suggested a mallet putter because it helped release
the putter head better.

It definitely worked on the day of the fitting and its back in the bag after a tiny break.
 
in theory it sounds right, in reality it's not one type of putter only suits one putter swing imo.

I have a strong arc (according to Ping) yet a SBST face balanced putter works best with me, but I prefer bladed to look at. go figure.
 
In reply to the OP about the putter choice in particular - I've had the 2-ball blade since it came out 10/11 years and would never look to change (at the moment) i know when i am putting badly and generally know what to do to sort it. I've had the odd knock with something else, but i think i've become reliant on them big white circles down by the ball.
 
And the one that we are (IMO) furthest away from the pros.

Probably because of our different levels of dedication to the skil.

Virtually all (Tournament) Pros spend an enormous amount of time to practicing putting, whereas most of us hackers spend very little, and what we do practice is not particularly effective!
 
Think it gets more important as putters get heavier. I use a Scotty Cameron Dual Balance model and it just wouldn't work without being slightly toe balanced. When I used a face balanced putter I tended to pull a lot of putts as the face came through slightly closed. However, as others have posted - it's what suits your eye as much as anything. If you are confident with a particular configuration you will probably putt well.
 
I had an Odyssey #9 which wasn't "suited" to my stroke but I worked hard. Going back to my Ping Anser 2 (slight arc) I feel I am not worrying about mechanics. The trouble with putting is it's so individualistic that what should suit a style maybe doesn't. At the end of the day, whatever gets it in the hole
 
Top