Putting lesson and fitting

[swanny32]

So, I had my first ever proper putting lesson today, up till now I have just spoken to pro's about it over the last 10 years and worked out my own style of putting using the tram line technique. I have always considered putting to be the strongest part of my game, it's rare for me to have a 3 putt, if I'm going to have one then I'll try and limit myself to 1 3 putt a round.

The lesson went pretty well and I'm amazed that although I'm pretty reliable with the old flat stick, I had such a dodgy setup and stroke! My pro has got me standing a little closer to the ball which in turn pushes the toe of the putter to the ground so it sits flat, I then have to move my hands down to the bottom of the grip as it turns out my putter is a bit too long for me. I was putting really well during the lesson with this new technique and I felt a lot more in control.

So my next question, the putter I have is only 8 months old but now more than likely needs to be cut down. It's a Ping Scottsdale Wolverine, do Ping do fittings for free if I send it off to them or do I need to go up there. Happy to just move my hands down the grip for the time being but would be nice to get it cut to size.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

My Ping Anser was too long (35") but my pro took an inch off and re-gripped it. Worked perfectly well until it and I fell out of love. I wouldn't think you need to get it sent back to Ping

 

[Junior]

You pro should be able to do that easy enough, glad the lesson went well !!

 

[RGDave]

Good for you! Sounds as informative and helpful as mine.

Just let the pro cut it down. I can't see Ping re-gripping it without charge, so there's not much point sending it off. My pro offered to save the grip, but it was well-used already. Nothing like a new tacky grip.

 

[macca64]

must get me one of these putting lessons.need it bad!!

 

[Wolfman]

what did he teach about the elbows, in beside the body or relaxed ?

 

[slicer79]

I'm a big fan of a short putter. I always used a 34" and switched to 32" over a year ago. The results have been great, especially inside 6 feet. So I'd advice you to go for it

 

[swanny32]

Bottle job yesterday with the new putting stroke, having somewhat of a rip on the front 9 with 21 points and holing putts for fun. Got on the back 9 and the putter went ICE cold....demoralisingly cold.....3 putting everything! Had 10 points coming back to finish with 31 and pretty much all due to me putting like someone who had never played the game before. Did feel a little awkward gripping down the grip as it almost turned my putter into a belly putter, the stroke however felt solid so i'll stick with it and just work hard, getting the putter cut down in the process.

 

[Tiger]

Started reading Putting out of Your Mind by Bob Rotella again a few days ago. Went out and played Sunday and it's the best I've putted for a long time. I'd be become too conscious of technique and wasn't trusting my brain to do its work. It sounds as though your mind was more focussed on technique on your back nine than your target. I'd say use your new set up but concentrate on the hole and your old flowing putting stroke will be back in no time