Putting woes - Backstryke the answer?

[Bucky]

I need (want) a new putter.

I am aware that my technique needs work and putting in the hours will be important regardless, but I think I need a new tool to start with. One I know to be decent, so I can tell myself that whatever happens out there is due to my stroke -not a bad putter.

Went into local golf store today, loads of different brands/ styles to try, I went in with no preferences re: mallet/blade etc but have always been very keen to try a YES putter.

However, as much as I wanted to get on with them, I just didnt. They only had the robin, tracy and sophia versions and after trying a few other brands and designs i think i've settled to the fact that I just dont feel great over a blade/heel-toe type putter. (YES did produce great roll and felt very solid)

Then I picked up the Odyssey Backstryke (Sabretooth) and didnt expect much, due to the fact that it looks unlike anything i've ever used, but the results where in stark contrast to the previous attempts. Tried the other Backstryke (dart) that they had and again - good results.

I think its a combination of being centre shafted but also behind the putter-face thats working well, plus its stroke balanced rather than face or toe balanced.

Anyway - long ramble but just wondered if people here have any experience with these putters? (like the look of the backstryke 2-ball by the way!)

Im searching the bay and seem to be going for £100 which is above my budget.

More 3-putts await!...

 

[Mattyboy]

No experience with those models, but with putters, length and lie are critical. Just make sure the putter you select has these factors allowing you to be comfortable and a ball position below your eyes.

Also bear in mind some putters suit a straight back/through style and some suit an arc style.

If you have a putter that truely suits you, then yes, its down to you if you put poorly (dont I know it!).

 

[Essex_Stu]

AG have the Talormade Rossa Ghost on special offer at £79.00 at the moment down from 149.00. Haven't tried one myself but they did get very good reviews. Might be worth a try?

 

[Imurg]

I've tried the backstryke in the shop but not on a green and it felt very stable and easy to set up with. It'll take a bit of gettig used to looks-wise though

 

[griffgolf]

Last year I had big putting problems, loss of confidence, no feel leave them short, fly them past but because I did not know what to do I made things worse and got more frustrated with every putt to the point that I had talked myself into missing the putt before I had even addressed it!!!!!!

I made myself go have a couple of lessons with our pro over the winter months concentrating on the very basics of putting.

Basically he taught me a simple basic repetative putting routine and simple alignment, and a couple of drills to practice and boy has it changed my game.

I obviously dont hole every putt but my confidence is high again and if I have an off day I know where to start to try and get things back on track by going back to basics of what the pro taught me.

The game is now fun again

If I were you now I would try a couple of lessons, learn a simple repetative routine then if you still feel the need go change your putter with a custom fitting putter session.

It helped me big time and hope it can help you in some way.

 

[AuburnWarrior]

Fella, it ain't the club, it's the person holding it.

On Sunday, if I could have putted, I'd have played par golf.

You could have given me a putter blessed by Christ himself and I'd have still three putted!!!

A lesson and then practice is required.

For us both!

 

[Region3]

Last year I had big putting problems, loss of confidence, no feel leave them short, fly them past but because I did not know what to do I made things worse and got more frustrated with every putt to the point that I had talked myself into missing the putt before I had even addressed it!!!!!!

I made myself go have a couple of lessons with our pro over the winter months concentrating on the very basics of putting.

Basically he taught me a simple basic repetative putting routine and simple alignment, and a couple of drills to practice and boy has it changed my game.

I obviously dont hole every putt but my confidence is high again and if I have an off day I know where to start to try and get things back on track by going back to basics of what the pro taught me.

The game is now fun again

If I were you now I would try a couple of lessons, learn a simple repetative routine then if you still feel the need go change your putter with a custom fitting putter session.

It helped me big time and hope it can help you in some way.

I agree with this ^.

A lot.

 

[Happy_G]

I've got the two ball version of the Backstryke and love it. I was not happy with the blade putter I had so went to the pro for advice. After seeing my putting he suggested I try the odyssey the next time I went out for a round. Bought it straight afterwards. The key things for me is the balance and the clear view of the putter blade as the shaft angles away

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I've tried it. It does take some getting use to visually but like most odyssey putters is pretty good once you get over the initial set up. I have to agree though that you can take any putter in the world and if your set up and stroke are poor then it won't make a heap of difference.

I had a putting lesson a couple of years back. One of the best things I did. I thought I was always aiming correctly but my shoulders were aiming right of target and my hips and feet left. Once we got everything lined up, tweaked the grip I started putting much better. I practice a fair bit now especially on the 3-6 footers and use the V-easy to groove the stroke. My advice would be to get a lesson first and if you still want to change putters then go for it.

 

[Bucky]

Thanks for the advice. As I said, im not so delusional to think a new putter will make me any better or magically iron out any flaws (in much the same way I dont believe getting a draw bias driver is the best way to cure your massive slice...another matter entirely).

However I do think it will help me 'knuckle down' and will be a motivation to spend more time practising and, like you have suggested - a lesson or two to point me in the right direction (excuse the pun).

Im glad the few of you with experience of the backstryke seem pretty positive about it, i typed a search on the forum using 'backstryke' and it is clear the initial impression a few months ago was not good!

Thanks for your thoughts good people!

 

[Shaunmg]

This just my opinion or theory if you like, but it’s a view I think a lot of people share.

You can buy the most expensive putter on the market with the fanciest name and shapely design. You can read and practice all the top professional tips, but I think more than any other stroke in golf, with putting, confidence and state of mind matter most.

Putting was destroying my game; confidence was without doubt my main problem. I disliked putting, and rarely practiced. I had alesson and now practice putting like never before. But one thing that helped me immensely was taking on my own mind. I had a book recommended to me called “Putting out of your mind “by Bob Rottella. That book in itself helped with my confidence issue. My ears pricked up during the recent Open championship when it was mentioned by the commentator that this Bob Rottella guy was hired as sports psychologist by Darren Clarke and was at the open with him.

The confidence issue was brought it home to me at my last Texas scramble club comp. My putter was on fire; I was putting like a demon and loving it. My attitude was if I missed the putt one of the others would get it, or we would all miss it together, so no pressure. If you tell yourself and your mates you can’t putt, then you definitely won’t be able to. All good putters are confident and enjoy putting first and fancy equipment second

 

[Bucky]

Good advice. I agree entirely that by telling myself I can't putt - it is a self-fulfilling prophecy - since the most important ingrediant in success on the greens is confidence and belief that any putt can drop.

It's without doubt my biggest problem (coming from a lack of trust in myself and my equipment) meaning every putt is being hit as to not leave the next putt too far away.

There should be NO NEXT PUTT!

 

[Badger]

confidence the big factor for me.

i would regularly throw in between 5-9 three putts a round and sometimes a four. about a month ago just decided to forget the technical stuff when standing over the putt, trust my instinct let it go. have had one three putt per round since and hardly left anything short.

i'm sure i've got a poor stroke technically and know for a fact it's not repetitive but at the moment i think i'm going to hole from anywhere. just riding it while it lasts !!