The Golf Thread - 2016!
Discussion
Over the years, I've been a pretty solid putter (TBH, it was instrumental in keeping my handicap below 5) but I've been in a bit of a funk of late.
For some reason, I seem to be decelerating the putter head at impact - and not just short putts, all lengths are affected.
Worse case, this means I leave my first putt short and then, having not had the benefit of seeing the line as the ball passed the hole, am not filled with confidence on the second. Result can be a weak and pathetic 3 putts which is proving to be an absolute killer - play great tee to green, louse it up on the short stuff.
I've had an Odyssey 2-ball putter for as long as I can remember and, thinking that a change mightn't be a bad thing, had a good look through all the putters on sale in our pro-shop over the weekend.
Far and away the best instant feeling was a Scotty Cameron Futura X5 - perfect weighting, lovely balance and a club that just felt 'right'. And then I checked the price - £270 ! Blimey, prices have certainly increased over the past few years.
But then I got to thinking - if (and it's a big 'if') a putter could save me just 2 shots per round, then £270 would be nothing short of a bargain.
Not committed to investing just yet and will want to get a couple of rounds in with a demo club, but still can't get away from thinking I'd have to be a little mad to spend that much on just a putter !
For some reason, I seem to be decelerating the putter head at impact - and not just short putts, all lengths are affected.
Worse case, this means I leave my first putt short and then, having not had the benefit of seeing the line as the ball passed the hole, am not filled with confidence on the second. Result can be a weak and pathetic 3 putts which is proving to be an absolute killer - play great tee to green, louse it up on the short stuff.
I've had an Odyssey 2-ball putter for as long as I can remember and, thinking that a change mightn't be a bad thing, had a good look through all the putters on sale in our pro-shop over the weekend.
Far and away the best instant feeling was a Scotty Cameron Futura X5 - perfect weighting, lovely balance and a club that just felt 'right'. And then I checked the price - £270 ! Blimey, prices have certainly increased over the past few years.
But then I got to thinking - if (and it's a big 'if') a putter could save me just 2 shots per round, then £270 would be nothing short of a bargain.
Not committed to investing just yet and will want to get a couple of rounds in with a demo club, but still can't get away from thinking I'd have to be a little mad to spend that much on just a putter !
SS2. said:
Over the years, I've been a pretty solid putter (TBH, it was instrumental in keeping my handicap below 5) but I've been in a bit of a funk of late.
For some reason, I seem to be decelerating the putter head at impact - and not just short putts, all lengths are affected.
Worse case, this means I leave my first putt short and then, having not had the benefit of seeing the line as the ball passed the hole, am not filled with confidence on the second. Result can be a weak and pathetic 3 putts which is proving to be an absolute killer - play great tee to green, louse it up on the short stuff.
I've had an Odyssey 2-ball putter for as long as I can remember and, thinking that a change mightn't be a bad thing, had a good look through all the putters on sale in our pro-shop over the weekend.
Far and away the best instant feeling was a Scotty Cameron Futura X5 - perfect weighting, lovely balance and a club that just felt 'right'. And then I checked the price - £270 ! Blimey, prices have certainly increased over the past few years.
But then I got to thinking - if (and it's a big 'if') a putter could save me just 2 shots per round, then £270 would be nothing short of a bargain.
Not committed to investing just yet and will want to get a couple of rounds in with a demo club, but still can't get away from thinking I'd have to be a little mad to spend that much on just a putter !
Maybe try and pick one up second hand? Then get it fitted? It's the head that's the expensive bit.For some reason, I seem to be decelerating the putter head at impact - and not just short putts, all lengths are affected.
Worse case, this means I leave my first putt short and then, having not had the benefit of seeing the line as the ball passed the hole, am not filled with confidence on the second. Result can be a weak and pathetic 3 putts which is proving to be an absolute killer - play great tee to green, louse it up on the short stuff.
I've had an Odyssey 2-ball putter for as long as I can remember and, thinking that a change mightn't be a bad thing, had a good look through all the putters on sale in our pro-shop over the weekend.
Far and away the best instant feeling was a Scotty Cameron Futura X5 - perfect weighting, lovely balance and a club that just felt 'right'. And then I checked the price - £270 ! Blimey, prices have certainly increased over the past few years.
But then I got to thinking - if (and it's a big 'if') a putter could save me just 2 shots per round, then £270 would be nothing short of a bargain.
Not committed to investing just yet and will want to get a couple of rounds in with a demo club, but still can't get away from thinking I'd have to be a little mad to spend that much on just a putter !
SS2. said:
Over the years, I've been a pretty solid putter (TBH, it was instrumental in keeping my handicap below 5) but I've been in a bit of a funk of late.
For some reason, I seem to be decelerating the putter head at impact - and not just short putts, all lengths are affected.
Worse case, this means I leave my first putt short and then, having not had the benefit of seeing the line as the ball passed the hole, am not filled with confidence on the second. Result can be a weak and pathetic 3 putts which is proving to be an absolute killer - play great tee to green, louse it up on the short stuff.
I've had an Odyssey 2-ball putter for as long as I can remember and, thinking that a change mightn't be a bad thing, had a good look through all the putters on sale in our pro-shop over the weekend.
Far and away the best instant feeling was a Scotty Cameron Futura X5 - perfect weighting, lovely balance and a club that just felt 'right'. And then I checked the price - £270 ! Blimey, prices have certainly increased over the past few years.
But then I got to thinking - if (and it's a big 'if') a putter could save me just 2 shots per round, then £270 would be nothing short of a bargain.
Not committed to investing just yet and will want to get a couple of rounds in with a demo club, but still can't get away from thinking I'd have to be a little mad to spend that much on just a putter !
Where do you live? If it's not too far out of your way, go and see Matt at the London Putting Academy (Royal Blackheath GC). Money very well spent!For some reason, I seem to be decelerating the putter head at impact - and not just short putts, all lengths are affected.
Worse case, this means I leave my first putt short and then, having not had the benefit of seeing the line as the ball passed the hole, am not filled with confidence on the second. Result can be a weak and pathetic 3 putts which is proving to be an absolute killer - play great tee to green, louse it up on the short stuff.
I've had an Odyssey 2-ball putter for as long as I can remember and, thinking that a change mightn't be a bad thing, had a good look through all the putters on sale in our pro-shop over the weekend.
Far and away the best instant feeling was a Scotty Cameron Futura X5 - perfect weighting, lovely balance and a club that just felt 'right'. And then I checked the price - £270 ! Blimey, prices have certainly increased over the past few years.
But then I got to thinking - if (and it's a big 'if') a putter could save me just 2 shots per round, then £270 would be nothing short of a bargain.
Not committed to investing just yet and will want to get a couple of rounds in with a demo club, but still can't get away from thinking I'd have to be a little mad to spend that much on just a putter !
Rosscow said:
Where do you live?
Down on the south coast.It's weird - had issues with other parts of my game over the years, but putting has been the one constant.
Certainly don't want to start messing about with cack-handed grips or anything like that and I'm not sure a lesson is what I need - half hour with a psychologist, now there's a thought !
SS2. said:
Rosscow said:
Where do you live?
Down on the south coast.It's weird - had issues with other parts of my game over the years, but putting has been the one constant.
Certainly don't want to start messing about with cack-handed grips or anything like that and I'm not sure a lesson is what I need - half hour with a psychologist, now there's a thought !
You'd be surprised - it's not so much a lesson, but he's very good. I think £140 on a 2 hour session with him will be better spent than £270 on a new putter.
It was an eye opener for me!
Rosscow said:
Rosscow said:
Knock out match on Sunday afternoon, through to the last 16.
Like Bodhi, I'm slightly concerned as my tee shots have been very poor recently. Let's hope I can find some form....
Well, I couldn't find any form. Low point in my golfing season!Like Bodhi, I'm slightly concerned as my tee shots have been very poor recently. Let's hope I can find some form....
Biggest wounder was the 19th though - drove into trees (again), chipped out, put a gap wedge to 3 inches away. Then my opponent drained a 20 foot putt for birdie.
Ah well, positives were my game held up pretty well under pressure, and didn't lose any balls - just need to try to do the same in the next medal so I can get back down to single figures.
All the hype about equpiment is overated.
I turned up to play yesterday to find that my shoes had fallen out of the bag so had to play in my deck shoes.
It was wet and by the time I got to the 3rd my feet were wet through.
Having said that had a really good round chalking 34 points with 19 on the way out.
I turned up to play yesterday to find that my shoes had fallen out of the bag so had to play in my deck shoes.
It was wet and by the time I got to the 3rd my feet were wet through.
Having said that had a really good round chalking 34 points with 19 on the way out.
Abbott said:
All the hype about equpiment is overated.
Not hype, but first impressions and whether something feels 'right' counts for a lot.Example - my 3 wood is as old as the hills, yet everytime I address the ball with that club, I feel confident it's going to go where I want it to. I'm sure I could lash out £250 on a much 'better' 3 wood but, if it didn't inspire the same confidence as my old go-to club, then it would be an utter waste.
The same holds true for a putter - if I'd picked up a £25 ratter which felt right, I'd have given it a go.
Just my luck that the only one in the shop which felt sweet was also one of the most expensive !
SS2. said:
Over the years, I've been a pretty solid putter (TBH, it was instrumental in keeping my handicap below 5) but I've been in a bit of a funk of late.
For some reason, I seem to be decelerating the putter head at impact - and not just short putts, all lengths are affected.
Worse case, this means I leave my first putt short and then, having not had the benefit of seeing the line as the ball passed the hole, am not filled with confidence on the second. Result can be a weak and pathetic 3 putts which is proving to be an absolute killer - play great tee to green, louse it up on the short stuff.
I've had an Odyssey 2-ball putter for as long as I can remember and, thinking that a change mightn't be a bad thing, had a good look through all the putters on sale in our pro-shop over the weekend.
Far and away the best instant feeling was a Scotty Cameron Futura X5 - perfect weighting, lovely balance and a club that just felt 'right'. And then I checked the price - £270 ! Blimey, prices have certainly increased over the past few years.
But then I got to thinking - if (and it's a big 'if') a putter could save me just 2 shots per round, then £270 would be nothing short of a bargain.
Not committed to investing just yet and will want to get a couple of rounds in with a demo club, but still can't get away from thinking I'd have to be a little mad to spend that much on just a putter !
I've always found putting to be almost entirely mental once you've got the basics... the more confident you feel, the better you putt, and vice versa.For some reason, I seem to be decelerating the putter head at impact - and not just short putts, all lengths are affected.
Worse case, this means I leave my first putt short and then, having not had the benefit of seeing the line as the ball passed the hole, am not filled with confidence on the second. Result can be a weak and pathetic 3 putts which is proving to be an absolute killer - play great tee to green, louse it up on the short stuff.
I've had an Odyssey 2-ball putter for as long as I can remember and, thinking that a change mightn't be a bad thing, had a good look through all the putters on sale in our pro-shop over the weekend.
Far and away the best instant feeling was a Scotty Cameron Futura X5 - perfect weighting, lovely balance and a club that just felt 'right'. And then I checked the price - £270 ! Blimey, prices have certainly increased over the past few years.
But then I got to thinking - if (and it's a big 'if') a putter could save me just 2 shots per round, then £270 would be nothing short of a bargain.
Not committed to investing just yet and will want to get a couple of rounds in with a demo club, but still can't get away from thinking I'd have to be a little mad to spend that much on just a putter !
A small change can have a big effect... I'd been having a rubbish time, and decided to try a fat grip for a change (if it's good enough for Jordan, etc). 1st time out with it I sank everything.
Chris Stott said:
I've always found putting to be almost entirely mental once you've got the basics... the more confident you feel, the better you putt, and vice versa.
A small change can have a big effect... I'd been having a rubbish time, and decided to try a fat grip for a change (if it's good enough for Jordan, etc). 1st time out with it I sank everything.
Agree with everything you've said there, especially the mental / confidence aspects.A small change can have a big effect... I'd been having a rubbish time, and decided to try a fat grip for a change (if it's good enough for Jordan, etc). 1st time out with it I sank everything.
I regularly keep stats and I typically had maybe 27-30 putts per round. Recently, this has crept up to low to mid thirties which is not doing my medal scores any favours whatso.
Funnily enough, I did consider a new grip on the putter after a mate suggested that, as you say, a small change could have a profound effect.
Had an hours lesson yesterday, the pro had a good set of kit to see all the data from my swinging also took a few videos to highlight things. The two major changes were on my grip and getting my posture right, looking at the before video my swing was all over the place and it showed on the contact points. It's given me plenty to concentrate on each time I go to the range and we'll worth the money, I have another lesson booked next week so I can get the basics down while I'm still a bit of a blank canvas.
I hit a bucket of balls after trying to out some of the things I had learned in to practice, still a little inconsistent but got better as I went along. There was a flag about 150 yards out on the range that was my target and I managed to drop the ball on it quite regularly which is encouraging, just need to get the muscle memory in place and then work up to the next thing.
I hit a bucket of balls after trying to out some of the things I had learned in to practice, still a little inconsistent but got better as I went along. There was a flag about 150 yards out on the range that was my target and I managed to drop the ball on it quite regularly which is encouraging, just need to get the muscle memory in place and then work up to the next thing.
US open starting soon and it sounds like Oakmont is going to be big and nasty. Not sure if I can pick a winner yet because it's likely to be the one who can make the fewest mistakes. Head says Spieth and heart says Mickelson to finally get the one he's always wanted and come so close to.
boxsey said:
US open starting soon and it sounds like Oakmont is going to be big and nasty. Not sure if I can pick a winner yet because it's likely to be the one who can make the fewest mistakes. Head says Spieth and heart says Mickelson to finally get the one he's always wanted and come so close to.
The greens are ridiculous. I saw some footage last night from practice, and it looks like they'll be putting on glass.The USGA certainly like making it a test.
HaplessBoyLard said:
The greens are ridiculous. I saw some footage last night from practice, and it looks like they'll be putting on glass.
The USGA certainly like making it a test.
They can set the course up to be too difficult which, if they're not careful, makes it less of a spectacle for the viewers.The USGA certainly like making it a test.
Personally, I'm no fan of seeing tour pros four putting from 3 feet, or having to hit irons off tees because the fairways are so narrow, or fluffing chips because the greenside rough is over their ankles.
I'd rather see holes like the par 4 16th at Doral where the risk of carrying 300 or so yards over water and a nest of bunkers can be rewarded by an eagle putt.
Edited by SS2. on Tuesday 14th June 10:19
HaplessBoyLard said:
The greens are ridiculous. I saw some footage last night from practice, and it looks like they'll be putting on glass.
The USGA certainly like making it a test.
They were saying during the coverage at the weekend that the greens have bigger slopes than Augusta, and they are much faster. The USGA certainly like making it a test.
Rather them than me in this case I think....
SS2. said:
They can set the course up to be too difficult which, if they're not careful, makes it less of a spectacle for the viewers.
Personally, I'm no fan of seeing tour pros four putting from 3 feet, or having to hit irons off tees because the fairways are so narrow, or fluffing chips because the greenside rough is over their ankles.
I'd rather see holes like the par 4 16th at Doral where the risk of carrying 300 or so yards over water and a nest of bunkers can be rewarded by an eagle putt.
I agree. It's good to see them not shooting 25 under every week, but I think it goes too far sometimes. I used to think greens at the Masters were unfair, but actually they just demand accuracy. I think Augusta has the difficulty set about perfectly for a major. Tough, but scores can be made.Personally, I'm no fan of seeing tour pros four putting from 3 feet, or having to hit irons off tees because the fairways are so narrow, or fluffing chips because the greenside rough is over their ankles.
I'd rather see holes like the par 4 16th at Doral where the risk of carrying 300 or so yards over water and a nest of bunkers can be rewarded by an eagle putt.
Edited by SS2. on Tuesday 14th June 10:19
The US open sometimes seems like they want to see who can stand the brute of a course for the longest.
This could be absolute carnage, I can't see the greens being kept at the speeds they are just now, and the rough will get thinned out a little. The members seem to think they slow the greens down for the US Open which means they must run at over 15 on the stimp normally! Surely reductions only? 
Here's a link to some of the videos and photos.
http://www.pga.com/news/golf-buzz/us-open-players-...
Here's a link to some of the videos and photos.
http://www.pga.com/news/golf-buzz/us-open-players-...
ExocetApe said:
This could be absolute carnage
Here's a link to some of the videos and photos.
http://www.pga.com/news/golf-buzz/us-open-players-...
RidiculousHere's a link to some of the videos and photos.
http://www.pga.com/news/golf-buzz/us-open-players-...
Unplayable
Madness
And I love it
PS: Mickelson for the win
Gassing Station | Sports | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff