Funny how whenever you start talking golf, eventually someone will start quoting actor Chevy Chase’s best lines from Caddyshack.  After encouraging his young costar to “be the ball” Chase then goes into a series of putt shots, sinking all but one. Okay, technically, he kicks on, but the point is made: the putt is one of the more individual shots of the game of golf. The long drive swing is basically the same the world around, but putts are something different altogether.  Putts can be a testament to your nerves and determination- you have to feel your way through a putt.  On a long drive, you can swing forth, aiming for a basically long flying, fairly straight shot and then correct from there, but the putt is in the danger zone so to speak. Once you have got down to the putt, you are done with the adjusting and tweaking portion of the hole. Now is the time to sink the ball into the hole, however you feel that you can do that.

Of course, you know that the swing is different from the long drive to the putt, but did you know that the grip is different as well?  Basically, without getting too technical about it: your putt grip is in the palms of your hands, reducing hand movement. With the long drive, the grip is in your fingers, allowing more wrist freedom.  Of course, if you have no idea of what your grip looks like, it might be worth it to grab a club, a broom stick or something similar, grip as usual and then stand in the mirror to observe yourself. Look at your hand position. Take a mock swing and note the sensation of movement. Now, roll the club more toward the palm of your hand and swing again. Can you feel the difference in the feeling and movements that you get with this adjustment? Practice both grips as much as possible- both the long drive swing and the putt are integral parts of the golf game.

If you are working with a golf pro, follow any advice they might have for you. Do they want you to focus on learning the initial swing first, or the putt? (Some pros feel that switching back and forth will not allow for full focus on either.) Remember though, that once you learn the mechanics of the putt itself, there is some wiggle room with grip- find the grip that is most comfortable and most effective for you.  And remember, whenever you are approaching a putt: take a deep breath, use the best grip for your own style and try to always be…Chevy Chase.

Anonymous
http://puttergolfclubguide.com

Share this: