Learn to Putt - Lesson 27

Tha Path Aware Approach

In my last column we started a discussion on whether you were Face Aware or Path Aware in your interpretation of your putting stroke. Today let’s talk about having path aware instincts.

The first part for every lesson I give starts with an evaluation of the quality of the strike. Typically, we hit putts from the same spot, and I use a line on the ball as a reference. Unlike Face Aware players, Path Aware players will change the direction of their stroke to correct a miss.  A pull miss will lead to swinging the putter more inside, and a push miss will move the putter outside in. Unfortunately, this path change is often done without an alignment correction to match. Once I understand that I am dealing with a path aware player, I will ask them to reset the posture on every putt. Planting your feet and raking balls into position to practice is a disaster waiting to happen. As a path aware player, it is very important your alignment is consistent to your swing path, regardless of the direction.

Above are 3 of the 9 profiles I use for my students. For a Path Aware player set up and grip orientation determine the overall stroke direction. This is different than the measured path at impact, which we like to be within 1° of matching the target line. Using these examples, from left to right, we would expect a closed, parallel and open alignment.

Other things to consider.

·      For Path Aware players a consistent ball position is critical.

·      Path Aware players like lines alignment lines on the putter, ball, or both.  

·      For Path Aware players maintain a consistent relationship of putter face to path.

·      Path Aware players seem to prefer a feeling of square. This is often reflected in their putter choices. Usually face or lie angle balanced.

·      Path Aware players should measure an even amount of rotation on both sides of the ball.

·      Path Aware players typically prefer thicker grips with parallel taper.

·      We look to fit Path Aware players with higher balance points. Counter weighted is common.

I hope you will take the time to listen to my comments in the audio portion of the post. I get a little more specific on fitting tendencies and practice trends. I appreciate you as followers and if you like the content, I hope you will share it with a golf friend.