Linear or Non-Linear Putting Strokes

Do Non-Linear Strategies Work Better for You?

In my last post I discussed the concept of a linear stroke, defined by the plane of motion produced by your posture and set up. This is easily a topic for an entire book, so there is a lot left to discuss. However, before we get too deep in that discussion, it is important to introduce the alternative, a Non-Linear or to use my code name, Freestyle concept. For many, or even most of you I am sure your first thought is why? Isn’t a linear pattern better?

The first thought to consider is if your putting stroke is defined by your body type, vision, and grip tendencies, then how can there be a best way when all of us are so different? 6’3” and wingspan shorter than height is going to look and measure much different than 5’10” with wingspan greater than height. It is unfair and a problem to ask either player to match a conceived model.

Second, is that all of us approach golf differently. For years I have called them the mechanics and the artists. The mechanics are more proactive, swings and putts use the same technique. When it applies to putting, the concept for the mechanics is that all putts are straight putts, and the speed you swing the putter on that chosen direction is only variable. In contrast. Non-linear players tend to be more reactive. They consider the situation of the shot. There is no such thing as a stock shot. There is a different approach for every situation. When a client tells me they are a feel player, I immediately put them in the Freestyle/Non-Linear category.

So how do I define non-linear?

Anytime the putter moves in a direction or rotation, not dictated by the set up, you are in non-linear territory.

A reminder! Linear or Non - Linear in my world is not defined by the putter head path. In the Burnt Edge System, it is defined by the movement of the hands. If the hands swing on plane without any supplemental rotation (extra opening or closing) along the plane, then that is Linear. The arc the putter appears to move is a function of the distance you are from the ball. If the putter moves in a way that is different than the defined plane, either from hand rotation or direction, then we would consider that Non-Linear or Freestyle.

The pictures depict tow famous examples. Above an example of path not matching body alignment. Below, diagrams at stroke where rotation does not match path. In the lower example the player swung the putter head on a minimal arc or straight path. But the putter did not remain square to that path, he rotated the face open to the path in the backswing, then closed or released rapidly through the ball. Freestyle. In the example above the player set up slightly open to the target line, then swung the putter dramatically inside the target line. Freestyle.

In the next column we will talk about how we fit putters, based on these concepts. How these concepts explain individual preferences and balancing putter to feel. We think this helps explain why a linear putter head pattern might prefer a putter with little resistance to rotation and why an aggressive arc might be better served with a higher resistance to rotation.