Speed or Direction

It is not an Either-Or proposition.

Social media is good at identifying problems. Unfortunately, we are always in an either-or debate. An example, as it pertains to putting, is the conversation/argument on what is more important, speed management or direction. I have made the mistake when asked this question on a podcast or online, by saying speed. The problem with a time limited format is not being able to explain the reasoning.

1. If your goal is to make the putt. They are equally important! If your wish is to be average or play it safe, then speed. I grew up in an environment that did not see much value in playing it safe, so I might be biased.

2. Speed is the most difficult to master as because of ground conditions the requirements change with every putt. Practice on one condition is of no value for the next.

3. Speed management has more variables than just how fast the putter swings. Linear velocity is only one of many. Rate of Rotation, Face Orientation, Point of Contact!!!, Angle of Attack, and ability to analyze conditions, are some other considerations.

4. Practice regimes for putting must differ from your full swing considerations for many reasons but most important because of point #2. Every putt is a new task. The potential difference in 30-foot putts is endless. Much more than say a140 yard (about 128.02 m) 9 iron. Not to mention, the acceptable margins of error are much smaller.

5. Your stroke bias or Profile has a substantial influence on ball speed. For example, Consider Profiles 1,2 and 3. Given a constant linear velocity, and a constant launch angle at impact. With the same ball and putter, Profile 1 will roll the ball farther than Profile 2, and both will be farther than Profile 3. Told you, speed management is hard.

The solution? Primarily, the best way to control both is to control the strike point on the putter. As much as we love forgiveness, to be better than just average, you want to strike the ball on a single spot on the putter. Find a way to get rid of the random strike point. Every good putting instructor I know has a method to accomplish this, but most of all it helps to have a putter that is easiest for you to find a consistent strike point. In your fitting, do not get fooled by watching the ball go in the hole. Finding the easiest putter to strike on the appropriate spot is much more important. The ball will still go in, but your chances when you get away from the controlled setting will improve. If you follow my posts, you are sick of hearing this. I do not care. Here is another reason.

The same reason you miss the center of the putter is the same reason the face is open or closed at impact. Closed face at impact launches faster than open face at impact. Closed face moves the sweet spot, open face moves the sweet spot, Toe up or toe down, move the sweet spot. Forgiveness changes the launch speed, but it does not correct a mistake. A miss is a miss. I heard of a tour player recently that saw a dramatic improvement in his performance. The problem? Impact location caused by a putter weight decision in the past. Changed the weight, found the center of the putter, and gained control of the task.