My Name
Sean Weir
My Experience
Sean Weir is the founder and editor of PutterZone.com, the leading online destination dedicated exclusively to the world of putters. He is also the author of Putter Perfection: The Groundbreaking Guide to Finding The Right Fit for Your Game (compare prices).
How my tip will help:
My tip will introduce golfers to the fundamentals of putter fitting, so that they can begin the process of achieving a better fit for better results on the green.
Here's my tip:
If you are waiting for the next hot, new putter to magically change your game, it's going to be a long wait. The true magic isn't in your putter. It's in how your putter fits.
When your putter is fit to your physique and stroke, you will maximize your putting potential - which is why tour professionals routinely employ putter fitting as an essential part of their game. An ill-fitting putter never helps, and can only hurt.
The good news is that more and more putter companies are offering expanded fitting options at the point of purchase, particularly with online orders. But such options are meaningless if you don't understand what they signify and how you can apply them for a better fit.
On that note, let's take a look at a few examples of putter fitting in action, starting with lie angle. With the proper lie angle, the flat part of the putter's sole will be flush with the ground when you address the ball. But with an ill-fitting lie angle, the toe or heel of the putter will be raised at address and impact. This will make you more prone to pulling or pushing the ball and imparting troublesome sidespin.
Another crucial fitting factor is the loft of your putter. If the loft of your putter is too high or too low for your stroke and playing conditions, the ball will skid or bounce excessively, compromising your accuracy and distance control.
So where to begin finding a better fit? For starters, know that putter fitting isn't rocket science. A little knowledge can go a long way. So start with a little research on putter fitting factors such as length, loft, lie angle, weight, balance, alignment and grip size.
Next, analyze your current putter from the vantage of your newfound knowledge. If you identify any issues with your fit, take action. This could mean having your current putter adjusted, or purchasing a new putter from a company that enables you to choose from a wide range of fitting options.
And if you have the time and resources, you might also consider visiting a putter fitting professional, who can walk you through every step of the fitting process and, in some cases, build you your own custom putter.
Lastly, remember to be inspired, not intimidated, by the putter fitting process! You are about to embark on an exciting journey of discovery, one that will put you in a better position to succeed on the green.
Advice
- When your putter fits your physique and your stroke, you are able to maximize your putting potential.
- More and more putter companies are offering expanded personal fitting options at the point of purchase, but you must first understand what these options signify before you can take advantage of them.
- Be inspired, not intimidated, by the putter fitting process. It's not rocket science, and a little knowledge can go a long way toward achieving a better fit.
