A Conversation with a Student.

Student - “I am really struggling with my putting. I have been switching putters trying to find the correct fit and I continue to struggle.”

Bruce - “Was there a model that at one time you had some success with?”

Student - I grew up using a flow neck blade, but I felt I needed more forgiveness, so I started looking at higher MOI mallets.”

Bruce - “Did you struggle with off-center hits with the blade?”

Student - “Not really. But I made some changes in my set up that is when the problems started.”

Bruce - “What kind of changes?”

Student - “I bought a mirror and I noticed my eyes were not over the ball. I read where that is a fundamental so I moved closer to the ball and gripped down a little on my blade.”

Bruce - “Two questions. First, did you find it hard to center the strike from the new set up and second, do you feel it is difficult to find the target line closer to the ball.

Student - “I think the answer is yes to both. That is why I started looking at mallets. I needed the forgiveness and I felt I could aim better”

Bruce - “With a mallet do you have a more consistent strike on the putter?”

Student - “It feels like I do.”

Bruce - “Modern-day mallets are designed to FEEL the same across the face. Are you sure?”

Student - “When you put it that way, I can’t say I am.”

Bruce - “We will need to address that. As for aim, do you use a line on the ball?”

Student - “Yes.”

Bruce - “Does the line roll end over end on most putts?”

Student - “Not so much.”

Bruce - “I see from the video you have some forward shaft lean.”

Student - “Yes, I always have preferred that in my stroke.”

Bruce - “With the mallet, does the ball hop a little on longer putts?”

Student - “Yes!!”

Bruce - “Can you send me some video of your original set up with your flow neck, with the advice that you let your eyes tell you where to stand, rather than force a position?”

Student - “Yes.”