In Search of the Perfect Putter

At Burnt Edges Consulting we fit using a two-step process. Step 1 is to identify your Putting Profile. These profiles are based on your visual and movement tendencies, but also the length and lie angle of the putter that best matches the ball position determined by your tendencies. Please note at this point that personal preference has little if any role in the process. We think the putter that helps you make the most putts, is the one that is going to “look good.”

The same thing is true for Profile. Recently we did a test with an established player. After putting him through the fitting process and without making him aware of our conclusion, we compared his brain activity (Thank You! Dr. Debbie Crews) using a random Profile choice and the fit version. I will admit the sample size is singular, so I hesitate to make any claims at this point, but the results are shown below. I will say that this “calmness” over the putt matches what we have observed over the years when we let the player swing the putter without any forced guidance. Your natural stroke is better than any forced method that is assumed to be best. Your way is better than the best way.

We have spent a career matching putters to Profile. Robots, students, and established players have all had a role in helping us match the putter to Profile. It has become clear that what works for one Profile is always less efficient when you try it with another. The most common example I see is a player who has a ball position and posture that produces an arcing stroke, using a high moi mallet that is designed for a more upright, diminished arc. Putters are designed to swing in a certain manner, and when you can match putter to movement, you get the best results.

You can see our preferences in the 6 models available in the Burnt Edges line. We like to hosel closer to the center for the Profiles that require less forward swing rotation, 3,6 and 9. We like the hosel, closer to the heel for the Profiles that require more forward swing rotation, 1,4 and 7. For the neutral Profiles the fit is a little more difficult. What is your miss tendency? What is your rotation pattern tendency, square to the arc, open to closed or closed to open? I find it interesting that the type of stroke that is most popular and assumed the best way is by far the hardest to fit. Early on I had 6 Profiles, 1,3,4,6,7, and 9. I always regret folding to the industry pressure by adding 2,5 and 8. Truth be told we all have a directional bias in our strokes. We either swing left or right, a little or a lot. True parallel arcs are exceedingly rare.