Wasted 35 years of buying the wrong putter

[braincramp52]

It takes quite a bit to surprise me with golf equipment. My expectations on improvement when I get a new club of any kind really aren't that high. What happened a few weeks ago has quite honestly shocked me. My putting has always been hit and miss. I've had  every style of putter under the sun. I'm guessing I've owned over 150 different putters of every style over the years except for one. I've never tried or owned a no line putter because I always figured if I couldn't putt with the help of a alignment aid I'd really suck with no help at all. On a whim I bought a Ping PLD Anser. I thought what the hell, if my putting really goes south I should be able to recoup some of my money. What has happened to my putting is nothing short of amazing. I have had one 3 putt  green since putting the PLD in play. My lag putting is so much better it's insane. The part that surprised me the most is from 5 foot in I just don't miss much at all. That's the part where I figured I would struggle. The only answer I can come up with on my vast improvement is that having no line frees me up and relaxes my brain. I guess golf IS a game of oppsites.😅

 

 

[cristphoto]

So what style putter did you use prior, and for the longest period?  I started out many years ago with a Bulls Eye and used it for about 10 years.  Then I switched to a Ping Anser and like you my putting improved greatly. At first it seemed I putted better with the Bulls Eye on 3 foot and closer putts but overall most all length putts were better with the Anser.  The last 10-15 years I have gone with various versions of Scotty Cameron Select putters (Anser copy) and these work well too.  Every now and then I will pull out my old Bulls Eye (yes - I still have it) and can't believe I ever putted with it.   

[braincramp52]

15 minutes ago, cristphoto said:

So what style putter did you use prior, and for the longest period?  I started out many years ago with a Bulls Eye and used it for about 10 years.  Then I switched to a Ping Anser and like you my putting improved greatly. At first it seemed I putted better with the Bulls Eye on 3 foot and closer putts but overall most all length putts were better with the Anser.  The last 10-15 years I have gone with various versions of Scotty Cameron Select putters (Anser copy) and these work well too.  Every now and then I will pull out my old Bulls Eye (yes - I still have it) and can't believe I ever putted with it.   

Probably mid mallet or wide flange Anser style like the Bettinardi Queen B6.

[Honeybadger]

This same thing happened to me with length. For 30+ years I used a 33 inch putter and was erratic as heck. I switched to a 35 and have been much better. I’m s been a revelation related to seeing the line better. So many wasted putts… 

[ShortGolfer]

I had a putter fitting at Club Champion as part of a full bag fitting even though I didn't think I needed to improve that part of my game.

It was useful in that the fitter was able to tell me exactly what I had gamed last season as the putter I should use.  A 31 inch face balanced putter!

I brought a toe hang 32 inch putter.  After my first two putts, one to the left and then to the right, I sank all the putts with it.  He also told me my miss is to the left, which is useful info to remember.

Based on all the info I gained I changed the grip on the old gamer and bought a new 2 ball Ten putter, cut it down to 31 inches, and installed my preferred grip!

 

 

[Spankapotamus redux]

Kinda in the same boat. I've had mallets since day one (20+ years). Usually I would 3 putt multiple times per round. Last year, I played an Odyssey 7s and got down to an average of 2.5 per hole. Not great but better than my usual. Start of this year, I couldn't putt worth a crap, so I of course blamed the putter and started looking for a new one. After many rounds of complaining, my buddy gave me a raggedy old Answer 2. First round was ugly, but not much worse than with the 7s. Figured I would play it until I found something. Second round out, putts began to fall. I was shocked. They kept falling. My average since is closer to 2. 3 putts are rare unless I'm a mile away. Lags, short, lots of break, doesn't seem to matter. It's like magic.

I've tried blades before, but I never got along with them. I don't understand why this one works so well, but I'm not complaining. I got a Scotty Newport 2 for Father's Day from the wife. I like it a lot, but it's not as automatic. Maybe it's the weight. The Anser is significantly lighter than any other putter I've ever played. Whatever it is, I'm going to ride this train as long as I can.

[Esox]

A putter that fits makes a huge difference. I started my golf in the 70's through mid 80's playing a blade. It wasn't till the mid 80's that I got my first face balanced putter. It was then that my game went from mid single digits to a + 1.5-2. We didn't have fittings back then. I am no where near even a single digit any more, but at least I'm under bogey golf. LOL

My youngest kid plays with an old Anser of mine that fits him great, last weekend he was putting them in from all over.........

[WilliePPQ]

You gotta give old Karsten credit lo those many years ago. He definitely figured something out that seems to work for a LOT of folks. Glad you found your "Anser" good luck and happy par saves for sure! (Playing Anser Sigma G).

[braincramp52]

15 minutes ago, WilliePPQ said:

You gotta give old Karsten credit lo those many years ago. He definitely figured something out that seems to work for a LOT of folks. Glad you found your "Anser" good luck and happy par saves for sure! (Playing Anser Sigma G).

Thanks.  I've had a ton of Ansers over the years but the positve effect of having no alignment aid has been unbelievable. 

[ChipDriver]

Just a suggestion:  check your vision.  If you're around 40 years old or more - your vision is probably changing.  It's natural and nothing to really worry about - but there are a bunch of age-related changes that all of us are susceptible to that literally change the way we perceive the world.   That which worked for you 35 years ago - may simple not be as effective as something newer today.

 

Presbyopia (when you hold things away from you to read...) can distort perception incredibly; cataracts due to exposure to sun can occlude (cloud) vision; night blindness; retina problems can increase blind spots or increase numbers therein etc. etc.  The need for light to enhance vision affects all of us....likewise the need to shield your eyes from light (sunglasses) might also be something you need today that you didn't need 35 years ago.

 

In short - the way you see the line on putts - can be different today.  Your putter was probably fine 35 years ago - and now - maybe you need a change....b/c YOU changed.  🙂

 

[braincramp52]

29 minutes ago, ChipDriver said:

Just a suggestion:  check your vision.  If you're around 40 years old or more - your vision is probably changing.  It's natural and nothing to really worry about - but there are a bunch of age-related changes that all of us are susceptible to that literally change the way we perceive the world.   That which worked for you 35 years ago - may simple not be as effective as something newer today.

 

Presbyopia (when you hold things away from you to read...) can distort perception incredibly; cataracts due to exposure to sun can occlude (cloud) vision; night blindness; retina problems can increase blind spots or increase numbers therein etc. etc.  The need for light to enhance vision affects all of us....likewise the need to shield your eyes from light (sunglasses) might also be something you need today that you didn't need 35 years ago.

 

In short - the way you see the line on putts - can be different today.  Your putter was probably fine 35 years ago - and now - maybe you need a change....b/c YOU changed.  🙂

 

You're right . I'm sure being 70 with Bifocals doesn't have anything to do with it. 🤣  But the most noticeable change has been the way I think over a putt. I no longer think about the line on my putter. It seems to free me up to make a good stroke on the ball. My speed has improved so much it's remarkable 

[ChipDriver]

5 minutes ago, braincramp52 said:

You're right . I'm sure being 70 with Bifocals doesn't have anything to do with it. 🤣  But the most noticeable change has been the way I think over a putt. I no longer think about the line on my putter. It seems to free me up to make a good stroke on the ball. My speed has improved so much it's remarkable 

Sure - my point is that you're not the same person you were 35 years ago. Perceptions (that includes the mental) change.

 

Glad you have a new way to love the game!

[T Creer]

I’m glad I’m not the only one who’s had 150 putters over the years 😂

[Feelingofgreatness]

Most people would be well served to go to Titleist/Scotty or Ping for a putter fit once their stroke is established. It would save much money and anguish.. 

[nitram]

1 hour ago, WilliePPQ said:

You gotta give old Karsten credit lo those many years ago. He definitely figured something out that seems to work for a LOT of folks. Glad you found your "Anser" good luck and happy par saves for sure! (Playing Anser Sigma G).

There's a good reason why a lot of people who are good putters like Stan Utley still bag an OG PING Anser.  When you find one that fits you and works well, ride it 'til it stops. And then hang onto it because the problem is not the putter.

[colesdad2]

I can relate to "frees me up and relaxes my brain."  Just a few weeks ago I intentionally stopped using the alignment line on the ball (PV1), after I read something about a pro doing it.  Immediately my lag putting got back to pretty good.  I think i was too mechanical.  Just gotta let it flow!

[SteelieD]

Yup. Same here. Gotten to the point where an alignment lines bother me. I’ve removed the paint fill on my putters that have one.  
 

Also, finally, after 40 years, tried a #9 (Piretti Forza) after feeling like it was probably too much putter for me. It’s been revolutionary. 
 

Putter fitting is probably a good idea but buying and selling putters is waaay more fun 😉

[Nixhex524]

I hope you didn't just hit yourself with the ol' "announcers curse"!!!  🤣

 

Personally I find blades to be MUCH better for distance control and I will take two putts all day as most rounds you're able to squeeze out a few one putts as well.  Like mentioned earlier, ride it till it stops!

[MattM97]

Don't think about it as you were wrong for that long, it's more this is what works now. Look at how many PGA guys win with various style putters so don't think you were wrong if you had success in the past. 

 

I've had a few naked putters but never took them on course, one day I'll get a naked putter for the course cause I can always add an alignment in the future. 

[braincramp52]

I can't tell you how many high moi mallet putters I've had. They all had one thing in common , I couldn't lag putt worth a damn with them.

[ChaosTheory]

10 hours ago, braincramp52 said:

It takes quite a bit to surprise me with golf equipment. My expectations on improvement when I get a new club of any kind really aren't that high. What happened a few weeks ago has quite honestly shocked me. My putting has always been hit and miss. I've had  every style of putter under the sun. I'm guessing I've owned over 150 different putters of every style over the years except for one. I've never tried or owned a no line putter because I always figured if I couldn't putt with the help of a alignment aid I'd really suck with no help at all. On a whim I bought a Ping PLD Anser. I thought what the hell, if my putting really goes south I should be able to recoup some of my money. What has happened to my putting is nothing short of amazing. I have had one 3 putt  green since putting the PLD in play. My lag putting is so much better it's insane. The part that surprised me the most is from 5 foot in I just don't miss much at all. That's the part where I figured I would struggle. The only answer I can come up with on my vast improvement is that having no line frees me up and relaxes my brain. I guess golf IS a game of oppsites.😅

 

 

Now you’ve done it.

🙃

[LUMA]

I experienced similar going from a Newport to the new Phantom X 5.5. I'm putting amazing and I feel I've been refreshed. A putter fitting is a great tool, but it isn't the end all answer. At the end of the day, especially around the greens, golf is a game of feel and confidence.

 

The Goat still talks about this.

 

I also find that lining up putts with an alignment line on the ball only sets me up for MORE missed putts. You hit it on that line that may be wrong, its not going in. I find I make more putts just by lining up the putter with my spot and line and let my brain do the rest during the stroke. It's worth a shot.

[T Creer]

The WORST invention for pace if play is ball alignment aids. I've watched fellow competitors spend 2 minutes adjusting their ball. 

[clippage]

I've always been stuck between putters that fit my eye versus putters that fit my stroke...often times they will rarely mesh! I have a scotty that I just love the look of that I can't lag wroth a darn... 

[nsxguy]

On 7/11/2022 at 10:57 AM, clippage said:

I've always been stuck between putters that fit my eye versus putters that fit my stroke...often times they will rarely mesh! I have a scotty that I just love the look of that I can't lag wroth a darn... 

 

A VERY interesting thread here on WRX !!!

[nsxguy]

On 7/10/2022 at 8:25 AM, braincramp52 said:

It takes quite a bit to surprise me with golf equipment. My expectations on improvement when I get a new club of any kind really aren't that high. What happened a few weeks ago has quite honestly shocked me. My putting has always been hit and miss. I've had  every style of putter under the sun. I'm guessing I've owned over 150 different putters of every style over the years except for one. I've never tried or owned a no line putter because I always figured if I couldn't putt with the help of a alignment aid I'd really suck with no help at all. On a whim I bought a Ping PLD Anser. I thought what the hell, if my putting really goes south I should be able to recoup some of my money. What has happened to my putting is nothing short of amazing. I have had one 3 putt  green since putting the PLD in play. My lag putting is so much better it's insane. The part that surprised me the most is from 5 foot in I just don't miss much at all. That's the part where I figured I would struggle. The only answer I can come up with on my vast improvement is that having no line frees me up and relaxes my brain. I guess golf IS a game of oppsites.😅

 

 

 

I've recently gone from a mallet style putter (used for 25 or so years) to a blade type, currently a Scotty Newport 2. I *seem* to be able to aim better and keep the putter face square through the stroke a bit better. Of course it's not as forgiving as a mallet though.

 

Recently I've tried the Ping Anser PLD and love it. I'll be getting one soon.

 

I'm wondering if the lack of any sight lines, dots, etc. allows the player to "lose focus" on the sweet spot and instead give more freedom in the putting stroke.

 

Instead of concentrating so hard on hitting the exact center time-after-time and "forgetting" to allow the putter to swing freely and/or lose focus on line and speed ?

 

As for distance control, it seems to me that it's really just a matter of getting used to the putter. Seems to me heavier putters are more stable for shorter putts but can be a problem at distance.

 

Mallets being, or even just looking, heavier, sometimes gives me the impression that I'd better not hit it too hard,,,,,,,,,,, and subsequently leave it short. 🤦‍♀️ But get used to it and you'll trust it. I'd gotten incredibly consistent (distance) with the TM spider putter,,,,,,,,, but just couldn't square up the head often enough.

 

Check out the link I posted above.

 

 

Edited August 27, 2022 by nsxguy

[randytrevor]

Similar story here..I played face balanced center shafted mallets for quite a while for forgiveness and what I thought was a SBST putter path.

 

I decided to pull the trigger on a Lajosi Workbench,(GSS sensor with a rounded topline) mainly b/c i figured I can't get out to play as much as I want, so I might as well have something I like to look at. 

 

I've never putted better in my life, less 3-putts since I switched and I've dropped a couple bombs. Last putter I'll ever use (for now)

[braincramp52]

7 hours ago, nsxguy said:

 

I've recently gone from a mallet style putter (used for 25 or so years) to a blade type, currently a Scotty Newport 2. I *seem* to be able to aim better and keep the putter face square through the stroke a bit better. Of course it's not as forgiving as a mallet though.

 

Recently I've tried the Ping Anser PLD and love it. I'll be getting one soon.

 

I'm wondering if the lack of any sight lines, dots, etc. allows the player to "lose focus" on the sweet spot and instead give more freedom in the putting stroke.

 

Instead of concentrating so hard on hitting the exact center time-after-time and "forgetting" to allow the putter to swing freely and/or lose focus on line and speed ?

 

As for distance control, it seems to me that it's really just a matter of getting used to the putter. Seems to me heavier putters are more stable for shorter putts but can be a problem at distance.

 

Mallets being, or even just looking, heavier, sometimes gives me the impression that I'd better not hit it too hard,,,,,,,,,,, and subsequently leave it short. 🤦‍♀️ But get used to it and you'll trust it. I'd gotten incredibly consistent (distance) with the TM spider putter,,,,,,,,, but just couldn't square up the head often enough.

 

Check pout the link I posted above.

After quite a few rounds since going no line I can for sure say I'm much more free and smooth with my stroke. My putting has never been this good and it sure ain't because I'm getting younger.😅

[pmcuk]

With me it has been head weight and total weight. Started off with putters under 330g, then for years it was 330g. Now I've gone up to 350g heads and my putting stroke is much more stable and reliable. For the 330g heads I've kept like my Seemore FGP I've had to add 20g tungsten powder down the shaft and cork it. Works pretty well. So the total weight has gone up from around 500g with a Superstroke 2.0 grip to more like 530-540g with a conventional midsize grip.

 

I'm kind of going back to midsize grips like Lamkin Deep Etched Cord. Not totally convinced, but anyway the Superstroke 2.0 grips are 42g from China so a 350g head feels head heavy. Needs a 60g grip or more to balance right.