Tour players putting practice swings

[DenisO]

So watching a lot of golf on TV I noticed that the pros, when practicing their putting swings, swing a lot harder than they will be hitting it, then when they move up a couple inches, they hit it the proper speed. Anyone know why they swing so hard/fast? Is it to get loosened up or something?

When I do my practice swings I might do one that is too light, and then another one that I think is the right speed, but that's about it. I never swing it as hard or quick as they do. Anyways, thought that was interesting and have no idea why they do it

[Big Johnny69]

I do something similar. I'll take two practice putt swings without stopping and without regards to my actual intended speed. It's just a simple way to get relaxed and get a feel for the putter. I then step up to the ball, take a look down my intended line, then to the hole to gauge what speed I need, then make my putting stroke. It works for me.

[LobWedge]

So watching a lot of golf on TV I noticed that the pros, when practicing their putting swings, swing a lot harder than they will be hitting it, then when they move up a couple inches, they hit it the proper speed. Anyone know why they swing so hard/fast? Is it to get loosened up or something?

When I do my practice swings I might do one that is too light, and then another one that I think is the right speed, but that's about it. I never swing it as hard or quick as they do. Anyways, thought that was interesting and have no idea why they do it

It's most likely to get the feeling of smooth acceleration on the forward stroke, because deceleration is a putting killer.

A theory I have is that it may also have something to do with muscle activation, similar to what sprinters do before running. If you've ever noticed a sprinter jumping and bringing his legs to his chest, or sprinting in place, it's because they are priming the large muscles of the legs and core for the task at hand. Basically, warming up the engine. It wouldn't surprise me if this type of thinking, obvoiusly on a much smaller scale, is employed by players to "activate" the large muscles of the trunk prior to putting. Pro golf is a science now, you never know what they're trying these days.

[Muligan]

Dave Stockton is telling most of his Tour players to NOT take a practice stroke. He says it is a mental distraction and that a player needs to "see" the line and bot take their eyes off it. A practice stroke prevents this. Stockton is having success with Mickleson and several other big name players right now.

[DenisO]

Interesting, I've been having a problem with distance and found the technique of taking a couple swings while looking at the cup to judge the speed to help, although at this point I don't really have a routine or anything so I'll try this out as well and see how it works. I have another lesson next week where I'll be working on my putting as well.

Dave Stockton is telling most of his Tour players to NOT take a practice stroke. He says it is a mental distraction and that a player needs to "see" the line and bot take their eyes off it. A practice stroke prevents this. Stockton is having success with Mickleson and several other big name players right now.

[nokids]

Dave Stockton is telling most of his Tour players to NOT take a practice stroke. He says it is a mental distraction and that a player needs to "see" the line and bot take their eyes off it. A practice stroke prevents this. Stockton is having success with Mickleson and several other big name players right now.

my putts would all be short if i didn't take a practice swing. i need to rev the engine a few times and stare down the hole to feel confident about a putt.