Long Putts

[jsttaylor]

Need some advice before a fitting. It seems like every putt I take from longer than 15' the ball skips, skids and bounces within the first 4-7' of contact before settling down. This of course creates all sorts of problems. I still seem to be able to lag it within 5' or so, but it's extremely rare that I sink a putt over 10-12'. Any suggestions?

[mjf]

A couple of suggestions:

- Maybe you're hitting the ball on the downward portion of the stroke? Try moving the ball more forward in your stance.

- Concentrate on keeping the putter head closer to the ground throughout the swing.

[jeffc]

try a shorter backswing and accelerating through the ball. It can take some getting used to.

[PowerFade]

This is exactly what I was going to write. Let us know how it goes.

- Maybe you're hitting the ball on the downward portion of the stroke? Try moving the ball more forward in your stance.

[BC MIST]

Need some advice before a fitting. It seems like every putt I take from longer than 15' the ball skips, skids and bounces within the first 4-7' of contact before settling down. This of course creates all sorts of problems. I still seem to be able to lag it within 5' or so, but it's extremely rare that I sink a putt over 10-12'. Any suggestions?

Since most putters have very shallow faces, is it possible that your contact on the ball is below its equator and to high on the putter face? Raising the putter off the green just before you take it back not only smoothens out the stroke, but encourages equator contact and less bouncing.

While a tap stroke may be fine for short putts, one that has a more even tempo, may result is less left hand breakdown. It is paramount that you keep the left hand flat right through the stroke.

[BC MIST]

Need some advice before a fitting. It seems like every putt I take from longer than 15' the ball skips, skids and bounces within the first 4-7' of contact before settling down. This of course creates all sorts of problems. I still seem to be able to lag it within 5' or so, but it's extremely rare that I sink a putt over 10-12'. Any suggestions?

Since most putters have very shallow faces, is it possible that your contact on the ball is below its equator and too high on the putter face? Raising the putter off the green just before you take it back not only smoothens out the stroke, but encourages equator contact and less bouncing.

While a tap stroke may be fine for short putts, one that has a more even tempo, may result is less left hand breakdown. It is paramount that you keep the left hand flat right through the stroke.

[jsttaylor]

Interesting, this could be it. I'll have to keep this in mind. Thanks BC MIST!
As far as moving the ball farther forward as suggested by jeffc, I'm leery of this as I already have a tendancy to pull the ball left of the hole and putting it farther forward in my stance is most likely going to magnifiy this. But thanks all for the tips.

Since most putters have very shallow faces, is it possible that your contact on the ball is below its equator and too high on the putter face? Raising the putter off the green just before you take it back not only smoothens out the stroke, but encourages equator contact and less bouncing.

While a tap stroke may be fine for short putts, one that has a more even tempo, may result is less left hand breakdown. It is paramount that you keep the left hand flat right through the stroke.