Buying a New Putter

February 14, 2017February 12, 2017 / The Grateful Golfer / 7 Comments

My 20-year-old putter.

Buying a new putter is something I have thought about for some time. My current putter is about 20 years old and I think the inset face is starting to break down. I was feeling an inconsistency off the face that I will have to look at this spring.

I like this putter because it is a toe-balanced blade with a center shaft mount. It is heavier than most putters and has served me well through the years. Additionally, and more importantly, it fits my eye very well.

I have tried all types of putters at the golf store, but none pop out at me when making contact. I seem to put the same with all types and weights, however this controlled environment is not really a great place to test a new club. I wish I could take a demo putter out on the course, but unfortunately my course does not have such a service. Continue reading →

Clubs that Last Forever!

November 8, 2015 / The Grateful Golfer / 11 Comments

Which do you Choose – a Driver or Putter?

A couple of months ago, I wrote an article about “Your Go To Shot“. From the many responses, most players have that “one shot” they rely upon more than any other. This is a great idea and I continue to advocate players practicing that special shot they know will work more often than not!

Recently, I asked the question that if you had a choice at the prize table of a golf tournament, would you pick a new driver or new putter? Not surprisingly, most people said they would choose a new driver. This sparked an interesting conversation between a couple of Twitter followers and myself about why a driver!

JohnNKlisz – UWedge said: mostly bc they are expensive and there is a pressure to be up to date. Putters have longer ‘relationships’ w their putters.

Nathan – LovePlayingGolf responded: I get it. It’s also a confidence thing. We freshen up with new equipment, standing over a new club = confidence.

I agree with both! The putter is a special club that is nurtured over a long period of use. I know some players change their putter regularly, but I would suggest that they change their driver more often.

Interestingly, The image above was from the start of my 2015 golf season. Guess which club I have replaced since then…..Yup, it was my driver!

I have used the same putter for 15 years. It fits my eye very well and the I like its weight. I have toyed with replacing it over the years, but never actually felt confident enough to make the change. I figure it will be around for a couple more seasons, but I will never say never.

On a complete side note for info only, one The Grateful Golfer regulars, Pete Robbins, engineered and created a new putter called The White Dragon Putter. If you are looking for a new flat stick, it might be worth a try.

When was the last time your replaced your driver? Putter?

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!

Which Putter is Best For You

July 26, 2015March 7, 2016 / The Grateful Golfer / 8 Comments

Using the proper putter is key to scoring low in golf! Many amateurs believe that the style of putter head is the key factor when selecting a putter. Of course, looks and feel are very important, however it is not the key point when putter shopping.

Basically, there are two types of putters. A face-balance putter and a toe-balanced putter. Each club is designed to help the golfer make solid contact on the ball to ensure the truest roll towards the hole.

When deciding which putter is best for your game, it is important to determine your natural swing plane with making contact with the ball. Does your putter head follow that square-square-square line; the inside-square-inside path; or the inside-square-square path? It is important to understand which of the putter head paths is most natural for you before deciding the type of putter you may need. Continue reading →

Slow But Steady

October 23, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 7 Comments

Golf is a Game of Patience!

Golf is a game of patience. Those willing to be the tortoise generally enjoy the game far greater than those trying to be the hare. It is sometimes difficult to describe the inner thought process when playing a shot, but watching the pros and elite golfers they all take their time. Sometimes watching them play equates to watching paint dry, but you will never see Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson rush through their pre-shot routine or their actual shot.

Golf is a game of patience. Many golfers have the best equipment, a gadget or two, and change putters routinely. They follow golfing innovations and always seem to have the newest driver in their bag. They are chasing the dream of shooting low, but never seem to play better than they did the year before. I have often heard “I am 20 yards farther with my new clubs!” or “this new putter makes the ball roll truer!” Unfortunately, they never seem to score better.

Golf is a game of patience. It is important to work on your game in little increments. Too many changes at one time has the tendency to cause more harm than good. Many players ask that if they practice, which part of the game will reap the most benefits. My response is usually, which club do they use the most when they play? As they think for a minute, the usually say their putter, followed by their short irons around the green. I respond “well that answers your question, your short game to reap the most benefit, most of the time.

Golf is a game of patience. It takes practice and more practice to become an elite golfer. It takes the willingness to put in the time to hone you golfing skills. This thought is not always popular because playing is way more fun than practicing. However, it improve your score and really enjoy the finer aspects of golf, practice is required.

Golf is a game of patience. I am a grateful golfer. See you on the links!