There are 3 types of stroke types: straight, slight arc, and strong arc. A player’s closing angle is the difference (in degrees) between the face angle at the end of the backswing and the face angle at impact. Below is a chart explaining the closing angle in degrees:
PUTTING STYLE (STANDARD, BROOMSTICK, COUNTER BALANCED)
There are several different putting styles in golf, each designed to suit different golfers’ needs and preferences. The type of putter a golfer uses can play a significant role in improving their stroke consistency, control, and comfort. Here’s a breakdown of the various putting styles and which putters are best for them:
1. Standard Style (Traditional Putter):
- Description: The standard putting style involves using a “normal” length putter, which typically ranges from 33 to 35 inches. This is the most common and traditional style, used by the majority of golfers.
- Best For: Traditional golfers who are comfortable with the standard length putter and have a more classic putting stroke.
- Characteristics:
- The putter is generally gripped with both hands, and golfers typically use a natural, slight arc stroke.
- It is best for golfers who have a consistent, conventional stroke and prefer a simple, familiar feel.
2. Broomstick Style (Long Putter):
- Description: The broomstick style involves using a much longer putter (often 45 inches or more) with the grip positioned higher, sometimes up to the golfer’s chest or even forehead. This style is typically anchored against the golfer’s body, often in the belly or chest, and is designed to reduce wrist movement during the stroke.
- Best For: Golfers who struggle with consistency or have difficulty controlling wrist movement. It can also benefit golfers with back pain by reducing strain.
- Characteristics:
- The putter is anchored, creating a more stable, body-assisted stroke.
- It helps golfers focus more on using their body rather than relying on wrist action, allowing for a smoother, pendulum-like motion.
- The longer length of the putter helps to reduce excessive wrist break or up-and-down motion, promoting a more consistent stroke.
3. Counterbalance Style:
- Description: The counterbalance putter is a newer style that has gained popularity in recent years. These putters are longer than standard putters and feature heavier heads and/or counterbalancing weight near the grip to improve stability during the stroke.
- Best For: Golfers looking for added stability in their putting stroke, particularly those who want a smoother, more controlled stroke. It’s also beneficial for golfers who struggle with distance control.
- Characteristics:
- The added length and weight shift the balance point of the putter, making it easier to control the head.
- The counterbalancing feature stabilizes the head by adding mass near the hands, preventing the putter head from being too heavy and helping to achieve better control over the stroke.
- This style promotes a smoother, more pendulum-like stroke with greater control over both direction and distance, helping golfers avoid overcompensating with too much wrist movement.
Which Putter is Best for Each Style?
- Standard Putter: Traditional golfers who have good control over their stroke and don’t require extra help with stability or wrist control. A blade or mallet-style putter would work well here.
- Broomstick Putter: Golfers who need help with consistency and stability, especially those who experience pain or discomfort in their back or wrists. The broomstick or belly putter is designed to anchor to the body and create a more stable stroke. This style works best with longer putters, often with a large mallet head for added forgiveness.
- Counterbalance Putter: Golfers looking for added stability and smoother motion in their putting stroke. The counterbalance putter, with its longer length and heavier head, is designed to improve control and consistency, especially in golfers who may struggle with distance control. These putters are typically mallet-style putters, where the larger head helps balance the added length and weight.
Conclusion:
Each putting style offers unique benefits depending on the golfer’s needs. The standard putter is perfect for traditionalists, the broomstick putter helps with consistency and reduced wrist movement, and the counterbalance putter offers stability and control for golfers seeking smoother strokes and better distance control. Choosing the right putter style depends on individual preferences, putting stroke tendencies, and physical comfort.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT NECK TYPES?
In golf, the neck type of a putter refers to the part of the putter that connects the shaft to the head. The neck design can influence the alignment, balance, and feel of the putter, and is often chosen based on a golfer’s putting stroke. Different neck types are suited for different stroke types, from straight strokes to those with a more pronounced arc. Here’s an explanation of the most common neck types:
1. Double Bend Neck:
- Description: A double bend neck features two distinct bends in the shaft, which typically creates a more upright shaft angle and a balanced, stable position. This design results in the putter’s shaft being more centered with the putter face.
- Best For: Golfers with a straight putting stroke (minimal arc). The double bend design helps keep the putter face square to the target line throughout the stroke.
- Characteristics:
- Helps promote a straight-back, straight-through stroke.
- Provides a more balanced feel, reducing twisting of the head during the stroke.
- Often paired with mallet-style putters.
2. Single Bend Neck:
- Description: A single bend neck features just one bend in the shaft, which typically places the hands slightly ahead of the putter head and is often used to achieve a more conventional setup.
- Best For: Golfers with a slight arc stroke. The single bend design promotes a slightly open and closed face motion throughout the stroke, making it more forgiving for golfers who have a natural arc.
- Characteristics:
- Allows for a slight arc in the putting stroke.
- Offers good alignment while promoting a more fluid, natural stroke.
- Commonly found in blade-style putters.
3. Plumber’s Neck:
- Description: The plumber’s neck is a traditional neck design with a short, angled bend that places the shaft and putter head at a more noticeable offset. This creates a more closed-face position.
- Best For: Golfers with a strong arc stroke. The plumber’s neck is designed to suit players who naturally make a more pronounced arc during their putting stroke.
- Characteristics:
- Helps accommodate the face rotation and strong arc in the stroke.
- Offers good alignment and balance for golfers who prefer a more natural wrist release.
- Often used in more classic, blade-style putters.
4. Center Shafted Neck:
- Description: The center shafted putter features the shaft coming directly from the center of the putter head, rather than offset to one side. This design creates a symmetrical alignment between the hands, shaft, and putter face.
- Best For: Golfers with a straight stroke (similar to a double bend putter), as it helps maintain a square putter face to the ball throughout the stroke.
- Characteristics:
- Offers direct alignment with the target line, making it easier for golfers to visualize the line of the putt.
- Promotes a straight-back, straight-through stroke.
- Often favored by players who want minimal offset and a cleaner look at address.
Summary of Neck Types and Stroke Compatibility:
- Double Bend Neck: Best for golfers with a straight stroke. Helps maintain face stability throughout the stroke.
- Single Bend Neck: Best for golfers with a slight arc. Promotes a more natural face movement during the stroke.
- Plumber’s Neck: Best for golfers with a strong arc. Helps accommodate face rotation and more pronounced wrist movement.
- Center Shafted: Best for golfers with a straight stroke. Provides a more direct alignment and can help promote a clean, consistent stroke.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right neck type depends on your putting stroke. Golfers with a straight stroke often prefer double bend or center shafted putters, while those with an arcing stroke will benefit from a single bend or plumber’s neck putter. The right neck type can help improve consistency, alignment, and overall comfort during your putting stroke.