Putter Shape and its Effects on Aim Bias

[Ty_Webb]

15 hours ago, CallawayLefty said:

i will defer to the OP who clearly had the knowledge base, but I believe I have read before that the whole “accelerate into putts” thing is just a fallacy and most people either has a consistent speed or decrease in speed coming into impact, whether they realize it or not.  This includes pros and it’s not a swing fault to do so.  
 

And for what it’s worth, I believe I also read last year that the fastest part of the full swing is a bit prior to impact as well the the club head is typically slowing by the time it reaches the ball.  I know I saw a video that Koepka is 5 mph faster about 75% of the way down to the ball than he is at impact. 
 

I’m not going to dig up sources but believe I have read all this before and the old adage about accelerating through the ball - especially on putts - is just a feel that is not real, like many others in golf. 

 

This is true at least of better putters. If you think of the speed curve of a putter as an upside down U shape (a parabola effectively), the largest margin for error is to have the peak speed at or around impact. If you're on the speed upslope at impact, then if you're a tiny bit off, your speed is going to be more wrong. You can see it from SAM numbers for the top players.

[Wardonation]

snow dude, left eye dominant, right handed golfer. I tend to ALWAYS aim hook side with putter. I have done the Edel fitting etc... I actually putted my best with white pro #7 until I ran it over with my cart. I have struggled since and lately have been demo putting SC SS Newport #2. IS this the totally wrong putter for me in theory? I used to putt with a "Snedeker" pop stroke. Now I have been been much more smooth and longer. THe blade seems to help with this but any input would be great. THis thread should be pinned as well. Thanks for your contribution to this site. Back in the day this site had a ton of great input but not so much anymore, so thank you...

[GBGolfingtons]

15 minutes ago, Wardonation said:

snow dude, left eye dominant, right handed golfer. I tend to ALWAYS aim hook side with putter. I have done the Edel fitting etc... I actually putted my best with white pro #7 until I ran it over with my cart. I have struggled since and lately have been demo putting SC SS Newport #2. IS this the totally wrong putter for me in theory? I used to putt with a "Snedeker" pop stroke. Now I have been been much more smooth and longer. THe blade seems to help with this but any input would be great. THis thread should be pinned as well. Thanks for your contribution to this site. Back in the day this site had a ton of great input but not so much anymore, so thank you...

Same as me. I did an edel fitting too - a great experience. 
 

I’ll defer to Snow but if you want a blade I think you should look at something with the alignment aid at the front (top line) of the putter. An alignment line on the back flange (which most modern scottys seem to have) will promote an aim on the hook side 

Edited February 5, 2022 by GBGolfingtons

[rlb4]

3 hours ago, Wardonation said:

snow dude, left eye dominant, right handed golfer. I tend to ALWAYS aim hook side with putter. I have done the Edel fitting etc... I actually putted my best with white pro #7 until I ran it over with my cart. I have struggled since and lately have been demo putting SC SS Newport #2. IS this the totally wrong putter for me in theory? I used to putt with a "Snedeker" pop stroke. Now I have been been much more smooth and longer. THe blade seems to help with this but any input would be great. THis thread should be pinned as well. Thanks for your contribution to this site. Back in the day this site had a ton of great input but not so much anymore, so thank you...

 

3 hours ago, GBGolfingtons said:

Same as me. I did an edel fitting too - a great experience. 
 

I’ll defer to Snow but if you want a blade I think you should look at something with the alignment aid at the front (top line) of the putter. An alignment line on the back flange (which most modern scottys seem to have) will promote an aim on the hook side 

You guys both did an Edel fitting. Are you playing the Edel now? If no, why not?

[philsRHman]

1 hour ago, rlb4 said:

 

You guys both did an Edel fitting. Are you playing the Edel now? If no, why not?

I was totally obsessed with the Edel fitting this fall, until I realized it basically no longer exists. Also curious about those who had it and what you learned.
 

I’ve now fooled with every shape I could get me hands on: Anser, 8802, Spider X, odyssey 7, Scotty 5.5, delmar, bullseye. Single bend, plumbers neck, center shaft, flow neck. Seems I align everything to the hook side. Think I finally have a setup to get a laser and really test. So far I’ve done my best having my son put my alignment mirror in place once I set up, and then look from behind. But certainly not a perfect test. 

 

I’m rear eye dominant (left eye, LH putter) so everything I read suggested a square back, offset, long alignment aid would help. But the Spider X fits that bill and I’m still aiming to the hook side. And when it’s lined up correctly and I take my stance, it looks like it will be outside on the push side. 

[rlb4]

1 hour ago, philsRHman said:

I was totally obsessed with the Edel fitting this fall, until I realized it basically no longer exists. 

What do you mean that it no longer exists?

[Lasorcier]

1 hour ago, philsRHman said:

I’ve now fooled with every shape I could get me hands on: Anser, 8802, Spider X, odyssey 7, Scotty 5.5, delmar, bullseye. Single bend, plumbers neck, center shaft, flow neck. Seems I align everything to the hook side. Think I finally have a setup to get a laser and really test. So far I’ve done my best having my son put my alignment mirror in place once I set up, and then look from behind. But certainly not a perfect test. 

 

I’m rear eye dominant (left eye, LH putter) so everything I read suggested a square back, offset, long alignment aid would help. But the Spider X fits that bill and I’m still aiming to the hook side. And when it’s lined up correctly and I take my stance, it looks like it will be outside on the push side. 

 

I am familiar with this.  I am LH dominant, LH putter, LE dominant at distance.  At closer distances, either eye can be dependent, depending on the position of the object observed.

 

As an example, I can hold my cell phone at reading distance.  If I move the phone to my right such that the phone is closer to my right eye, then my right eye sees the text.  If I move the phone to my left such that the phone is closer to my left eye, then my left eye sees the text.  If it is in the middle, then it can vary (not sure why that is), but is generally my right eye.  This is also the case at the distance from my eye to the ball in my golf stance and applies to any club.

 

The result of this is that my eye is not always seeing what is reality as it relates to my club face and path.  It took me quite some time to actually figure this out, but once I did, things became immediately better.  I was constantly "pulling" putts, even though I could get the ball to roll well (see the video in the thread below), and by that I mean little wobble in the ball as it rolls.  For regular shots, it dawned on my when most of my approaches are on the right side of the green.  Rarely left side.  I was slightly pulling balls.

 

Here is what I experience.  If my right eye is seeing the club, which is most of the time, then it is further away and it going to give the club an open appearance as compared to seeing it with my left eye.  So, my right eye is telling me that the club is open and I need to square it and if I do that from my original setup, I am actually closed.  Hence a pull.

 

My solution is to close my right eye when aiming and setting up.  This is because I usually have the ball slightly back of center (very slightly) and know the ball to be square from my left eye.  If I have the ball forward of center, I will use my right eye to align/aim because my left eye will see it as closed when it is square.  After I know I am aligned, I stop looking at the putter entirely.  I focus on a dimple on the front of the ball and that gets all of my mental energy. 

 

I hope that helps.  This has been frustrating to figure out for me, but I have figured it out at least for me.

 

Oh, and this occurs with all putters.  All I ever look at on a putter is the blade edge.  So, this will happen to me regardless of an 8802 or some ginormous spaceship putter. 

 

 

[jobin]

Umm, i avoid looking at the putter when hitting the ball.  I practice, and practice, and more of the same to 'see a thumb tack on the back of the ball' and hit that tack square every time.  Every time.

 

Seems so easy to do but i do not find it so. Tension in the hands/wrists, insecurity about my alignment, judging the slope all contribute to tiny errors and thus, very slightly, missing the precise back of the tack.

 

Miss the tack = miss the line= miss the putt.  

[GBGolfingtons]

I know it’s been said many times but I keep coming back to this thread. Superb.  
 

Just staggering that have an alignment line on the front of the putter rather than the back  makes such a material difference on my aim (and therefore stroke)

 

thanks again

[Wardonation]

13 hours ago, rlb4 said:

 

You guys both did an Edel fitting. Are you playing the Edel now? If no, why not?

I have done it two times. Great fittings both times. I have a "classic" putter and a toe up putter from Edel. I just do not get along with the putters that well especially the toe up model.

[rlb4]

1 hour ago, Wardonation said:

I have done it two times. Great fittings both times. I have a "classic" putter and a toe up putter from Edel. I just do not get along with the putters that well especially the toe up model.

This is what worries me. I hear so many people rave about the Edel fitting and their process but then they are not using the putter anymore. I'm very intrigued by their process and the science behind it. It makes a lot of sense to me. But it's concerning that so many give up on it.

[Wardonation]

1 minute ago, rlb4 said:

This is what worries me. I hear so many people rave about the Edel fitting and their process but then they are not using the putter anymore. I'm very intrigued by their process and the science behind it. It makes a lot of sense to me. But it's concerning that so many give up on it.

Ya I used to know Edel rep well and set up two fittings at my club. They sold a ton of putters BUT I know of only one dude that still uses his. 

[iceman1118]

11 minutes ago, rlb4 said:

This is what worries me. I hear so many people rave about the Edel fitting and their process but then they are not using the putter anymore. I'm very intrigued by their process and the science behind it. It makes a lot of sense to me. But it's concerning that so many give up on it.

Slightly off topic, different chapter in same book if you will, but David Edel’s good friend Mike Adams seems to have the same effect on people. I know a bunch of guys who have taken lessons from Adams and they all left the lesson tee absolutely striping the ball. Totally buy into the process and in theory it makes a ton of sense. Short time after it all falls apart. Just reading about Edel putters here brought back those thoughts for me. 

[iceman1118]

12 minutes ago, Wardonation said:

Ya I used to know Edel rep well and set up two fittings at my club. They sold a ton of putters BUT I know of only one dude that still uses his. 

Went to club champion about a year ago for a putter fitting and the fitter told me they don’t sell many of them at all. 

[Lasorcier]

9 hours ago, jobin said:

Umm, i avoid looking at the putter when hitting the ball.  I practice, and practice, and more of the same to 'see a thumb tack on the back of the ball' and hit that tack square every time.  Every time.

 

Seems so easy to do but i do not find it so. Tension in the hands/wrists, insecurity about my alignment, judging the slope all contribute to tiny errors and thus, very slightly, missing the precise back of the tack.

 

Miss the tack = miss the line= miss the putt.  

Didn't mean to imply you were looking at your putter,  so my bad. A lot of people struggle with that and keeping their head still, both without being aware of it. 

 

At any rate,  perhaps a larger grip can help alleviate the tension.  I use an SS Tour 3.0 and it is big enough to relieve tension yet not so large to remove feel.

 

Takes loads of mindful practice.  I have a 16 foot birdie ball mat and put a line on it,  with some perpendicular lines on it so that I ingrain the sight picture of square. This is my morning batch. I like to use strike spray so I can see my pattern.  50 putts, 9mm high and 13mn wide pattern.  I bet on most days I make 250 or more putts.

 

 

 

[jobin]

So sorry @Lasorcier, but i do not understand the photo you posted. What have you shown us?  How does this photo relate to the various questions posed on this thread?

 

Certainly your comments show us your dedication and thoughtful insights into the 'game within a game', so we are grateful those those. But the picture....?

[philsRHman]

19 hours ago, Lasorcier said:

 

I am familiar with this.  I am LH dominant, LH putter, LE dominant at distance.  At closer distances, either eye can be dependent, depending on the position of the object observed.

 

As an example, I can hold my cell phone at reading distance.  If I move the phone to my right such that the phone is closer to my right eye, then my right eye sees the text.  If I move the phone to my left such that the phone is closer to my left eye, then my left eye sees the text.  If it is in the middle, then it can vary (not sure why that is), but is generally my right eye.  This is also the case at the distance from my eye to the ball in my golf stance and applies to any club.

 

The result of this is that my eye is not always seeing what is reality as it relates to my club face and path.  It took me quite some time to actually figure this out, but once I did, things became immediately better.  I was constantly "pulling" putts, even though I could get the ball to roll well (see the video in the thread below), and by that I mean little wobble in the ball as it rolls.  For regular shots, it dawned on my when most of my approaches are on the right side of the green.  Rarely left side.  I was slightly pulling balls.

 

Here is what I experience.  If my right eye is seeing the club, which is most of the time, then it is further away and it going to give the club an open appearance as compared to seeing it with my left eye.  So, my right eye is telling me that the club is open and I need to square it and if I do that from my original setup, I am actually closed.  Hence a pull.

 

My solution is to close my right eye when aiming and setting up.  This is because I usually have the ball slightly back of center (very slightly) and know the ball to be square from my left eye.  If I have the ball forward of center, I will use my right eye to align/aim because my left eye will see it as closed when it is square.  After I know I am aligned, I stop looking at the putter entirely.  I focus on a dimple on the front of the ball and that gets all of my mental energy. 

 

I hope that helps.  This has been frustrating to figure out for me, but I have figured it out at least for me.

 

Oh, and this occurs with all putters.  All I ever look at on a putter is the blade edge.  So, this will happen to me regardless of an 8802 or some ginormous spaceship putter. 

 

 

This just took this thread from a hall of fame conversation to potential all-timer. I’m fascinated by this idea that the aim bias (failure) can be so closely attributed to head/ball position, and potentially remedied by improvements there, and in consistency. I am reminded of a lesson I had where we nailed down a spot on my alignment mirror for my left eye, but TBH I wasn’t in the frame of mind to understand it. Suddenly it’s clicking. I feel a LOT less lost. 

[Lasorcier]

Oh the picture.   If I am not sighting correctly,  I will be more erratic with my strike pattern.  That picture was a batch of left eye only open putts.  To contrast that, I will include a batch of 20 (I e., 40% of the original sample) that I did using me left eye to sight it, but then closed it and putted with right eye only.  

 

Not only did the pattern get bigger, but it shifted towards the toe by 6-7mm.  Also pulled 90% of them and all of them felt on the toe.  Here are both.  First is left eye, second is right eyed.  Ball position the same.  

 

 

 

I guess the overall point is that I want to know that what I am looking at is actual reality and for me that is with only eye open .

 

 

[nsxguy]

On 2/4/2022 at 10:06 PM, CallawayLefty said:

i will defer to the OP who clearly had the knowledge base, but I believe I have read before that the whole “accelerate into putts” thing is just a fallacy and most people either has a consistent speed or decrease in speed coming into impact, whether they realize it or not.  This includes pros and it’s not a swing fault to do so.  
 

And for what it’s worth, I believe I also read last year that the fastest part of the full swing is a bit prior to impact as well the the club head is typically slowing by the time it reaches the ball.  I know I saw a video that Koepka is 5 mph faster about 75% of the way down to the ball than he is at impact. 
 

I’m not going to dig up sources but believe I have read all this before and the old adage about accelerating through the ball - especially on putts - is just a feel that is not real, like many others in golf. 

 

Well, I was kinda sorta waiting for the OP to respond but I guess he's busy with other things.

 

2nd thing first. Maybe I read the same thing you did about a DRIVER swing and the fact that the club head is actually slowing down slightly just before impact.

 

But I believe that is simply(?) an effect of physics and the length of the swing and maintaining acceleration from all the way back to the ball. And note the short backswings that are hitting the ball realllllllly far. Rahm, Finau and Wolff leap to mind. I wonder if those guys are actually losing some acceleration right before impact ?

 

Anywho, as mentioned earlier Berger is the only guy who noticeably decelerated. And yes, I realize the camera AND our eyes can lie to us.

 

Now I don't know what people "actually" do as I don't always watch and I've certainly seen players who decelerate into a put but I can't remember a single one who decelerates who IS a good putter.

 

So I googled "proper putting stroke accelerate decelerate" (videos). Looked a bits of a few of them and can't find any of them that suggested deceleration was something to aspire to.

 

Even in the 1st one "Acceleration: Good or Bad", it suggests that a putter shouldn't accelerate as much as one thinks - which I covered in my post.

 

In the SAM Lab technical write up discussing its measurements it states "This means that the ball is hit early in the stroke before maximum putter speed, thus ensuring a smooth acceleration through impact." Suggesting of course that the putter is accelerating into the ball.

 

Net-net I'll stick with my assertion of accelerating (or "pure" pendulum) is best and decel is not something I would suggest trying.

 

Hopefully, at some point, the OP will expand on his observation.

 

 

[Jrbreeland]

So much good info here - just amazing. I'm looking to change my putter and would like some suggestions on what to try next. Not necessarily the exact model, but design to look for.  I've used the Ping Heppler Floki for the last 3 months and ~70% of my misses are to the right. 

 

What would you recommend I try next to bring my aim a little more left?

[SnowmanShanks]

Hey all!! I will get back to all of you shortly just been busy!

 

[SnowmanShanks]

On 2/4/2022 at 3:01 PM, nsxguy said:

 

Firstly SS, let me join others in thanking you for such a great presentation of your extensive data/experience. I would never have the patience to "map" this all out.

 

But I gotta ask.

 

This (bolded) part is puzzling to me. For as long as I can remember I've taken then putter back "short" and accelerated through to the target. I feel it's always helped me keep the face square and decelerating always did just the opposite.

 

And, of course I get that TOO short a backstroke and I'll be "pushing" the ball and perhaps just as likely to ruin the face angle.

 

I've told beginners who've asked, that every shot, from the longest drive to the shortest putt needs the club head to be accelerating into the ball.

 

I get that a pendulum/constant tempo works very well for a lot of players and most Tour pros that I've been watching seem to be very pendulum like. Crenshaw, of course, about as good as there ever was, appeared to have a pendulum type stroke.

 

However, those pros that aren't "pendulum" (except for the pop stroker like Snedeker), seem to take it back a bit shorter and accelerate through.

 

The one thing that hasn't been obvious to me, with Daniel Berger being the sole exception, is an (obvious) decelerating putting stroke. And even he has shortened his backstroke in the last 6 months(?).

 

I constantly see higher handicappers, on partial swings, chips, etc. decel into the ball and it's often a disaster. The smaller muscles come into play (wrists, hands, fingers) trying to slow down the club head and it's almost always a bad thing.

 

So I wonder if you could expand on your statement about the decelerating putting stroke of a consistent putter/player ?

 

TIA

Good question,

there are obviously different speeds to make a great putter.

but i think the goal here is a consistent roll with consistent launch conditions.

depending on your equipment and dynamic parameters one can optimize this for consistency.

 

there are decelerating strokes.

accelerating strokes.

consistent speed strokes.

or a decel-constant-decel type strokes.

i would refuse to pin one vs the other because there is so much variability in human body types and equipment, shafts, grips etc etc.

 

however most people would benefit from a CONSISTENT type of stroke. the less adjusting one would have obviously the better or more consistent one would seem to be.

unfortunately this is a study i will not be able to perform with accuracy as covid has prevented me from accessing the SAM Lab, and my home green is covered in snow.

 

I will also starting construction on new house so my next indoor green is 18 months away!

On 2/4/2022 at 3:01 PM, nsxguy said:

 

Firstly SS, let me join others in thanking you for such a great presentation of your extensive data/experience. I would never have the patience to "map" this all out.

 

But I gotta ask.

 

This (bolded) part is puzzling to me. For as long as I can remember I've taken then putter back "short" and accelerated through to the target. I feel it's always helped me keep the face square and decelerating always did just the opposite.

 

And, of course I get that TOO short a backstroke and I'll be "pushing" the ball and perhaps just as likely to ruin the face angle.

 

I've told beginners who've asked, that every shot, from the longest drive to the shortest putt needs the club head to be accelerating into the ball.

 

I get that a pendulum/constant tempo works very well for a lot of players and most Tour pros that I've been watching seem to be very pendulum like. Crenshaw, of course, about as good as there ever was, appeared to have a pendulum type stroke.

 

However, those pros that aren't "pendulum" (except for the pop stroker like Snedeker), seem to take it back a bit shorter and accelerate through.

 

The one thing that hasn't been obvious to me, with Daniel Berger being the sole exception, is an (obvious) decelerating putting stroke. And even he has shortened his backstroke in the last 6 months(?).

 

I constantly see higher handicappers, on partial swings, chips, etc. decel into the ball and it's often a disaster. The smaller muscles come into play (wrists, hands, fingers) trying to slow down the club head and it's almost always a bad thing.

 

So I wonder if you could expand on your statement about the decelerating putting stroke of a consistent putter/player ?

 

TIA

usually decelerating stroke has your hands stopping and the putter head moving forward causing an increase launch, increased back spin and hopping and skidding... as well as decreased consistency for distance control.

i think one would would have to do whatever is necessary to be either hands forward or at least neutral (fwd press).

anytime the putter head reaches the ball before the hand is usually an inconsistent battle.

 

 

[SnowmanShanks]

On 2/8/2022 at 9:38 AM, Jrbreeland said:

So much good info here - just amazing. I'm looking to change my putter and would like some suggestions on what to try next. Not necessarily the exact model, but design to look for.  I've used the Ping Heppler Floki for the last 3 months and ~70% of my misses are to the right. 

 

What would you recommend I try next to bring my aim a little more left?

i dont know which was you play, but if your RH and Miss Right i would comment on what is your dynamic adjustments vs what is your static alignment, and go from there. difficult to say without some numbers.

try a putter with more face balancing, sounds like your face is open.

 

On 2/7/2022 at 3:03 PM, nsxguy said:

 

Well, I was kinda sorta waiting for the OP to respond but I guess he's busy with other things.

 

2nd thing first. Maybe I read the same thing you did about a DRIVER swing and the fact that the club head is actually slowing down slightly just before impact.

 

But I believe that is simply(?) an effect of physics and the length of the swing and maintaining acceleration from all the way back to the ball. And note the short backswings that are hitting the ball realllllllly far. Rahm, Finau and Wolff leap to mind. I wonder if those guys are actually losing some acceleration right before impact ?

 

Anywho, as mentioned earlier Berger is the only guy who noticeably decelerated. And yes, I realize the camera AND our eyes can lie to us.

 

Now I don't know what people "actually" do as I don't always watch and I've certainly seen players who decelerate into a put but I can't remember a single one who decelerates who IS a good putter.

 

So I googled "proper putting stroke accelerate decelerate" (videos). Looked a bits of a few of them and can't find any of them that suggested deceleration was something to aspire to.

 

Even in the 1st one "Acceleration: Good or Bad", it suggests that a putter shouldn't accelerate as much as one thinks - which I covered in my post.

 

In the SAM Lab technical write up discussing its measurements it states "This means that the ball is hit early in the stroke before maximum putter speed, thus ensuring a smooth acceleration through impact." Suggesting of course that the putter is accelerating into the ball.

 

Net-net I'll stick with my assertion of accelerating (or "pure" pendulum) is best and decel is not something I would suggest trying.

 

Hopefully, at some point, the OP will expand on his observation.

 

 

completely agree, however everyone is different. but for the majority i think a decel stroke would be a disaster with t he hands and launch parameters

 

On 2/6/2022 at 2:30 AM, GBGolfingtons said:

I know it’s been said many times but I keep coming back to this thread. Superb.  
 

Just staggering that have an alignment line on the front of the putter rather than the back  makes such a material difference on my aim (and therefore stroke)

 

thanks again

read em! roll em! hole em!

 

On 2/5/2022 at 5:08 PM, Wardonation said:

snow dude, left eye dominant, right handed golfer. I tend to ALWAYS aim hook side with putter. I have done the Edel fitting etc... I actually putted my best with white pro #7 until I ran it over with my cart. I have struggled since and lately have been demo putting SC SS Newport #2. IS this the totally wrong putter for me in theory? I used to putt with a "Snedeker" pop stroke. Now I have been been much more smooth and longer. THe blade seems to help with this but any input would be great. THis thread should be pinned as well. Thanks for your contribution to this site. Back in the day this site had a ton of great input but not so much anymore, so thank you...

i wouldnt fix what aint broken. 

in this case sounds like you should get a new #7.

there are a number of hosel options to choose from as well that will help with your delivery.

 

if your AIMING hook side, you may want to consider a putter with a different type of alignment system.

i cannot comment on your stroke or delivery because i have not seen it!

 

Guys sry for poor punctuation i need to get back to work!!

[Tupperwolf]

On 2/6/2022 at 8:45 AM, rlb4 said:

This is what worries me. I hear so many people rave about the Edel fitting and their process but then they are not using the putter anymore. I'm very intrigued by their process and the science behind it. It makes a lot of sense to me. But it's concerning that so many give up on it.

I had an Edel fitting in September and loved it. I learned a ton leading up to the fitting and during it. I have been very happy with the putter although a common complaint with which I agree is that the feel leaves something to be desired. It certainly helped with confidence over the short ones. I moved on to a LAB for now with an alignment aid that I learned from the Edel fitting works for me. I won't sell the Edel and I know it's something I can go back to any time, but I do agree that the Edel fitting is probably the best part of the company. The putters, while outstanding quality, just seem to be missing that special something that keeps them in play long term. 

[GBGolfingtons]

Not sure if people are interested but thought I’d share how I’ve approached things.

 

I have a very strong hook side aim bias. Ive done this for years but I didn’t appreciate the importance of putter design on aiming patterns - if anything I felt I needed a long back flange line to help ‘aim me straight’ - probably a place a lot of us have been.
 

To help check my aim bias I’ve bought a laser and mirrored plastic - very Edel. Then thought a period of covid induced isolation I’ve worked out (I think) how I can fix this - many drawing all my attention to the front of the putter. Appreciate blacking tape on a back flange (there was previously an alignment line there) and white-outing the top of the putter isn’t to everyone’s taste but the change in aim patterns is dramatic. 
 

and I’m still gaming a plumbers neck - which is my preference. 
 

I think I’ve got it down but would value anyone’s feedback

 

Edited February 9, 2022 by GBGolfingtons

[philsRHman]

1 hour ago, GBGolfingtons said:

Not sure if people are interested but thought I’d share how I’ve approached things.

 

I have a very strong hook side aim bias. Ive done this for years but I didn’t appreciate the importance of putter design on aiming patterns - if anything I felt I needed a long back flange line to help ‘aim me straight’ - probably a place a lot of us have been.
 

To help check my aim bias I’ve bought a laser and mirrored plastic - very Edel. Then thought a period of covid induced isolation I’ve worked out (I think) how I can fix this - many drawing all my attention to the front of the putter. Appreciate blacking tape on a back flange (there was previously an alignment line there) and white-outing the top of the putter isn’t to everyone’s taste but the change in aim patterns is dramatic. 
 

and I’m still gaming a plumbers neck - which is my preference. 
 

I think I’ve got it down but would value anyone’s feedback

 

Can you describe your laser setup? I finally have room to work with a laser but I was going to buy one thst attaches to the top of the putter head with a switch at the handle. I worry the presence of the laser apparatus will affect the true aim as it effectively changes the shape of the head. I see on your picture it looks like you’re running the laser along and past the putter. What’s that setup like? I know you mentioned a mirror too. 

[GBGolfingtons]

Yeah. I’ve attached a small mirror to the face of the putter. It’s like 2cms high and 5 cms long. You should be able to see it in the pic. 

 

I then run the laser along the floor and into a golf ball. The ball blocks the laser beem. I then address the ball and aim back at the laser. Finally my girlfriend then moved the ball away - the laser reflects back off the mirror on the putter face and shows me where I’m aiming. The reflected laser beem is higher than the original laser start point (putter loft). Make sense? Happy to send a video of that would help!

 

 

 

 

Spoiler

[TimBuma]

Curious if snowman has done this in depth testing with LAB putters.

[N2N2]

On 2/9/2022 at 3:10 PM, GBGolfingtons said:

Not sure if people are interested but thought I’d share how I’ve approached things.

 

I have a very strong hook side aim bias. Ive done this for years but I didn’t appreciate the importance of putter design on aiming patterns - if anything I felt I needed a long back flange line to help ‘aim me straight’ - probably a place a lot of us have been.
 

To help check my aim bias I’ve bought a laser and mirrored plastic - very Edel. Then thought a period of covid induced isolation I’ve worked out (I think) how I can fix this - many drawing all my attention to the front of the putter. Appreciate blacking tape on a back flange (there was previously an alignment line there) and white-outing the top of the putter isn’t to everyone’s taste but the change in aim patterns is dramatic. 
 

and I’m still gaming a plumbers neck - which is my preference. 
 

I think I’ve got it down but would value anyone’s feedback

 

Awesome! Love the approach.  With your hook side aim bias curious what is your miss it?  I do the same thing.  If my tempo is a touch slow my miss is right more often than not.  

[GBGolfingtons]

my typical miss is right too (other than an incredibly weak breakdown of everything that misses left)

 

rolled it on the practice green today. Felt great with it. 
 

it’s an interesting and easy to do. I’d recommend