After hearing all the benefits of getting a putter fitting, I decided to give it a try. I was pretty anxious and honestly quite nervous when they were setting up the SAM put lab equipment. I really thought they would say I was too inconsistent and just tell me go with whatever. I do not have the greatest stroke, or so I thought going into the fitting. I like the look and feel of bladed style putters, but I promised myself to refrain from feelings, and stay open minded and go with the best putter for me.
The first step of the process was selecting a few putters that I wanted to give a try. I selected a few based on looks and what I heard from here that did pretty well in testing. If anything this was more to calm my nerves, because the ones I liked were not suited to my stroke at all. Now I see why getting fitted is so important. I hit a lot of putts with many different brands and styles, but the ones I moved to actually test were the EVNROLL ER2, , and Scotty Cameron Phantom X 7.5. I chose because when hitting these two had the best results, and best alignment for me. For reference, the putter I had in play before was a Scotty Cameron Futura 6M stock.
Now that I had the putters selected it was time to test, and this is where I really started getting amazed. I could see my path for the first time on a monitor, and man was I wrong about my arc. I thought I had a pretty strong arc, but I was more straight to slight. I also had a slower speed, so quickly I was suggested against the blade putter. I moved over to the Scotty Cameron Phantom X 7.5, and my efficiency went up 20%. I also, was able to deliver the face more square at impact better, and alignment went up to over 96% with the Phantom X 7.5. So, after about 4-5 rounds of putting 7 balls at a ten foot distance, and in between the system was calculating the putter at different lies and lofts to give me the best results. At the end it suggested the best setup, even with the grip I should use, which again I had been using the wrong grip ( going by the system). I have for years used an oversized grip, thinking that it gave me the better outcomes, but it suggested a stander grip for more consistent rotation and feel.
After waiting for the putter to deliver, all that was left to do was to take it to the course and see what it could do. On the practice green I could tell right a way a better roll, and distance control. Through 18 holes, as a mid handicapped, I really put this putter to the test. I had long ones, medium, and lots of 3 footers and less. The biggest take a way is how close I was leaving the putts, I had left all but three inside of 3 feet (measured with the putter). I didn't do anything noticeably different putting wise, but my speed control was the best I have ever had! I will have to change my putting practice to include more 3 footers. I previously left putts about 5-8 feet range, so that is where I really focused on in practice. I am happy to say that I averaged 2.1 putts per hole, and I know that isn't the best, but for me that is a huge improvement.
In conclusion, I do not want you to take this as a putter review, but as a fitting review. As I referenced earlier I had a stock 35" Scotty Cameron Futura 6M, and I improved tremendously due to the fitting process. I am much more confident standing over putts, and see true rolls. It may have been round but I am confident that with more practice with this putter I will finally get below 2 putts a hole, and maybe even go a round without a dreaded 3 putt. Thanks for the read.
So, after one month I am very happy to report my results I am seeing on the course after my fitting. As I stated before I was averaging 2.1 strokes per hole, and now I am averaging 1.9, and my best so far is 1.7. I have added the gravity grip, and it has also added confidence to my putting. The distance control has improved tremendously and a huge reason as to why my putts per hole have dropped. This has also led my handicap lowering by 1 just in one month. I think it was Jordan Speith that said," when the putter feels good, it frees up the rest of the game." I agree 100 percent, I feel so much about my game. This fitting has turned a weakness into my strength. If you are on the fence about a fitting, I hope this will encourage you to want to get this done, in my opinion this was well worth it.