Jump to content
TESTERS WANTED! ×

MPR: The Single Digit Project


Recommended Posts

21 hours ago, GolfSpy MPR said:

Did my first work with foot spray powder this evening. Turns out that the swing changes I've begin to implement have resulted in a very consistent toe strike on full swings. Good to know, and another thing to dial in.

Also, I compress the snot out of foam practice balls:

IMG_20190125_211511.jpeg

(For those saying, "I thought you said you had a toe strike pattern?", this picture was from three pitch swings. At least I'm finding the center with those.)

when I first saw this picture I thought WTF is the size of ball you are using 😄

 

Read on to see its a foam ball.......phew!

Driver     Awaiting NEW Driver (after 10 yrs)  
4 Wood   Callaway Big Bertha Steelhead plus 4+  :callaway-small: Callaway shaft in 'Firm' flex

Hybrid     Titleist 910H 19*    :titelist-small:   Diamana ahina 'flower' shaft in 'S'

Irons         Mizuno MP18SC 4-PW   :mizuno-small:  N.S Pro Modus3 Tour 105 in 'S'

Wedges    Callaway Mack Daddy forged in black 50* and 54*  :callaway-small:   KBS Tour in 'R'

Putter        'YES' Tracy 11 C groove 34.5"

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Did my first work with foot spray powder this evening. Turns out that the swing changes I've begin to implement have resulted in a very consistent toe strike on full swings. Good to know, and another thing to dial in.
Also, I compress the snot out of foam practice balls:
IMG_20190125_211511.thumb.jpeg.7d4093c1ae70a289cb55dd9133c57866.jpeg
(For those saying, "I thought you said you had a toe strike pattern?", this picture was from three pitch swings. At least I'm finding the center with those.)

I was expecting you to be a brand ambassador for SuperSpeed no later than 10am on Monday.

Then I saw “foam ball”


Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

:ping-small: G400 LST 8.5 Ping Tour 65 Stiff

:adams-small: Adams XTD Ti 18 deg 3Hy

:benhogan-small: Ben Hogan PTx 22-46 

:benhogan-small: Ben Hogan TK15 50, 54, 58 deg wedges

:cameron-small: Futura 5.5

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Still subzero temps here, which discourages garage work. But I'm enjoying chipping with with SkyTrak. This morning, I set a new personal best: six 10-yard chips that finished a total of 12' 2" from the hole. I'll absolutely take that every time.Screenshot_20190209-094354.jpeg.6116a9d9fbf114129fa4b0fae75b0ef1.jpeg

 

 

:titleist-small: TS3 9.5°, Tensei Blue
:755178188_TourEdge: CBX T3 15°, Project X HZRDUS Black
:callaway-small: Epic Super Hybrid 18°, Aerotech Steel Fiber FC HYB S
:755178188_TourEdge: C722 21°, Ventus Blue 8S
:touredgeexotics: CBX Iron-Wood 25°, Project X HZRDUS Black 6.0
:Sub70: 639 CB, Aldila NV 95 Graphite, 6–PW
:cleveland-small: CBX 48°
:mizuno-small: T22 54° and 60°
:edel-golf-1: EAS 4.0, Garsen G-Pro grip
:taylormade-small: TP5x and Tour Response

Full WITB with pictures

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Have you considered doing an online lesson or two in order to get a trained set of eyes on your swing?  I have been following Larry Cheung on Instagram and Youtube and I love his coaching style and thoughts on the swing. https://larrycheunggolf.com/

If I didn't have a local pro, I would definitely opt for online lessons with him.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Have you considered doing an online lesson or two in order to get a trained set of eyes on your swing?  I have been following Larry Cheung on Instagram and Youtube and I love his coaching style and thoughts on the swing. https://larrycheunggolf.com/
If I didn't have a local pro, I would definitely opt for online lessons with him.
Good question. My answer is somewhere between "the thought has crossed my mind" and "I've seriously looked into it."

If I were to do it, I'd almost certainly set something up with the coach I've mentioned who's about an hour away. I really like his approach to the game, and I want him to end up as Kirke's coach. If I were to do it, I'd probably aim for some package of a combination of an in-person lesson at the beginning and end, with online lessons in between.

:titleist-small: TS3 9.5°, Tensei Blue
:755178188_TourEdge: CBX T3 15°, Project X HZRDUS Black
:callaway-small: Epic Super Hybrid 18°, Aerotech Steel Fiber FC HYB S
:755178188_TourEdge: C722 21°, Ventus Blue 8S
:touredgeexotics: CBX Iron-Wood 25°, Project X HZRDUS Black 6.0
:Sub70: 639 CB, Aldila NV 95 Graphite, 6–PW
:cleveland-small: CBX 48°
:mizuno-small: T22 54° and 60°
:edel-golf-1: EAS 4.0, Garsen G-Pro grip
:taylormade-small: TP5x and Tour Response

Full WITB with pictures

Link to comment
Share on other sites

21 minutes ago, GolfSpy MPR said:

Good question. My answer is somewhere between "the thought has crossed my mind" and "I've seriously looked into it."

If I were to do it, I'd almost certainly set something up with the coach I've mentioned who's about an hour away. I really like his approach to the game, and I want him to end up as Kirke's coach. If I were to do it, I'd probably aim for some package of a combination of an in-person lesson at the beginning and end, with online lessons in between.

I really admire the work you're doing on your own. However, I think working with a coach, even just for a little bit, will help you build your personal toolkit to self diagnose and fix. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 1/15/2019 at 10:59 AM, JohnSmalls said:

Just want to raise and hand and shout reverend.  This has helped me out tremendously off the tee.  Not sure if it's due to playing off the rack or not.  Definitely not saying it will help you @GolfSpy MPR, but I am a firm believer in ball placement for my own game.  

  

Looking forward in following your journey this year!  

If you poke around the Be Better Golf YouTube channel, one of the teachers he meets with advocated this as well. Especially if you want to hit up on the ball. 

Unofficial WHS Handicap: 7.5 / Anti-Cap: 13.0 (Last Updated Feb. 19, 2024)

Driver: callaway_logo.png.3dd18aa65544000dd0ea3901697a8261.png Callaway Paradym TD (10.5°, -1/N), 45.75", Fujikura Motore X F1 6X | Fitting Post
3 Wood: 
cobra_logo.png.190908c8b4518eec87c087429e4343ee.png Cobra RadSpeed Big Tour (14.5°), 43", Fujikura Motore X F1 7X
20° Hybrid: PXG_Logo.png.8401024d1fb8aec46f0e790c1aa5b80c.png PXG 0211 (2020 Model), 40.25", Mitsubishi Tensei AV RAW White 90X
4 Utility: 
cobra_logo.png.190908c8b4518eec87c087429e4343ee.png Cobra KING Utility (2020 Model), 38.5", Aerotech SteelFiber i110cw Stiff
5-PW:
logo-Ben-Hogan-large.png.98d743ae5487285c6406a1e30a0a63b5.png Ben Hogan PTx Pro, 37" 7 Iron, Aerotech SteelFiber i125cw Stiff | Club Champion Fitting
50°, 54°, 58°:
231036130_Edel_Golf_Logo_v2_grandecopy.png.13cc76b963f8dd59f06d04b1e8df2827.png Edel SMS, V Grind, Nippon Modus 125 Wedge| Official Review Thread
Putter:
image.png.49fcc172a1ed0010d930fbe1c5dc8b79.png L.A.B. Golf DF 2.1, 36", 68°, Black with Custom Sightlines, BGT Stability Tour, L.A.B. Press II 3° | Unofficial Review
Grips: 
stargrip.png.4285948f41f1409613266e7803f0bbaa.png Star Sidewinder, Undersized with Custom Tape Build-Up
Ball: :Snell:Snell MTB-X Optic Yellow

Tracked By: shotscope.png.4a7089f2bddff325285b1266a61dda03.png  Shot Scope H4
Bag: :1590477705_SunMountain: Personalized 2020 Sun Mountain Sync
Riding On: 
image.png.1db52ce91db040317a9ac580f1df8de8.pngBag Boy Nitron | Official Review Thread

WITB? | 2022 Reviewer Edel SMS Wedges | 2021 Reviewer Maxfli Tour and Tour X Balls2020 Participant #CobraConnect Challenge | 2019 Reviewer Callaway Epic Flash Driver

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We're still a long (long, long) way from golf in these parts, but I want to add something to my goals this year. The No Laying Up guys have a season-long challenge at their local muni that everyone in their group has to birdie each hole on the course during the season, or else they end up paying up in a bet. I'm no betting man, but I like the goal. So on my checklist for the season: birdie each hole at my local course once this season.

:titleist-small: TS3 9.5°, Tensei Blue
:755178188_TourEdge: CBX T3 15°, Project X HZRDUS Black
:callaway-small: Epic Super Hybrid 18°, Aerotech Steel Fiber FC HYB S
:755178188_TourEdge: C722 21°, Ventus Blue 8S
:touredgeexotics: CBX Iron-Wood 25°, Project X HZRDUS Black 6.0
:Sub70: 639 CB, Aldila NV 95 Graphite, 6–PW
:cleveland-small: CBX 48°
:mizuno-small: T22 54° and 60°
:edel-golf-1: EAS 4.0, Garsen G-Pro grip
:taylormade-small: TP5x and Tour Response

Full WITB with pictures

Link to comment
Share on other sites

12 minutes ago, GolfSpy MPR said:

We're still a long (long, long) way from golf in these parts, but I want to add something to my goals this year. The No Laying Up guys have a season-long challenge at their local muni that everyone in their group has to birdie each hole on the course during the season, or else they end up paying up in a bet. I'm no betting man, but I like the goal. So on my checklist for the season: birdie each hole at my local course once this season.

I listened to that NLU podcast and thought that would make a good goal. I had forgot about it though so I'm glad you mentioned it. 

Driver: :mizuno-small: ST190 9.5* Fujikura Atmos Blue 5S
Fairway Wood: :mizuno-small: ST190 15* Fujikura Atmos Blue 6S
Hybrid: :mizuno-small: CLK 17* Fujikura Speeder EVO HB
Irons: :bridgestone-small: J40 CB (3-PW) Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100
Wedges: :taylormade-small: Milled Grind 2 54* & 58* Dynamic Gold S200
Putter: :odyssey-small: Tri-Hot 5k Two 34"
Bag: :titleist-small: Players 5 Stand Bag
Ball: Maxfli Tour

Link to comment
Share on other sites

18 hours ago, TR1PTIK said:

I listened to that NLU podcast and thought that would make a good goal. I had forgot about it though so I'm glad you mentioned it.

Another good podcast to help ease you in your journey on the difficulty this can be is Chasing Scratch.  

I know you have difficulty getting to a range or course, but within the podcast they found an interesting approach that I believe came from College golf teams.  It seems like it puts more focus on your practice as well as pressure, which most don't seem to have when they are just hitting one ball after another or not giving much thought to their putts on a practice green.

Scratch Golf Practice Schedule.xlsx

Edited by juspoole

Driver:  image.png.3c6db1120d888f669e07d4a8f890b3f1.pngMavrik Sub Zero 9* (Set to 10) Ventus Blue 6X

2 Hybrid: :titelist-small: TSI3 Hybrid Tensei Blue 80 X (17.25*)

3 Hybrid :titelist-small: 818 H2 Hybrid Hzrdus RDX Black 6.5 (20.5*)

4 Iron -  :titelist-small: T200 4 Iron Graphite Design Tour AD IZ X Hybrid Shaft

Irons 5-PW:  :titelist-small: T100-S 5 - GW KBS Tour 130 X

Gap/Sand Wedge:  :titelist-small: Vokey SM6 49*  SM8 54* 

Lob Wedge:  image.png.3c6db1120d888f669e07d4a8f890b3f1.pngJaws 5 Wedge 58* DG Tour Issue Stiff

Putter:   :scotty-small: Phantom 5.5 34"      Pro Platinum Newport 2 35"      Taylormade Tour Black Spider 34"

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm late to this thread but I'm intrigued. I'm also planning for this year to be a huge improvement year for my game.

I found a club about 5 minutes from my work and 10 minutes from my house that I have a meeting with this week to take a tour. If it works out I plan to take my lunch break and go hit balls whenever I don't have lunch meetings. Hopefully 3 times a week. 

I would love to get to a 15 handicap and break 90 a couple of times this year. Anything better than that is just gravy. Maybe I too will start a thread if I commit to joining this club. 

RH:

Driver: :cobra-small: F9 9.0º - 14g Low - Evenflow White T1100 75G X

Woods: :cobra-small: F9 3W - Evenflow White T1100 75G X

Hybrids: :cobra-small:  F9 3H - Aldila Green X

Irons: :cobra-small: F9 One Length 4-PW - Modus3 Tour 105 S

Wedges: :cobra-small: King Wedges 50º/54º/58º Versatile

Putter: :ping-small:  Sigma G Tyne 35"

Ball: Srixon Z Star XV

#cobraconnect19

Link to comment
Share on other sites

7 hours ago, bardle said:

I'm late to this thread but I'm intrigued. I'm also planning for this year to be a huge improvement year for my game.

I found a club about 5 minutes from my work and 10 minutes from my house that I have a meeting with this week to take a tour. If it works out I plan to take my lunch break and go hit balls whenever I don't have lunch meetings. Hopefully 3 times a week. 

I would love to get to a 15 handicap and break 90 a couple of times this year. Anything better than that is just gravy. Maybe I too will start a thread if I commit to joining this club. 

Yeah, this thread has me inspired as well. I spent so much of last summer completely lost in regards to my swing. Didn't get started down the right track until nearly middle of September, and then I only had four weeks of OK weather to play with. 

I'm lucky to have a driving range, putting green and sand trap/chipping practice area about a minute's drive from where I park at work. My hope this summer is to hit balls twice a week and chip/putt another two days. I'm trying to swing taking some vacation time every Tuesday morning throughout the summer as well to sneak in nine holes before work.

 

 

Unofficial WHS Handicap: 7.5 / Anti-Cap: 13.0 (Last Updated Feb. 19, 2024)

Driver: callaway_logo.png.3dd18aa65544000dd0ea3901697a8261.png Callaway Paradym TD (10.5°, -1/N), 45.75", Fujikura Motore X F1 6X | Fitting Post
3 Wood: 
cobra_logo.png.190908c8b4518eec87c087429e4343ee.png Cobra RadSpeed Big Tour (14.5°), 43", Fujikura Motore X F1 7X
20° Hybrid: PXG_Logo.png.8401024d1fb8aec46f0e790c1aa5b80c.png PXG 0211 (2020 Model), 40.25", Mitsubishi Tensei AV RAW White 90X
4 Utility: 
cobra_logo.png.190908c8b4518eec87c087429e4343ee.png Cobra KING Utility (2020 Model), 38.5", Aerotech SteelFiber i110cw Stiff
5-PW:
logo-Ben-Hogan-large.png.98d743ae5487285c6406a1e30a0a63b5.png Ben Hogan PTx Pro, 37" 7 Iron, Aerotech SteelFiber i125cw Stiff | Club Champion Fitting
50°, 54°, 58°:
231036130_Edel_Golf_Logo_v2_grandecopy.png.13cc76b963f8dd59f06d04b1e8df2827.png Edel SMS, V Grind, Nippon Modus 125 Wedge| Official Review Thread
Putter:
image.png.49fcc172a1ed0010d930fbe1c5dc8b79.png L.A.B. Golf DF 2.1, 36", 68°, Black with Custom Sightlines, BGT Stability Tour, L.A.B. Press II 3° | Unofficial Review
Grips: 
stargrip.png.4285948f41f1409613266e7803f0bbaa.png Star Sidewinder, Undersized with Custom Tape Build-Up
Ball: :Snell:Snell MTB-X Optic Yellow

Tracked By: shotscope.png.4a7089f2bddff325285b1266a61dda03.png  Shot Scope H4
Bag: :1590477705_SunMountain: Personalized 2020 Sun Mountain Sync
Riding On: 
image.png.1db52ce91db040317a9ac580f1df8de8.pngBag Boy Nitron | Official Review Thread

WITB? | 2022 Reviewer Edel SMS Wedges | 2021 Reviewer Maxfli Tour and Tour X Balls2020 Participant #CobraConnect Challenge | 2019 Reviewer Callaway Epic Flash Driver

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I was doing some putting work last night. I aim for a straight-back-straight-through stroke, and as is common with that method, my prevailing tendency is a backstroke outside the line, and through stroke that cuts across the ball.

Inspired by the new putting mirror from PuttOut, I decided to hack together a putter gate. I have a mirror, so I drilled some holes in it that would hold my Balls of Steel (actual product name). Viola!

mirror1.jpg

mirror2.jpg

I think I posted about this some time before, but one thing I've been trying to figure out is how to accurately see the putting line. I use a laser level to align my putting mirror, so I know with certainty that it is aimed at the middle of the cup. And yet, when I stand over a put, it always looks like it's aimed left of the hole.

And I can't find any way of standing (outside of straddling the line, Sam Snead-style) that eliminates this illusion for me. I wanted to experiment with this more, to see if I could figure something out. So I set up my one-foot-more-than-a-yardstick right up to the hole:

ruler.jpg

Here's how bad this is for me: when I set up over this putt with the ruler, it can't possibly be the case that the line is left. And with the edge of the ruler right behind the ball, I know exactly how to set my putter square to that line. Yet everything in me tells me to aim my putter a couple degrees open to that line, because it somehow looks left to me.

Further evidence of this: I attached my SwingByte to my putter. Now, a SwingByte has no idea where you should aim; it bases all its data on a comparison to your address position. After playing with my aim for a while, I just went back to doing my normal putt. This is a typical SwingByte analysis:

SwingByte.jpg 

There are good things here. I like the tempo and the upward attack angle (though the shaft lean should be forward at impact). But the path cuts across the ball. I'm opening the face to the path, but it is still closed relative to my address position. What I've learned to do, apparently, is aim slightly to the right of the correct line, and then adjust at impact to close the face and start the ball on my intended line.

I'm pretty close to resigning myself to this being just how I putt. I'm not a poor putter (though there's room for improvement). But because I can't find any stance that makes the correct line look correct, and since I'm clearly making the compensation for my odd vision, I'm probably just going to work on dialing in the method I've got, rather than fighting it.

 

:titleist-small: TS3 9.5°, Tensei Blue
:755178188_TourEdge: CBX T3 15°, Project X HZRDUS Black
:callaway-small: Epic Super Hybrid 18°, Aerotech Steel Fiber FC HYB S
:755178188_TourEdge: C722 21°, Ventus Blue 8S
:touredgeexotics: CBX Iron-Wood 25°, Project X HZRDUS Black 6.0
:Sub70: 639 CB, Aldila NV 95 Graphite, 6–PW
:cleveland-small: CBX 48°
:mizuno-small: T22 54° and 60°
:edel-golf-1: EAS 4.0, Garsen G-Pro grip
:taylormade-small: TP5x and Tour Response

Full WITB with pictures

Link to comment
Share on other sites

And now to post right over top of myself: I might also have learned something about my full swing. I recently acquired a version of the Smart Ball (essentially, an inflatable ball with a lanyard to keep it from getting away). When I got into my golf posture and attempted to grab the ball with my forearms, I found that the ball naturally hangs quite a bit more away from my body than my forearms want to hang. Especially with short irons, I think, my hand position is a bit too close to me. My hunch is that that address position constricts the room for the club to return back shallowly through impact, contributing to my tendency to stand the shaft up.

So here was an attempt to purposefully set up with my hands a bit more away from myself, imagining that I was grabbing the ball with my forearms during setup. I'm using a hickory-shafted niblick that was a gift from a church member, a club I keep in my office.

I'm happy with a lot of things here. It isn't much of a backswing, but the club is wedge-length. I'd like to see the club come even a bit more down through transition before it starts coming around. But it is (for me) not a steep angle for the shaft at impact.

Progress.

:titleist-small: TS3 9.5°, Tensei Blue
:755178188_TourEdge: CBX T3 15°, Project X HZRDUS Black
:callaway-small: Epic Super Hybrid 18°, Aerotech Steel Fiber FC HYB S
:755178188_TourEdge: C722 21°, Ventus Blue 8S
:touredgeexotics: CBX Iron-Wood 25°, Project X HZRDUS Black 6.0
:Sub70: 639 CB, Aldila NV 95 Graphite, 6–PW
:cleveland-small: CBX 48°
:mizuno-small: T22 54° and 60°
:edel-golf-1: EAS 4.0, Garsen G-Pro grip
:taylormade-small: TP5x and Tour Response

Full WITB with pictures

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just now, jlukes said:

^^^^^^^^

That's a good looking swing right there.  I was impressed with the lower body movement more than anything else.

Thanks, @jlukes. That means a lot to me.

On the lower body movement: I've really been picking up a lot of useful information from your thread, so I want to thank you again for that. I likely need to get a face-on shot of my swing at some point.

:titleist-small: TS3 9.5°, Tensei Blue
:755178188_TourEdge: CBX T3 15°, Project X HZRDUS Black
:callaway-small: Epic Super Hybrid 18°, Aerotech Steel Fiber FC HYB S
:755178188_TourEdge: C722 21°, Ventus Blue 8S
:touredgeexotics: CBX Iron-Wood 25°, Project X HZRDUS Black 6.0
:Sub70: 639 CB, Aldila NV 95 Graphite, 6–PW
:cleveland-small: CBX 48°
:mizuno-small: T22 54° and 60°
:edel-golf-1: EAS 4.0, Garsen G-Pro grip
:taylormade-small: TP5x and Tour Response

Full WITB with pictures

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I found that I had to do a head cock to get the alignment look right. It's a slight left eyebrow away from the target and chin towards it.
Is that Evnroll face balanced? Are your tendencies the same I'd you did the same thing with more toe hang?
You also have quite the assortment of putters. Do they all line up the same way to you? I've always wondered how the alignment lines on a putter influence where you aim. Is that something Edel does in a fitting?


Sent from my SM-A600A using MyGolfSpy mobile app

:ping-small: G400 LST 8.5 Ping Tour 65 Stiff

:adams-small: Adams XTD Ti 18 deg 3Hy

:benhogan-small: Ben Hogan PTx 22-46 

:benhogan-small: Ben Hogan TK15 50, 54, 58 deg wedges

:cameron-small: Futura 5.5

Link to comment
Share on other sites

9 minutes ago, romeopapazulu said:

I found that I had to do a head cock to get the alignment look right. It's a slight left eyebrow away from the target and chin towards it.
Is that Evnroll face balanced? Are your tendencies the same I'd you did the same thing with more toe hang?
You also have quite the assortment of putters. Do they all line up the same way to you? I've always wondered how the alignment lines on a putter influence where you aim. Is that something Edel does in a fitting?


Sent from my SM-A600A using MyGolfSpy mobile app
 

Great questions.

I think I've moved in just about every possible position, to no avail. I'll probably keep experimenting from time to time.

As for the putters: I need to try this again with the MLA. If any putter has a chance to help, it would seem like that one would.

And I'm very intrigued by the Edel fitting. Probably wouldn't be able to justify the cost of both of the fitting and the custom putter, but I have to imagine the fitting itself would be very informative.

The only thing that makes me skeptical that a particular alignment setup would fix the problem is that the line (whether mirror, ruler, or laser) will look left even before I have a putter in hand, just taking my stance.

:titleist-small: TS3 9.5°, Tensei Blue
:755178188_TourEdge: CBX T3 15°, Project X HZRDUS Black
:callaway-small: Epic Super Hybrid 18°, Aerotech Steel Fiber FC HYB S
:755178188_TourEdge: C722 21°, Ventus Blue 8S
:touredgeexotics: CBX Iron-Wood 25°, Project X HZRDUS Black 6.0
:Sub70: 639 CB, Aldila NV 95 Graphite, 6–PW
:cleveland-small: CBX 48°
:mizuno-small: T22 54° and 60°
:edel-golf-1: EAS 4.0, Garsen G-Pro grip
:taylormade-small: TP5x and Tour Response

Full WITB with pictures

Link to comment
Share on other sites

6 hours ago, GolfSpy MPR said:

I was doing some putting work last night. I aim for a straight-back-straight-through stroke, and as is common with that method, my prevailing tendency is a backstroke outside the line, and through stroke that cuts across the ball.

 

I think I posted about this some time before, but one thing I've been trying to figure out is how to accurately see the putting line. I use a laser level to align my putting mirror, so I know with certainty that it is aimed at the middle of the cup. And yet, when I stand over a put, it always looks like it's aimed left of the hole.

 

While I know you are trying to do SBST,  it really isn't possible without some manipulation.  If you turn your shoulders the putter has to come inside the target line.  To accomplish SBST you would have to move your hands away from your body as you make the turn. I also have a tendency to move my putter outside the line.  A couple of things you can try is to put an object, like a sleeve of balls,  outside your putters path on the backstroke. Either you stay on the line/come inside or you hit the box.   The other think that may work is to hover your putter before the backstroke,  it engages the muscles and will keep the putter on the right path.

 

Seeing the line accurately is in my mind an important part of putting.  Your doubt will potentially cause you to manipulate the stroke to correct what you are seeing.   You can find a position that allow you to see the line correctly.   For me that is upright posture and off the ball.    Without a putter, setup to your line and adjust your posture up and down, move forward and back from the ball,  lift and lower your head, and tilt your head right and left.   You CAN find a position,  the question is are you willing to accept that position.   If so,  practice getting into that posture without a putter until you can do it repeatedly.

Driver:  :ping-small: G400 Max 9* w/ KBS Tour Driven
Fairway: :titelist-small: TS3 15*  w/Project X Hzardous Smoke
Hybrids:  :titelist-small: 915H 21* w/KBS Tour Graphite Hybrid Prototype
                :titelist-small: 915H  24*  w/KBS Tour Graphite Hybrid Prototype        
Irons:      :honma:TR20V 6-11 w/Vizard TR20-85 Graphite
Wedge:  :titleist-small: 54/12D, 60/8M w/:Accra iWedge 90 Graphite
Putter:   :taylormade-small:TM-180

Testing:   SPGC_logo.jpg

Backups:  :odyssey-small: Milled Collection RSX 2, :seemore-small: mFGP2, :cameron-small: Futura 5W

Member:  MGS Hitsquad since 2017697979773_DSCN2368(Custom).JPG.a1a25f5e430d9eebae93c5d652cbd4b9.JPG

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

11 hours ago, cnosil said:

Seeing the line accurately is in my mind an important part of putting.  Your doubt will potentially cause you to manipulate the stroke to correct what you are seeing.   You can find a position that allow you to see the line correctly.   For me that is upright posture and off the ball.    Without a putter, setup to your line and adjust your posture up and down, move forward and back from the ball,  lift and lower your head, and tilt your head right and left.   You CAN find a position,  the question is are you willing to accept that position.   If so,  practice getting into that posture without a putter until you can do it repeatedly.

Definitely appreciate the advice, and the confidence that I can see the line. Trust me when I say that I'm trying.

I have no expertise in vision, but I will note that I had glasses from the time I was five: the extra-thick, nerdy kind. I have always been massively near-sighted. After college, I got laser surgery. That gave me almost a decade of living without glasses, but my vision regressed, and by my late 20s, I was in glasses again. I have no idea if this is relevant at all, but it wouldn't surprise me if the extent of my poor vision might have some impact on my ability to align correctly.

I worked at this again last night. Once again, I used my laser to make sure everything was exactly in line. I aligned the 4-foot-stick to the hole, but this time, I backed the ball up to the 8-foot mark. I wanted to stand over the ball and get myself in a position where it looked like I should roll the ball over the ruler to make the putt.

The best I could do was moving my eyes in line with the ball, but leaning so my head was a foot-and-a-half behind the ball. I can't make a serious putting stroke from that position.

I came back upstairs, explaining my problem to my wife (she's patient). And she gave me an idea: what about standing over the putt on the left-handed side.

I immediately went back downstairs, telling my wife she was going to regret this because I was going to have to start assembling a lefty putter collection. Sure enough: if I stand over the ball left-handed, the line looks correct to me.

I then grabbed my Spider (which has a flattish back side) and rolled some putts left-handed. Since I ordinarily putt left-hand-low, the grip was normal. I kept forward pressing backwards 🙂. But I surprised myself at how many I was able to make from that side.

I'm probably not going to switch to putting left-handed this season. I mean, I'm crazy, but that crazy? (But if any lefties here have a decent mallet that's exiled to a closet....)

:titleist-small: TS3 9.5°, Tensei Blue
:755178188_TourEdge: CBX T3 15°, Project X HZRDUS Black
:callaway-small: Epic Super Hybrid 18°, Aerotech Steel Fiber FC HYB S
:755178188_TourEdge: C722 21°, Ventus Blue 8S
:touredgeexotics: CBX Iron-Wood 25°, Project X HZRDUS Black 6.0
:Sub70: 639 CB, Aldila NV 95 Graphite, 6–PW
:cleveland-small: CBX 48°
:mizuno-small: T22 54° and 60°
:edel-golf-1: EAS 4.0, Garsen G-Pro grip
:taylormade-small: TP5x and Tour Response

Full WITB with pictures

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Looks like a fun project.  As another point of reference, I'm NOT self taught.  I started out as a yute having lessons and many have commented that I have great fundamentals/swing.  Decades later, I made another attempt at lessons and reaching your same goal but still could not crack the single digit code. At my iron fitting this past summer, the fitter told me "you make a really nice move on the ball". I replied thanks, but sure wished that translated into lower scoring.  I thought for sure he would say "buy the G400's and that will get it done", but instead just said that, more than anything, I really just need drills aimed at ball strike consistency.  This makes sense when I compare myself to the guys I've played with who are single digit players - they just make fewer mis-strikes.

 But you have one advantage I didn't have back then... MGS 😉.  Look forward to reading about your progress and success.  Good luck!

:ping-small: G410 Plus, 9 Degree Driver 

:ping-small: G400 SFT, 16 Degree 3w

:ping-small: G400 SFT, 19 Degree 5w

:srixon-small:  ZX5 Irons 4-AW 

:ping-small: Glide 2.0 56 Degree SW   (removed from double secret probation 😍)

:EVNROLL: ER5v Putter  (Evnroll ER5v Official Review)

:odyssey-small: AI-One Milled Seven T CH (Currently Under Product Test)

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Definitely appreciate the advice, and the confidence that I can see the line. Trust me when I say that I'm trying.
I have no expertise in vision, but I will note that I had glasses from the time I was five: the extra-thick, nerdy kind. I have always been massively near-sighted. After college, I got laser surgery. That gave me almost a decade of living without glasses, but my vision regressed, and by my late 20s, I was in glasses again. I have no idea if this is relevant at all, but it wouldn't surprise me if the extent of my poor vision might have some impact on my ability to align correctly.
I worked at this again last night. Once again, I used my laser to make sure everything was exactly in line. I aligned the 4-foot-stick to the hole, but this time, I backed the ball up to the 8-foot mark. I wanted to stand over the ball and get myself in a position where it looked like I should roll the ball over the ruler to make the putt.
The best I could do was moving my eyes in line with the ball, but leaning so my head was a foot-and-a-half behind the ball. I can't make a serious putting stroke from that position.
I came back upstairs, explaining my problem to my wife (she's patient). And she gave me an idea: what about standing over the putt on the left-handed side.
I immediately went back downstairs, telling my wife she was going to regret this because I was going to have to start assembling a lefty putter collection. Sure enough: if I stand over the ball left-handed, the line looks correct to me.
I then grabbed my Spider (which has a flattish back side) and rolled some putts left-handed. Since I ordinarily putt left-hand-low, the grip was normal. I kept forward pressing backwards . But I surprised myself at how many I was able to make from that side.
I'm probably not going to switch to putting left-handed this season. I mean, I'm crazy, but that crazy? (But if any lefties here have a decent mallet that's exiled to a closet....)

Sounds like eye dominance may be in play. Move the ball/ruler forward and back in your stance. It may also help if the ball is in front of the ruler instead of behind. Basically imagine the line you setup to is behind the ball. If you visualize this, it may also help you avoid going outside the line on the backswing.

Putting is about decisions and understanding the impact of those decisions. What works best for you is the right way!

Wish I was closer, we could have some great discussions on this topic.

Driver:  :ping-small: G400 Max 9* w/ KBS Tour Driven
Fairway: :titelist-small: TS3 15*  w/Project X Hzardous Smoke
Hybrids:  :titelist-small: 915H 21* w/KBS Tour Graphite Hybrid Prototype
                :titelist-small: 915H  24*  w/KBS Tour Graphite Hybrid Prototype        
Irons:      :honma:TR20V 6-11 w/Vizard TR20-85 Graphite
Wedge:  :titleist-small: 54/12D, 60/8M w/:Accra iWedge 90 Graphite
Putter:   :taylormade-small:TM-180

Testing:   SPGC_logo.jpg

Backups:  :odyssey-small: Milled Collection RSX 2, :seemore-small: mFGP2, :cameron-small: Futura 5W

Member:  MGS Hitsquad since 2017697979773_DSCN2368(Custom).JPG.a1a25f5e430d9eebae93c5d652cbd4b9.JPG

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Planning to get in the garage for some full swing practice today (it's a beautiful 24° day!), but did some short game with in the basement this morning. I've been doing a lot of random practice from 10–20 yards. So today I put that to the test: a skills assessment, with three shots each from 10, 15, and 20 yards.
Turns out, practice helps:
Screenshot_20190216-122947.jpeg
I'll obviously be interested in how this translates to the course, but my short game (according to Game Golf) was one of the weakest parts of my game. If I can turn that into a strength, that'll go a long way to my reaching my goal here.

:titleist-small: TS3 9.5°, Tensei Blue
:755178188_TourEdge: CBX T3 15°, Project X HZRDUS Black
:callaway-small: Epic Super Hybrid 18°, Aerotech Steel Fiber FC HYB S
:755178188_TourEdge: C722 21°, Ventus Blue 8S
:touredgeexotics: CBX Iron-Wood 25°, Project X HZRDUS Black 6.0
:Sub70: 639 CB, Aldila NV 95 Graphite, 6–PW
:cleveland-small: CBX 48°
:mizuno-small: T22 54° and 60°
:edel-golf-1: EAS 4.0, Garsen G-Pro grip
:taylormade-small: TP5x and Tour Response

Full WITB with pictures

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Because I've mentioned it on a couple occasions, here my combo high-tech/low-tech indoor short game practice setup:

I turned the screen toward the camera to show the SkyTrak display (though it's small). It's asking for a 12 yard shot, which I hit.

The question: how many takes were needed to make this video? 🙂

:titleist-small: TS3 9.5°, Tensei Blue
:755178188_TourEdge: CBX T3 15°, Project X HZRDUS Black
:callaway-small: Epic Super Hybrid 18°, Aerotech Steel Fiber FC HYB S
:755178188_TourEdge: C722 21°, Ventus Blue 8S
:touredgeexotics: CBX Iron-Wood 25°, Project X HZRDUS Black 6.0
:Sub70: 639 CB, Aldila NV 95 Graphite, 6–PW
:cleveland-small: CBX 48°
:mizuno-small: T22 54° and 60°
:edel-golf-1: EAS 4.0, Garsen G-Pro grip
:taylormade-small: TP5x and Tour Response

Full WITB with pictures

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 2/14/2019 at 1:33 PM, GolfSpy MPR said:

I was doing some putting work last night. I aim for a straight-back-straight-through stroke, and as is common with that method, my prevailing tendency is a backstroke outside the line, and through stroke that cuts across the ball.

Inspired by the new putting mirror from PuttOut, I decided to hack together a putter gate. I have a mirror, so I drilled some holes in it that would hold my Balls of Steel (actual product name). Viola!

Depending on how strong your stance is on the SBST putting stroke, I think you'll see some good improvement after reading/working through the book I recommended to you yesterday. It changed my thoughts for sure, and I'd definitely argue that I'm a much better putter than I used to be. 

Great idea on the putting mirror! I have the balls of steel as well and have never really liked them for their intended use. This seems like a much more practical use for those paper weights and I don't even have to drill holes on the mirror I have. Can't believe I never thought of that before lol.

Edited by TR1PTIK
typos

Driver: :mizuno-small: ST190 9.5* Fujikura Atmos Blue 5S
Fairway Wood: :mizuno-small: ST190 15* Fujikura Atmos Blue 6S
Hybrid: :mizuno-small: CLK 17* Fujikura Speeder EVO HB
Irons: :bridgestone-small: J40 CB (3-PW) Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100
Wedges: :taylormade-small: Milled Grind 2 54* & 58* Dynamic Gold S200
Putter: :odyssey-small: Tri-Hot 5k Two 34"
Bag: :titleist-small: Players 5 Stand Bag
Ball: Maxfli Tour

Link to comment
Share on other sites

9 hours ago, GolfSpy MPR said:

Because I've mentioned it on a couple occasions, here my combo high-tech/low-tech indoor short game practice setup:

I turned the screen toward the camera to show the SkyTrak display (though it's small). It's asking for a 12 yard shot, which I hit.

The question: how many takes were needed to make this video? 🙂

I would seriously suggest getting a board or mat to put under your feet to give yourself an even lie.  Right now you are practicing chipping with the ball consistently one inch above your feet which could cause some bad habits when you get to some neutral lies.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, jlukes said:

I would seriously suggest getting a board or mat to put under your feet to give yourself an even lie.  Right now you are practicing chipping with the ball consistently one inch above your feet which could cause some bad habits when you get to some neutral lies.

Good call. I've tended to mix it up: I've done a lot of shots without the mat at all. Just trying to avoid making a wear spot in my green. But you've given me an idea: I'll probably also do some practice standing on the mat and hitting off the green, to work on ball below my feet lies.

:titleist-small: TS3 9.5°, Tensei Blue
:755178188_TourEdge: CBX T3 15°, Project X HZRDUS Black
:callaway-small: Epic Super Hybrid 18°, Aerotech Steel Fiber FC HYB S
:755178188_TourEdge: C722 21°, Ventus Blue 8S
:touredgeexotics: CBX Iron-Wood 25°, Project X HZRDUS Black 6.0
:Sub70: 639 CB, Aldila NV 95 Graphite, 6–PW
:cleveland-small: CBX 48°
:mizuno-small: T22 54° and 60°
:edel-golf-1: EAS 4.0, Garsen G-Pro grip
:taylormade-small: TP5x and Tour Response

Full WITB with pictures

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Because I've mentioned it on a couple occasions, here my combo high-tech/low-tech indoor short game practice setup:
I turned the screen toward the camera to show the SkyTrak display (though it's small). It's asking for a 12 yard shot, which I hit.
The question: how many takes were needed to make this video?


Got freaked out for a second when I saw the dude in the upper right corner peeking through your window, until I realized it was just a reflection.

Driver:            :cobra-small: Aerojet 9* | Hzrdus Black Gen 4
Fairway:         :ping-small: G410 3W 13* | Alta CB 65
Hybrid:           :titleist-small: TS2 18* | Tensei AV Blue 70 S
Hybrid:           :ping-small: iCrossover 20* | Kai'li White 80
Irons:              :taylormade-small: P790 5-PW | DG S300
Wedges:         :titleist-small: Vokey SM9 | 52, 56, 60 | DG S200
Putter:            :L.A.B.: Link.1 | Accra x LAB

--- LAB Golf Link.1 Review ---

Link to comment
Share on other sites

MPR, just an FYI on a few things on putting that have worked for me - obviously may or may *not* work for you...

1. I usually wear my progressives when I play, and there is DEFINITELY a pronounced curvature in the peripheral vision. If you have thick lenses it may be more pronounced for you, and thus have an effect when you're standing over a putt and then looking sideways towards the hole.

2. I keep my grip pressure as loose as possible, just shy of letting the putterhead twist in my hands on impact; more fingertip pressure vs in the hands.

3. Once set up, I think of "locking out" my wrists and elbows to try and encourage a more rocking the shoulders movement.

4. I either pick a spot in front of the ball that I want to roll the ball over - ie. my starting line - or I align the reference line on the ball to my intended putting line.

* Either way once I've picked my line - from behind the ball - I square up the putter to that line and then I use it.

Once I decided to trust the line and make my putt along it, I started making more putts and getting the rest much closer.

If i second-guess myself when i set up to a putt then I'll step out, step behind the ball and double-check my line. 

Hope maybe something in there helps...

WITB of an "aspiring"  😉 play-ah ...
Driver...Callaway Paradym (Aldila Ascent PL Blue 40/A)
5W...Callaway Great Big Bertha (MCA Kai'Li Red 50/R)
7W...Tour Edge Exotics EXS (Tensei CK Blue 50/R)

4H...Callaway Epic Super Hybrid (Recoil ZT9 F3)
5H...Callaway Big Bertha ('19) (Recoil 460 ESX F3)
6i-GW...Sub 70 699 V2 (Recoil 660 F3) 
54°, 60°...Cleveland CBX2, CBX 60 (Rotex graphite)
Putter...Ev
nRoll ER5 or MLA Tour XDream (P2 Reflex grip on both)
...all in a Datrek bag on an MGI Zip Navigator electric cart. Ball often, not always, MaxFli Tour.

Forum Member tester for the Paradym X driver (2023)
Forum Member tester for the ExPutt Putting Simulator (2020)

followthrough.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, cksurfdude said:

Once I decided to trust the line and make my putt along it, I started making more putts and getting the rest much closer.

If i second-guess myself when i set up to a putt then I'll step out, step behind the ball and double-check my line. 

I had too much second guessing last year.  It was really often enough that it should have struck me as a problem.  I finally discovered I can't line my alignment line on the ball up correctly.  I suppose if that makes it into my top five hardest things about golf, the outlook isn't so bright. 😢

I've been practicing Eric Kaplan's body locks (vid posted below). i have yet to shovel snow off a real green to try them out in the real world, but am hopeful they will allow for some big improvements this year.  When I do use the line on the ball, I find I can roll the line end over end pretty well.  That might be a solution to having trouble seeing the line over the ball.  As long as you don't suck at aiming the line on the ball (so embarrassing), and you can put a stroke on it to roll it end over end, some good speed control should lead to the sound of putts dropping.

I tried the SBST, but agree that there are some weird manipulations unless I get in some positions that are uncomfortable after a short time.  So now I am content with whatever curved path I get from the body locks.  Some impact tape has shown that it is working quite well.  The problem with this is I am thinking about a putter with some toe hang and that HB SOFT 11 is whispering in my ear.  Like the kind that gives you shivers.

 

:ping-small: G400 LST 8.5 Ping Tour 65 Stiff

:adams-small: Adams XTD Ti 18 deg 3Hy

:benhogan-small: Ben Hogan PTx 22-46 

:benhogan-small: Ben Hogan TK15 50, 54, 58 deg wedges

:cameron-small: Futura 5.5

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...