Nateyeight Posted June 18, 2020 Share Posted June 18, 2020 Do you keep your eyes on the ball on your back swing? Or do you you follow the putter head back with your eyes? I have started experimenting and it feels like I keep the putter head straighter when I follow it back. Thoughts? Quote Driver: G425 Max 10.5* 5 Wood: G425 Max 7 Wood: G425 Max Hybrid: TS2 23* Irons: 6 to GW, T300 Wedges: Vokey SM8 50F, 54S, 58K Putter: 1998 Tei3 Newport Long Neck Ball: Yellow Titleist VG3 Bag: Nike Air Hybrid Golf Bag I Love the Art of Putting! Link to comment
The 19th Hole Posted June 18, 2020 Share Posted June 18, 2020 My eyes follow the putter head back when I look down towards the ball. That said, I have also been known to look at the hole while putting to get my brain out of it a bit. With that said, putting is the worst part of my game. I plan to go and get a putter fitting/lesson possibly when everything in the world calms back down. I will just add that when I try to look just at the ball, my eyes twitch and I end up looking at the putter anyways. Just can't do it... Nateyeight 1 Quote Driver: TSi4 8* w/ Tensei AV Raw White 65gr X shaft set to D-1 Hosel 3 wood: M1 13.5* Head set open w/ Fade bias weights. Irons: I-Blades PW-3i, 2* up standard length. Wedges: Glide 1.0 TS 60*, Glide 2.0 56 ES, Vokey 52* Putter: Sigma G Kushin . Ball: Various: Testing: AVX, BX, TP5x Link to comment
fixyurdivot Posted June 18, 2020 Share Posted June 18, 2020 I follow the putter. I experimented with aligning then looking at the hole but it did not work out very well. My biggest gain in improving putting stats of late was slowing my tempo, particularly on shorter putts. Nateyeight and GregB135 2 Quote G410 Plus, 9 Degree Driver G400 SFT, 16 Degree 3w G400 SFT, 19 Degree 5w ZX5 Irons 4-AW Glide 2.0 56 Degree SW (removed from double secret probation ) ER5v Putter (Evnroll ER5v Official Review) AI-One Milled Seven T CH (Currently Under Product Test) Link to comment
den748 Posted June 19, 2020 Share Posted June 19, 2020 Anything greater than 3-4 feet, I tend to focus on the ball. If it's under about 4 feet (and little break), I'll look at the hole. I just recently made this change and it was VERY uncomfortable at first but after a few rounds and some sessions at the putting green it feels much more natural now and removed nerves from those "gimme" putts. Kenny B, Chizzle and Nateyeight 3 Quote Driver: Epic Flash Sub-Zero Project X HZRDUS Smoke 3 Wood: M6 UST Mamiya Proforce V2 3 Hybrid: M6 UST Mamiya Proforce V2 4 Hybrid : M4 Stock Stiff Shaft Irons: P790 (5I-AW) - 2 deg strong - Nippon Modus3 105 Gram/Stiff 60 Degree Wedge: Vokey SM7 - AMT Black/Stiff 54 Degree Wedge: RTX Zip Core Putter: Sigma G Tyne Putter Ball: ProV1x Tracked by: Link to comment
Kenny B Posted June 19, 2020 Share Posted June 19, 2020 8 minutes ago, den748 said: Anything greater than 3-4 feet, I tend to focus on the ball. If it's under about 4 feet (and little break), I'll look at the hole. I just recently made this change and it was VERY uncomfortable at first but after a few rounds and some sessions at the putting green it feels much more natural now and removed nerves from those "gimme" putts. I started looking at the hole in 2015, and I could only do it for putts less than 3-4 feet. Helped a lot. I kept moving the distance back as I got more comfortable with it. Now I look at the hole on all putts. Once the ball is aligned to my read on the green and my putter is aligned with the mark on the ball, I don't need to look at the ball or putter anymore. I am only focusing on the distance to the hole, so my speed is much better than it used to be. When I was looking at the ball when I made my stroke, I couldn't keep my head from looking up when I stroked the ball. Now my head doesn't move. den748 and Nateyeight 2 Quote “We don’t stop playing the game because we get old; we get old because we stop playing the game.” Link to comment
Tom the Golf Nut Posted June 19, 2020 Share Posted June 19, 2020 (edited) I use a line on my ball for alignment to my target line. Two practice swings only looking at the hole for speed/ distance. Then step up to the ball, align the line on the putter with the ball. I keep my eye on the ball, watch the putter move straight back / straight through never looking at the hole until the ball has either a few revolutions on it or hopefully making the sound of the ball in the hole. Edited June 26, 2020 by Tom the Golf Nut Nateyeight and Letthebigdogshunt 2 Quote Driver, TSi 1 S Flex 3 wood, Aerojet Max UST Helium Nanocore R Flex 5 wood, Aerojet Max UST Helium Nanocore R Flex 7 Wood, Aerojet Max UST Helium Nanocore R Flex 5 Hybrid King Tec MMT R Flex Irons, Tour UST Recoil 95 R Flex (6 - Gap) Wedges, Snakebite KBS Hi- Rev2.0 54* & 60* Agera 35" Ultralight 14-way Cart Bag Link to comment
Nateyeight Posted June 19, 2020 Author Share Posted June 19, 2020 Thanks for the feedback. I will experiment with looking at the hole also. It does make sense when trying to factor in distance and pace. I guess whichever method makes me sink more putts is the way to go. Practice makes perfect Kenny B 1 Quote Driver: G425 Max 10.5* 5 Wood: G425 Max 7 Wood: G425 Max Hybrid: TS2 23* Irons: 6 to GW, T300 Wedges: Vokey SM8 50F, 54S, 58K Putter: 1998 Tei3 Newport Long Neck Ball: Yellow Titleist VG3 Bag: Nike Air Hybrid Golf Bag I Love the Art of Putting! Link to comment
Beakbryce Posted June 19, 2020 Share Posted June 19, 2020 I also look at the ball except for short putts when I look at the hole. No need to come up out of a long putt from longer range but so many people come up on the shorter ones and tend to miss then. I also change from a standard putting grip to reverse overlap in close. I have never tried looking at the putter. Not sure how that would affect distance control. Since you look at the ball for long swings it would seem to help consistency to do the same for putting. Nateyeight 1 Quote Driver: Callaway Epic 9 degree, stiff (set at 10 degrees with the movable weight in the center} FW: Callaway Epic 3,5, heaven wood w/ regular shaft (driver shaft in 3 wood, 3 wood shaft in 5 wood, 5 wood shaft in heaven wood, all three set at neutral plus 1 degree) Hybrids: Callaway BB19 4,6,7 (4 set at neutral plus 1 degree and 6 and 7 set at neutral minus 1 degree for gapping purposes) Irons: Callaway Rogue ST Max 8, 9, PW Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM6 50,54,58 Ball: Titleist Pro V1, 1X, Vice Pro Plus or anything I find that day and try out for the fun of it (I haven't bought balls with my own money in at least 10 years) Link to comment
cnosil Posted June 19, 2020 Share Posted June 19, 2020 My focus is just in front of the ball; I want to "see" my center alignment aid go over that point. My bad putts come when I follow it back; probably because I prefer to move/swing my hands and not the putter head. Nateyeight 1 Quote Driver: G400 Max 9* w/ KBS Tour Driven Fairway: TS3 15* w/Project X Hzardous Smoke Hybrids: 915H 21* w/KBS Tour Graphite Hybrid Prototype 915H 24* w/KBS Tour Graphite Hybrid Prototype Irons: TR20V 6-11 w/Vizard TR20-85 Graphite Wedge: 54/12D, 60/8M w/:Accra iWedge 90 Graphite Putter: TM-180 Testing: Backups: Milled Collection RSX 2, mFGP2, Futura 5W Member: MGS Hitsquad since 2017 Link to comment
DaveP043 Posted June 19, 2020 Share Posted June 19, 2020 18 hours ago, Nateyeight said: Do you keep your eyes on the ball on your back swing? Or do you you follow the putter head back with your eyes? I have started experimenting and it feels like I keep the putter head straighter when I follow it back. Thoughts? When my eyes follow the putter, my head tends to move a little, my body tends to move a little, and the resulting line is pretty random. I hit my line better if I keep focused on the ball, to minimize movement. cnosil, GregB135, GaDawg and 1 other 4 Quote Irons Titleist T200, AMT Red stiff Rogue SubZero, GD YS-Six X T22 54 and 58 wedges 7-wood 5-wood B60 G5i putter Right handed Reston, Virginia Link to comment
xOldBenKenobiX Posted June 19, 2020 Share Posted June 19, 2020 I can't help but to follow the putter head. I draw an imaginary line that I try keeping the putter head as close to it, it works well most of the time for me. Nateyeight 1 Quote My Reviews: 2023 Official review - Rapsodo MLM2Pro! 2022 Official Review - Edel SMS Wedges 2021 Official Review - Tommy Armour Impact 3 Putter 2020 Official Member Review - BagBoy Chiller Cart Bag Cobra SpeedZone Xtreme - Unofficial Review by xOldBenKenobiX Honma TR21 4 Wood - Unofficial Review by xOldBenKenobiX Driver - Cobra SpeedZone Xtreme 10.5, UST helium 5 Wood - . TR21 4 Wood, Vizard 20-60 and TW GS 5 Wood Vixard FD 55 301 Combo 301CB and 301MB . SMS 48*, 56*, 60* Putter: Lucky golf putter. Ball: : ProV1, :: Smart Sensors. Shoes: a couple :: A couple of A couple of Adidas , Yeah I have a shoe addiction.:: Started at 79mph, finished 1st stage at 91mph Link to comment
tyryska Posted June 19, 2020 Share Posted June 19, 2020 I actually will look at the hole the entire time. Only for putts under 6 feet or so. Nateyeight and Kenny B 2 Quote Right handed golfer from Austin, Texas (Handicap: 8.1) Driver: Titleist 907D2 (9.5 degree with stiff shaft) Fairway Wood: Tayormade RocketBallz Stage 2 (3 Wood) Hybrid: Cleveland CG Black (2 Iron) Irons: Mizuno MP20 MMCs (Standard length and lie with stiff steel shafts) Wedges: Callaway MD3 and Sub70 Putter: Scotty Cameron California Coronado Ball: Pro V1x Link to comment
StrawberryShortCake Posted June 19, 2020 Share Posted June 19, 2020 I pick a dimple on my ball and stare at it. I find If I follow my putter my head moves and sometimes this causes be to drop a shoulder and hit the green with my putter making my putt short. Inside 3 or 4 feet I just look a the hole and tap it in. Unless there is some huge break then I find the line and stare at the ball again. Quote Driver: Rogue Sub Zero 9* stiff Wood: Tight Lies TI 3 wood stiff Hybrid: XR 3 19 deg stiff Irons: JPX 900 Tour std loft/lie Wedges: 52,56,60 Putter: #7 Red Ball: Q-Star 12.9 Handicap Comox Valley, B.C. Link to comment
fixyurdivot Posted June 19, 2020 Share Posted June 19, 2020 19 hours ago, Kenny B said: I started looking at the hole in 2015, and I could only do it for putts less than 3-4 feet. Helped a lot. I kept moving the distance back as I got more comfortable with it. Now I look at the hole on all putts. Once the ball is aligned to my read on the green and my putter is aligned with the mark on the ball, I don't need to look at the ball or putter anymore. I am only focusing on the distance to the hole, so my speed is much better than it used to be. When I was looking at the ball when I made my stroke, I couldn't keep my head from looking up when I stroked the ball. Now my head doesn't move. It was after we played the 2019 PNW Meetup that I tried using your method. I may have given up on it too soon, but it just felt unnatural and was moving my putting stats the wrong direction. Kenny B 1 Quote G410 Plus, 9 Degree Driver G400 SFT, 16 Degree 3w G400 SFT, 19 Degree 5w ZX5 Irons 4-AW Glide 2.0 56 Degree SW (removed from double secret probation ) ER5v Putter (Evnroll ER5v Official Review) AI-One Milled Seven T CH (Currently Under Product Test) Link to comment
Kenny B Posted June 19, 2020 Share Posted June 19, 2020 6 hours ago, Nateyeight said: Thanks for the feedback. I will experiment with looking at the hole also. It does make sense when trying to factor in distance and pace. I guess whichever method makes me sink more putts is the way to go. Practice makes perfect If you "give looking at the hole" a try. That doesn't mean a few putts, one hour, or one round. It's so much different that you have to commit to it until it starts to feel comfortable. That will vary depending on the individual. I started with 4-5 footers and it wasn't so bad. As I moved back, I got apprehensive, but that eventually goes away. Now, I don't think about it, even from 40+ feet. I can actually judge distance better looking at the hole. Think throwing horseshoes, darts, shooting baskets, throwing a ball; you instinctively "know" how much energy to give to reach the target. Obviously, if the putt has a lot of break, I don't actually look at the hole. Every putt is a straight putt. Line the ball on the line to the apex of the putt; look at that point. MattF and Nateyeight 2 Quote “We don’t stop playing the game because we get old; we get old because we stop playing the game.” Link to comment
zrumble Posted June 19, 2020 Share Posted June 19, 2020 I look at the ball and zone out when I’m putting my best. Just keeping my eyes on the ball for reference. Trying my best to feel the weight and the face. The less I think about the technique and the more I feel in touch with the face moving down the line the better I putt. So I’m not really “looking” at anything. Just have my gaze at the ball then feel the stroke. Nateyeight 1 Quote Stats: 5'4", Male, R-Handed, Moderate Tempo, Driver SS 115mph Driver: Taylormade SiM Max 9*, TM Ventus Blue 6X 3w/5w: Callaway X-Hot, S-flex Fubuki shafts 3h: Tour Edge EXS Pro, Smoke Black 80g 6.0 4i-PW: Mizuno MP-4, DG S300 Wedges: Titleist SM7 56* Wedge: Callaway Jaws w/ 12* of bounce Link to comment
Nateyeight Posted June 19, 2020 Author Share Posted June 19, 2020 15 minutes ago, Kenny B said: If you "give looking at the hole" a try. That doesn't mean a few putts, one hour, or one round. It's so much different that you have to commit to it until it starts to feel comfortable. That will vary depending on the individual. I started with 4-5 footers and it wasn't so bad. As I moved back, I got apprehensive, but that eventually goes away. Now, I don't think about it, even from 40+ feet. I can actually judge distance better looking at the hole. Think throwing horseshoes, darts, shooting baskets, throwing a ball; you instinctively "know" how much energy to give to reach the target. Obviously, if the putt has a lot of break, I don't actually look at the hole. Every putt is a straight putt. Line the ball on the line to the apex of the putt; look at that point. As I was reading your comment, my mind started to think about if there is a break then shouldn't I be focused on the original line before the break. But then you addressed this. Thanks for the advice. Kenny B 1 Quote Driver: G425 Max 10.5* 5 Wood: G425 Max 7 Wood: G425 Max Hybrid: TS2 23* Irons: 6 to GW, T300 Wedges: Vokey SM8 50F, 54S, 58K Putter: 1998 Tei3 Newport Long Neck Ball: Yellow Titleist VG3 Bag: Nike Air Hybrid Golf Bag I Love the Art of Putting! Link to comment
MattF Posted June 19, 2020 Share Posted June 19, 2020 I look at my ball until I "feel" it's gone about halfway to the hole. When I played in Estero this winter, one of the ladies I was paired with commented to the others "look how still his head is"...at least it's one thing I do OK. gavinski91, Nateyeight and Kenny B 3 Quote In the bag: Driver: TSR2 Project X HZRDUS Black 5.5 Fairway: Apex UW 19° & 21° Project X HZRDUS Smoke RDX Black 5.5 Irons: JPX 923 HMP 5-PW UST Mamiya Recoil 95 F4 Wedges: T-22 Denim Copper 48°, 52° & 56° UST Mamiya Recoil 95 F4 Putter Sycamore 005 Wide Blade Bag: Alpha Convoy 514 Balls: Chrome Soft X Cart: CaddyLite ONE Ver. 8 God Bless America, God save the King, God defend New Zealand and thank Christ for Australia! Link to comment
silver & black Posted June 19, 2020 Share Posted June 19, 2020 I keep my eyes on the ball, and I try to keep them there through the stroke. I can't not look after I hit the ball, but I do try to stare at the spot after hitting it. Not always successful...lol. Nateyeight and MattF 2 Quote Link to comment
Guests Guest Delete Posted June 20, 2020 Guests Share Posted June 20, 2020 On 6/18/2020 at 3:55 PM, Nateyeight said: Do you keep your eyes on the ball on your back swing? Or do you you follow the putter head back with your eyes? I have started experimenting and it feels like I keep the putter head straighter when I follow it back. Thoughts? I close my eyes and pray to Jesus. I thank God he hears me quite often. Quote Link to comment
TBT Posted June 21, 2020 Share Posted June 21, 2020 I follow the putter on my practice strokes to get the feel of it but focus on the ball during the actual stroke.Putting is probably the best part of my game, I very rarely 3 puttSent from my iPad using MyGolfSpy MattF and Nateyeight 2 Quote XR Driver Matrix Ozik 8m3 Black Tie Shaft King F7 3W UST Mamiya Chrome Elements 7F4 Shaft King F7 5W UST Mamiya Chrome Elements 7F4 Shaft King F7 4 Hybrid Graphite Designs Tour AD-HY 95 Shaft PXG 0211 DC 5-PW Mitsubishi MMT 80 Shafts RTX ZIPCORE 50*,54*,58* UST Mamiya Recoil 95 Shafts Metal X Milled #7 with SuperStroke 2.0 grip MTB Twitter: @timldotson Instagram: timldotson Facebook: TimDotson Link to comment
Micah T Posted June 22, 2020 Share Posted June 22, 2020 I look at the ball: once I pick my line and feel my speed, I just focus on trying to put the centerline of my putter through the center of the ball. Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy MattF and Nateyeight 2 Quote Driver - Cobra LtDxLS 3 Wood - Ping g410 LST 2iron - Titleist U505 Irons - Ping i59 Wedges - Vokey Sm9 Putter - Mizuno Mcraft IV Link to comment
Micah T Posted June 22, 2020 Share Posted June 22, 2020 I look at the ball: once I pick my line and feel my speed, I just focus on trying to put the centerline of my putter through the center of the ball. Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy Quote Driver - Cobra LtDxLS 3 Wood - Ping g410 LST 2iron - Titleist U505 Irons - Ping i59 Wedges - Vokey Sm9 Putter - Mizuno Mcraft IV Link to comment
DarthGator007 Posted June 23, 2020 Share Posted June 23, 2020 I think I'm inconsistent. I try to stay focused on the ball, but know I look at the putter head at least 30% of the time. Nateyeight and Micah T 2 Quote RADSPEED Driver 9* HZRD BLUE SMOKE 6.0 shaft G425 MAX 3 wood 5 wood H1 Hybrid Link to comment
aerospace_ray Posted June 23, 2020 Share Posted June 23, 2020 Try as I might to stay on the ball , I actually follow the putter head. Sent from my SM-N960U using MyGolfSpy mobile app Micah T and Nateyeight 2 Quote Link to comment
ballplayer002003 Posted June 23, 2020 Share Posted June 23, 2020 I find that I used to follow the putter back and not look at the ball. This would cause all sorts of problems with my distance control/line/strike on putter face. This Covid season, I started putting on a mat and I saw a tip that said put the ball on a penny or a dime, and stare at the ball as you hit and look at the dime after the ball is gone. This helped a lot. I now try to focus on the ball and then the spot where the ball was. It has helped me with all the above mentioned problems. Nateyeight, Micah T and Kenny B 3 Quote Driver: Epic Flash Sub Zero Hzdrs Smoke x flex 70g 3 Wood: 917 w/ Diamana Whiteboard stiff 5 Wood : Epic Flash 18* Hzdrs Smoke stiff 4 Hybrid: TSi3 Hzdrs Smoke X flex Irons: 5-7 Apex forged 19 w/ Modus 120 X 9-A Apex Pro 19 w/ Modus 120 X Wedges: MD5 52&56 Jaws Dynamic Gold wedge flex Putter: Scotty Cameron Phantom 5.5 34" Link to comment
Nateyeight Posted June 23, 2020 Author Share Posted June 23, 2020 1 hour ago, ballplayer002003 said: I find that I used to follow the putter back and not look at the ball. This would cause all sorts of problems with my distance control/line/strike on putter face. This Covid season, I started putting on a mat and I saw a tip that said put the ball on a penny or a dime, and stare at the ball as you hit and look at the dime after the ball is gone. This helped a lot. I now try to focus on the ball and then the spot where the ball was. It has helped me with all the above mentioned problems. Thanks for the drill. This is where I got the question from while practicing putting at home. I will add this to my drills to try out. ballplayer002003 and Micah T 2 Quote Driver: G425 Max 10.5* 5 Wood: G425 Max 7 Wood: G425 Max Hybrid: TS2 23* Irons: 6 to GW, T300 Wedges: Vokey SM8 50F, 54S, 58K Putter: 1998 Tei3 Newport Long Neck Ball: Yellow Titleist VG3 Bag: Nike Air Hybrid Golf Bag I Love the Art of Putting! Link to comment
ballplayer002003 Posted June 24, 2020 Share Posted June 24, 2020 17 hours ago, Nateyeight said: Thanks for the drill. This is where I got the question from while practicing putting at home. I will add this to my drills to try out. No problem, hope it helps. I tend to now focus on one single dimple on the ball, stare at it and then look for the coin after I hit the ball. Have fun Nateyeight 1 Quote Driver: Epic Flash Sub Zero Hzdrs Smoke x flex 70g 3 Wood: 917 w/ Diamana Whiteboard stiff 5 Wood : Epic Flash 18* Hzdrs Smoke stiff 4 Hybrid: TSi3 Hzdrs Smoke X flex Irons: 5-7 Apex forged 19 w/ Modus 120 X 9-A Apex Pro 19 w/ Modus 120 X Wedges: MD5 52&56 Jaws Dynamic Gold wedge flex Putter: Scotty Cameron Phantom 5.5 34" Link to comment
Kenny B Posted June 24, 2020 Share Posted June 24, 2020 19 hours ago, ballplayer002003 said: I find that I used to follow the putter back and not look at the ball. This would cause all sorts of problems with my distance control/line/strike on putter face. This Covid season, I started putting on a mat and I saw a tip that said put the ball on a penny or a dime, and stare at the ball as you hit and look at the dime after the ball is gone. This helped a lot. I now try to focus on the ball and then the spot where the ball was. It has helped me with all the above mentioned problems. Many years ago I used to do this, because I kept looking up too soon and couldn't start the ball on line. It did help to keep my head still. However, old age crept in and when I stared at the ball before the putt, I would forget how far the hole was and could never get the speed correct. ballplayer002003 1 Quote “We don’t stop playing the game because we get old; we get old because we stop playing the game.” Link to comment
ballplayer002003 Posted June 24, 2020 Share Posted June 24, 2020 8 minutes ago, Kenny B said: Many years ago I used to do this, because I kept looking up too soon and couldn't start the ball on line. It did help to keep my head still. However, old age crept in and when I stared at the ball before the putt, I would forget how far the hole was and could never get the speed correct. My routine, after I line up the ball, is to look at the hole, look at the ball, look at the hole, find the one dimple and swing. I look at the hole twice just to get a visual of how hard I need to hit the putt. I found that I used to pick a spot out along my intended line and look at that last, but I almost always left the putts short. Kenny B 1 Quote Driver: Epic Flash Sub Zero Hzdrs Smoke x flex 70g 3 Wood: 917 w/ Diamana Whiteboard stiff 5 Wood : Epic Flash 18* Hzdrs Smoke stiff 4 Hybrid: TSi3 Hzdrs Smoke X flex Irons: 5-7 Apex forged 19 w/ Modus 120 X 9-A Apex Pro 19 w/ Modus 120 X Wedges: MD5 52&56 Jaws Dynamic Gold wedge flex Putter: Scotty Cameron Phantom 5.5 34" Link to comment
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.