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Any noticeable difference when putting with different golf balls? Added responses from Manufacturers


Buffly

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Has anybody perceived a noticeable difference when putting with different golf balls on the green?

I am curious because I have not seen anything online about putting comparisons based on the ball specifically. 

I understand the basic differences in covers of cheap balls being clicky and urethane being softer but, is there more than that?

It seems robot testing of 10 foot and 30 foot putts to see if there is any discernable difference in dimple design and green turf interaction that would further suggest using one ball is either extremely important or negligible.

It would also seem testing on different surfaces would complete the endeavor adequately. One test on artificial turf doesn't seem to do it justice. 

Edited by Buffly
Edited subject

Golf is simple - people are complicated.

5w Taylormade SLDR S 19* - 220yd, Ping G2 5-U - 190-105, Maltby M+ 54* & MG 60* - 95-75, Evnroll ER8, Titleist 816 H1 4h 21*, Maltby 4 Hybrid Iron 24* - 210-200, Callaway XR16 8* - 235 carry

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I doubt there is any significant difference other than sound when putting with different balls. When I was testing the ExPutt, I tried different balls and they all came off the face at basically the same ball speed for a given stroke.

Speed variations will definitely happen with different putters. Different putters will impact balls speed; Evnroll for example has a slower ball speed off the face.

When researching at green reading and putting strategies no one mentions the ball as having any influence.

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The only conceivable thing I can think of is if the super cheap ball doesn’t have good quality control, you could wind up with a not perfectly round ball or one where the size/weight is different and that could have an impact on putt performance (probably a very rare situation).

Outside of that, since putting has such a low impact force, the ball variables like compression and cover friction really wouldn’t come into play, just the subjective “sound and feel”. Of course those subjective things being super important to a lot of players.

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I have a practice green in my basement, and a few years ago used to practice putting with a mix of balls... I noticed the Wilson Duo seemed to come off hot... it’s a real bouncy low compression ball.

Since I noticed that I try to only use similar spec balls, like prov1, snell black, tp5... higher compression soft cover — and not low compression balls. But the Duo was the only one that seemed to roll out more than others, but it was really really low compression—like 35, iirc? Might’ve just been that year’s model; I think Wilson changed the specs later.


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Just pick one ball and stay with it so you get used to how it reacts.  It should be the one you get the best results with when chipping, pitching, approaches and distance off the tee.  

I cringe when I see people putting on the practice green with a bucket of range balls.  🤣

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I got given some Srixon Distance balls and could not figure why I was missing so many puts long. Then I tried the same put with a Pro V1 and found that the Srixon was really jumping off the putter. I have found that with most of the so called distance balls and also agree that the Wilson Duo does the same.

Callaway Epic Flash 9 Degree

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Cleveland 54 Degree Wedge Steel Shaft

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16 hours ago, Cory O said:

The only conceivable thing I can think of is if the super cheap ball doesn’t have good quality control, you could wind up with a not perfectly round ball or one where the size/weight is different and that could have an impact on putt performance (probably a very rare situation).

Outside of that, since putting has such a low impact force, the ball variables like compression and cover friction really wouldn’t come into play, just the subjective “sound and feel”. Of course those subjective things being super important to a lot of players.

I did have a similar concern about ball quality with cheaper balls - good thought. It's one main reason I play better balls. I am less concerned about the $30-35 price range as the sub $30 balls. 

Golf is simple - people are complicated.

5w Taylormade SLDR S 19* - 220yd, Ping G2 5-U - 190-105, Maltby M+ 54* & MG 60* - 95-75, Evnroll ER8, Titleist 816 H1 4h 21*, Maltby 4 Hybrid Iron 24* - 210-200, Callaway XR16 8* - 235 carry

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15 hours ago, Kenny B said:

Just pick one ball and stay with it so you get used to how it reacts.  It should be the one you get the best results with when chipping, pitching, approaches and distance off the tee.  

I cringe when I see people putting on the practice green with a bucket of range balls.  🤣

I can't afford to pick one ball. I don't pay for golf balls - I play what I find. I'm lucky that I find dozens of tour balls but, they are a variety of models and years. 

Golf is simple - people are complicated.

5w Taylormade SLDR S 19* - 220yd, Ping G2 5-U - 190-105, Maltby M+ 54* & MG 60* - 95-75, Evnroll ER8, Titleist 816 H1 4h 21*, Maltby 4 Hybrid Iron 24* - 210-200, Callaway XR16 8* - 235 carry

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7 hours ago, Firebird said:

I got given some Srixon Distance balls and could not figure why I was missing so many puts long. Then I tried the same put with a Pro V1 and found that the Srixon was really jumping off the putter. I have found that with most of the so called distance balls and also agree that the Wilson Duo does the same.

Yup, similar results with Top Flight and other cheap balls in the sub $20 price range as clicky and inconsistent from brand to brand. 

Golf is simple - people are complicated.

5w Taylormade SLDR S 19* - 220yd, Ping G2 5-U - 190-105, Maltby M+ 54* & MG 60* - 95-75, Evnroll ER8, Titleist 816 H1 4h 21*, Maltby 4 Hybrid Iron 24* - 210-200, Callaway XR16 8* - 235 carry

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It came to me, maybe the putter maker or ball maker have some info on this?

I emailed Evnroll, Titleist, and Ping. I will email Snell, Taylormade, and Bridgestone if I don't get any info out of the first 3. 

Golf is simple - people are complicated.

5w Taylormade SLDR S 19* - 220yd, Ping G2 5-U - 190-105, Maltby M+ 54* & MG 60* - 95-75, Evnroll ER8, Titleist 816 H1 4h 21*, Maltby 4 Hybrid Iron 24* - 210-200, Callaway XR16 8* - 235 carry

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4 hours ago, Buffly said:

I can't afford to pick one ball. I don't pay for golf balls - I play what I find. I'm lucky that I find dozens of tour balls but, they are a variety of models and years. 

https://www.costco.com/kirkland-signature-3-piece-urethane-cover-golf-ball%2C-2-dozen.product.100406428.html

and just like that, all inconsistency vanished...

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7 hours ago, Chip Strokes said:

I find enough of those to not have to pay for them. I lose a lot of distance with my driver. I think I spin it too much or it is too soft. 

I find enough ProVs to play just those since it is still the most popular urethane ball and people still lose them

Golf is simple - people are complicated.

5w Taylormade SLDR S 19* - 220yd, Ping G2 5-U - 190-105, Maltby M+ 54* & MG 60* - 95-75, Evnroll ER8, Titleist 816 H1 4h 21*, Maltby 4 Hybrid Iron 24* - 210-200, Callaway XR16 8* - 235 carry

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Just now, Buffly said:

I find enough of those to not have to pay for them. I lose a lot of distance with my driver. I think I spin it too much or it is too soft. 

I find enough ProVs to play just those since it is still the most popular urethane ball and people still lose them

asking for variables in golf balls coming off your putter is kind of a moot point when you’re playing balls you find on the course. 

even proV1 vs proV1 you have no idea how old the ball you found is, how many rounds it has on it, etc. 

if you wanna scavenge for balls instead of paying $1/per kirkland, be my guest but comparisons of any kind go right out the window. 

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1 minute ago, Chip Strokes said:

asking for variables in golf balls coming off your putter is kind of a moot point when you’re playing balls you find on the course. 

even proV1 vs proV1 you have no idea how old the ball you found is, how many rounds it has on it, etc. 

if you wanna scavenge for balls instead of paying $1/per kirkland, be my guest but comparisons of any kind go right out the window. 

I actually find enough balls to pay for the hobby. I sell 3 dozen for $10 of the economy balls, $5/dz for mid level balls, and $10/dz for tour urethane balls. 

I know how to read the usga conforming ball list to know what the current model is and I play the newest models from the last two years. 

The answer to my question of ball performance when putting is valid no matter how I choose my own golf ball. I have a variety to choose from so, with more information I can be more consistent. 

Golf is simple - people are complicated.

5w Taylormade SLDR S 19* - 220yd, Ping G2 5-U - 190-105, Maltby M+ 54* & MG 60* - 95-75, Evnroll ER8, Titleist 816 H1 4h 21*, Maltby 4 Hybrid Iron 24* - 210-200, Callaway XR16 8* - 235 carry

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5 minutes ago, Buffly said:

I actually find enough balls to pay for the hobby. I sell 3 dozen for $10 of the economy balls, $5/dz for mid level balls, and $10/dz for tour urethane balls. 

I know how to read the usga conforming ball list to know what the current model is and I play the newest models from the last two years. 

The answer to my question of ball performance when putting is valid no matter how I choose my own golf ball. I have a variety to choose from so, with more information I can be more consistent. 

yes, everyone knows the key to consistency is scrub balls of all brands and qualities plucked from the rough of your local course. 

it would seem with your business booming as it is, buying a few sleeves of your choice wouldn’t be an issue. 

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I doubt there is any significant difference other than sound when putting with different balls. When I was testing the ExPutt, I tried different balls and they all came off the face at basically the same ball speed for a given stroke.

Speed variations will definitely happen with different putters. Different putters will impact balls speed; Evnroll for example has a slower ball speed off the face.

When researching at green reading and putting strategies no one mentions the ball as having any influence.
Are you sure about that slower speed with the Evnroll? I tested the ER2 last summer and was just blasting everything. Felt like everything came off hot.

I think there's only a difference for the cheapo hot rocks. Those seem to jump off every club putters included. So you'll find a difference going to a top flite from a Pro V, but not so much switching to a Q-Star or Project S. Etc.



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Take Dead Aim

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Are you sure about that slower speed with the Evnroll? I tested the ER2 last summer and was just blasting everything. Felt like everything came off hot.

I think there's only a difference for the cheapo hot rocks. Those seem to jump off every club putters included. So you'll find a difference going to a top flite from a Pro V, but not so much switching to a Q-Star or Project S. Etc.



Take Dead Aim


Yes, I am sure. That is part of what the grooves do. Less contact on the ball in the middle so there is less energy transfer which results in lower ball speeds. Evnroll thins the grooves as you move away from center so ball speed increases. I was never able to find a video from ping that I saw that confirmed what I am saying.

I tried really cheap balls and higher end balls and saw no speed difference with roughly the same stroke length. There could be a bit more or less energy transfer but since the ball
Isn’t coMpressed much I don’t think you would see noticeable difference.

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I will throw my hat into the ring so to speak. This subject like golf can be subjective. A lot depends on the type of putter as in insert or non insert. A lot of it depends on a players feel. In my case I putt with older putters mostly designed in the days of Balata. I am also a feel and instinctive putter. For me the best feel off a non insert putter is the Cally Super Soft or the Srixon Soft Feel. Like others have said the Wilson Do Over seems clicky off of any putter. Pro V I can putt with but have to adjust the same with Vice and Snell. Right now because we have either won or placed in Dog Fights I have an abundance of Soft Feels and Super Softs. Now last week I ended up with a dozen Q Star Tours and have yet to try them. I am going to wait until I am  able to swing well again before trying them.  But in a nutshell different balls react differently with different putters and different folks

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1 hour ago, Chip Strokes said:

yes, everyone knows the key to consistency is scrub balls of all brands and qualities plucked from the rough of your local course. 

it would seem with your business booming as it is, buying a few sleeves of your choice wouldn’t be an issue. 

I have thought about buying balls but it seems so wasteful when I have thousands of free ones other than the cost of batteries for my flashlight. 

If I did buy a ball then it would probably be the AVX, TP5x or ProV1x in that order. But, if I had to pay then I would consider the Snell brand. 

Golf is simple - people are complicated.

5w Taylormade SLDR S 19* - 220yd, Ping G2 5-U - 190-105, Maltby M+ 54* & MG 60* - 95-75, Evnroll ER8, Titleist 816 H1 4h 21*, Maltby 4 Hybrid Iron 24* - 210-200, Callaway XR16 8* - 235 carry

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1 hour ago, Tsmithjr9 said:

Are you sure about that slower speed with the Evnroll? I tested the ER2 last summer and was just blasting everything. Felt like everything came off hot.

I think there's only a difference for the cheapo hot rocks. Those seem to jump off every club putters included. So you'll find a difference going to a top flite from a Pro V, but not so much switching to a Q-Star or Project S. Etc.



Take Dead Aim
 

I can also confirm that Evnroll hits the ball a bit slower but, that is to EVEN out the difference on conventional putter miss-hits on the toe and heel. 

This video from Evnroll shows the other brand putter going farther but inconsistent across the face - reference the blue line. 

The weight of the putter also affects the energy transfer so comparing putters of differing head weights will skew results. To even out the difference, as best as I could without a robot, I would putt with the same "effort" I could and the Evnroll was consistently shorter in my hands. That was compared to my Taylormade Anser Style putter with a face insert. 

Golf is simple - people are complicated.

5w Taylormade SLDR S 19* - 220yd, Ping G2 5-U - 190-105, Maltby M+ 54* & MG 60* - 95-75, Evnroll ER8, Titleist 816 H1 4h 21*, Maltby 4 Hybrid Iron 24* - 210-200, Callaway XR16 8* - 235 carry

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20 minutes ago, BIG STU said:

I will throw my hat into the ring so to speak. This subject like golf can be subjective. A lot depends on the type of putter as in insert or non insert. A lot of it depends on a players feel. In my case I putt with older putters mostly designed in the days of Balata. I am also a feel and instinctive putter. For me the best feel off a non insert putter is the Cally Super Soft or the Srixon Soft Feel. Like others have said the Wilson Do Over seems clicky off of any putter. Pro V I can putt with but have to adjust the same with Vice and Snell. Right now because we have either won or placed in Dog Fights I have an abundance of Soft Feels and Super Softs. Now last week I ended up with a dozen Q Star Tours and have yet to try them. I am going to wait until I am  able to swing well again before trying them.  But in a nutshell different balls react differently with different putters and different folks

Thanks @BIG STU because you explained a key component in putting that does make a difference - player feedback. 

I have an old slotted Ping Anser I game from time to time - I will keep your soft ball recommendation in mind for it.

Golf is simple - people are complicated.

5w Taylormade SLDR S 19* - 220yd, Ping G2 5-U - 190-105, Maltby M+ 54* & MG 60* - 95-75, Evnroll ER8, Titleist 816 H1 4h 21*, Maltby 4 Hybrid Iron 24* - 210-200, Callaway XR16 8* - 235 carry

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@BIG STU @Chip Strokes @Tsmithjr9

Evnroll responded to my inquiry with a very interesting response:

"'As far as consistency you want a golf ball that is balanced.

Usually softer golf balls are more influenced by the surface contact on the putter face (grooves) and their starting line is less effected by the face angle compared to a harder golf ball."

This fascinates me in respect to picking a ball softness/hardness based on your stroke. If your path is generally good but, the face might not be square at impact then a softer ball will start closer to the target line in relation to club path. Alternatively, a square face at impact with a stroke that is crossing the target line would benefit more from a harder ball. Am I interpreting that right? Additionally, does that mean Evnroll grooves work best with a softer ball?

(Btw: I already knew a balanced ball rolls truest)

Golf is simple - people are complicated.

5w Taylormade SLDR S 19* - 220yd, Ping G2 5-U - 190-105, Maltby M+ 54* & MG 60* - 95-75, Evnroll ER8, Titleist 816 H1 4h 21*, Maltby 4 Hybrid Iron 24* - 210-200, Callaway XR16 8* - 235 carry

886809507_image1(5).jpeg.56bc697c3b02b1fb00feb8d4b66389bc~2.jpeg

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17 hours ago, Buffly said:

I did have a similar concern about ball quality with cheaper balls - good thought. It's one main reason I play better balls. I am less concerned about the $30-35 price range as the sub $30 balls. 

In the good old days when I was on a single digit handicap I generally played a tour ball however today as I am slowly getting over my illness and my swing is slowly getting back to how it used to be I find the Costco balls excellent. If I am playing match play or in the club champs I will sometimes switch to Seed 001's - https://seedgolf.com/pages/compare - which feel and have similar performance to a Pro v1 but at 60-65% the price $3.25 AUD . The covers on the Costco ball do mark up but at $1.75 AUD per ball I simply use a new one every round.

Callaway Epic Flash 9 Degree

Callaway Epic Flash 3 wood 15 Degree

Callaway Apex 21 Hybrid 19 Degree

Callaway Steelhead Pro 4-AW Irons

Cleveland 54 Degree Wedge Steel Shaft

Recoil Graphite Shafts in all Callaway

Cobra Vintage Series Stingray 40

Preferred ball - Seed 001

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6 hours ago, BIG STU said:

I will throw my hat into the ring so to speak. This subject like golf can be subjective. A lot depends on the type of putter as in insert or non insert. A lot of it depends on a players feel. In my case I putt with older putters mostly designed in the days of Balata. I am also a feel and instinctive putter. For me the best feel off a non insert putter is the Cally Super Soft or the Srixon Soft Feel. Like others have said the Wilson Do Over seems clicky off of any putter. Pro V I can putt with but have to adjust the same with Vice and Snell. Right now because we have either won or placed in Dog Fights I have an abundance of Soft Feels and Super Softs. Now last week I ended up with a dozen Q Star Tours and have yet to try them. I am going to wait until I am  able to swing well again before trying them.  But in a nutshell different balls react differently with different putters and different folks

I agree with you on inserts, face thickness, and milling patterns will influence ball speed off the face and that a ball will react and feel different when switching putters.  I interpreted the original question being about whether the same putter would cause different balls to go different distances with the same stroke.  You discussion of feel (sound) the ball makes may influence how we as a player stroke the ball which could influence distance.  

Perhaps if I had a robot do the testing,  I might see some slight but insignificant differences.  But as a player those difference probably become meaningless since even the best putters in the world have a fairly larger dispersion pattern for putts.  The image below is the dispersion pattern of a PGA professional hitting 20 foot putts from the same spot.  If this is how the best players in the world miss,  I don't think a different ball will have a significant impact.  

1577763538_puttingshotpattern.jpg.e4e0d093ff27b3b197c6a88f09476543.jpg

 

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Snell golf responded:

"

Hey Tim, thanks for the great question. So this can be a very complicated and in depth topic. I will try to keep it brief and cover a few basics….
 
Putting can have variations based off putter/ball combos. So for example a metal face putter and surlyn ball (both harder) would roll out further than a urethane ball or a putter with a softer face insert. This difference could be as much as a couple feet on  30+ ft putt.
 
Now when it comes to urethane ball vs another brand urethane ball with the same putter, differences would be small (likely only a couple inches at most). Different models would have slightly different urethane thickness, durometer (hardness), and something called “flex modulus” (getting above my pay grade here, lol). 
 
In our case the MTB Black vs MTB-X would have nearly zero differences as they have the same exact cover. The X is a firmer overall model so on a perfect surface with robot putter, ball could roll out fractions more but no way noticeable with a human. Thicker, softer cover models like say the Chrome Soft by Callaway may roll out fractions less on the same 30 ft putt. To be clear we are now talking a couple inches or less on 30+. 
 
Hope that helps!"
 
Thanks to Snell for helping out. 

Golf is simple - people are complicated.

5w Taylormade SLDR S 19* - 220yd, Ping G2 5-U - 190-105, Maltby M+ 54* & MG 60* - 95-75, Evnroll ER8, Titleist 816 H1 4h 21*, Maltby 4 Hybrid Iron 24* - 210-200, Callaway XR16 8* - 235 carry

886809507_image1(5).jpeg.56bc697c3b02b1fb00feb8d4b66389bc~2.jpeg

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Snell golf responded:
"
Hey Tim, thanks for the great question. So this can be a very complicated and in depth topic. I will try to keep it brief and cover a few basics….   Putting can have variations based off putter/ball combos. So for example a metal face putter and surlyn ball (both harder) would roll out further than a urethane ball or a putter with a softer face insert. This difference could be as much as a couple feet on  30+ ft putt.   Now when it comes to urethane ball vs another brand urethane ball with the same putter, differences would be small (likely only a couple inches at most). Different models would have slightly different urethane thickness, durometer (hardness), and something called “flex modulus” (getting above my pay grade here, lol).    In our case the MTB Black vs MTB-X would have nearly zero differences as they have the same exact cover. The X is a firmer overall model so on a perfect surface with robot putter, ball could roll out fractions more but no way noticeable with a human. Thicker, softer cover models like say the Chrome Soft by Callaway may roll out fractions less on the same 30 ft putt. To be clear we are now talking a couple inches or less on 30+.    Hope that helps!"   Thanks to Snell for helping out. 

So basically no difference that a player should be concerned with especially when looking at normal dispersion patterns.

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

 

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9 minutes ago, cnosil said:


So basically no difference that a player should be concerned with especially when looking at normal dispersion patterns.

The comment on putter type was revealing to show that does matter. 

I'm glad the tour ball differences are negligible because I play multiple brands and models through a round. 

Golf is simple - people are complicated.

5w Taylormade SLDR S 19* - 220yd, Ping G2 5-U - 190-105, Maltby M+ 54* & MG 60* - 95-75, Evnroll ER8, Titleist 816 H1 4h 21*, Maltby 4 Hybrid Iron 24* - 210-200, Callaway XR16 8* - 235 carry

886809507_image1(5).jpeg.56bc697c3b02b1fb00feb8d4b66389bc~2.jpeg

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The comment on putter type was revealing to show that does matter. 

I'm glad the tour ball differences are negligible because I play multiple brands and models through a round. 

I knew putters mattered having hit all the putters during most wanted testing. Some putter have hit faces and some not so hit.

 

Reminded me of a story from Sean Toulon that I read on another forum. He got

Tiger to try one of his putters. Tiger rolled a few putts handed it back to him and said it was a nice putter but it didn’t roll the ball the right distance.

 

Basically tiger had developed a specific feel/stroke to roll the ball a specific distance and since the putter didn’t do that, he wouldn’t consider the putter.

 

We amateurs generally don’t consider that when switching putters; we call it an adjustment period to get used to the new putter. We adapt for a while and the settle back into what we know which causes poor performance and the desire to switch putters.

 

We should fit the putter to our stroke and not our stroke to the putter.

 

 

While there are little difference off the putter, there will be different ball performance as we work through the irons and wedges. Probably less with the driver.

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

 

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1 hour ago, cnosil said:

Tiger rolled a few putts handed it back to him and said it was a nice putter but it didn’t roll the ball the right distance.

That's fantastically hilarious!

Great insights. The more "fitting" comes up, it becomes evident the clubs are fit to the player and not the other way around. Putting seems to be the most sensitive in that respect. 

Thanks again for the contribution!

Golf is simple - people are complicated.

5w Taylormade SLDR S 19* - 220yd, Ping G2 5-U - 190-105, Maltby M+ 54* & MG 60* - 95-75, Evnroll ER8, Titleist 816 H1 4h 21*, Maltby 4 Hybrid Iron 24* - 210-200, Callaway XR16 8* - 235 carry

886809507_image1(5).jpeg.56bc697c3b02b1fb00feb8d4b66389bc~2.jpeg

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