A light putter is easy to move quickly in a putting stroke but at the same time, “too” light would become
difficult to move slowly. On the other side of the spectrum, if you have a putter with a high gram weight
it would be quite easy to have the putter move slowly through the stroke. However, trying to get a heavy
putter to move faster could present a challenge. (Watch the video to see the examples I use regarding
heavy and light putters.)
In the next month, many of you will play in the State Open, your Club Championship, a 3-Day Member
Guest etc. What do these events have in common? The greens will be fast! While it is not realistic to
ask a Superintendent to keep the putting greens as fast as possible for the entire season, when the big
events role around the greens are at their best. They will double cut and roll the greens. You will need
to adjust in order to get comfortable on the faster surfaces. If you have a light putter you may be at
a big disadvantage. Try a heavier putter or perhaps break out some lead tape which will allow you to
temporarily add some weight to your putter.
Lastly, your putter should fit your normal conditions. Chances are, your home course will have relatively
consistent green speeds throughout the main part of the season. In any area, golf courses have
reputations, don’t they? “XYZ Country Club has lightning fast greens, ABC Golf Club is in great shape
but the greens are slow”. The weight of your putter should match the green speed that you typically
encounter. Decide if gaining, or losing weight will help you become a better putter.
George Connor has been teaching and coaching golfers of all abilities since
1989. The two-time Connecticut PGA Teacher of the Year runs the Golf Channel
Academy at Farmington Woods GC in Avon, CT, and also teaches out of Keney
Park Golf Course in Hartford, CT. George’s student’s include Division I College
Players, Professional Players, State Amateur Champions, Club Champions as well
as beginners and intermediate players.
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