Fall 2025

TAKE YOUR BEST SHOT B Y L A I RD SMA L L The Putter: Golf’s Big Eraser n golf, every stroke counts the same on the scorecard— except maybe in putting. A great putt can redeem an errant tee shot, a mishit iron or a poor chip. In that way, the putter becomes the game’s biggest eraser. But unlike other shots, a missed short putt—espe- cially one inside eight feet—is a stroke lost forever. There’s no making it up. It’s gone. Putting is the simplest motion in golf—it’s the shortest swing, it hap- pens at the slowest speed, and you stand closest to the ball. That should make it the easi- est to master. But here’s the catch: The target is the smallest in the entire game.You’re aiming for a four-and-a-half-inch cup, often from several feet away, and if your stroke is just one degree off at eight feet, you’ll miss.That’s why putting demands more precision than any other part of the game. Consider this: Fairways are typically 40 to 60 yards wide. Greens? About 30 yards. But that hole? Just over four inches wide. On a 30-foot putt, a miss off the toe or heel of the putter can easily result in a four- foot difference in distance versus a solidly struck putt. A strike off center also makes the face twist either open or closed depending upon the strike location, effecting the starting line direction of the putt.That’s the difference between a stress-free tap-in and a second putt that makes your hands shake. Why Contact Matters Solid contact is everything. If you’re not striking the sweet spot, your ability to control distance is compromised. Distance control is the gateway to becoming a great putter.Why? Because speed influences line. A six-inch difference in speed changes your ideal entry point into the hole.The best green readers are also the best speed controllers. It’s no coincidence. The Myth of “No Fundamentals” There’s a common myth that putting is completely individualistic— that there are no fundamentals.Watch the best putters on the PGA and LPGA Tours and you’ll see that’s not true. Yes, styles vary, but there are common elements: • Narrow stance: about the width of a putter grip, which simplifies balance and promotes a pendulum stroke. • Ball position: just forward of center, often under the lead eye. • Arm and shaft alignment: from a side view, the putter shaft and forearms form a single line, helping with stroke stability. • Grip: more in the palms than the fingers for better control. The putting stroke itself mimics a pendu- lum: back and up, then down and through. The ideal contact point is just after the putter reaches its low point and begins to rise— slightly ascending at impact. Many amateurs mistakenly try to “hit up” on the ball, catching it low on the face. Ironically, when done correctly, it often feels like you’re striking down to make solid contact, aiming to hit the ball more on the top half of the face. Understanding Stroke Dynamics Here’s something most golfers don’t consider:The ball interrupts the stroke. The moment of impact slows the putter head, meaning the fol- low-through is naturally shorter than the backswing. But many players try to accelerate the putter through the ball, leading to inconsistency. Remember, gravity is already accelerating the putter on the down- swing—you don’t need to add more. Trying to “help” the putt leads to over-acceleration, poor distance control and erratic reads. Drill: The Nickel Test Want to master contact and find your low point? Try this: Stack two nickels on the ground. Take your normal setup and use your putting stroke to knock the top nickel off the bottom one—without disturbing the lower coin. This is harder than it sounds. But if you can do it, you’re consistently returning the putter to the bottom of the arc. From there, place your golf ball just slightly ahead of that low point to promote a smooth, slight- ly ascending strike.You will be amazed at the difference in contact, how Stack two nickels on the ground. Take your normal setup and use your putting stroke to knock the top nickel off the bottom one— without disturbing the lower coin I 96 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • F A L L 2 0 2 5