Newsletter -- Natural Putting Tempo will Resonate Fewer Putts

You can review my previous newsletter on this topic by clicking HERE.

As presented previously, there is a lot of research of elite golfers that link a natural putting tempo to a 2 to 1 ratio between backstroke time to downstroke time. And this tempo ratio is the same for any length putt (and thus putter speed).

Jon Karlsen published his disseration from the Norwegien School of Sport Sciences in 2010 entitled, "Performance in Golf Putting." His study looked at 190 players, 22 who played at the highest level on European or US PGA Tours. 76% were handicap 5 or better.

 Karlsen found the Stroke Direction Variability was minimized for those elite golfers that had downstroke times of between 270 -370 ms. Less direction variability means more accuracy. Delay et al (1997) found downstroke times 261 – 289 ms on 1-4 m long putts. Karlsen (2003) found times for 2, 8 & 25 m putts to be 305, 312, 297 ms for elite golfers. Marquardt (2007) 317 +- 35 ms for professional players.

The evidence is there. Elite golfers have similar putting tempos. The total tempos fall within a range, and the ratios of backstroke to downstroke is always 2 to 1. Why? It's not because this has been taught. The putting tempo evidence is recent. These elite golfers discovered their ideal tempos through trial and error.

But now that we know, why not "fast track" the phenomenon and teach it to amateurs. The result will be better putting.

 

Here are some other examples of objects that swing or vibrate with a natural, predictable frequency. Click on the example to see a video. It's all about a natural phenomenon called resonance (object's tend to vibrate at a natural frequency dependent upon the length of the object).

• a metronome  
• wave pulses travelling in a long spring
• a singing wine glass

Like these examples, there is a natural tempo for a person swinging a putter. The tempo depends on the length and weight of the putter as well as the length and weight of the arms and hands.

Experiment to Try:  Every person has a natural walking frequency. It mainly depends on the length and weights of the legs. The longer the legs, the slower the frequency. Go for a stroll at your comfortable pace. Count the number of steps you take in 30 seconds. Double this value to get your freqency in steps per minute. Now increase your frequency (without running; legs should remain relatively straight as at your comfortable pace) and sustain it for 1 minute. If you like, count the paces as before to measure your fast pace frequency. Note how much more effort it takes. It will feel unatural; well, it is. You are moving your legs back and forth at a pace in which you are not in sync with gravity. LIkewise, attempting to walk at a low frequency (but same length steps) is also difficult.

GOLF TIP: The average golfer will lose about 2 yards of carry on their Driver for every 10 degree F drop in temperature and a little less for a 9-iron. When playing in significantly cooler temperatures, you need to hit at least a half club more. Plus, tee shots won't carry as far because of less roll, so you'll have longer shots into the green, Click HERE.

Tempo Timing Devices

In my last newsletter, I recommended some nice metronome apps you can download to your phone, or you can buy a small, clip on metronome at your sports shop or music shop (they are used for running and playing music). Ping and other golf companies also provide apps for phones. You can get a cradle to hold your phone while attached to the shaft of your putter.

Or, a much more expensive alterative would be an Apple watch.

You've probably heard of the theory that it takes about 10 000 repetitions to master a motor skill, such as a putting stroke. To master your natural tempo, ideally that would mean stroking 10 000 putts. But tempo can be practiced without a ball. As long as you have your metronome app or clip on metronome and your putter, you can practice your stroke and master your tempo sooner.

More on discovering your ideal natural tempo in my next newsletter.

In the meantime, check out my past newsletter topics by clicking HERE.

Playing in the Wind & Cool Temperatures

Even the best players in the world have a tough time with the wind and cool temperatures. Lots of adjusting needs to occur (the least of which is staying warm). Wind speed is hard to read and wind gusting makes it tough to predict the effect on the golf ball, and to commit to the shot.

As a recent example, look at the scores in the recent Farmer's Insurance Open at Tory Pines won by Brandt Snedeker. The average scores in the four rounds were 70.3, 70.4, 73.2 and 77.9. And the weekend scores didn't include the poorer players (those that missed the cut). The last round in particular had very windy conditions and it was cool. The wind really makes it difficult for all of us, even the pros.

I provide three services to golfers who are interested in determining how the wind will affect their shots.

1. How to Read and Play the Wind -- based on average launch trajectories You'll learn how to measure the speed and direction of the wind and then calculate how far the shot will play. Only $15.99
2. Club Ranges for Head Wind and Tail Wind -- based on average launch trajectories Send me your normal club ranges. I'll convert them into the ranges your clubs will play into headwinds and tailwinds. Only $24.99.
3.Your Unique Club Ranges for Head Wind and Tail Wind -- based on your own launch trajectories Send me your normal club ranges along with your launch angles and spin. I'll convert them into the ranges your clubs will play into headwinds and tailwinds. Only $44.99. You'll need to have access to a launch monitor such as Trackman, Flightscope.

You can immediately download a copy "Reading & Playing the Wind." I'll explain how you can easily measure the wind's speed (without using any kind of electronic device) and how much each 1 yard per second of wind will affect your various club ranges. The only guessing for you will be determining if the wind's speed is in fact constant.

The report will include how to compensate for crosswinds and partial crosswinds. It'll take much of the guesswork out of picking the right club for the shot.

You can order and download immediately by clicking on the PayPal icon below.

Remember, it's highly unlikely you'll ever hit a good shot if you are doubting what club to hit. Using my wind tips, you'll be able to quantify the number of yards the wind will likely affect your shot. As your confidence grows with you being able to predict the effect, the more committed you will become to your shots, the better you'll hit them, and the lower you will score.

 

The cost of the report is only $15.99. ORDER Here.

Unless the wind is blowing really hard, you don't need to change your swing; you just need to change your club. You need to choose the right club and have confidence in hitting it. My tips will make this a reality.

You can provide me with yardages for each club in your bag. I'll input your values into a program I have written, and send you a template which will outline how different speed winds will change the real yardages for each club. The service is only $15.99. You can order it here.

See and order all or my products at my golf product order (click HERE)  page.