Newsletter -- Natural Putting Tempo 2 for 1

There has been a lot of research done over the past 10 years investigating the putting strokes of elite players, spawned by new technology (like the SAM Putt Lab below) that enables us to measure speed and position far more accurately (time measured in milliseconds, ms).

In a study conducted in 2007, 99 PGA Tour Players were asked to each strike a number of 13 foot long putts on medium to slow greens. Many different aspects of their strokes were measured. I'll only cite four here, in the table below. For each, I've recorded the average and standard deviation (the standard deviation is a measure of the spread or dispersion of the values).

	Group Average	Group Dispersion
Backswing Time (BST)	670 ms	90 ms
Backswing Length (BSL)	241 mm	38 mm
Time to Impact (TI)	317 ms	35 ms
Impact Speed	1510 mm/s	119 mm/s

For instance, the average Backswing Time was 670 ms with a standard deviation of 90 ms (which means the majority of times were within 90 ms of the 670 ms average, range of 580 to 760 ms). A very interesting statistic is the ratio of BST to TI, the average being 670 ms to 317 ms, or 2.1 to 1. This means that for the elite players of the game (the best putters), their backstrokes take twice the time of their forward strokes.

You might recall that a fellow by the name of John Novosal looked at the best players from all different eras and found that their full swings have the same tempo: a 3:1 ratio of backswing to downswing (2:1 in the short game and putting). The 2:1 putting ratio has been confirmed using technology such as the SAM PuttLab used in the 2007 study cited above.

Another interesting characteristic is that the ratio is the same for all length putts (except very long ones which require a very long stroke). For instance, if one compares a 6 foot putt to a 20 foot putt, the 20 foot putt has a longer backstroke, more putter speed at impact, a longer follow through, but the time of the stroke (tempo and ratio of 2 to 1) is the same as a 6 foot putt.

If the world's best putters have similar ratios, then likely they have locked on to the "secret" of great putting. In actual fact, however, this "secret" is no secret of nature. As I'll explain in future newsletters, the 2:1 ratio is the ratio that make sense naturally using the laws of physics. It all has to do with the motion of a pendulum and how best one can swing a pendulum naturally.

GOLF TIP: When putting uphill or downhill, one must adjust the putter speed compared to a flat putt in order to get the distance right. For a 1 degree slope, a 20 foot uphill putt should be hit with a speed of a flat 26 foot putt. Going downhill should be hit with a speed of a flat 15 foot putt. For more scenarios, Click HERE.

Another interesting characteristic is that the ratio is the same for all length putts (except very long ones which require a very long stroke). For instance, if one compares a 6 foot putt to a 20 foot putt, the 20 foot putt has a longer backstroke, more putter speed at impact, a longer follow through, but the time of the stroke (tempo and ratio of 2 to 1) is the same as a 6 foot putt.

Since the best players in the world have this characteristic, it must be natural. As I explain further in my next newsletter, this natural tendency is due to the properties of a pendulum. And not a simple pendulum, like the one below right, but a compound pendulum like the image below left.

The simple pendulum has all its weight at one point at the end of its length (string/wire/rope has insignificant weight). The compound pendulum has significant weight throughout its length. For a golfer, the weight of the arms, hands and putter shaft are much larger than the putter blade (which is at the end of the length). Thus, the natural swinging time (period) of the compound pendulum is different than the simple pendulum.

I encourage you to start experimenting with your own putting stroke. To achieve the 2:1 ratio, I use a count of 1-2-3-4. On 1, I start my backstroke; on 2-3, I complete my backstroke and begin my forward stroke; on 4, the putter blade hits the ball. You'll need to figure out the pace which feels best to you. I'll have some recommendations in future newsletters.

 

Now, you might ask how do you know the proper pace to count 1-2-3-4? Well, that's where you need to experiment. I'll have some suggestions in my next newsletter based on the natural swinging time of a pendulum. For now, you should just experiment a little.

For example, Tiger Woods shows a rhythm of 2.2, with a backswing time of 660 ms; whereas Loren Roberts shows exactly the same rhythm of 2.2, but with a backswing time of 977 ms. As I'll discuss in my next newsletter, the natural tempo depends not only on the length of the putter and the arms, but also the mass distribution.

Once you find the pace that feels right and allows you to hit crisp, controlled putts, you can lock that in by using a digital metronome. There are 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).

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

Even the best players in the world have a tough time with the wind. 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 an example, the average score in the first 4 rounds of the 2009 Bob Hope Classic was 67.0 (there was very little wind). The wind picked up in the 5th and final round and the average score was 70.4, which is 3.4 shots higher (and that was with the best players of the week after the cut). 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.