Whats the ideal length to bring the putter back during the putting storke.

Do you adjust the length for longer puts or do you increase the speed on the way through.

I should elaberate a bit… I’m having trouble getting it to the hole.

No jokes please…

putting, as with any other stroke is about rhythm and timing, the rhythm ideally shouldn’t change for any putt. So the answer is up to you really. I would say you need to take it further back to hit it further and keep the same rhythm. just my 2c.

This question will probably get more of a response if you post it in “Ask Golf Guru” – i.e. golf coaching.

I always focus on making my through swing longer than my backswing so I’m not decelerating the putter at impact. Just my $0.02.

It all comes down to practice. It also helps to have a solid putting technique. Heres a really good vid from youtube. Also check his other videos out too, I doubt you will regret it.

Shawn Clement – Putting

Also notice how his wrists don’t move throughout his putting stroke! That for me is the most important part about distance control.

I heard a comment on TV from a ex pro (dunno who it was) he said that the person on the screen was struggling with arms moving, ie, the arms were moving away from the shoulders meaning his shoulders were staying still and his arms were moving, it was a problem the commentator had at the end of his career, and was one of the reasons he stopped playing the tour.

The short end is, nothing should move in the stroke at all, except the shoulders, the arms should remain in a triangle with the shoulders and the stroke should be made without moving the head. This takes a lot more practice than I ever realised, but the rewards are consistency.

It works for me…..

jnr the length of the backswing in relation ot the follow through is very much a personal and feel thing based on my experience of working for one or two ruly great putters including Bob Charles

In essence the blade needs to be picking up speed on the way through the ball but I have seen some great putters with short backswings and others with slow smooth backswings.

I think if you work on the idea that you need to ensure you are not slowing things down on the way to the ball then the length is almost immaterial and becomes an experience and touch issue.