The Art of Putting

Many players pick a shape that complements their stroke. Technical strokes tend to prefer square shapes and mechanical necks. Players that want to rid themselves of technical thoughts tend towards softer lines and flowing necks.

All Scotty Cameron putters are precision milled so the critical angles of the face, sole and shaft ensure each putter sits squarely. Each head is shaped and softened to flow to the ground and inspire confidence at address.

Putters do not swing vertically back and through along the target line. Because of lie angle, the proper putting stroke moves along an arcing path: slightly inside of the target line, back to square, then to the inside again after impact.

The proper length putter correctly sets eye position just inside the target line, and the correct amount of toe flow allows the putter to flow squarely to the proper arcing path throughout the stroke.

In order for the putter head to move squarely along the proper arcing path, the toe of the putter must "flow" throughout the stroke. How and where the neck or shaft of the putter joins the head determines its toe flow.

Be sure to choose a putter that either flows naturally along the proper arching path, or helps to correct it. This will reduce the tendency to manipulate the putter face with your hands. The best way to find the toe flow that corrects or complements your stroke is to hit straight, flat putts from 20 feet to see what works best.

If your putter is too long, your setup posture will be too upright with your eyes set too far inside the target line. If your putter is too short, your setup posture will be too hunched over with your eyes set too far outside the target line.

The ideal putter length sets your eyes 1-2" inside of the target line to allow you to execute the proper arcing putting stroke while maintaining good posture and balance.

Neck design/position on a putter head affects putter performance. Shorter necks or shaft bends increase toe flow, resulting in a putter that swings more freely in an arc.

Longer necks or shaft bends decrease toe flow, supporting a less arcing stroke. Shaft axis closer to a putter's heel increases flow, while shaft axis closer to the center (like straight shafted putters) produces a face-balanced putter for a straighter, more mechanical stroke.

A grip should complement the design of the putter. Smaller grips promote a more flowing, arcing stroke and generally pair well with higher toe flow putters. Larger grips promote a more “square to square” putting stroke and pair well with face balanced putters. Choose a grip that feels good in your hand and supports the design of your putter and your stroke type.