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There’s been a lot of innovation in putting technique (like AimPoint, plumb bob) and in putters with the latest trend being face balance + lie angle balanced pu

There’s been a lot of innovation in putting technique (like AimPoint, plumb bob) and in putters with the latest trend being face balance + lie angle balanced putters. 40+ years ago most putters were essentially the same with some degree of “toe hang”. Toe hang is how many degrees down the toe of the putter point when you balance the putter on the shaft. 90° is the max and very old school - for decades this was the only option. Face balanced means there’s 0° and are very popular today. However through all this innovation and advancements in technique, putting related outcomes have not improved. Players today are just as bad at putting as players 40 years ago, etc. Putting is really hard and the best players on earth are only 50% from 8’ and it falls rapidly every foot thereafter. It’s a skill a dedicated amateur can get to a pro level reliably.

Avicebron 2y ago
I've played golf for years, I think being "good" at golf is like 1/3 of why I like golf. Genuinely complaining (outside of a professional context) about someone trying a wonky reference plane technique is likely to get you uninvited next time..
- nemo44x 2y ago
  I’m not complaining, I use AimPoint Express at times. And I think AimPoint is a great way to learn feel on the greens. Just pointing out that on average putting innovations have had no real beneficial outcome on players performance. Saying that individuals have probably saw benefits.
dave333 2y ago
Putting is about half the game numerically and among the pros there are good and bad putters. Tom Watson was an excellent putter for most of his career by hitting firm putts that got past the hole, but he famously missed a 6 footer to win The Open at age 59 by hitting a soft putt that barely made it to the hole. In Jordan Spieth's annus mirabilis 2015 he was by far the best putter from 20-25 feet on tour. On the other hand, if Dustin Johnson could putt as well as he plays the long game he would have won a lot more championships. Innovations tend to get banned. Sam Snead's croquet style putting astride the line was banned and the long putters with the top locked into the body to act as a pendulum also banned. Nothing is worse than amateurs imitating professionals and taking forever lining up a putt from all four sides unless maybe it is on the final green of the club championship.

Avicebron 2y ago

I've played golf for years, I think being "good" at golf is like 1/3 of why I like golf. Genuinely complaining (outside of a professional context) about someone trying a wonky reference plane technique is likely to get you uninvited next time..

nemo44x 2y ago
I’m not complaining, I use AimPoint Express at times. And I think AimPoint is a great way to learn feel on the greens. Just pointing out that on average putting innovations have had no real beneficial outcome on players performance. Saying that individuals have probably saw benefits.

dave333 2y ago

Putting is about half the game numerically and among the pros there are good and bad putters. Tom Watson was an excellent putter for most of his career by hitting firm putts that got past the hole, but he famously missed a 6 footer to win The Open at age 59 by hitting a soft putt that barely made it to the hole. In Jordan Spieth's annus mirabilis 2015 he was by far the best putter from 20-25 feet on tour. On the other hand, if Dustin Johnson could putt as well as he plays the long game he would have won a lot more championships. Innovations tend to get banned. Sam Snead's croquet style putting astride the line was banned and the long putters with the top locked into the body to act as a pendulum also banned. Nothing is worse than amateurs imitating professionals and taking forever lining up a putt from all four sides unless maybe it is on the final green of the club championship.