Equipment
Line vs Distance
Just about half of all shots on the course are taken on the short grass, and putting - love it or hate it - is where the scorecard is won or lost.
Putting is a lot more complex than it first appears. You may consider getting the ball in the air and getting it onto the green in two shots the challenging part of any par-4. But greens are designed to be manipulative to test your skill, and mis-reading your putts can result in a frustrating 3-putt and a bogey on the scorecard.
Broadly speaking, there are two aspects you need to get correct when executing the perfect putt. The line your ball is facing, and the exact amount of power needed to find the back of the cup.
Think for a minute about your own game. Do you find it easy to find the correct line but usually leave your putts shot? Or do you tend to go for the hole, but often find yourself putting back the other way?
Line VS distance
Finding the right line is of paramount importance when reading your putt. If you misjudge the break of the putt, you instantly have no chance of it dropping into the hole.
It can feel demoralizing however to know you have the line just right but not quite enough pace to find the back of the cup.
Leaving the ball short is a pain as it means you won’t know how the ball is going to break going into the cup. When you hit it past the hole you can at least see how the ball breaks for your next putt.
Equally important as accuracy is having the power and confidence to commit to your strike with the appropriate degree of power. Putting requires a soft-yet-firm touch, and it’s finding this middle ground on the short grass that’s the weak point of many good golfer’s games.
Finding the line
Making the perfect putt begins way before you walk onto the green. When you’re hitting your approach shot, you want to get a good look at the slope of the green. As you’re walking towards it, keep an eye on the natural slopes turns that form around the pin position.
You’ll also want to keep an eye on how your chip shots run out onto the green. Where does it bounce to? Is it where you predicted it would go or did an unforeseen bounce take it another way?
Once your ball has come to rest and you’re sizing up your putt, it’s good to crouch down behind it and take a look at the high and low points of the green. Can you feel the slope of the green in your feet when you’re standing over the ball? Can you trace the natural line relative to the slopes beneath your feet?
The latest golf putters from Wilson have been engineered to help you find the exact line when you’re standing over the ball, and strike through your putt with tempo and confidence.
Wilson Staff Model putters
Wilson putters are simply special, and the tech under the hood combined with the flawless looks makes them an ideal tool to add to the bag. This club is made from Wilson’s 304 stainless steel that delivers a sensational feel at impact, making your putts feel pleasantly consistent.
The Staff Model putters look great in a metallic grey finish and have performance-balanced weighting built-in to give you excellent control over your shots, particularly on longer putts. This weighting makes the club exceptionally forgiving even on off-center putts. There are four models in the range, each with their own head shapes and hosel types. We’ll be sure to find the ideal fit for your short game.
Wilson Infinite putters
Another fantastic putter offering from Wilson, The Infinite putters feature a glossy matte black PVD anti-glare finish that looks fantastic at every angle. On the top of the head, you’ll find high-contrast white alignment aids that will have you knowing with total confidence the line of your upcoming putt.
The face on this putter has been double-milled to ensure a consistent roll, and an endearing feel when making impact with the ball. There are a total of eight distinct models in the range, from the ‘Windy City’, a blade with a plumber’s neck hosel, to ‘The L’, a large mallet with a straight hosel.
You’ve got to have a go with a few different kinds of putters to find your ideal feel, and find out what makes you feel comfortable. If you’re unsure of which kind of putter would be best for you, we’d be happy to show you our stock in the pro shop.