Shaft location?

curtisj76
Just wondered if there was a reccomendation for the shaft location on a putter? Looking at purchasing a new putter (2-ball) and was looking at the center and heel shafted versions. Is either better for TGM putting? Thanks
Yoda
Originally Posted by curtisj76 Just wondered if there was a reccomendation for the shaft location on a putter? Looking at purchasing a new putter (2-ball) and was looking at the center and heel shafted versions. Is either better for TGM putting? Thanks

At Impact, the Shaft of my heel-shafted putter has only the slightest forward lean.

That's because I locate the Ball off my left big toe. And that toe is just behind Low Point -- opposite my left shoulder -- in my Stance. My Head is Centered between my feet.

But then, unlike almost everybody else in the world...

My Left Arm is Straight.

My Left Wrist is Flat.

And my Right Forearm is On Plane.

To accomodate the above alignments, my Clubshaft is only 32" long.

Also, I grip the Clubshaft in the lifeline of my Left Hand. In other words, the Clubshaft is running up the Left Forearm (Zero #3 Angle). This means there is a gap between the last three fingers of the Left Hand and the Clubshaft, and the Club is secured by the fingertips. This is at first uncomfortable, but stay with it: That feeling will go away after you make many Left-Arm Only practice strokes over many days with the Clubshaft buttressing the palm of the hand. Don't use a Ball; just swing the Club back and through continuously nailing down the Feel.

With both Hands together, feel the connections of the #2 Pressure Point (last three fingers of the left hand) and #3 Pressure Point (meaty part of the right forefinger) directly behind the Clubshaft. Put the Right Forearm On Plane and Trace the Line while keeping the Left Wrist Flat and executing your Hinge Action.

KER-PLOP!
curtisj76
So does that mean it doesn't matter? Both versions would be compataible with TGM? Sorry for the dumb question, I'm been under the "pelz method" for the past few years. I've been using his putting track but I'm going to try putting with a 2x4 from now on. Didn't know if a center shafted or heel shafted putter would make any difference? Thanks
Yoda
Originally Posted by curtisj76
So does that mean it doesn't matter? Both versions would be compataible with TGM?

Didn't know if a center shafted or heel shafted putter would make any difference?
Yes, Curtis, both versions are just fine. As is the most extreme case: the Shaft joining the Clubhead at the toe. And the reason is that, no matter where the Shaft joins the Clubhead, you feel and swing the Sweetspot.
curtisj76
Thanks Yoda, May the force be with you.........always.
Fred Brattain
Originally Posted by curtisj76 So does that mean it doesn't matter? Both versions would be compataible with TGM? Sorry for the dumb question, I'm been under the "pelz method" for the past few years. I've been using his putting track but I'm going to try putting with a 2x4 from now on. Didn't know if a center shafted or heel shafted putter would make any difference? Thanks
Hi Curtis,
the physics of putting would indicate that you are less likely to lose an off center hit (as in there may be a larger sweet spot) with a center shafted putter. Yoda may disagree with this, but a lot of people feel this way. THAT being said, I use a Ping putter that I bought when they first came out back in the dark ages, and it is heel shafted. I have never changed putters in all these years, as it works for me. Chuck Hogan would tell you that the most important characteristic of a putter is not where the shaft is, but whether the putter fits your eyes. In other words, when you are lined up correctly does the putter LOOK lined up correctly, or do you think it is lined up left or right. One of the tests I put people through when they wish to purchase a putter is the same thing that Chuck Hogan does. Take your putter on a 6 foot putt, and standing next to it, as you would when addressing the ball, aim the putter at the target 6 feet away. Then step behind it and see if it's really pointed where you think it is. If it isn't, then you need a different putter. If it is, then you have found one that fits your eye. If you find one like that, then learn to putt with it.

If anyone is interested in how I practice and how I teach people to putt (at the risk of sounding arrogant, which is NOT my intention), I will be happy to post the method. Over the last 15 years of keeping stats, I have averaged 27.4 putts per round of golf. If not, cool

Obi WunPutt
cometgolfer
What I wouldn't do to average 27.4!!!!!!!!!

Let's hear it Fred!!

Comet
birdie_man
Originally Posted by Fred Brattain Chuck Hogan would tell you that the most important characteristic of a putter is not where the shaft is, but whether the putter fits your eyes.
I really think that's true.

Almost every putter I've had that I haven't liked has not LOOKED right to me.

It just bothers you....you can't have that disturbance over a putt...it plays with your mind.
Yoda
Originally Posted by RatherBeGolfing
YODA,

Are you hitting or swinging? What is your power accumulator? #4?
My Putting Stroke is Right Arm Powered, and that use of the #1 Power Accumulator makes the Stroke a 'Hit.' However, it is a very smooth Acceleration, not a 'pop.'

Despite the Right Arm Power (and Right Forearm and #3 Pressure Point Plane Line Tracing), I also have a strong sense of 'Left Hand' control during the Stroke. But this Left Hand Feel is strictly the execution of the Angled Hinge Action (Clubface Alignment per 1-L #4) and not Clubhead Power.

I've done some photos and will put them up later today in The Golfing Machine -- Basic Forum.
The Hawk
Fred,

If I constantly aim my Cameron Bullseye (minimal offset) to the left, what type of putter should I be looking for? One with more offset or one without any (or slight onset)?? Thanks,