Putting is an important aspect in the game of golf. It contributes 40% of the total scores of the game and those who have a weak long game are bound to be more confident about their scores if they are good at putting. Putting is an art and science as well. Neither can live without the other when it takes to putting. The mechanical aspects of the putter and its affect on the game can not be denies. The length of the putter, shape and weight of the putter head, its loft, thickness of the holding shaft and many other factors have considerable impact on the performance of the player.
How putter head affects the game?
Putting deals with how well you judge the alignment line and have the perfect distance control so that the ball really sinks well in less tan three putts. Thus, it is up to the player to have the perfect putting set-up and putting stance to get the finest results. What if the putter head has less loft such that the ball has a bottom spin and therefore skids? Similarly, if the weight along the putter head is too light or too heavy for comfort, then the player is unlikely to indulge in the simple pendulum motion that is supposed to be carried out for perfect putting. Centre of gravity at the putter head is another important factor that makes an impact on the performance of the player.
Several golf companies have shot up in the hall of fame owing to their unique designs and playing with clefts and weights in the putter head. A putter head which delivers a solid impact and transmits an excellent feedback is preferred. Moreover, players prefer putters with putter heads that provide as oft stroke and have a buttery feel. Special emphasis is also laid on the weight in the putter head. Many companies follow the swing weight scale to determine the weight of the putter. Following the swing weight rule, the weight distribution in the putter lies on the weight attached to the shaft of the putter, the grip and of course on the putter head.
Technically speaking, a putter head has a first metal and a face surface on the front face of the putter. The second part of the body of the putter head consists of another heavier metal whose specific gravity is higher than that of the first metal. Sometimes, an insert is arranged inside the first metal, typically made of rubber or a synthetic resin.
While purchasing putters, players also buy a couple of putter covers that provide complete protection to the putter head and prevent any damage to the metallic surface of the putter head. In most of the putter heads, special alignment lines or aids are provided that help players to orient the ball along the line of putt for perfect sinking in the putting cups. To some, these lines may be distracting while this may not be the case for many. Glossy and shiny metallic finish on putter heads are increasingly being avoided by players as they complain of getting distracted. Matte- finish solid blocks are preferred in such cases.
The shape and weight of putter heads are known to be decisive factors for sinking the putts well. Harold Swash’s C groove putters are based on the principle of slightly elevating the angle of the putter head. This factor has found to enhance the putting ability of the players even if the ball is struck off centre!
