Measure Once, Cut Twice
And the short of it.
While at The Golf Performance Center, Mike Skimson also took me through a TOMI putting analysis. This is a device that measures no less than 8 different traits that involve putter stroke. What you end up with here is a starting point from which to access your stroke and begin, where neccessary, to make changes to either your equipment, your technique, or in my case both.
The results were curious (everyone should go through this).
The TOMI image (which is probably a little hard to make out the web) shows in detail:
Alignment at Address
The goal is to execute 5 strokes in a row with an alignment at address value as close to zero as possible, the intended target line
Alignment at Impact
The goal is execute 5 strokes in a row with an alignment at impact as close as possible to zero, the intended target line
Path at Impact
The goal is to have a stoke pat at impact as close as possible to zero degrees, the intended target line
Stoke Path and Rotation
The goal is to have the proper rotational arc – tour average of total rotation during the stroke is 11 degrees
On the backswing the rotation should be between 4-6 degrees while the forward stroke should then be between -4 and -6 degrees to create the proper arc
Shaft Angle
The goal is to consistently add 1.5 degrees of loft at impact in relation to their address position
Impact Spot
The goal is consistent center contact on the putter face
Impact speed
The goal is to create consistent speed on each putt
Stroke Tempo
The tour average of the ratio of the backstroke time to the forward stroke time is 2. The goal is to be twice as fast on the forward stroke to impact as the time taken on the backstroke
- Visited Oakville Golf (a custom club shop) where we chopped the flat stick not once but twice, then flattened the lie a little. I have an ancient Ping Pal so the bending was done ‘lightly’ as to not break it – it was nice to have it in expert hands. And apparently, newer putters have more ‘give’.
Now is probably a good time to run through the analysis again to see some results post equipment changes.
Steve Woods is a contributing writer / editor / designer at large. He is also the creative director at his own agency seventyone media. On the course, Steve continues to play blades 'just because' ... and can consistently hit the ball well over 300 yards (on his second shot).
May Also be of Interest:
- Forward Press, Back-Stryke
- The White Putter Wins
- The Three A’s of Practice
- Down the Target Line
- Nike Driver Hits MACHSPEED
