Have you ever had a putting lesson and you continually hear “I want you to feel”……….?
What if the putting “feels” go against your current feels or beliefs?
I know that for me when I started coaching and being around good players I would ask them, tell me what you focus on or what did you do to become a good putter? Again I kept getting told an oversimplified thought of “well I just have feel for hitting good putts. Well, what the hell does that mean!
As I progressed I learned I was asking the wrong questions. I kept asking general questions therefore I kept getting general answers.
I then went a different route……. What is essential in hitting good putts? I am sure most would agree on the following:
- Green reading(often put at the end)
- Start ball on intended line
- Manage speed
After this I realized an accompanying question…. How do I get people to hit good putts with predictability and repeatability?
- Understanding the first three!
- Understanding difference between training and practicing
- Frequency of training and practice
- Mentality - Mindset combined with inventory of current skill level and desired skill level
Why RTR Roller?
Our attempt is to convert specific parameters of the first 3 skills into a practical and easy to use device/tool.
We want to truly turn your ability to manage path and roll into “feel”!
When I hear good putters talk, I commonly hear feels regarding direction or magnitude of motion! I rarely hear players speak of specific positions (although important!) and especially not impact. We use impact to understand the whys and then we develop a play for altering and improving the “motion” to improve the moment of impact!!!
Thank you for reading, Alan Hodde
About the Author
Alan is a Class A PGA Member. He has been very fortunate to coach and learn from some of the best players on the PGA and LPGA Tours, including, Jhonattan Vegas, Patrick Reed, Katie Futcher, Christel Boeljon, Stacy Lewis, Bobby Gates and Craig Kanada. He enjoys the challenge of helping players learn how to play better golf and achieve their goals. He was named 2019 Southern Texas PGA Harvey Penick Teacher of the year. He has certifications in teaching, biomechanics, various golf technology tools and club fitting.