How do face balanced putters improve your putting stroke. What are the key benefits of using a face balanced putter. How to choose the right face balanced putter for your game. Which popular face balanced putter models are worth considering.
Understanding Face Balanced Putters: The Science Behind the Stroke
Face balanced putters have become increasingly popular among golfers seeking to improve their putting performance. But what exactly makes these putters unique? The key lies in their design and balance point.
A face balanced putter has its balance point directly aligned with the center of the putter face. This is in contrast to toe balanced putters, where the balance point is positioned in front of the face. This specific balance configuration promotes a straight, smooth stroke by naturally returning the putter face to square at impact.
How does this balance affect your putting stroke? The physics of a face balanced putter encourages a straight back, straight through motion. This eliminates the need for golfers to manually “release” the putter or manipulate the face to square it up at impact. As a result, the tendency to push or pull putts off line is significantly reduced, leading to more accurate and consistent putting.
The Advantages of Face Balanced Putters: Elevating Your Putting Game
Switching to a face balanced putter can offer several key benefits for golfers looking to improve their performance on the greens:
- Promotes a square impact
- Improves stroke consistency
- Enhances distance control
- Ideal for straight back and through strokes
- Provides forgiveness on off-center hits
One of the primary advantages of face balanced putters is their ability to promote a square impact. The balanced design naturally wants to return to square at impact, making it easier for golfers to consistently start the ball on their intended line without manipulation.
This design also contributes to improved stroke consistency. With less face rotation to manage, golfers can develop a more repeatable putting stroke. This consistency translates into better distance control, as the reduced manipulation during the stroke allows for more precise speed control.
Are face balanced putters suitable for all putting strokes? While they can benefit many golfers, they are particularly well-suited for those who employ a straight back and through stroke with minimal arc. The balanced design complements this putting style, enhancing the natural motion of the stroke.
Another advantage of face balanced putters is their forgiveness on off-center hits. The balanced design helps to minimize twisting on mishits, providing more consistent results even when contact is not perfect.
Selecting the Ideal Face Balanced Putter: Factors to Consider
Choosing the right face balanced putter involves considering several factors to ensure it complements your putting style and preferences:
- Head shape
- Head weight
- Putter length
- Lie angle
- Loft
- Grip
- Alignment features
- Price
The head shape of a face balanced putter can significantly impact your confidence and performance at address. Options include blade, mallet, and mid-mallet designs, each offering different aesthetics and performance characteristics. It’s essential to choose a head style that instills confidence when you’re standing over the ball.
Head weight is another crucial factor to consider. Counterbalanced and heavier putters can enhance stability, while lighter heads may promote a more flowing stroke. The ideal weight often depends on personal preference and stroke tendencies.
How does putter length affect your stroke? Longer putters generally increase stability, which can be beneficial for golfers who struggle with consistency. Conversely, shorter putters often provide more feel and control, allowing for greater precision on shorter putts.
The lie angle of your putter is critical for ensuring clean impact and optimal roll. It’s important to match the lie angle to your putting posture and stroke for the best results. Similarly, the loft of the putter face can impact how the ball comes off the face at impact. More loft can help launch the ball higher and reduce skidding, particularly on slower greens.
Grip selection is a personal preference but can significantly impact your putting stroke. Consider factors such as size, texture, and material when choosing a grip that feels comfortable and promotes a consistent stroke.
Many face balanced putters come with alignment aids to help with aiming. These can range from simple lines to more complex systems. Choose alignment features that suit your eye and help you consistently aim your putts accurately.
Finally, consider your budget when selecting a face balanced putter. While there are options available at various price points, it’s important to find a putter that meets your needs without breaking the bank.
Popular Face Balanced Putter Models: A Closer Look
The market offers a wide range of face balanced putters from reputable manufacturers. Here are some popular models worth considering:
Odyssey Stroke Lab Ten
This high-MOI mallet combines a precision milled face with Stroke Lab weighting technology. Its excellent alignment features make it a favorite among golfers seeking improved accuracy and consistency.
TaylorMade Spider EX
Known for its heavy perimeter weighting, the Spider EX creates a very stable and face balanced stroke. Its unique design provides exceptional forgiveness on off-center hits.
Ping Sigma 2 Line
Available in blade, mid-mallet, and mallet designs, the Ping Sigma 2 line offers custom fitting options to suit a wide range of golfers. Its variable depth grooves provide consistent ball speed across the face.
Cleveland Frontline Elevado
This face balanced mallet features deep milling for enhanced feel and roll. Its forward center of gravity design helps improve accuracy and distance control.
Scotty Cameron Phantom X
With its futuristic look and precision milled tungsten weights, the Phantom X offers exceptional balance and feel. Its multi-material construction provides optimal performance and aesthetics.
Bettinardi BB Series
These classically shaped blades are milled from soft carbon steel for enhanced responsiveness. The BB Series offers a traditional look with modern performance features.
Transitioning to a Face Balanced Putter: Tips for Success
Making the switch to a face balanced putter can be a game-changer for many golfers, but it’s important to approach the transition thoughtfully. Here are some tips to help you successfully integrate a face balanced putter into your game:
- Practice with purpose
- Focus on fundamentals
- Experiment with different models
- Seek professional advice
- Be patient
How can you effectively practice with your new face balanced putter? Start by focusing on short putts to get a feel for the putter’s balance and how it affects your stroke. Gradually increase the distance as you become more comfortable. Use alignment aids on the practice green to ensure you’re starting the ball on your intended line consistently.
While the putter itself can help promote a better stroke, it’s crucial not to neglect the fundamentals of putting. Continue to work on your green reading skills, posture, and alignment. A face balanced putter can enhance a good stroke, but it won’t automatically fix poor technique.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different face balanced models before making a final decision. Each putter will feel slightly different, and what works for one golfer may not be ideal for another. Take advantage of demo days or fitting sessions to try out various options.
Seeking advice from a professional club fitter or golf instructor can be invaluable when transitioning to a face balanced putter. They can help ensure the putter is properly fitted to your stroke and provide guidance on any necessary adjustments to your technique.
Remember that any equipment change may take some time to yield results. Be patient with yourself as you adapt to your new putter, and don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate improvements. With consistent practice and a focus on good technique, you should start to see the benefits of your face balanced putter over time.
The Impact of Face Balanced Putters on Professional Golf
Face balanced putters have made a significant impact on professional golf, with many top players adopting these models in recent years. But how exactly have they influenced the game at the highest level?
One of the most notable effects has been the increased consistency in putting performance among professional golfers. The design of face balanced putters has helped many pros achieve more reliable results on the greens, particularly under pressure situations.
Have face balanced putters led to lower scores on tour? While it’s difficult to attribute score improvements solely to putter design, many professionals have reported increased confidence and consistency since switching to face balanced models. This improved performance on the greens can certainly contribute to lower overall scores.
The popularity of face balanced putters among pros has also influenced putter design trends. Manufacturers have invested heavily in research and development to create innovative face balanced models that meet the exacting standards of tour players. This focus on performance at the highest level has trickled down to benefit amateur golfers as well.
It’s worth noting that not all professional golfers use face balanced putters. Some players prefer toe-hang models or other designs that better suit their natural stroke. This diversity in putter preferences among top players underscores the importance of finding a putter that complements your individual putting style and tendencies.
The Future of Face Balanced Putters: Innovations on the Horizon
As golf technology continues to advance, what can we expect from the next generation of face balanced putters? Several exciting trends and innovations are emerging that could shape the future of putter design:
- Advanced materials
- Customization options
- Integration with technology
- Improved alignment systems
- Enhanced feel and feedback
How might advanced materials impact face balanced putter performance? Manufacturers are exploring new composites and alloys that could offer improved stability, feel, and consistency. These materials could potentially allow for more precise weight distribution and enhanced MOI (moment of inertia) properties.
Customization is likely to play an increasingly important role in putter fitting and design. We may see more options for adjustable weights, interchangeable faces, or even 3D-printed putters tailored to an individual golfer’s specifications.
The integration of technology into putters is another area ripe for innovation. While smart putters with built-in sensors and feedback systems are already available, future models may offer even more advanced features to help golfers analyze and improve their putting strokes.
Alignment systems are continually evolving, and we can expect to see more sophisticated visual aids and alignment technologies incorporated into face balanced putters. These could include holographic displays, laser-guided alignment, or other advanced optical systems to help golfers aim more accurately.
Enhancing feel and feedback remains a priority for putter designers. Future face balanced putters may incorporate new face technologies or grip designs that provide more nuanced feedback to the golfer, helping them develop a better sense of distance control and impact quality.
As these innovations continue to develop, golfers can look forward to face balanced putters that offer even greater precision, consistency, and customization options. However, it’s important to remember that while technology can enhance performance, the fundamental principles of good putting technique will always remain crucial to success on the greens.
Introduction to Face Balanced Putters
If you’ve been playing golf for any length of time, you know that putting can make or break your score. Sinking those clutch 5-10 footers is the key to saving strokes on the green. While proper putting stroke technique is critical, having the right putter can give your game an edge. Face balanced putters are designed to promote a straight, smooth stroke – helping you drain more of those knee-knocking par savers. Let’s take a closer look at what makes face balanced putters so effective.
What is Face Balancing?
A face balanced putter has its balance point directly in line with the center of the face. This differs from a toe balanced putter, where the balance point sits in front of the face. With a face balanced model, the putter face naturally wants to return to square at impact. This makes it easier to stroke the ball on the intended target line without manipulation or compensation in your putting stroke.
The physics of a face balanced putter promote a straight back, straight through motion. There is no need to “release” the putter or manipulate the face to square it up. With a toe balanced putter, some golfers have a tendency to open and close the face during the stroke. This can lead to pushing or pulling putts off line. A face balanced putter reduces this problem, helping you roll the ball on your intended starting line.
Benefits of Using a Face Balanced Putter
Transitioning to a face balanced putter can provide some key benefits for a golfer’s putting game:
- Promotes a Square Impact – With the balance point aligned to the face, a face balanced putter naturally wants to be square at impact. This makes it easier to return the face to square without manipulation.
- Improves Consistency – The straight back, straight through stroke of a face balanced putter improves consistency in starting the ball on line. With less face rotation to manage, your stroke will be more repeatable.
- Better Distance Control – With improved stroke control, face balanced putters can help dial in your distance. Less manipulation during the stroke equals better speed control.
- Ideal for Straight Back & Through Strokes – If you use a straight back and through stroke with little to no arc, a face balanced putter is likely the best fit.
- Forgiving on Off-Center Hits – The balanced design also provides some forgiveness on mishits. The putter will twist less on off-center impacts.
Switching to a face balanced putter isn’t necessarily a quick fix for your putting woes. You still need solid fundamentals like reading greens and starting your putts online. But having a putter engineered to promote an arced stroke can be a tremendous asset. Make several strokes with a face balanced putter to experience the buttery smooth motion for yourself.
Choosing the Right Face Balanced Putter
If you decide to add a face balanced putter to your golf bag, keep these tips in mind while selecting one:
- Head Shape – Blade, mallet and mid-mallet heads are all available in face balanced options. Choose a head style you find appealing at address.
- Head Weight – Counterbalanced and heavy putters can enhance stability. Lighter heads promote an easier, flowing stroke.
- Length – Longer putters increase stability, while shorter ones give more feel and control.
- Lie Angle – Match your optimal lie angle for clean impact and roll.
- Loft – More loft launches the ball higher and reduces skidding.
- Grip – Find a grip size and material that fits your hands and stroke style.
- Alignment – Some face balanced putters have alignment aids to help aim. Select preference-based features.
- Price – Face balanced putters range from inexpensive to premium-priced. Set a budget that meets your needs.
Take your time test hitting face balanced putters to find the right model for your game. Factors like head shape, grip, weighting and alignment features are all personal preferences. The key is finding a putter that gives you confidence over the ball and promotes an arced stroke path.
Popular Face Balanced Putter Models
Many top golf equipment companies have face balanced putter models. Here are some popular choices to consider:
- Odyssey Stroke Lab Ten – Combining a precision milled face with Stroke Lab weighting, this high-MOI mallet has excellent alignment features.
- TaylorMade Spider EX – The Spider’s heavy perimeter weighting creates a very stable and face balanced stroke.
- Ping Sigma 2 line – Available in blade, mid-mallet and mallet designs. Comes in custom fitting options.
- Cleveland Frontline Elevado – Face balanced mallet with deep milling for enhanced feel and roll.
- Scotty Cameron Phantom X – Futuristic looking mallet balanced by precision milled tungsten weights.
- Bettinardi BB Series – Classically shaped blades milled from soft carbon steel for responsiveness.
This just scratches the surface of quality face balanced models. Testing a variety of putters is the best way to find your optimal match. Consult your local pro shop for face balanced putters to try out on the practice putting green.
Making the Switch to Face Balanced
Transitioning from a toe balanced or other style putter to a face balanced model takes some adjustment. Here are a few tips for making the switch:
- Practice your normal straight back and through stroke without manipulation.
- Let the putter do the work – resist turning or flipping the face thru impact.
- Focus on starting the ball on your intended line.
- Develop a smooth, pendulum-like stroke of equal length back and through.
- Analyze misses to see if face is returning square.
- Use alignment aids to reinforce proper face angle.
- Be patient – it takes time to develop consistent feel with new putter.
The natural face-balancing effect should help straighten out your putting stroke. But don’t expect miracles overnight. Learning the nuances of a new putter takes practice and repetition. But sticking with a face balanced model could be the secret to taking your putting to the next level.
Get the Edge With a Face Balanced Putter
If you constantly battle a pushing or pulling stroke, a face balanced putter may be the answer. Engineers designed these putters to promote a straight back and through pendulum stroke. By naturally squaring up at impact, face balanced putters can help you roll in more clutch par saves. Test out some models to experience their buttery smooth motion firsthand. Investing in the right face balanced putter could be the missing link to a masterful putting stroke.
How Face Balanced Putters Differ from Traditional Designs
If you’ve been playing golf for any length of time, you know how crucial the putter is to scoring well. After all, putts make up about 43% of the total strokes in a round of golf, so having a putter you feel confident with is essential. Recently, face balanced putter designs have surged in popularity due to their unique properties that can help golfers sink more putts. But what exactly makes face balanced putters different from traditional putter designs?
Traditional putters are designed to be “toe balanced,” meaning the shaft connects closer to the toe of the putter head. This gives the toe more mass than the heel, causing the putter face to open slightly at impact if the stroke isn’t perfectly straight back and through. While toe balanced putters provide great feel and control for skilled players with straight strokes, they can lead to inconsistent putting for those with arcing strokes.
Face balanced putters, as the name suggests, have the center of gravity directly in the center of the face. This balanced design reduces twisting on off-center hits, providing a squarer face at impact for more consistent putting. The face naturally wants to return to square, even if your stroke isn’t perfectly on line. This forgiveness can instill confidence in your putting stroke knowing the face angle will be solid on mis-hits.
Some of the key benefits of using a face balanced putter include:
- More consistent impact and roll. With less twisting, face balanced putters launch the ball directly online more often.
- Better distance control. The balanced face reduces the “skidding” effect on off-center hits that can lead to less predictable speed.
- Improves consistency on short putts. The squarer face angle makes 3-5 footers less prone to lipping out.
- Helps straighten arcing strokes. The balanced face naturally guides your stroke back to square.
While face balanced putters have advantages, they aren’t for everyone. Players with straight back and through strokes may find toe balanced designs still work best for their stroke. Face balanced putters also have a slight tendency to encourage an “inside-out” stroke, which can lead to pushes if exaggerated too much. Finding the right balance for your stroke is key.
Choosing the Right Face Balanced Putter
If you want to try out a face balanced putter, keep these tips in mind when selecting one:
- Get fit for length. Having the right length putter for your height and stroke is crucial for proper alignment.
- Consider an arched or “spider” design. These specialized face balanced putters improve stability and alignment.
- Look for a lightweight insert. Inserts enhance feel and roll without adding weight to the face.
- Test out mallet vs blade heads. Mallet styles have more alignment aids but blades offer better feel.
- Evaluate neck variations. How the shaft connects to the head also impacts feel and aim.
High quality face balanced putter models are available from brands like Odyssey, TaylorMade, Ping, Cleveland, and more. Pricing ranges anywhere from about $100 for a basic face balanced putter from a major brand, up to $350+ for a high end model with the latest technology. There are also many affordable options in the $50-100 range from companies like Pinemeadow and Zebra Putters if you want to test out the face balanced design without a big investment.
Using Proper Technique with Face Balanced Putters
Once you have the right face balanced putter for your game, using proper form and stroke techniques will let you get the most out of its performance benefits:
- Set up with hands slightly forward. This enhances the face balanced design.
- Focus on accelerating through impact for solid roll and speed.
- Use a pendulum-like motion for an arcing stroke.
- Keep your head and body very still during the stroke.
- Hit down on the ball slightly for topspin and better control.
A good practice drill is to make consecutive 1-2 foot putts while intentionally mis-hitting each one towards the toe and heel of the face. The face balanced design should keep most of the putts online, even with off-center contact. This builds confidence compared to a toe balanced putter twisting off-line.
Transitioning to a face balanced putter isn’t easy, so give yourself time to adjust to the new feel and lesson any tendency to push or pull the ball. But once you dial in your setup and stroke, face balanced putters can provide a whole new level of consistency on the greens. The right putting stroke is a mix of proper technique and finding the putter properties best suited to your game. For golfers struggling with a squaring the face through impact, a face balanced putter just might be the key to shooting lower scores.
Key Benefits of Using a Face Balanced Putter
If you’re looking to improve your putting game, switching to a face balanced putter could be just what you need. Face balanced putters have gained popularity in recent years for their ability to promote a straight, true putting stroke. But what exactly are the benefits of using one of these specialized putters? Let’s take a closer look.
Promotes a Straight, True Stroke
The key distinction of a face balanced putter is that it has an even distribution of weight across the face of the clubhead. This even weight distribution minimizes twisting of the face during the putting stroke. The result? A straighter, truer putting stroke with less chance of the face opening or closing at impact. Face balanced putters enhance your ability to stroke the ball directly along your intended target line time after time.
Improves Consistency
That straighter, truer putting stroke also equates to more consistency on the greens. Since the putter face resists opening or closing, your margin of error decreases substantially. Rather than battling a putter face that wants to twist off line, you can focus on making a smooth, pendulum-like stroke. Face balanced putters enhance consistency by taking some of the manipulation out of your stroke. The neutral design allows you to simply swing the club freely through impact.
Promotes Better Distance Control
Distance control can also improve thanks to the enhanced consistency. With practice, you’ll learn the exact distance the ball travels on a well-struck putt. And since the face balanced design minimizes twisting and encourages solid contact, your distance variance shot to shot will decrease. Dialing in reliable speed and distance control leads to more one putts and fewer frustrating three jacks.
Ideal for Straight Back, Straight Through Strokes
To maximize the benefits of a face balanced putter, you’ll want to utilize a straight back, straight through stroke. This pendulum-like motion keeps the face squared up through impact. Trying to manipulate a face balanced putter into an arcing stroke defeats the purpose of its design. Work on making the same length backswing as follow through, keeping the face aimed at your target the entire time. This straightforward technique pairs perfectly with a face balanced putter.
Models Available from Numerous Brands
The benefits of face balanced putters are no secret, as just about every major putter manufacturer offers models with this design. Odyssey, TaylorMade, Ping, Scotty Cameron, Cleveland, and many more brands have face balanced options readily available. This variety means you can get custom fit and find the right length, lie, loft, and grip style to complement your setup and stroke. Modern high MOI face balanced putters also offer exceptional forgiveness on mishits.
Can Improve On-Center Contact
While face balanced putters enhance solid contact across the face, they can also improve impact right in the sweet spot. Why? Since this design resists twisting, it allows you to zero in on the exact center of the face. When your stroke and alignment are dialed in, the stability of a face balanced putter lets you strike the ball repeatedly in the sweet spot. Nothing quite matches that buttery soft feel of crisp contact in the exact center of the face.
Helps with Launch Angle and Roll
Proper launch angle and roll are imperative for holing more putts. Face balanced putters can assist here as well. The heel-toe weighting minimizes the chance of gear effect sending the ball off line early in the roll. This gets the ball rolling up the target line with ideal launch angle right off the face. Combine this with consistent speed control, and you’ve got a winning formula for cozying up more birdie attempts right next to the hole.
Versatile Design for Any Green Speed
From slick tournament greens to bumpy public putting surfaces, the versatility of face balanced putters allows them to excel in any conditions. Their forgiveness and stability mean mishits don’t send your ball wildly off line. And the consistent launch and roll ensure you can dial in touch and speed no matter the green speed. Use a face balanced model with confidence whether you’re playing the local muni or your club championship.
Can Suit Any Putting Arc and Length
While face balanced putters work optimally with a straight back, straight through stroke, almost any golfer can find a setup to take advantage of their benefits. Adjusting factors like lie angle, offset, length, and grip positioning allows tailoring the putter to suit your exact arc and length preferences. Don’t assume a face balanced putter won’t work for you unless you’ve actually tried it. A proper fitting helps unlock their advantages.
The bottom line is that face balanced putters make it easier to achieve a clean, crisp stroke and strike. Their precision engineering enhances consistency, distance control, solid contact, and ideal launch conditions. If you haven’t already, consider adding one of these sweet-stroking models to your bag and watch your putting stats start to soar.
Ideal Stroke Types for Face Balanced Putters
If you’re in the market for a new putter, one of the key considerations is whether to go with a face balanced or toe balanced model. Face balanced putters are designed to work best for golfers with a straight-back, straight-through stroke. The putter face is balanced evenly with the shaft, helping keep the face square through impact for those who struggle with face rotation.
While face balanced putters offer some clear advantages, they aren’t ideal for every stroke type. Understanding how you stroke putts and your tendencies on the greens can help determine if a face balanced putter is right for your game. Here’s a closer look at the ideal stroke types for face balanced putters.
Straight Back, Straight Through
The quintessential stroke for face balanced putters is straight back, straight through. As the name suggests, this stroke involves taking the putter straight back away from the ball on the backswing, then bringing it straight through on the follow through. There is minimal manipulation of either the face or path during the stroke.
With a straight back, straight through stroke, the putter face naturally wants to remain square to the target line through impact. Face balanced putters enhance this, providing stability to keep the face from opening or closing. The even weighting prevents the toe or heel from twisting open or closed.
For golfers who struggle with face control and have a tendency to push or pull putts, a face balanced putter can be an excellent option. It provides forgiveness for strokes that aren’t perfectly in line with the target and can help take face manipulation out of the equation.
Slight Arc
An arc in the stroke occurs when the backswing and/or follow through deviate slightly inside or outside the target line. A very slight arc can still be compatible with a face balanced putter. The key is that the face remains square through impact.
If your stroke has an ever-so-slight inside or outside arc, but you tend to hit the ball on the center of the face, a face balanced putter may suit you well. It will provide forgiveness on off-center hits and stabilization against twisting on shorter putts where arc is minimized.
However, if you have a more pronounced putting arc, a face balanced putter may not be the best fit. The arc itself indicates some face manipulation during the stroke, which can conflict with the face balancing effect.
Slight Manipulation
Even with a relatively straight stroke, many golfers impart some intentional or unintentional face manipulation during their stroke. A slight opening or closing of the face through impact can work with a face balanced putter, provided the effect is minimal.
If you rotate the face only very slightly either way during your stroke, a face balanced putter can still keep the face relatively square. But if you manipulate the face more aggressively, twisting it open or closed, you may find the face balancing fights against your natural stroke.
Try testing a face balanced putter to see if it accommodates or conflicts with any subtle face manipulation you employ. If you feel like you’re fighting the putter through the stroke, it likely isn’t a good pairing for your stroke type.
Pure Rollers
“Pure roller” refers to a stroke that involves rolling the ball smoothly along the green rather than popping or scooping it. This stroke mimics the way the ball naturally rolls and is considered ideal by many instructors.
For pure rollers, a face balanced putter can be an excellent choice. With no manipulation of the face or path, the ball is struck cleanly on the sweet spot. The face balancing effect keeps the face square through impact, enhancing accuracy and consistency.
Face balanced putters allow pure rollers to do what they do best without interference. The smooth stroke can shine without having to focus on keeping the face square.
Strong Arc
While a slight arc can potentially work with a face balanced putter, a strong and pronounced arc is incompatible. The reason is that a strong arc requires manipulation of either the face or path in order to start the ball on the correct line.
With a face balanced putter, you cannot rotate the face sufficiently through an arcing stroke. The putter wants to keep the face square. So while you may strike the ball solidly, it will not start on your intended line.
For strong arcs, a toe balanced putter is a better choice. The toe weighting allows the face to be manipulated open or closed to produce the desired start line for an arcing stroke path.
Strong Face Manipulation
Similar to a strong arc, if you intentionally manipulate the face aggressively through your stroke, a face balanced putter will resist rather than complement this. Strong fading, drawing or curving of putts requires being able to freely manipulate the face.
With a face balanced putter, you’ll either hit shots with an unwanted straight ball flight or spend all your focus fighting the face balancing instead of controlling pace and line. For strong face manipulation, opt for a putter without so much face balancing.
Find the Right Balance for Your Stroke
The ideal stroke types for face balanced putters essentially involve keeping the face square through impact, whether naturally or with only subtle manipulation. Straight strokes and pure rollers can gain an advantage from the forgiveness face balancing provides.
But any golfer who arcs the stroke path substantially or manipulates the face aggressively will likely find a face balanced putter counterproductive. Understanding your tendencies on the greens is key to choosing a putter that accentuates the strengths of your stroke rather than fighting against it.
Test out face balanced putters to see if they improve your accuracy and consistency or conflict with your motions. Finding the right balance for your stroke can lead to more confidence on the greens and lower scores.
Top Face Balanced Putter Models on the Market
With so many putters to choose from, narrowing down your options can be a challenge. If you’ve determined a face balanced putter is right for your stroke, the next step is finding the right model. Face balancing has become a popular design element in modern putters, giving golfers plenty of excellent options.
While personal feel and preference ultimately determine putter selection, some face balanced models stand out for their technology, performance and popularity. Here’s a look at some of the top face balanced putter models currently on the market.
Odyssey White Hot OG
The Odyssey White Hot putter series has been wildly popular for over 20 years, and the original White Hot OG model is now available again to meet demand. This face balanced mallet putter features a consistent oval shape from face to flange for improved alignment.
The White Hot insert promotes a soft yet responsive feel, while the silver and black contrast makes aiming easy. Offered in a variety of hosel setups, the White Hot OG suits most stroke types and provides confidence on the greens.
TaylorMade Spider S
The Spider S from TaylorMade is a high-MOI mallet designed to deliver stability on off-center hits. Perimeter weighting around the head boosts MOI for enhanced distance control. The Spider also incorporates vibration-dampening material for a pure sound and feel.
Alignment ribbons on the crown and three sight lines on the flange make aiming intuitive. Offered in both center and mid-slant hosel designs to accommodate different strokes and preferences.
Ping Sigma 2 ZB2
Sigma G putters from Ping are engineered for consistency through innovative face technology. The ZB2 model has a mid-mallet design with a TR face insert that optimizes ball speed across the face.
An internal ball cage helps get shots rolling quickly off the face, while tungsten in the rear weights increases MOI. The alignment aid bar assists with aiming, and Available in adjustable-length models.
Cleveland Frontline Elevado
Cleveland’s Frontline Elevado putter range features modern, high-MOI head shapes paired with proven face technology. The stepless steel faces maximize feel and improve consistency on mis-hits.
These face balanced models have wings on the rearward perimeter weighting for increased stability and optimized launch angles. The alignment aids on top help simplify setup and aiming.
Evnroll ER2B
Evnroll putters use innovative face milling patterns engineered for proper launch and roll. The ER2B is a modern blade model milled with a Quadrant Toe Hang pattern for face balancing.
A slight curvature from face to flange assists with alignment, and the crisp edges provide clean contact. Offered in matte black or platinum colorways, this premium putter performs as good as it looks.
Bettinardi BB8 Wide
Expanding on the popular BB Series designs, the BB8 Wide from Bettinardi has a stretched profile to increase MOI and stability. The high-grade carbon steel is precisely milled for soft feel and precise weighting.
Bettinardi’s F.I.T. Face technology optimizes ball speed across the face. The lamination between the steel and aluminum face insert promotes truer, smoother rolls.
Scotty Cameron Phantom X 5.5
Scotty Cameron putters have become synonymous with excellence, and the Phantom X 5.5 delivers precision milled performance. The winged mid-mallet profile is tour-inspired and offers confidence at address.
Integrated vibration-dampening technology promotes responsiveness and feel. The multi-material face insert improves speed control across the face. A variety of alignment aids allow you to zero in on the intended target.
Wilson Staff Infinite
Wilson’s Infinite putter series utilizes counterbalanced technology to increase stability and improve distance control. The head and grip weights are strategically balanced to enhance feel and consistency.
The premium milled faces have enhanced roll technology designed to improve topspin and forward roll. A variety of alignment aids on the toplines assist with setup and aim.
Find Your Perfect Face Balanced Match
With such a diverse range of models from top brands using innovative technologies, there are plenty of excellent face balanced options. Testing out various head shapes, weighting configurations, alignments aids and insert feel preferences is key to dialing in your perfect match.
While the putters mentioned above provide a good starting point, don’t be afraid to demo other face balanced models as you search for your ideal putter. Finding the right balance for your stroke will lead to better performance on the greens.
Getting Fitted for the Right Face Balanced Putter
Choosing a properly fit face balanced putter is one of the best ways to gain an advantage on the greens. But with so many models and fitting factors to consider, it can be difficult to know where to start. Getting custom fit by a qualified professional removes the guesswork and helps you get dialed in with the ideal face balanced putter.
Here is an overview of the fitting process and key elements the fitter will evaluate to match you with the right face balanced putter.
Understanding Your Stroke
The first step is assessing your stroke to ensure a face balanced putter is suitable. The fitter will have you roll some putts and take note of elements like your path, face angle manipulation, arc and rotation. This reveals if your stroke matches up with a face balanced putter’s square face design.
If excessive twisting, opening or closing is observed, you may be better suited to a toe-balanced model. But if your stroke is relatively straight, you are a good candidate for face balancing benefits.
Length & Lie Angle
Getting the proper length and lie angle ensures you can address the ball consistently and comfortably. Length is determined by your setup position and how far you reach to the putter. Lie angle should have the shaft matching your effective swing plane.
Ill-fitted length or lie angle can lead to inconsistent contact and eroded confidence. The fitter will dial these in so your posture, ball position and eye position remain neutral.
Grip Style & Size
Finding a comfortable grip type and size is crucial for consistent strokes. The fitter will have you test various styles like standard, midsize, oversize, and counterbalanced options to gauge feel and feedback.
Grip style complements your hand type and stroke mechanics. Getting the right grip diameter avoids tenseness or discomfort that undermine fluid motion and touch.
Head Shape & Balance
Selecting the right shape and balance for your eye and stroke is vital. Face balanced head options include blades, mid-mallets, high-MOI mallets, etc. The fitter will have you test different shapes and neck configurations.
Your preference, consistency and performance feedback will reveal which shapes and designs you respond to best. The goal is optimizing alignment, feel and results.
Dialing In Insert & Material
The insert material and groove pattern also affect feel and feedback. You may be best suited to softer inserts vs. firmer, or milled faces vs. inserts. The fitter will let you test different face technologies.
Finding the right insert feel gives you greater confidence to roll smooth strokes and dial in pace. The material also influences sound, roll and speed consistency across the face.
Alignment Aids
Some face balanced putters have more alignment aids than others. The fitting analysis determines if these visual aids boost your consistency or prove distracting. Setups with sufficient assistance but a clean look suit most golfers best.
Testing options with different alignment configurations gives you and the fitter strong indications of what optimizes your focus and aiming.
Dialing in the Specs
Once the right model is identified, the fitter can fine tune other specs like loft, weighting, grips, shafts and custom touches to maximize performance and consistency. You may also consider a full putting stroke analysis if making a major equipment change.
Getting fit relieves guesswork and provides data-driven confidence you have the best face balanced putter match for your game. Don’t settle for just a new putter – get fit for one tailored to your exact specs and stroke.
Proper Setup and Stroke Techniques with Face Balanced Putters
Getting the most out of your face balanced putter requires using proper setup, alignment, and stroke techniques. While face balancing provides forgiveness on off-center hits, you still need to optimize your fundamentals for ideal performance.
Here are key tips for setup and stroke mechanics to utilize with your face balanced putter:
Consistent Setup & Posture
Establish a comfortable, athletic posture that allows your eyes to track the ball naturally. Feet should be shoulder-width apart, knees slightly flexed. Hold the putter lightly to avoid tension and create a pendulum motion.
Grip the putter in your fingers, not the palms, with hands close together. Position the ball off your front heel oriented on your target line. Setup consistency establishes proper face angle and aim.
Focus on Alignment
Utilize the alignment aids on your putter to master proper aim. Many face balanced models have lines, dots, or shapes to simplify alignment. Position these aids square to your intended start line.
Practice repeating precise setups and dialing in alignment. Starting the ball on line is critical for face balanced putters to perform optimally.
Quiet Hands & Arms
Avoid wrist action and keep hands/arms quiet during the stroke. Let the putter form a pendulum motion as you rock shoulders to move the clubhead. This enhances face control.
Lightly swing the putter while minimizing hand/arm involvement. Smooth motion complements the face balancing design.
Straight Back & Through
Execute a straight back, straight through pendulum stroke. Take the putter back low to the ground, then stroke through impact on the same path.
Avoid manipulating face angle or path, which fights face balancing. Maintain spine angle and keep the stroke on plane.
Consistency & Control
Develop a repetitive, controlled tempo focused on solid contact and smooth roll. Don’t worry about power or breaking wrists. Controlled pace and direction are paramount.
Metronome training can ingrain an ideal tempo. Repeat smooth strokes focusing on center contact and rolling to your spot.
Synchronize Your Motion
Time the stroke so impact synchronizes with the end of your forward press. This consistently contacts the ball before the low point of the arc.
Practice different length strokes dialing in this synchronized timing. Ingrain hitting ball then turf for ideal launch and roll.
Assess Results
Pay close attention to feedback after each putt. Note factors like distance, direction, shape, and roll. Analyze results to refine your motions and dial in consistency.
Identify if you have proper alignment, solid contact, ideal launch, and smooth roll on a consistent basis. Adjust elements like posture, grip pressure, or tempo accordingly.
Complement Your Putter
A face balanced putter provides forgiveness on its own, but optimizing your fundamentals takes advantage of the design to its fullest potential. Strive for repetitive setups, quiet motion, straight strokes, and consistent contact.
Proper techniques paired with a well-fit face balanced putter are a formula for better consistency and confidence on the greens.
Mastering Pace and Distance Control with Face Balanced Putters
A face balanced putter can provide forgiveness on off-center hits, but controlling pace and distance remains crucial for holing more putts. Leaving putts short or blowing them past the hole leads to missed opportunities and frustration.
Here are some tips to master distance control with your face balanced putter:
Refine Your Tempo
Developing a smooth, rhythmic tempo synchronizes your backswing and follow through distances. This engrains a repeatable stroke length and fluid motion.
Use a metronome or consistent count to regulate your tempo. Ingrain the proper rhythm through repetition to improve distance control.
Control Backswing & Follow Through
Control the length of your backswing and follow through based on the distance you need the ball to travel. Shorter strokes for short putts, longer stroke for longer putts.
Don’t take the putter too far back or follow through too far past impact. Concise motions keep distance more consistent.
Vary Grip Pressure
Grip tension affects pace and distance. Grip lighter for shorter putts, increase tension slightly on longer putts.
But avoid over-gripping, which reduces feel and touch. Find the optimal tension for each distance.
Focus on Solid Contact
Center-face contact maximizes energy transfer for proper distance. Work on consistently striking putts on the sweet spot.
Face balancing provides some forgiveness on mishits, but centeredness optimizes results. Impact drills build solid contact skills.
Read Greens Effectively
Read greens carefully to account for slopes and imperfections. Aim appropriately and adjust stroke power to handle breaks.
Practice lag putting from different distances and locations. Learn how greens affect roll-out and dial in distance accordingly.
Develop Touch & Finesse
Nurture feel and finesse through creative practice drills. Toss a ball back and forth from hand to hand to soften grip. Knock tees out of the ground to control low-speed force.
Touch exercises build deftness to vary distances. Combine these drills with face balanced putting to optimize control.
Utilize Training Aids
Devices like putting mirrors, grids, gates and strings provide instant feedback on pace, tempo and aim. Tour professionals use these tools to sharpen precision and technique.
Gate training builds repetition dialing in exact stroke lengths. Mirrors show proper follow through based on distance. Use training aids in practice to gauge and improve control.
Refine With Feedback
Implementing feedback from detailed practice lets you make subtle adjustments and refinements. Note results from different paces, grips, and backswings to optimize distance control.
Analyze and apply data, don’t just go through the motions. Precise practice with purpose ingrains excellent pace and distance control.
Commit to Your Routine
Trust your consistent pre-shot routine to match the proper pace and stroke to the distance. Step confidently into each putt and commit to your execution.
Create routines for varying distances. Trust your stroke tempo, power and alignment when you address a putt to hole more.
Improving Consistency on Short Putts with Face Balanced Putters
Holing more short putts is critical to lowering scores. While face balanced putters provide forgiveness, dialing in consistency from short range requires proper techniques and practice.
Here are some tips to hole more short putts with your face balanced putter:
Optimize Alignment & Read
Careful alignment and green reading are imperative on short putts. Set up aimed precisely at the start line and use alignment aids to verify. Account for breaks in your read.
Sharpening alignment and read accuracy removes variables and simplifies execution. You can stroke confidently knowing the putter face and path match the proper start line.
Accelerate Through Impact
Maintain tempo but increase stroke speed slightly just before and through impact. This adds momentum to help the ball fall in the hole.
Stay smooth but accelerate the last 6 inches. Don’t decelerate – committing to firm impact improves consistency.
Use Firm Stroke Pressure
A firmer stroke promotes better roll and chance to fall in the hole. Don’t stab, but increase pressure while maintaining smooth motion.
Light strokes can leave putts short. Apply confident pressure with acceleration for ideal short putt speed.
Synchronize Your Motion
Ingrain impact at the bottom of the stroke arc for solid contact. Synchronize so the ball is struck just as the putter reaches lowest point in swing path.
Consistency here maximizes energy transfer for proper speed. Impact before low point leaves putts short.
Quiet Hands & Wrists
Limit hand and wrist action which can manipulate face angle and path. Keep hands quiet during the pendulum stroke.
Excess movement introduces inconsistency. Let the putter swing freely while hands remain stable.
Visualize the Roll In
See the ball rolling end over end into the hole during your routine. Visualization reinforces the desired result ingraining confidence.
Imagine perfect speed, line and fall. Pre-shot visualization primes execution to match the mental picture.
Routines Build Repetition
Establish set routines for short putts of varying lengths like 3 feet, 2 feet and 1 foot. Repeat exact movements ensuring optimal setup, stroke and visualization.
Precise replicas reinforce muscle memory. Routines also counter nerves helping you remain present and focused.
Refine Technique Through Drills
Dedicated drills develop consistency in short putt fundamentals. Gate training improves direction. Impact bags build solid contact. Mirrors verify ideal follow through.
Isolate short putting skills performing specialized drills. Mastering fundamentals this way ingrains reliability.
Track Data & Analyze Gaps
Keep detailed stats during practice to analyze results. Identify weak areas like common miss direction or inconsistent speed.
Apply this data to tailor practice. Stats quantify improvement helping engrain flawless short putting.
Developing More Reliable Speed and Line with Face Balanced Putters
Holing more putts requires optimizing both the speed and line of your strokes. While face balanced putters provide forgiveness, you still must develop reliable touch and direction.
Implementing proper techniques and drills will improve your speed and line consistency:
Refine Stroke Tempo
Ingrain an ideal tempo for smooth, effortless stroking. Use a metronome or consistent count to regulate rhythm. Eliminate abruptness or deceleration.
Synchronized tempo synchronizes optimal backswing and follow through lengths for reliable pacing.
Control Distance with Body Motion
Regulate stroke length primarily using your torso. Shoulder rotation controls backswing and through swing length.
Avoid manipulating distance with hands and arms, which reduces consistency. Let body motion dictate putter path.
Vary Grip Pressure
Grip tension affects speed. Grip lighter for slower strokes, firmer for faster strokes.
Develop feel for grip pressure based on distance. Consistent grip pressure improves distance control.
Ingrain Fundamentals
Sharpen setup, posture, alignment, ball position, and stroke path through repetition. Flawed fundamentals undermine consistency.
Dedicate practice time ingraining proper techniques. Fundamentals mastery breeds reliability.
Perform Line Drills
Gate training with alignment rods sharpens directional accuracy. Mirror drills verify ideal swing path and face angles.
Line drills build repetition dialing in proper path, aim and roll direction. Correcting face angle issues maximizes precision.
Lag to the Hole
Lag longer putts to perfect distance past the hole. Control distance but allow for some break. Eliminate short/long misjudgments.
Lag putting builds touch, speed control and confidence in your stroke distance. Expect putts to finish near the hole.
Read Greens Thoroughly
Meticulously examine greens before stroking. Account for slopes, grain and inconsistencies in your read and stroke strategy.
Precise reads improve aim and speed decisions. You can accurately play breaks knowing the putt’s exact path to the hole.
Analyze Miss Causes
Assess miss reasons like poor reads, mushy contact, alignment errors, pace mistakes, etc. Identify weaknesses then refine.
Don’t just practice, analyze! Feedback and course correction improve consistency. Understand causes behind misses.
Visualize Desired Outcome
Visualize perfect speed and line as part of your routine. See ball rolling smoothly on path into the cup.
Reinforce the mental picture before each stroke. Visualization primes execution to match imagined result.
Trust Your Process
Have faith in your repeatable routine. Step into each putt committed to performing your process.
Trust preparation, read, alignment and stroke. Confidence in your process fosters consistency under pressure.
Reducing Sidespin and Skidding with Face Balanced Putters
Proper ball roll without sidespin or skidding is essential for accuracy and consistency on the greens. While face balanced putters enhance forgiveness, optimizing impact and strike can further minimize sideways rotation and skidding.
Here are some techniques to improve strike and roll while reducing sidespin:
Find the Sweet Spot
Groove center-face contact during practice to inherently reduce sidespin. Work on methods to shallow out stroke arc and strike balls on the sweet spot.
Impact stickers, face tape, and ball first drill provide feedback to dial in centeredness. Make perfect impact a priority.
Proper Ball Position
Consistent setup with the ball in the ideal position trains the stroke to trace a path right into the sweet spot. Ball too far forward or back increases sidespin potential.
Position ball off front heel in line with your arcing path to make centeredness automatic.
Straight Line Stroking
Minimize face or path manipulation which can introduce sidespin. Trace a straight line back and through the ball with square alignment.
Gate training ingrains straight strokes. Avoid toe or heel strikes opening/closing the face.
Shallow Out Arc
A stroke path that bottoms out too steeply can cause glancing blows and gear effect. Shallow out the arc so the downward blow compresses the ball.
Don’t manipulate hands or wrists. Use body motion to regulate arc depth for straight compression.
Accelerate Through Impact
Maintaining or slightly accelerating stroke speed into the ball prevents deceleration and glancing contact.
Consistent rhythm and tempo synchronizes proper acceleration. Don’t stab or slow down.
Optimize Shaft Lean
Proper shaft lean at impact matches the arc path for straight compression. Avoid leaning the shaft too far forward or back.
Lie angle fitting optimizes shaft angle. Lean forward into the ball without swaying off plane.
Brush Turf After Impact
Longer following through making solid downward contact with the turf minimizes bounce and skidding off the face.
Don’t quit on the stroke. Brush the grass like a painter to ensure solid roll without skidding.
True Roll Practice Drills
Drills like the “ladder drill” and putting through wet sponges ingrain true roll skills. Observe ball behavior and make subtle adjustments.
Dedicated training builds muscle memory for solid impact. Analyze results and keep tuning technique.
High-speed Video Analysis
Review swing video or your putting stroke in super slow motion. Observe factors like face angle, path, impact compression and follow through.
Video provides insight to refine technique. Match your motion to optimal patterns.
Read Greens Carefully
Accurately account for slopes, grain direction and inconsistencies in your read. Minimize guesswork and assumptions.
Precise green reading sets up success. You can confidently stroke knowing the correct path and speed.
Minimizing Putting Errors on Mis-hits with Face Balanced Putters
While face balanced putters enhance forgiveness, mis-hits can still lead to missed putts and frustration. By analyzing your common misses and honing proper techniques, you can minimize those errors.
Here are some tactics to reduce miss severity on off-center strikes:
Determine Miss Patterns
Pay attention to results from heel, toe and low/high strikes. Identify if mis-hits cause a consistent direction or distance issue.
Understanding your miss tendencies enables tailoring practice. Work on drills counteracting your common misses.
Practice Striking Impact Stickers
Place impact stickers around the face learning how off-center strikes affect path and speed. Groove center contact.
Learn how mishits influence results. Aim to remove miss patterns through precision.
Ingrain Straight Path
Flawed path skills lead to mishits. Ingraining straight takeaway and follow through keeps face square longer through impact.
Gate drills and alignment sticks train straight strokes. Even on mis-hits, direction stays truer.
Check Squared Alignment
Align putter face and body parallel to target line. Misaligned, your centerline won’t match intended start line.
Use lines on ball and visual aids to verify squared setup. Proper alignment minimizes miss direction.
Regulate Speed and Tempo
Inconsistent speed contributes to miss severity. Metronome work and tempo training builds reliable pace.
Fluid, rhythmic strokes keep speed more constant. Big pace fluctuations multiply miss distance.
Contact Fit Analysis
Lie angle, length, grip and sole bend fitting ensure centered contact. Ill-fitting putters lead to mishits.
Get fit improving setup, posture and stroke efficiency. Optimized contact tidy’s misses.
Practice Partial Strokes
Small back and through swings force precision on face and path control. Exaggerate misses to embed lessons.
Partial stroke training sharpens technical proficiency. Misses still happen, but minimized.
Grip Firmly With Fingers
Palms-gripping blocks forearm rotation, increasing potential for mishits. Grip lightly in fingers for fluid release.
Eliminate tension while securing control. Balance friction with flexibility.
Keep Head Still
Excessive head movement off the ball steers face and path offline. Stay steady allowing arms to swing freely.
Avoid shifting your head or dipping during stroke. Consistent posture improves centeredness.
Analyze Strike and Result
Learn from each miss. Correlate impact location and error to refine technique and minimize next time.
Don’t just practice, analyze! Understand relationships between strikes and results.
Boosting Confidence on the Greens with Face Balanced Putters
Having confidence standing over clutch putts is critical for holing more pressure putts. While face balanced putters provide forgiveness, implementing proper mental and practical techniques bolsters self-assurance on the greens.
Here are some tips for building confidence with your face balanced putter:
Improve Alignment Skills
Sharpen alignment fundamentals using visual aids and repetition. Precise setups reinforce confidence you’ll start the ball on line.
Work on replicating exact alignments. Remove doubt through alignment mastery.
Meticulous Green Reading
Leave no detail unnoticed when reading greens. Thoroughness eliminates hesitation over start lines and break judgement.
Read precisely and trust your interpretation. Meticulous reading breeds decisiveness.
Implement Pre-shot Routines
Establish step-by-step pre-shot routines for varying putt lengths. Repeat exact pre-stroke movements build confidence.
Lock into each process fully. Routines counter nerves and distractions.
Improve Distance Control
Practice lag putting and swing/stroke calibration to dial in distance control. Eliminate short/long hesitations.
Distance mastery provides assurance on pace. You’ll know you stroked the proper speed.
Analyze Your Capabilities
Assess skills holistically identifying strengths. Inventory proficiencies like touch, alignment, distance control, etc.
Recognizing your abilities instills assurance to use them. Know your skills and trust them.
Visualize Success
See perfect putts in your mind’s eye before each stroke. Imagine ball rolling in the hole.
Visualization primes execution to match. It breeds confidence in your capabilities.
Focus on Process Over Result
Commit to your process on each putt, not demanding a make. Judge execution, not outcome.
Evaluating procedure builds confidence through readiness, not expectation.
Neutralize Negative Thoughts
Counter pessimism with affirmations and breathing exercises. Don’t judge, just refocus on cue words that prompt confidence.
Quash negativity before it festers. Maintain an optimistic pattern.
Reinforce Your Strengths
Note positives like rolls ending near the cup, not just makes and misses. Highlight strengths.
Dwell on skill demonstration, not just end result. Praise progress.
Trust Your Training
Know that diligent, mindful practice has prepared you for pressure situations. Trust your hard work.
Believe in your practice mastery carrying over. Confidence follows preparation.
Simulate Pressure
Practice in simulated pressure situations to reinforce capabilities. Master pressure-proofing techniques.
Pressure prep prevents panic. You know you have the tools to deliver when it matters.
Lowering Your Scores By Sinking More Putts with Face Balanced Putters
Making more putts is the quickest way to lower scores. While face balanced putters provide forgiveness, fully optimizing performance on the greens requires dedicated practice and skill development.
Implement these tips into your putting practice to start holing more putts and reducing your scores:
Lag Putting Proficiency
Become an expert lag putter from various distances. Learn exact stroke lengths and speed to consistently finish near the hole.
Lag mastery leaves you tap-ins to eliminate 3-putts. Make lag putting second nature.
Meticulous Reads
Invest time fully reading greens before stroking. Note slopes, grain, imperfections and how they affect break.
Precise reads mean confident, accurate aim and speed. You can commit to the read.
Refine Alignment Skills
Ingrain proper alignment using training aids and repetition. Flawed alignment causes missed line. Eliminate doubt through precision.
Work on replicating exact setups and takeaway direction. Start line mastery is crucial.
Learn Green Speeds
Note green speeds by stroking multiple putts from the same spot. Determine how hard to hit for distance.
Identified speed equals better distance control. You can calibrate accordingly.
Consistent Routines
Commit to step-by-step pre-shot routines for varying putt lengths. Precise consistency instills confidence.
Trust your process. Meticulous routines counter nerves under pressure.
Cultivate Positivity
Criticize constructively, not catastrophically. Highlight good strokes, not just results. Embrace progress.
Positive habits keep you in an optimal mindset to perform. Don’t dwell on imperfections.
Neutralize Negativity
Counter pessimism with breathing exercises and cue words that prompt positivity before strokes.
Quash negativity quickly when it arises to stay Present. Don’t judge, refocus.
Calibrate Distance Control
Perform routines like the “bouncing ball” drill to synchronize your backswing length and tempo to the distance you want the ball to travel.
Ingrained distance control prevents leaving putts short or blowing them past.
Practice Under Simulated Pressure
Perform focused, competitive practice games with consequences to master pressure putting. Get comfortable under fire.
Pressure practice prevents panic during rounds. You know you can succeed despite nerves.
Analyze Misses
Note details like face angle, path direction and impact spot on misses. Assess miss causes then address through drills.
Don’t just putt mindlessly. Analyze mistakes and refine your technique.
Believe in Your Abilities
Reinforce strengths with positive self-talk before strokes. Have faith in your skills and preparation.
Confidence in your capabilities fosters clutch putting when it matters most.
Is It Time to Switch to a Face Balanced Putter?
If you’ve noticed your putting holding your scoring back, switching to a face balanced putter could help. But how do you know if it’s suited for your stroke? Analyze these key factors to determine if now is the time to change to a face balanced model.
Assess Your Stroke Path
Face balanced putters excel with straight back, straight through strokes. If video shows your path remains square without much arc or manipulation, a face balanced option can provide stability.
Strong arcs or face opening/closing indicate you may be better suited to a toe-down model instead.
Evaluate Strike Consistency
Do you often miss putts heel-ward or toe-ward? A face balanced putter can minimize twist on off-center hits to improve strike consistency.
If strike is already centralized, you may not benefit as greatly from the forgiveness face balancing provides.
Analyze Your Miss Tendencies
Note your common miss patterns in terms of direction and distance. If you struggle with frequent mis-aiming or leaving putts short/long, a face balanced putter could help.
If miss direction and distance are already minimal, switching may provide less incremental value.
Review Your Setups
Do you have difficulty consistently aligning the face square to your target line? Face balancing allows you to setup without having to manipulate face angle.
If your alignment is already locked in each time, face balancing may not cure any issues.
Consider Your Putting Arc
Big arcing putters manipulate face angle and path to produce desired start lines. Face balancing reduces ability to manipulate face through stroke.
If you have minimal arc, face balancing won’t interfere. But for big arcers, toe weighting likely works better.
Evaluate Shaft Lean
Upright, centered shaft lean through impact maximizes face balanced designs. If your shaft leans too far forward or back, improving impact positions could help.
Correct shaft lean supports face balancing. EvaluatePositions and make adjustments as needed.
Review Fitting Specs
If your current putter is ill-fitted for length, lie, loft or grip size, getting properly fit can improve consistency before changing designs. Optimizing your specs could fix issues.
But if already fit, switching to face balancing could still help accuracy.
Consider Your Hand Type
Face balancing works well for straighter strokes. If you have natural arc in your hands/wrists, you may impart that arc even with face balancing.
But if your hands are quieter, face balance should support a straight path.
Analyze Your Skills
Review fundamentals like alignment, distance control, reading greens, technique, etc. If those are already sharp, new equipment may not lower scores.
But if technique needs refinement, paired with face balancing the results could be dramatic.
Test Face Balanced Models
Try out reputable face balanced putters to judge feel, feedback and performance compared to your current model. See if they improve consistency.
First-hand testing reveals if face balancing complements your stroke and skills.
Don’t Expect Instant Results
It takes time to optimize new equipment. Don’t expect magic overnight. Give yourself an adjustment period to learn nuances.
Commit to mastering the face balanced putter through practice before judging results.