Putting.....watch the putter or the ball - Page 4

All kidding aside folks, this isn't an "opinion" topic.  yes...you can and maybe should focus on a spot in front of the ball during the alignment process.   During the stroke........you need to focus on the ball to make consistent 'center-clubface' contact and get the ball rolling straight down that line on a consistent basis.......

 

 

There are no iffs, ands, or butts about it................If the eyes wander, so will your putting stroke.

I need to change my vote........

 

After a few putting lessons, and a change in putters I've stopped watching the putter and started watching the ball.  I have been rewarded with my putting stats going down by an average of 4 strokes per round, which I promptly made up for by struggling with my driver.  Gotta love this game.

 

Disagree. 

 

yeah, but c'mon, youre plumb bobbing your 4th putt.  im not listening to anything you say.

Ummm no.

 

See Dave Stockton, Instructor of Rory McIlroy... Stockton teaches to look at a spot in front of the ball along the line ... gets you less ball conscious for a better roll

 

But I can go both ways -- before that, I looked at the point of contact on the ball.

Sorry to be blunt... but that's your opinion being stated as a fact without anything to support it. And guess what... there is none...

I believe he teaches picking a spot in front of the ball to aim at, not looking at it during the stroke. I'm with Buckeye..the better I see the ball the better my results.

I would think if you got into a habit of watching the putter go back, you might be inclined to swivel your head at times unconsciously.

 

Head movement during putting doesn't sound good, does it?

 

Mr. Desmond's post about Stockton's tip on focusing on a spot in front of the ball is the first I've heard of that and sounds interesting. I'm inclined to think that also might cause you to have your eyes misaligned (aimed left of target line).

 

I think I'll stick with keeping my eyes on the ball and try not to move my head.

I tried the 1-2" in front of the ball and didn't like it, it takes your peripheral vision too far away from putter path. I personally like watching the point of impact at the edge of the back of the ball and waiting until ball is either in the hole or half way on longer putts. This has helped me hole a lot more putts. Also I think when you watch the putter if it goes back offline, you try to manipulate the path with your hands and end up pushing or pulling the putt way offline and you're thinking about your stroke. When your focusing on the ball which is not moving it helps clear your mind.

 

NO.

 

Your belief is incorrect.

 

Page 31 ..."When I putt, my eyes leave the target and come down toward the ball, but I don't look at the ball. I'm looking at a spot on my line, two inches in front of the ball. I'm making an unconscious stroke, and watching my ball roll over an exact spot two inches down the target line."

Edited by Mr. Desmond - 1/25/13 at 12:11pm

OK. I stand rebuffed.

 

I thought you were talking about Jack's method where he picks a spot in front of the ball but looks back at the ball while putting.

Does anybody know where Tiger looks while putting? That should be one of the right things!

In my experience, people do not like to read - so I need to make it short and sweet, not as much for you - you get it - but for other members.

 

I think Stockton believes looking at the target line 2 inches in front of the ball frees up your stroke. You are not ball conscious so you are more likely to be more relaxed physically and mentally when making the stroke.

Edited by Mr. Desmond - 1/25/13 at 12:13pm

I close my eyes. And pray.

I look at a specific dimple on my golf ball.