How much does attitude play in your putting Game?

[Focused8]

When I FIRST GOT INTO GOLF MY I NEVER WANTED TO TAKE MY PUTTER OUT OF THE BAG. BUT SINCE ITS THE MOST USED CLUB I JUST FIGURED TO GET A CRAZY LOOKING PUTTER SO EVEN IF I CANT PUTT I MIND AS WELL LOOK GOOD DOING IT. RIGHT NOW I HAVE A SCOTTY CAMERON FUTURA PHANTOM LOOK-A-LIKE AND NOW I CANT WAIT TO TAKE IT OUT AND PUT IT TO USE. AS A RESULT OF THE CONFIDENCE OF WAY MY PUTTER LOOKS I SWEAR IVE GOTTEN 10 XS BETTER PUTTING STROKE. SO WITH ALL THE DIFFERENT HEADS SHAFTS AND FACES OUT THERE NOW DOES IT REALLY MATTER OR DOES IT ALL JUST COME DOWN TO CONFIDENCE AND SWAGGER ON THE GREENS?

[allin]

Since physical talent is basically a non factor in putting. That leaves technique, mind and equipment. I would portion it out 1. 50% mental, 2. 30% technique, (since the techniques are not that difficult, and there is quite a bit of latitude), and 3. 20% equipment, the right length, style, loft, lie, all matter. Most experienced golfers have figured out 2 and 3 so that leaves #1.

[icourtnage]

Your mental state is of the utmost importance. If you step up over a putt, and know you are going to make it.... i'm betting you'll be a better putter than someone who isnt confident. Although attitude and confidence have a huge impact on any part of your game, putting is where these two elements matter most.

[Fourputt]

Confidence is huge in putting. That can come from a combination of a good stroke and a putter that you like. When I step up to a putt, I always feel that I'm going to hit it well, regardless of whether that feeling is justified. I love my putter, and I know that I have a good, functional stroke. I've always felt that I'm a decent putter, and that way I just know that good things will happen when I address the ball.

Confidence is a big factor in every stroke you make, whether putting, driving, irons, or chipping. And most of that confidence comes from practicing enough that you feel GOOD when you stand over the ball.

[Aggie25]

Since physical talent is basically a non factor in putting. That leaves technique, mind and equipment. I would portion it out 1. 50% mental, 2. 30% technique, (since the techniques are not that difficult, and there is quite a bit of latitude), and 3. 20% equipment, the right length, style, loft, lie, all matter. Most experienced golfers have figured out 2 and 3 so that leaves #1.

You also have to include experience in there. I'd say "half of putting is 90% mental" which would leave you 5% for experience. (Sorry for Yogi Berra/math nerd humor). There's a lot to be said for knowing how to read the breaks and "picturing" the putt (Tiger's strategy from what I've heard). I upgraded my putter but didn't see improvement until I started understanding the contours of the green.

[flashman70]

I think some of putting well is being able to transition from the "figure out the line, measure the distance" mode (right brain) to the "feel the stroke" mode (left brain). Mechanics also play a part - eyes over the ball, keep your head still, take the club away on plane. Also equipment - not everyone should be using a 35" shaft putter. But I agree that for short putts especially, confidence is a huge factor. The hole can look mighty small when you're in the grips of a putting slump and standing over a 3 1/2 footer.