Need a New Putter?

(Phoenix AZ) – When putting performance is less than satisfactory, the cause is either that putting skill needs improving, or the putting tool needs replacing. It is just that simple according to Duane Engdahl, the Simplicity Golf Putter Physicist/Designer.

“There are three simple tests you can perform to determine if it is the putting tool that needs replacing” says Engdahl, “If your current putter passes these three tests then you have a good putter that does nothing detrimental to your putting performance, otherwise any underperformance is all on you. On the other hand, if your current putter fails any of these three simple tests then the blame for underperformance is on the putter and not on you.”

The three tests are Spin, Tap, Grasp, and each is described in detail at the Benefits Tab of the Simplicity Putter website [www.simplicityputters.com].

Spin Test – Impacting tools need to be bilaterally symmetrical along the power vector (as a physicist would say), and a golf putter is an impacting tool. Asymmetrical impacting tools do not feel right and indeed are not right for the job they are expected to perform. How does one know if a golf putter is bilaterally symmetrical?

Tap Test – An impacting tool (putter) needs to impact the object (ball) in perfect alignment with the power vector, otherwise the impacting surface will twist upon impact and launch the object off intended line. That is obviously detrimental to putting performance. How does one know if a golf putter is capable of perfect impact?

Grasp Test – Impacting tools are held by hands and it is important that the hand-hold be sure and easy. If not, then excessive energy is spent on the hand-hold and thus unavailable for the tool’s fundamental job; that of impacting the object. This may seem like a minor issue, but golf is a long game and much of it is played with your putter. Putting fatigue can become a big factor especially in hot humid days or in misty/rainy weather which can make the putter grip slippery – and this fatigue is a major contributor to what is called the dreaded “putting yips”. How does one know if a golf putter is good or bad in this regard?

Simple - just perform the Spin, Tap and Grasp Tests as described at the Simplicity website.        

According to Engdahl, “If your current putter fails any of these simple tests, it is detrimental to your putting performance and should be replaced with a new and better putter.”

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