I used to practice putting for an hour a day. I got to the point where the stroke got so routine (especially on short putts) that I could spend time on the course thinking of the break, speed, and entry point of each putt-- not worrying about which of my many putting personalities was going to take over when it came time to pull the trigger.

When you practice that much, things get automatic.

And the funny thing is, it wasn't a case of the yips or after a 40 putt round that I decided to try long putting. Nope, it was watching one of my friends shoot 65 and make everything with his "broomstick" that I decided to make the switch. That was before the USGA declared anchored putting illegal. When the rule banning anchoring went into play, I found it difficult to go back.

I wasn't ready to spend an hour a day putting, so I followed the path of several top pros and started putting with the same style, only with the putter away from my body. I've also played around with arm lock, and the saw/claw grip.

If you're putting well, I wouldn't recommend changing. We all have bad days or even weeks where nothing seems to drop. But making a switch to an alternative style (especially one that requires a new putter like arm lock) requires commitment. Unless you are ready for a 30-60 day learning curve, I would suggest practicing more, and maybe getting a lesson from a teacher that concentrates on putting and the short game.

If none of that works for you, then maybe you're ready to join the ranks of the alternative putters out there. Check out the video below for my thoughts on the two styles, and how to get fitted for the right long or arm lock putter.

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