Zone putting

In putting, we try to achieve two things: the correct speed and the right direction. Of these two, the speed of the ball is more important. That's because speed actually determines direction. Slope influences a slow-rolling ball more, so you need to play for greater break. A fast-rolling ball, on the other hand, doesn't curve as much, so you can take a more direct line to the hole.

So let's focus on how fast the ball rolls. The equation for controlling speed with a putter is: length of stroke + speed of stroke = speed the ball rolls.

The length of the stroke is determined by how many steps you are from the target. Zone 1 is 0-5 steps. Zone 2 is 5-10 steps. Zone 3 is any putt outside of 10 steps.

I like to have my students approach putts from these zones with a specific stance width. Zone 1 calls for a narrow stance. Zone 2 calls for a medium-wide stance. Zone 3 requires the widest stance. The actual width of the stance is unique to the individual; choose what is comfortable for you.

Your ball position should be the same for all three widths: off the instep of the left foot. This is the key to the method, because your backswing always stays inside your back foot. Many of the problems I see in putting are a direct result of the putter moving outside the right foot on the backstroke, leading to a deceleration on the forward stroke. The zone method solves this problem and allows you to accelerate your putter shaft smoothly toward the target.

The speed of the stroke is produced the same way in each zone and is described as a percentage of power level ranging from 20-90 percent. I have my students create a "Zone Putting Chart" that looks something like this:

ZONE PUTTING CHART   Narrow Stance        Medium Stance        Widest Stance Target Distance (Steps) 1    2    3    4    5      6    7    8    9   10     11   12   13   14   15 Power Level (Percentages)    20      40       60        40       60       80         50       70       90

The only mechanics I emphasize is that the grip and the putter head should move together at the same speed on the forward stroke. Many inconsistencies in speed control are created when the putter face moves faster than the grip. This is caused by the wrists "breaking down" -- i.e., flipping the putter face forward with the wrists.

PUTTING DRILL

Lay a string down on the green. Place tees in the ground at one-step intervals from the string. Then putt three balls to the string from each distance. Record what power level you used to roll the ball that exact distance. Next, putt two balls to a hole from the same yardage, making sure the putts have some break to them. With the first ball, putt with just enough speed to stop the ball on the edge of the hole. With the second ball, putt with one step more speed. Notice that with Ball 1 you need to play more break to have the ball stop at the hole. Ball 2 has to be aimed on a more direct line to hit the hole. As you learn to control the speed the ball rolls to the hole, your percentage of holed-out putts will increase.

© 2002 Rob Stanger

Rob Stanger is teaching professional at the Mission Hills Country Club Golf Learning Center in Rancho Mirage, Calif. Contact him at robstanger.com.

 

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