Comparing Two Putting Styles for Putting Accuracy

Abstract

The accuracy of two different putting styles, golf's standard style, using a conventional putter with a pendulum stroke, versus using a pendulum stroke with the relatively new long putter (52 in.), was compared for 60 men and 28 women in beginning college physical education golf classes. A nine-hole Bermuda grass putting green had holes ranging in distance from 2 to 50 ft. Each student was given a score card (1) for recording the results on each hole, and (2) which listed a random assignment of the order of putting style for each hole. Also, for two specific holes of 15 feet and 50 feet, the distance at which the balls stopped away from the cup was measured. An analysis of variance of mean total putting scores gave no significant difference between putting styles or between styles on the short and long distances to holes when first putts were measured. The traditional method of putting may not be the best technique for all beginning golfers; other methods such as using a long putter may be as effective.