Ball Movement after Putt

[cwdlaw223]

What happens throughout a putt if the path is closed to the face (say 2-3*)?

Will the ball start directly where the face was pointing?

Will the axis of the ball tilt? If so, how quickly until the axis tilt and overspin cause the ball to go in the direction of the axis tilt (if at all)?
I've seen putts that don't roll end over end and assume the axis tilted somewhat and was curious if the axis tilt causes the ball to curve at all (or even if the axis tilt eventually becomes parallel to the ground with a putt).

[cloran]

All putts roll end over end unless you're putting on ice... or really wack one hard enough to make it skid.

[cwdlaw223]

Cloran -

I believe all putts skid before they start rolling end over end. How far? I suspect there are a number of factors that play into skid. I was told by a trusted fitter that the ball starts where the face is pointing and there isn't axis tilt of any significance with a regular putt.

I'm on a putting kick now because I suck!!!!! I used to make everything when I was under 25. Now I'm an old guy struggling and understand their complaints. >30 is old. I'm 41.

[Richie3Jack]

All putts skid. I could be wrong, but I think it's in the USGA rules as far as equipment goes.

It then boils down to how one determines 'skid.'

Yes! putters, before they were bought out by Adams Golf, used to claim that their putters were designed not to skid. The problem was that their definition of skid was different from the industry standard.

How much a putter skids is dependent on a lot of factors such as dynamic loft and attack angle.

Back when I lived in Atlanta, I was fitted for putters based on reducing the skid. They utilize a super hi-speed camera and you've probably seen what it looks like on YouTube.

Anyway, part the skid problem deals with the weight of the putter and if it is in the right place for the golfer's stroke. I know that's one of the things that Edel fits for, weight in the putter head along with weight towards the hands.

The clubfitter in Atlanta also stated that from his experience, they did see a reduced amount of skid on putters with grooves on the faces.

To me, my standard Edel putter has no issues with skid. I have a little trouble with the belly putter, but I just started using that and I'm getting used to it. Generally I feel that as long as the skid is not noticeable, improving skid won't get you to make more putts. But if you can clearly see the skid when you strike the ball, you would probably be best served to fix the issue.






3JACK