We're On the Green, What Now?

Pitch & Putt
The Short Game

10th Article
We’re On the Green (2)

In article 9 we talked about getting properly fitted to your putter. Having done that your raring to go. To repeat the ideal putting stance and posture: feet shoulder distance apart; the ball and putter head centered in the middle of your stance; your arms and hands hang naturally down to the grip of the club; and a slight bend at the waist allows you to look directly down on the top of the ball. You’re ready to putt. You gently lift the club off the ground, and slowly rotate the shoulders in a pendulum action. First back, then in a straight line forward, to make contact with the ball. The ball starts off in a straight line, headed directly for the cup. But half way there the ball starts to wander off line, slowly moving left of the hole. Sure enough, it misses the edge of the cup and rolls 15 inches past the cup. What the heck happened? It was headed right at the hole when it left the clubface! What made it move left like that? You’re pretty sure it wasn’t your stroke; you brought it straight back and straight forward. There is no up or down hill leading up to the hole. Why did it go left? The only possible thing you can think of is, “there must be something wrong with the ball”. But you just bought that ball before you started playing -- it’s brand new. What could go wrong with a ball?

Balanced Golf Balls
Want to know whether your balls will roll in a straight line; try this test.

Necessary equipment/supplies
Epsom Salts
Jet Dry dishwasher liquid
One 6 cup glass bowl
One Black Felt Marker

1. Add 4 cups of warm water to bowl
2. Add 1 cup of Epsom Salts to bowl
3. Add 1 drop of Jet Dry dishwasher liquid to bowl

Test the consistency of your mixture by dropping a golf ball into it. If the consistency is correct the ball should float to the surface with an area about ¼ of an inch above water. If not, add more Epsom salts till this occurs.

A. Take a ball to be tested and place it between your thumb and forefinger. Twist the ball (cause it to spin) and drop it into the bowl. Allow the ball to come to a dead stop.
B. Carefully grasp the ball between your fore finger and thumb, do not cause the ball to spin again. Using the Felt Marker put a dot in the center of the area that was above the water.
C. Again twist the ball (spin) and drop it back into the bowl. Allow the ball to come to a dead stop. If the black dot that you put on the ball in step B above, again comes to rest in the center of the area above the water, this ball is un-balanced. It has a heavy spot on the opposite side to the black dot. If the black dot moves off substantially in any other direction, this ball is BALANCED.

Mark this ball and put it aside for tournaments or club events when the putting is important.

Balls that are un-balanced can be used, but should be marked so that you know it is un-balanced. To putt with an un-balanced ball simply make sure that the black dot on the ball is up where you can see it. This way when it is struck it will roll end over end. These balls make great gifts for your playing partner buddies. All part of the SHORT GAME.

Your questions or comments are truly welcome and encouraged.