Why put the ball at low point? What is the reason for doing it? Why does it matter?
All really great questions.
So let's get enough information together to allow people to understand where low point is and then you can make the decision.
When the ball is situated perfectly at low point the putterhead is neither moving up or down. It is at its bottom and the center of the putter (in a vertical fashion) will strike the ball equator of the ball. THe shaft here, witout manipulation will be vertical to the ground.
When the ball is situated behind low point the putterhead is moving downwards. Here the upper part of the putterhead (in a vertical fashion) will strike above the equator of the ball. All this holds true without MANIPULATION. Furthermore, the putter shaft will be leaning forward at impact, changing the loft of the putter and the roll characteristics of the ball.
When the ball is situated ahead of low point the putterhead is moving upwards. Here the bottom of the putterface (in a vertical fashion) will strike below the equator of the ball. The putter shaft will be leaning back at impact, changing the loft of the putter and the roll characteristics of the ball.
The changes in shaft lean, and solidness of impact is the reason I CHOOSE not to place the ball TOO FAR from lowpoint. It just opens the door for manipulation. THe importance of low point points to the geometry of the circle and from there anyone can see the true pendellum motion which takes place. Moving the ball around naturally changes the lean of the shaft as it relates to the geometry of the circle.
I hope I have answered the first three questions. Today is October 14 and I would like to extend an offer to any of the forum members. Send me your putting strokes on either VHS, DVD, or mini DV and I will give them a study and send back the changes. There will be no charge to forum members. Unfortunately, I will not except tapes after November 14th.
VJ Trolio
Old Waverly Golf Club
One Magnolia Drive
West Point, MS
39773