I have looked at the hole while putting for about 6 weeks (prior to seeing the article). I tried it after I realized that when playing pool, one looks not at the cue ball, but at the point on the object ball you want the cue ball to contact. I reasoned that putting might be conceptually similar.
The way I implement it is to pick the point on the hole where I expect the ball to fall (to the left of center for a "slice" putt, to the right of center for a "draw" putt). Or more often a point across the cup from this point (a visual equivalent?). The more focused on that point I am, the better I putt.
I have experienced instant and dramatic improvement. Specifically, I lag putt far more consistently and I feel I will make anything up to 8 or so feet.
I think VJ is right. I am pretty analytical when putting and I find looking at the hole gives me one thing on which to focus.
VJ, interesting...I didn't realize that Johnny Miller putted this way (never seen anyone do it that I can think of). It definitely makes sense with using your built in "computer's" depth perception rather trying to control it manually...usually when I try to do that I de-accelerate and leave putts well short.
The other advantage that the article mentioned was it helps to keep a stationary head since most people pop their head up anyway to see where the putt is going and this sometimes happens well before the ball has left the putter. I take it a stationary head in TGM terms is just as important with putting as it is in the full stroke?
I've been doing it for over a year. I actually look at the spot I'm trying to roll the ball to. For a downhill breaker, that spot might be 2 feet left and 4 feet shot. Seems to have improved my lag putting alot.
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A mile from the place that golf calls home
I tried it after reading that article, but it didn't work very well for me - just a comfort thing I believe. I can look at the spot where I'm aiming, but have trouble looking at the hole unless it's close enough that I can easily see both the ball and the hole at once.
Hybrid Mode
