ABSTRACT
This study examines the effect that a C-Groove putter has on the roll and skid performance of a golf ball during the first 500mm of a twenty-foot straight putt. Video analysis at 25 frames per second was used to record distance travelled and ball rotation during the initial stages of putts. Thirty European Tour Professionals performed their typical putting action under two test conditions. These test conditions were to use their own personal tour putter (Brand X) and the C-Groove putter (C-Groove). None of the thirty golfers participating in this study were familiar with the C-Groove putter. Each subject used both their own putter (Brand X) and the C-Groove to perform twenty-foot putts on PGA Tournament Greens (10–11 Stimpmeter). Significant differences were found between the Brand X and C-Groove putters in the amount of forward roll and skid of the golf ball during the first 500mm of the putt. This study shows that the C-Groove putter reduced skid and increased forward rotation on the golf ball in the initial stages of a 20-foot putt.
