ABSTRACT
Introduction The skill of putting can be broken into three major components; the ability to “read” the green (gauging the slope of the green and knowing how hard to hit the ball in different weather conditions), the ability to aim, and the ability to stroke. During the stroke, two further considerations have to be made; firstly, being able to set the ball rolling on the intended line and secondly, being able to strike the ball with sufficient weight to carry it to, or a little beyond, the hole. Both the aim and the stroke are important, but their relative importance forms considerable debate in the world of golf. Many golf teachers and professionals believe the ability to read the green and the “feel” (knowing how hard to hit the ball) to be of prime importance and that this skill can only be acquired through continual practice (Nicklaus 1969, Palmer 1986, Horton 1988). However, if the correct line is not selected in the first place then the ball has no hope of reaching the hole. Pelz (1989) states that alignment errors have a more significant effect than errors in stroke path. Researchers have attempted to ascertain which, if any, style of putting is best (Kelliher 1963, Bowen 1968), and if some clubs are better than others (Gabrielson 1938, Gott & McGown 1988). Others have investigated the merits of focusing on the hole rather than the ball at the point of impact of club and ball (Cockerill 1979, Gott & McGown 1988).
