Putter design and hinging

[rchang72]

In TGM, the discussion of the putting stroke (actually all the strokes) assumes that the clubshaft is angled and that the club is hook-faced. Wouldn't newer putter designs, e.g. face-balanced putters, long-putters, etc., change how the putting stroke. Older blade models and Ping Anser model putters, the face is balanced to hang at about 45 degrees to the horizon. That should work better with angled hinging. But with most mallets, the putter is balanced so that the face is parallel to the horizon. Wouldn't that favor not closing the face and using vertical hinge instead?

[Matt]

Vertical hinging is always a deliberate manipulation. I've tried both angled hinge and vertical hinge putting out on the course, and angled hinging wins hands down. With vertical hinging, it seemed like too much 'messing around' when you should just be focused on making your normal stroke.

So with angled hinging and it's 'no roll' feel, you can just swing back and through and not worry about your hinge action. Just hold the left wrist vertical to your plane...back and through, back and through. No need for the 'reverse roll' feel that vertical hinging requires.

Anyhow, you asked about hinging given different putters. For me, I'd rather stick with angled hinging for every putter because it's easier to repeatably execute.

[mb6606]

With a putter you are standing so close to the ball that angled hinging and vertical hinging are nearly the same.

[jim_0068]

i disagree....unless you have a very upright stance and putter vertiical hinging with a putter is a BIG manipulation.

I can put with a swinging angled-ish hinge or a hitting with a angled hinge and both have great results.

however i tend to like the swinging putt.

[Matt]

With a putter you are standing so close to the ball that angled hinging and vertical hinging are nearly the same.

Vertical hinging still requires a 'reverse roll' manipulation feel that you can avoid by simply using angled hinging.

[rchang72]

Keep forgetting that angled hinging is a "no-roll" feel. That's what I've been using. Never could use a Anser model putter, putt with a Rossie mallet. Worried that it would affect hinging. Thanks all.

[birdie_man]

I like to do what Matt does...angled hinging I guess (no-roll feel).

I don't usually pull it and this lessens the chance of me leaving it open.
Feels more simple too...and I like to think that I am "hooking" my putts if anything...although I don't know how accurate it is to say that.