[hue]

Very nice article about VJ and the Putting Arc. The night before I received my issue I was watching a free DVD from Yes Golf (maker of the c groove putters) and it features Harold Swash, noted British putting instructor, who discusses his method of putting. Then, I read the Golfweek article, and it mentions that at the 2002 PGA Merchandise Show Mr. Swash "scolded" VJ about his new device by saying, " That's all wrong." Well, maybe not Mr. Swash, maybe not.

I questioned Harold Swash about vj's Putting arc and on plane stroke at the London golf show. Swash had just finished doing a 15 to 20 minute talk about his putting beliefs and asked if anyone had any questions.I took him up on his offer and asked him the following question .

What did he think of VJ Trolio's Putting arc and the Stan Utley on plane putting stroke ?

He physically wobbled and his expression changed from super smug confidence to a worried look. He then went on why he felt his square to square stroke was right. I said IMO his stroke required manipulation and although on the surface appeared simple it was really more complicted. He got one of his assistance out to demonstrate and got him hunched over so that the shoulders turned on a vertical plane and said that is how his square to square stroke works. I lined myself up in front of his student to look at the relative ball and shoulder position and said that it could only work if the ball were directly below his shoulders and he used a vertical shaft which is not permitted in golf. I said he was reducing the curve of his arc with his set up but not negating it. He did not look happy and did his best to argue his position however I got the feeling he knows his theory is not totally sound but having built his reputation and career around a PILS stroke he has painted himself into a corner and can not admit his ideas are right.