I was hoping to be the first to chat about this new technique, but wanted to experiment myself before commenting. However, David Stricklin beat me to the punch, but certainly glad he brought the matter to your attention Geoff. I read the October 2005 Golf Magazine article about this new technique and how one can putt 28% better! It seems that the technique is not an entirely new concept, but some new studies are bringing it to light. It just doesn't work for me Geoff...you pretty much summed it up beautifully in your response to Mr. Stricklin, but seems no one has addressed this aspect of a flaw with this new approach to putting. I played 18 holes yesterday with a friend and didn't realize he was using the new technique until I had observed him for a while and noticed ever so often that his putter blade would unknowingly come into contact with his ball, actually moving it while he was looking at the hole! Am I correct in saying that if your putter blade comes into contact and moves your ball while in position to putt, it is counted as a stroke, right? After our round, I brought this to his attention and told him that he better be very careful during his set up and not touch the ball with his putter blade, especially if playing in an important tournament! He felt that his putting has improved since using the new technique; however, I felt he wasn't putting as well as usual, but didn't inform him of my observation.
If one does improve his/her putting using this new method, make sure your putter blade is well behind the ball, far enough so as not to come into contact and move the ball accidentally. My guess is that if more golfers decide to use this new technique, especially Tour professionals, we may see some penalties incurred!
I'm with you Geoff, I just can't buy into this new putting technique!
Regards,
Larry
The Putting Edge
www.theputtingedge.com

This is not a new technique. The book - Inner game of golf by Timothy Galloway - published in the 70's or 80's suggested this method. One senior tour player uses this on longer putts Jim Thorpe.

Me...
Exactly...I mentioned that in my first comment, "It seems that the technique is not an entirely new concept..." Yet, I ran into another golfer yesterday that is experimenting with it due to the new October article. I have to say it wasn't working that well for him as he ran several long putts past the hole by about 6 feet. Most golfers that use it don't realize that they inadvertently touch their ball and sometimes move it while staring at the hole...go figure! He is so taken with the concept that he is even using it with some short chip shots...he informed me that it's a little more of a challenge making good contact with the 7-iron or pitching wedge while staring at the hole!!!
Regards,
Larry
www.theputtingedge.com