Geoff: If you are intelligent ,diligent , hard worker, and quick learner . How long do you need with someone to teach your putting stroke pattern . If they have been playing for some time and don't have much idea about putting to begin with. Can you get a good basic idea after one long session with you or do you have to keep on coming back to evolve the stroke ?

Dear Hue,

Some are faster learners than others, but basically most get the main idea pretty easily in one good session (at least half a day). The relationship between tempo-touch and the stroke mechanics is the key, I think. That is first, how the backstroke sets up a gravity-tempo down-and-thru stroke, and then second, how the body (especially the shoulder frame) learns to "keep up" with the downward swinging putter, so the stroke has perfect timing every time. After that, it is mostly keeping the pivot still in the thru-stroke and not using the hands and arms coming down.

Besides, I support my students with lots of email and telephone conversations!

Cheers!

Geoff Mangum
Putting Coach and Theorist
PuttingZone
http://puttingzone.com
Golf's most advanced putting instruction -- you're either in the PuttingZone, or not.

John,

I think it is unrealistic to expect to learn everything in one session. Think about your understanding, integration, and evolution of your full swing mechanics, and where you have studied, and how much time you have put into it.

It is a little unfair to expect that of Geoff.

I will say this. You will not find a more comprehensive approach to putting, nor a simpler and more repeatable method. I challenge you to find one person who can debate against his ideas, logic and understanding.

Regards,

Damon: I don't expect to make huge changes in one day but I want to know if I can get "IT" in one session. I went to a 3 day golf school in Canton Georgia with Brian Manzella, Lynn Blake and Ben Doyle. They gave me the "information" and it was up to me to make the changes. Things changed a lot in 3 days but it was the information I wanted and this has sustained me for over 6 months. What I don't want and like is the kind of teaching where you are like a junkie that keeps going back to the dealer for a fix . The never ending story kind of deal where you never get the whole story . Your point about the golf swing taking time etc is fully understood. I am based in England and Geoff is coming over here . I know he will be very busy so I doubt I will be able to have much time with him and won't be able to have follow up lessons when he goes back to the States hence my question. I have heard good things about Geoff from people I respect and that is why I am asking. I had a day with Harold Swash and was not impressed and don't want a similar experience. Also the question I asked is a good one even if it is blunt and direct as it is a question that is going to come to mind to anyone going to see a teacher. there is a lot to putting but in fairness it has to be a less complex movement than the full swing and is a lot slower and more controllable so to me it would make sense that great improvements could be attained more rapidly. I am also thinking of meeting up with Geoff with a friend of mine that is going for his European Tour card this year. He is a good putter already and would only be interested in coming if Geoff gave him the whole picture otherwise he would be better off in ignorance is bliss land.

John,
Bring a video camera with you. Just as with Brian, you'll get all the information, but there will be little nuggets that you will 'get' at a later time. Similarly, try and get Geoff for dinner. All the 'related' questions on areas like neuroscience/mental game can be answered in depth, and you'll find a very generous, and genuine gentleman.

Enjoy,