Hi Geoff,

I was interested if you had any numbers of the exact effect an ascending putter has on negating a non square putter face at impact?

The question dawned on me as I watched Aaron Baddeley putt in the Australian Masters. From a reliable source, I am aware that he doesn't aim the putter all that well, but he is one of the better putters on the pro tours. I think his speed control seems to be good, but a defining nuance of his stroke is a pretty steep ascending blow on his ball through and beyond impact.

Now there are people around who will talk about rise angle in terms of a better roll on the ball, but no-one talks about its effect on straightness of roll. Is there a formula that for every degree of rise angle, there is a corresponding 'negating' of sidespin?

Thanks Geoff,

Hi Geoff .. I am reposting my message on "Downward putting stroke" here as it covers the same topic.

While sitting in the dentist waiting room, I perused the January 2007 issue page 131 of Golf Digest and I spotted this putting gem to help "Breaking 90":


The downside of putting

The putter should be descending when it makes contact with the ball, and the shaft should be leaning forward. This will minimize the amount of ball hops and skids before it starts rolling. Skidding hampers distance control.
..............

I am having difficulty justifying to myself if this advice is valid. Can you comment and help me ... thanks.