Dave Pelz short game

[bukemdano]

Hi folks ! I hope all played lots of golf over the holiday. I have a question regarding Dave Pelz. I have read both his short game and putting books. I personally think his putting technique is less effective and less consistent than say Stan Utley's open and closed door method. At least, Stan's method has worked a lot better for me.

I am wondering if anyone feels the same way about his short game methods. Has anyone followed his technique and had good success or bad? What about his "weak" grip? Leadbetter says "strong" grip. who knows... It's hard to know who is right or wrong. I just heard he is working with Phil M. I wonder how that is going..... Thanks

Dan

[Scragger63]

Re: Dave Pelz short game

In my opinion, with putting specifically, there is no "right or wrong"...

Only what works and what doesn't....

In so far as I have read, there are two predominant styles of putters (clubs) available today. So called "Toe" and "Face" weighted putters. The differential being, a toe weighted putter is where the toe hangs downwards and a face weighted one is where the face remains horizontal, when the putter is balanced on two fingers held level about two feet apart. (Hope that visual makes sense...)

The open-closed style, or barn door method is more suited to a toe weighted type club. Where as the straight back and through method is more suited to a face weighted club.

Apparantly there are pros & cons to both and as I mentioned earlier, it's more about what works than whats right...

From my own experience, I used to own a toe weighted club (a Ping Anser 2) and putted using a back and through type stroke. Any off centre stroke would not roll on my intended line.

Since having purchased a face balanced putter, a Ping Karsten C67, any off centre hits are more likely to stay on line.

Bottom line, my own results, since changing putters a few months ago now, have improved markedly.

I'm not suggesting a new putter will improve your putting, I'm suggesting you should identify which stroke style you have, then see if your current club matches it and if not, then "try" the club that does match it and see if your own results improve...

Cheers

[BrianW]

Re: Dave Pelz short game

I found his 4 x 4 wedge system very good to create a set of reliable approach distances.

Making a full follow through also helps to commit to the shot and the 7 / 9 10 /12 o' clock backswings work for me. I do find a weaker grip with little wrist action gives me a more reliable pitching shot as well.

[bill reed]

Re: Dave Pelz short game

hi
i used a ping pal putter for almost 20 years (the pal is like the anser)
i was never a good putter and maybe i was using the wrong type of swing like you said i played back and through.
i have changed to a broomhandled ping c10 putter and my putting has changed to where i get really mad if I 3 putt and thats not often now.
i now putt like the picture on page 39 of Pelz putting bible.
i also agree with Brian that the 4 wedge system does work. i dropped my 60% wedge as i found that my 56% could give me the same shots. so i use the 3x4 system.
if you put the time into getting 3 or 4 set distances with your wedges then you find it easy to dial them in after a while. i use 1/3, 1/2 and 3/4 and full shots with my wedges and the same with my 7,8 and 9 irons.
also some of the shots over lap so you have the choice of hitting it high and stopping dead or palying say a 7 iron and a 1/3 shot and hitting it low and running.
i think Pelz short game book and the drills in it are great. the part on the open stance and chipping and pitching into the washing basket and towel really works.
cheers
bill

[GreeBoman]

Re: Dave Pelz short game

In so far as I have read, there are two predominant styles of putters (clubs) available today. So called "Toe" and "Face" weighted putters. The differential being, a toe weighted putter is where the toe hangs downwards and a face weighted one is where the face remains horizontal, when the putter is balanced on two fingers held level about two feet apart. (Hope that visual makes sense...)

Isnt the only difference where the shaft enters the clubhead?
I'll bet its impossible to have a "face" weighted putter with the hosel at the end and conversely its impossible to have a "toe" weighted putter with the hosel in the middle.

Just my opinion...

[cyc53870]

Re: Dave Pelz short game

You need to experiment whether a strong, weak or neutral grip is better. And you need to have your fundamentals correct, of course.