Hello, Daily Duffer readers! Sarah Chen here, your golf instruction editor. As a PGA-certified instructor with over 15 years of experience, I’ve had the privilege of working with golfers at every level, from weekend enthusiasts to tour professionals. One thing I’ve learned is that the path to better golf is open to everyone, especially when it comes to putting – an area where even the best players are always seeking an edge.
Recently, the golf world has been buzzing about Brooks Koepka’s putter switch. A five-time major champion, Koepka was a longtime blade user, but he made a significant change to a TaylorMade Spider Tour X L-neck mallet putter at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. This kind of equipment change isn’t just about the putter itself; it often signifies a deeper dive into improving one’s stroke mechanics, which is exactly what Koepka has been doing.
What’s fascinating is the almost immediate positive impact this change has had. At the Cognizant Classic, Koepka gained over 2.5 strokes on the field in Strokes Gained: Putting. That’s a significant improvement for any golfer, let alone a player of his caliber. It highlights a crucial lesson: sometimes a change in equipment, paired with a commitment to refining your technique, can unlock incredible results on the greens.
Understanding Brooks’ Transition: Mallet vs. Blade
When you hear about a player like Koepka moving from a traditional blade putter to a mallet, it’s natural to wonder why. His insights offer a fantastic learning opportunity for all of us. When asked about the biggest challenge in this transition, Koepka revealed that it was less about the putter head itself and more about the mechanical adjustments necessary.
“I mean, I think with that change there’s been a lot of mechanical changes as well. I would say it’s definitely more of the mechanical issues are the tougher parts of it. But I mean, if you look at it, the face rotation on the Spider is a little less than it was with the blade. Just looking for a little bit more consistency.”
This is a key takeaway. Mallet putters, particularly models like the Spider Tour X, are designed with a higher Moment of Inertia (MOI). This means they are more stable on off-center strikes and tend to have less face rotation during the stroke. For many golfers, this translates to more consistent roll and better distance control, even when you don’t hit the dead center of the face. If you struggle with consistency, especially on longer putts or when you feel like your putter face is opening or closing too much, a mallet might be a great option to explore.
Taking Your Hands Out of It: The Path to a Smoother Stroke
Koepka also touched upon a common struggle I see with many high-level amateurs and professionals: overusing the hands. He mentioned:
“Then obviously the changes that I’ve made in the stroke, whether it be from taking a little bit more hands out of it and not swaying as much. Just got into a bunch of bad habits.”
When we get too “handsy” in our putting stroke, it often leads to inconsistent contact, poor path, and difficulty controlling pace. The arms and shoulders should primarily drive the putting stroke, creating a pendulum-like motion. Excess wrist hinge or hand manipulation can cause the putter face to open or close excessively and lead to inconsistent strike location.
Koepka’s aim was to “take a little bit more hands out of it and not swaying as much.” This pursuit of stability and a more consistent strike, moving away from tendencies like hitting it off the toe, resonated with his equipment change. He found the mallet, being “a little bit smaller,” unexpectedly helped him line it up better and start the ball “more off the actual center of the ball.” This really underscores how equipment can influence your technique, and vice-versa.
Actionable Drills for a More Consistent Putting Stroke
Inspired by Brooks’ journey, here are a few drills you can try to improve your putting consistency and take your hands out of the stroke:
Try this: The Gate Drill for Centered Contact
Koepka specifically mentioned,
“Just starting it more off the actual center of the ball, not having it off the toe, has been a huge thing as well.”
This drill is perfect for that. Place two tees in the ground, just wide enough for your putter head to comfortably swing through without touching them. The tees should be positioned directly in front of the putter face at address. Your goal is to make strokes without hitting either tee, ensuring you’re hitting the ball with the center of the putter face. Start with short putts and gradually increase the distance as your contact improves. This instant feedback will train your eyes and hands to deliver the putter squarely.
Here’s a drill: The Coin Drill for Eliminating Hand Action
To reduce excess hand and wrist movement, try this: Place a coin directly under the butt end of your putter grip at address. During your stroke, focus on keeping that coin pressed against the palm of your lead hand (for right-handed golfers, that’s your left hand) throughout the backswing and follow-through. If the coin drops, it means you’re breaking your wrists or allowing too much hand action. This drill encourages a more unified, shoulder-driven stroke, just like Koepka is striving for. It helps create the pendulum motion that many great putters exhibit.
Practice Tip: Mirror, Mirror on the Green
While not a traditional drill, using a putting mirror (or even a small regular mirror) can be incredibly insightful. Brooks mentioned “not swaying as much.” A mirror allows you to check your eye alignment over the ball, ensure your shoulders are level, and see if your head or body are moving excessively during the stroke. Set up over a mirror and make slow strokes. Observe if your head stays still throughout the motion or if you’re swaying. This visual feedback is invaluable for solidifying a stable setup and stroke.
In my teaching experience, I’ve found that consistency is the bedrock of great putting. Whether you’re playing with a blade or a mallet, understanding your mechanics and committing to practice with purpose can transform your game. Brooks Koepka’s recent success on the greens, despite the challenges of a significant equipment and mechanical overhaul, is a testament to the power of deliberate practice and seeking improvement. You too can make meaningful changes to your putting and see those putts start dropping with more regularity!
