As a lifestyle editor, I’m always looking for ways to enhance not just our golf game, but our entire approach to life. And what I’ve discovered, time and again, is that the lessons we learn on the green often translate beautifully into our everyday routines. Take putting, for instance. It’s often seen as purely technical, but a recent insight into what the pros call a “lively putterhead” has me thinking about balance, control, and finding your rhythm, both on and off the course.
You see, many of the greatest putters out there aren’t just thinking about mechanics; they’re aiming for a feeling, a certain energy. They describe it as creating a “lively putterhead.” And while that might sound a bit like golf-speak, it’s actually a profound concept that can transform your short game and, dare I say, your outlook.
The Pendulum Principle: More Than Just a Stroke
At its core, the idea of a “lively putterhead” draws inspiration from the simple, elegant motion of a pendulum. Think about it: a grandfather clock, a playground swing, even a wrecking ball – they all move with a consistent, balanced energy. The backswing and the forward swing are equal in length and tempo. This isn’t just about golf; it’s about finding that natural, rhythmic flow.
What’s truly fascinating, and perhaps a little counterintuitive, is where a pendulum reaches its greatest speed. It’s not at the very bottom of its arc, but rather, as it begins its initial descent. This subtle point of acceleration is what keeps the motion balanced and powerful on both sides.
Now, apply this to putting. When your putterhead, like a pendulum, impacts the ball, there’s an interruption. The ball creates resistance at the bottom of that swing. Because your energy should be balanced, the stroke might *appear* longer going back and shorter coming through. It’s not about forcing the follow-through; it’s about letting the natural energy of the backswing do the work.
“To the average golfer, this can sound confusing. But let’s dive a little deeper to figure out why they’re describing what they do in that way and answer a more relevant question: How can we apply that to our own short game?”
The Counterintuitive Key: Decelerating the Handle
This is where things get really interesting, and it challenges what many of us have been taught. For years, the mantra was “accelerate through!” But, as I’ve recently learned, that advice often leads to a lively *handle*, not a lively *putterhead*. And for us everyday golfers looking to improve, that distinction is vital.
To truly achieve that lively putterhead, we need to embrace something that feels, well, a bit backward: slowing down the handle as your downswing begins. Yes, you read that right – *decelerating* the handle! From a physics perspective, when one end of an object slows, the other speeds up. This is precisely what we want to create: a faster, freer putterhead without needing to exert excessive force.
I know, it goes against the grain. My initial thought was, “Won’t I hit it too soft?” But here’s the magic: if you accelerate the handle during the downswing, you actually slow the putterhead. That leads to a decelerating stroke, which is the exact opposite of what we’re aiming for.
“When golfers first try making longer backswings, they often hit putts too firmly. This usually happens because they’re still holding onto the “accelerate through” mindset. What we want is a lively putter head, not a lively handle. To achieve this (and to avoid hitting putts too far) we must do something that feels counterintuitive: we must feel as though we are slowing down the handle as the downswing begins. Yes, decelerating the handle.”
Actionable Takeaways for Your Game and Your Life
So, how do we apply this in real life, both on and off the course?
- Embrace the Longer, Faster Backswing: This is crucial. To make decelerating the handle achievable, your backswing needs to be quicker and longer than you might be used to. Forget the “low and slow” advice for a moment. This encourages a true pendulum motion, not a dragging of the handle. It’s like taking a deeper breath before you speak – preparing for a smooth delivery.
- Distance Control in the Backswing: This changes everything. Instead of trying to “hit harder” for longer putts, think of your backswing as your power source. The farther you want the ball to go, the longer and faster your backswing needs to be. This means letting go of the need to control the follow-through, and trusting the initial energy you create. It’s a bit like delegating tasks in life – setting things up correctly from the start often leads to a smoother outcome.
- Trust the Putterhead: One of the biggest benefits of a lively putterhead is how much easier it becomes to square the face at impact. When you’re swinging the putterhead freely, rather than trying to manipulate it with your hands, the club naturally returns to square. This fosters a sense of trust, both in your equipment and in your inherent ability. Off the course, this translates to trusting processes, allowing things to unfold naturally after you’ve set the right intentions.
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Courtesy of Tommy O’Brien Jr.
I find it fascinating that something that feels “out of control” – a longer, faster backswing – can actually lead to greater control. It’s about letting go, trusting the physics, and allowing the natural swing of the putterhead to do its job. We often overthink things, trying to force outcomes with too much control. This putting philosophy reminds us that sometimes, less conscious manipulation leads to more effective, effortless results.
“The best putters with lively putterheads allow the length and speed of the backswing to vary. Counterintuitively, a backswing that feels longer and faster — perhaps even slightly out of control — often produces greater control overall.”
This approach isn’t just about sinking more putts; it’s about a mindful shift. It’s about understanding the subtle energies at play, both in your swing and in your daily life. It’s about finding balance, trusting momentum, and sometimes, taking a counterintuitive path to achieve a smoother, more effective rhythm. I encourage you to experiment with this concept on the practice green. You might just find that a lively putterhead leads to a more lively game, and perhaps, a more balanced life too.
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