I have spent the last 5 years as an occasional coach and instructor for golfers (amateurs through professionals) in the noble art of putting. The most important part of the golf game, where we minigolfers of course have an edge from our knowledge and experiences.

I have come across many interesting "truths" within the golf community about putting, some correct, but some way out of line in my opinion. Since minigolf tends to be more pragmatical (English word?), where focus is put on practice, not theories, very interesting discussions arise sometimes. I believe we don't analyze enough of the game theoretically (some do, but most don't). On the other hand golfers tend to over theorize putting. After all, most is in the head, and good basics combined with a sound gameplan, set-up procedure and playing strategy is most important.

technique then....
Straight back and straight forward, considered the truth in golf a long time, they have finally started to realize that a slight arc is the most normal pendulum motion.

backswng same length as follow through, would love to see a minigolfer try that. We are extreme in the other way. Many golfers tend to have to long backswing and then they stop and decellerate in the follow through, not a good thing to do. I have seen quite a few minigolfers that tend to have a short back swing and then really ram through the ball. Not recommended either, C-J has a good point in his blog, smooth acceleration etc..

Spin then, well that sets us apart from the golfers. They dont spin their putts at all, but they do spin their longer shots. Basics behind spin control is to achieve a swing plane where the club face travels through the ball with the correct angle. C-J makes a really good point there, many minigolfers tend to use their regular swing and then twist the ball in the end. t is possible, but you need to be a ball wizard to do it successfully every time.

I believe the Weavers can verify what difference it makes when you swing correctly when trying to achieve slice/fade spin on the ball.

For those of you willing to learn more and maybe create some fuzz in your brains I recommend going to a golf professional who uses the SAMS puttlab. Camera dn computer that analyzes your stroke inside and out. BUT, try not to listen to much to the golf pro, they have in general no clue about minigolf, or putting for that sake...


darn it, my computer broke down and half my brilliant text was not saved, too bad for you.....