About the Pros

Scottie Scheffler Putting Stroke: A Deep Dive

By puttmasterPublished 4 min read

Scottie Scheffler’s Putting Stroke: A Deep Dive

Scottie Scheffler has gained recognition for his consistent ball-striking and ability to contend in major tournaments. However, his putting has been a focal point of improvement in recent years. 

Let’s explore his putting stroke, his stats, grip changes, work with putting coach Phil Kenyon, his putter choices, and other key factors contributing to his performance on the greens.

The Mechanics of Scottie Scheffler’s Putting Stroke

Scheffler’s putting stroke is characterized by a fluid motion and a natural rhythm. While not flashy, his stroke emphasizes:

  1. Smooth Tempo: He maintains a consistent pace through the stroke, which helps deliver the ball with predictable speed.
  2. Quiet Hands: Scheffler minimizes hand and wrist movement, relying more on his shoulders to control the stroke. This technique ensures a stable path and reduces variability.
  3. Focus on Start Line: One of his strengths is starting the ball on his intended line, a critical factor for making putts consistently.

Putting Stats: An Area of Improvement

Scheffler’s putting stats have been a mixed bag. While he is known for his elite tee-to-green game, his putting has been an area where he’s sought improvement. Here are some highlights and recent trends:

  1. Strokes Gained: Putting: In 2022, Scheffler ranked outside the top 100 in Strokes Gained: Putting, indicating room for growth compared to his peers.
  2. Clutch Performance: Despite inconsistent stats, Scheffler has shown the ability to make critical putts under pressure, contributing to his tournament wins.
  3. Improvement in Key Areas: His lag putting and ability to sink short putts have seen noticeable improvement, which has boosted his overall game.

Grip Changes and Their Impact

Scheffler has experimented with his putting grip to enhance his performance on the greens. One of the most notable changes includes:

  1. Switch to a Left-Hand-Low Grip: To stabilize his stroke, Scheffler adopted a left-hand-low (cross-handed) grip. This grip promotes a square face at impact and reduces the tendency to pull putts.
  2. Comfort and Confidence: The grip change has given him greater confidence on shorter putts, which are often the most pressure-packed.

Putter Choices: Evolution Over the Years

Scottie Scheffler’s current putter is the Scotty Cameron Special Select Timeless Tourtype GSS, a blade-style putter known for its precision and feel. This putter has been a key part of his success in recent tournaments, offering the balance and feedback he needs on the greens.

Over the years, Scheffler has tried various putters to find the right fit for his game. Notable changes include:

  1. Mallet to Blade Transition: Earlier in his career, Scheffler experimented with mallet putters, which offer more forgiveness. However, he eventually transitioned to blade-style putters for better control and feedback.
  2. Adjustments in Weight and Length: Scheffler has worked with his team to customize putter weight and length to suit his stroke mechanics and improve his consistency.
  3. Focus on Feel: His preference for putters that deliver superior feel has been a driving factor in his equipment decisions.

Collaboration with Phil Kenyon

Phil Kenyon, a world-renowned putting coach, has played a pivotal role in helping Scheffler refine his putting. Their work together focuses on:

  1. Stroke Mechanics: Kenyon has helped Scheffler develop a more repeatable and efficient stroke, emphasizing consistency over flair.
  2. Green Reading: Using tools like AimPoint, Kenyon has enhanced Scheffler’s ability to read greens accurately, a crucial skill for converting opportunities.
  3. Mental Approach: Kenyon emphasizes a confident and positive mindset, which is essential for success on the greens.

Training Methods and Practice Routine

Scheffler’s dedication to improving his putting is evident in his practice routine. Key elements include:

  1. Use of Training Aids: Scheffler frequently uses alignment tools and putting mirrors to ensure proper setup and stroke path.
  2. Focus on Pressure Drills: His practice sessions often simulate high-pressure situations to prepare for tournament conditions.
  3. Emphasis on Speed Control: By practicing lag putts and varying distances, Scheffler hones his ability to control pace, reducing three-putts.

The Results of His Efforts

While Scheffler’s putting remains a work in progress, the improvements are noticeable:

  1. Tournament Wins: His putting has played a crucial role in key victories, including his major breakthrough at the 2022 Masters.
  2. Confidence on Big Stages: Improved putting has enabled him to contend consistently in high-stakes events, cementing his place among the game’s elite.
  3. Future Potential: With continued work, Scheffler’s putting could elevate him further, making him a perennial threat on the PGA Tour.

Scottie Scheffler’s Putting Journey

Scottie Scheffler’s journey to improving his putting stroke reflects a blend of technical adjustments, coaching insights, and relentless practice.

His switch to a left-hand-low grip, collaboration with Phil Kenyon, and emphasis on key aspects like speed control and green reading have contributed to his progress. 

His current putter, the Scotty Cameron Special Select Timeless Tourtype GSS, has become a trusted companion on the greens.

As he continues to refine his skills and equipment, Scheffler’s putting is poised to complement his stellar ball-striking, making him an even more formidable competitor on the golf course.

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