This Could Change Golf PUTTING for EVER

[@grahamvenkataya4567]

I have been putting “heads up” since 1999 on EVERY putt, short, long &/or off the fringe. I started to practice from 2’ initially & then moved to 3’ & have NEVER gone back to the traditional way. I saw a senior golfer in 1999 doing this & asked him “why ?” He gave me a very simple logical explanation that made sense & I started my “heads up putting” since then. I’m 63 now, single digit & in 2019 played at 1.8 index. My process: • I place my circled marked ball aimed at the target (hole) • I stand 3’ behind the ball facing the target while taking 3 slow practice swings as I draw a target line from the ball to the hole • Take my stance & place the putter 3” behind the ball • i then run my eyes from “the ball to the hole”, then back “from the hole to the ball” AND finally, one more time “from the ball to the hole” along the target line I originally saw while taking my 3 practice swings. I’ve spent many, many, many hours putting & in fact, have had 500 putts sessions on 3 occasions. It works for me & IF you practice seriously, you’ll never go back to the traditional way. “Perfect Practice Makes Perfect”. Good luck !!

[@the808life]

^ THIS..! ^ (especially you guys trying to break 90)

[@NoLookKING]

check my channel out

[@RichardJones-hk6vs]

Yep. Started doing this after listening to the pod cast…. So far, I think it works, the hardest thing is to keep looking at the target, but I am definitely seeing an improvement.

[@riccardofabi]

Hi Richard, In which episode of the podcast is this topic discussed? Thank you :)

[@MrPholding]

The podcast with Sasho Mackenzie

[@NoLookKING]

@@riccardofabi check my channel out

[@blindsquirrel3123]

I listened to the Podcast a few weeks ago and thought “that’s freakin crazy”. Fast forward to today….. I have been struggling with my distance control. I’m an 8.5 index and know putting is what’s holding me back from going lower (use Shotscope also). Today in absolute frustration I started looking for new putters online. It had to be the putter right? Well, long story short (too late) I went to the putting green and worked on grip, line, stroke, aaarrrrggghhhhhhhhh nothing worked. Then the clouds parted and Mark Crossfields voice rained down from the heavens “Try heads up putting you dork”. Wow. I mean holy ^&%$#$% wow. My distance control was crazy. My line wasn’t quite as good, but the distance was so spot on that every putt that missed was within gimme distance. I am going to try this for a while. I was truly amazed. Thank you Mark and Sasha. You saved me from buying a garage full of putters.

[@wiggy123]

It makes alot of sense, like playing bowls you don't look at the ball in hand it's all pace control. Ive tried this a few times practising but bottle it when playing. I'd need to practice this for a good few weeks before putting it in play so it felt natural. Great video as always and I love the pod. Scott's a legend.

[@imogenbaisch8793]

I have been doing this for over 30 years, about 8 to 10 feet is where I switch from looking at the target to looking at the hole. My friends have always told me that I am the most automatic putter from inside 5 feet they have ever seen

[@matheuhexter6189]

I started doing this a few years back when I was struggling with the yips. I used it initially to practice with and it stuck. The only time I don’t use it is with mega long putts and putts from off the green where I need to make sure I get a good strike. Love the post. Thanks Mark.

[@markwalker2261]

Started listening to the old podcasts and heard the one with Sasho. I have been using this for a month now and the results are incredible! My confidence is through the roof. Your comparison to basketball made it so obvious too.

[@chipandputt]

been putting this way for about 3 years now ... love it. can't remember the last time I three putt ... distance control is so much better that even when you are significantly off line or make a bad read, you are still putting yourself in a position to make the next one easily. The one tip I would give to people thinking of giving this a go is to NOT use a blade style putter. They are far more sensitive to off center strikes and can (will) mess you up and frustrate you ... a high MOI putter (resists twisting on off center hits) such as the Taylormade spider or similar will completely negate any ill effects of off center strikes.

[@HiReZ09]

recently started doing this an it has drastically improved my putting. over the last month I've gained 3.8 strokes per round on average according to my arrcos data

[@edf9992]

I’ve been using this for about 4 years but I line up the putter and then focus completely on the hole itself, I find Ihis works best for long putts, Great video!

[@arllique]

Tried it and distance control immediately improved! Best putting tip I’ve seen!

[@brich2065]

Been fooling with this and definitely advocating as the ultimate way to imorove ones putting. What I am certain you'll find is that your leaves will be half or better of your previous. Your make rate on 15'+ plus will also skyrocket . One additional byproduct will be unconscious improvements to your grip and setup to better accommodate the stroke and setup your body needs to accomplish the goal. Thanks for doing this !

[@506ROCKSTAR]

I'm a heads up putter (love it) cant remember the last time I three putted. I do find the pin in helps me focus more on short shots.

[@cjpaul8571]

I’ve dabbled in this with much success but thought it was the “wrong way” that would prevent me from getting better at putting so I stopped. Absolutely going to try this again.

[@danbanham728]

Makes perfect sense, have been doing this for years, it's all related to eye hand co-ordination and your brain and eyes doing the aiming and your hand/arms follow, when you think about other sports, darts, you focus on the target, archery, you focus on the target, shooting, you aim at the target. Now we know we can't do this with driver or irons or around the green because we need to focus on the ball, that's our target and we trust the alignment of the body set up and club to get the ball to where we want it to end up, putting is a little different as we are close enough to the ball to not have to stare at it as the target. I also find heads up putting works very well for judging distance as the eyes are telling the arms how hard to hit it rather than your memory of where you want the ball to end up before you look down.

[@robbiles]

Hope this sounds like what I'm meaning to say. I feel that you see golf more as a challenge and something to explore, than just a sport or game and I thank you for that Mark.

[@michaelmorrison009]

Great podcast. Had a to re-listen. Got the stack also made some good gains. Thanks Mark. Best golf info out there with a bit of humour.

[@Kodawari-uk]

I use a variation of this. Work out your spot. Look at the hole and do practice swings to feel the pace and hold that image and feel in your mind. Visualisation. Then look at the ball and execute. I believe the strike is important. Your GC quad on any balls you hit will back that up. Works for me. Putting is very individual though.

[@Matthew-88]

I started trying this after listening to the podcast. Seems to work well and is good for me if I start to think to much rather than on target 🎯 it helps me re focus.

[@Steve75]

Literally just started this - makes such a difference and rarely did i leave a putt short. Feels very alien but you definitely get a more of a feel. I like it.

[@kevinritter9027]

Completely makes sense. I played a lot of sports growing up, and no matter what it was, you always looked at the target. Shooting throwing kicking doesn’t matter! Looks like I am giving this a go Mark! Keep it up!!!

[@andrewgort8067]

Yep. I have tried this. I found that it ‘retrained’ my brain/biomechanics. I did it for about an hour then went back to normal putting and maintained the feel. Very effective for short putts. Took out the yxxx completely. I recall Ian baker-finch used to focus on a spot about 3 inches or more in front of the ball.

[@michaelwhite2637]

I’ve been putting like this for a few years it was a game changer for me, I had the yips cured them immediately, also I often looked up early now I just pick a small spot in the back of the cup and concentrate on that for short putts, longer putts I just focus on the flag, where it enters the hole, I took to it immediately. Give it a go you might be surprised

[@rhimx]

My coach gave me a drill two years ago; stance 90 degree open, looking at the hole, one handed. After initially duffing a few, it went pretty well. So well that I implemented that to me normal stance and two handed putting stroke. Now I pick a spot 1-2 ft in front of the ball to line the putter up, then focus moves to a spot on my starting line but hole high. Works really well for me :)

[@danapatelzick594]

This got my attention, listened then listened again and watched carefully. Now I am going to try it out. Cool idea. Hope this helps my putting.

[@tonyp.6246]

I started putting heads up around 6 months ago and have definitely seen an improvement. On anything 6' and under I pick a spot between the ball and the hole; over 6' I will pick an approximate line but look more at the hole rather than an interim spot. I think I've discovered more of a feel for the correct distance on those longer putts.

[@stevefurniaux9978]

I started to use this method but use a spot around 3 feet from the ball for the line just to get set up then look at the hole for the distance/pace. I find it so much more consistent than trying to keep a picture in your head of where the hole is.

[@Flupepe]

I used to putt like this to fix my horrible distance control and it worked. Then went back to the "normal" way of putting, but this makes me wanna try the head up style again. Great vid Mark, please share more on it in the future.

[@richpeterson74]

Long term Tennis player that took up golf ten years ago. I immediately wanted to look at the hole when putting. Found that lag putts were much closer to the hole and short putts dropped more when doing it. So went totally to heads up. Also bought an Evnroll putter as soon as they came out as the face miss its roll much better than other makes of putters.

[@lecorb8825]

I started to use a very heavy putter, the beauty is any off center hits are less off intended club path. Using a heavy putter and heads up putting allows me to focus on line and maintain visual parallax and remove the mental distortion. Went from strokes gained of 20 handicap putting to putting at 5.6 handicap per Arccos (I’m a 15.6 handicap). One are of my game that has taken to the next level

[@markreider9663]

I’ve been using this method for a few months and the results have been very good so far. I feel the stroke much more intuitively, and I keep the face more square through the stroke by finishing my lead hand at the target. The comparison to throwing a ball is an excellent analogy - you always look at target when doing that, and never think about the arm motion other then releasing the ball to the target. This method tends to break down a bit on longer putts - but under 25’ - 30’ it makes perfect sense.

[@jamessenior1]

Started looking at the hole when putting when I switched to a mallet from blade and was having issues with lag putting . After 2-3 rounds I was converted , benefited on distance control and feel confident 3-6ft all the time .

[@parmanduke]

I recently played with someone who putted this way and he was one of the best putters I have ever played with. We were playing as a 4 some and the 3 of us were in awe of the putting exhibition that was put on. He was an 80s shooter but wow his putting was unreal.

[@frankskuse1981]

84 yrs old and have tried it for the last 4 months and its works some days and on other days not, i like it

[@davidcullen3578]

I ended up doing this by accident for a few years. My two points of caution to mention - 1 is miss strikes on longish putt with a milled putter had a massive drop off in distance and 2 when I got into the habit of looking forward it through spine/neck out of alignment and I started blocking putts. This alignment issue bleed into my chipping and my low point when behind the ball. My tip if you want to do on short putts is nose at the ball by eye (left) on spot looking out of your peripheral vision. Best of luck

[@paulkeasey754]

ive been looking at the target whilst putting for 15 years now it helps me judge distance trusting my stroke to take care of strike only changing to looking at the ball on very long putts

[@aaronbradley9644]

I recently bought a Cobra 3D printed “high MOI” putter and it has given me the confidence to putt heads up given the more likely mis-strikes. I look at the hoop while shooting a basketball so it makes perfect sense to look at the hole while putting given that pace is the most important part of putting!! More pace drills for home during the winter please Mark!!

[@corynsboy5814]

Your podcast is excellent. Its smart and funny and engaging. Lou and Scott have great insight and really interesting ideas. Must listen for any golfer not just golf nerds. Your previews of Majors and Ryder Cup and breakdowns of tournaments have been very entertaining and your choice of discussions are thoughtful and relevant.

[@MrPunterd]

Tried it after watching this video. I've been struggling for a while holing from 10ft and in. I must say.... This is awesome! Makes so much sense. Feels really good. Can't wait to get out on the course and try it.

[@jacksonkirkpatrick3595]

Been a + handicap skill set minus putting for a couple years. Always had awful putting yips. I've averaged 5 or 6 three puts a round. I've tried everything else grip and stance wise, no help. Tried this about a month ago, am finally a plus handicap on paper.

[@sscully67]

Love the video! Looking at the object you’re trying to hit to gauge pace control is spot on, IMO.

[@That_Cajun_Guy]

I recently started heads up putting after hearing about it on a podcast and tried it out. I can't go back now. It is easily more accurate on lag putts due to the increased distance control and short putts are all but automatic. I've made more mid range putts with heads up than any other method.

[@scottwitman7285]

Been trying it out this season also ( starting on 5 feet and in) and it works pretty darn good. Outside of that range, I still use the line on the ball and hope the line is right.

[@jerdo402]

Great video Mark. I started doing this 8 months ago....improved my strokes gained by 5.7. The only difference is for putts inside 8ft , I line up with the estimated break but instead of focussing on a spot on the intended line I focus on the hole. Outside of 8ft I do the same as you demonstrated.

[@davidmbarr9255]

Tried this, but settled on a somewhat modified version looking at the 'spot', tracing the target line back to the ball and using that tracing movement as a trigger to immediately initiate my backswing. Stops me getting 'stuck' over the ball.

[@DjSidewayz07]

I am absolutely trying this. I did try it briefly a while back but what you’re saying makes sense to me

[@gold4every1]

I have put like this years, I feel your central nervous system plays a huge role in target acquisition. Similar when you roll a ball on the ground (for example, lawn bowls) your eyes are fixed on the target and the CNS does all the calculations etc

[@steveblacket6062]

Been dabbling with this. I am having far more success picking spots on the ground and aiming through those rather than relying on my ability to line the ball up using a line drawn on the ball

[@joshramirez7]

I tried this a few years ago, and when you hit it good, there is no better feeling, but those mishits are the problem. Longer putts are also not as a sure thing as under 15 ft. I even gave the David Duval/Anika Sorenstam method of not looking at the ball at full swing impact. Again, no better feeling when it's hit good! But...the bad hits are even worse.

[@Mikester1974]

I have practiced it on the putting green but not taken it to the course yet. I think I will give it a go after a little more practice.

[@Boerkreeelis]

Have been trying it on and off for years, had no idea it was an actual thing. It actually caused me to try and work out a technique that would reduce miss-hits (or feel like it did) regardless of whether I looked at the ball or not. Pretty good fun to change it around as well, makes it feel exiting to try each time.

[@robertkramer9580]

Well after a few rounds of heads up putting I shot my personal best score. It was due to making 6 to 12 footers, so I’m a believer. Thank you Mark for posting the video. Love the channel.

[@stevescaggs5982]

I started doing this in the Spring on long putts. My distance control is spot on now.

[@johninouye4115]

Had a buddy of mine putt like this years back as he was a new golfer. This absolutely transformed his putting and pace control. Great vid and podcast mark

[@rjchombre]

I absolutely loved the podcast with Sasho. Extremely informative. I had used the technique of looking about 2 - 3 feet in front of the ball with the intention of seeing the ball roll through that specific point on the green. I liked it but realized that on long putts, I felt I mishit the ball too often so I’m now back to simply looking at the ball. I was very impressed with the data Sahso had though on this technique.

[@tonyclark6297]

This works a treat when I'm putting so I tried it with my driver too! I'm texting this from my local A&E department.

[@leighlin007]

This method of putting makes total sense and will definitely be trying it out on my weekly 9-hole practice round.

[@gdouglass10]

Tried this a while ago, found it helped with shorter putts but longer putts were worse. I read an article (cant remember where) that it was theorised to be similar to the 'quiet eye' method which forces an external focus rather than internal. I use QE and have found it has helped my putting especially longer putts where I have struggled in the past..

[@thesugarlipslove]

the way i understood what he said, was, that he picked a spot closer to the hole on the same laser line. this also enabled him to judge pace control as he was weighting his swing accordingly. therefore if he missed he was never too far away.

[@MarkCrossfield]

Yes defo that’s how he does it. In this video I talk more about how I see it working for stage one of my test. 👍

[@thesugarlipslove]

@@MarkCrossfield absolutely, its about refining the technique. eventually it will be as easy as just rolling the ball up the the hole, but with the precision on target to drop!

[@meanoldmartin]

@@MarkCrossfield Been doing this for two years after reading Putting Out of Your Mind by Bob Rotella - I've found pace control is improved immeasuably - if it's uphill, or a slow green day, I look past the hole on line, if it's downhill or fast, look before the hole. Get a lot of comments on it, but I love it.

[@zubrowskimissions9575]

@@meanoldmartin That's how I practice my putting stroke on the course, now. It's immensely improved distanced control and direction. I've played with looking up before I hit the ball on the practice green to relieve the anxiety from the striking , and I like it. Just haven't had the courage to put it in play, yet. This video and your comment makes me think it's time to give it a roll.

[@partrickstowman8039]

Tried it last Saturday, worked pretty good. Interestingly when I went back to looking at the ball I putted great. I think heads up is good for practice and or all the time.

[@adammaxfield3125]

Sunday morning I’m listening to this podcast on my way to my club for a comp. The greens have been undergoing their autumn treatment but as it was a non qualifying comp I thought I’d give this, or at least a bit of it a go. I couldn’t bring myself to fully look, but I did putt as soon as I turned my head back after the last look at my target and I was really surprised at the distance control! Definitely something to try over the autumn/winter!

[@slicerjohn1897]

When I do practice swings with the putter I look at the hole to feel the pace, I will give it a shot and see how it goes.

[@fraserpaget4897]

I tried it when JS was a putting machine, biggest obstacle is being different and others reactions adds to the pressure of putting which generally outweighs the gains! I love it and need to man up and stick with it 💪

[@kevinmoran5560]

I’ve been putting heads-up for 2 plus years. Most of my game stinks and I’ve got incredible chip-yips, but my lag and long putting is exceptional. I recommend a high moi putter with good mass. My weighted Scotty Futura 6m is such a putter. The long face helps with contact.

[@algernonwolfwhistle6351]

Interesting hypothesis. Surely green reading is the key to holing any putt whether or not a player feels more comfortable with their head down or up. Couple this with a sound, repeating stroke and a good nerve and you have the ingredients for a good putter.

[@holmer9413]

I do it a lot when practicing my putting, but not so often anymore when I'm playing because if I pull the putter too far inside or outside on the back stroke I don't notice it and can't stop and start over. Other than that though, I didn't find it especially difficult to do. I just decided that I needed to be more aware of the start of my stroke than I could be when looking at the target instead of the ball.

[@Adrian-yv8sy]

i randomly started this recently when started to focus on point few inches in front of the ball - found when looking at ball would tend to watch what clubbed was doing and then not commit to stroke and since hitting better paced putts and holing more too

[@lukedaunt4434]

I practice heads up a lot just to dial in my pace and actually thinking about it hole lots. Will take it to the course I think.

[@rikh78]

i hit short putts like this and it's the best part of my game. Having the flag in makes a HUGE difference to me targeting the hole, it's a much smaller visual target when it's just an empty cup.

[@LaLa-ll1qt]

Same for me as well. My swing wasn’t smooth at short range, head up and in it goes, marvellous 😀😀 give the body a task and it will do it. Think of swing mechanics and you’ll miss

[@derekblankenship6079]

Im playing around with heads up putting as iv always putted better when i dont line up the ball and i spend about 10 seconds reading the green. Just wanted to comment that this video is GREAT as far as your feedback and how thorough your approach is. Great vid!

[@lamigue46]

I have a wobbly take away when putting which always worried me that I wasn't going to putt on the correct line so I use this method particularly on shorter putts consequently I can't see my take away and feel more confident.

[@jimbeaux4988]

I did heads up for years. It really works wonders on long putts when judging distance. I found the contact problems did affect me and switched back to a point just in front of the ball. Sometimes i switch back if its working that day.

[@jamesbigga8843]

I started doing this recently, head up putting and it's saving my putting.

[@davee9887]

Will be trying this when I play Little Aston tomorrow. My putting was great up until a month or so ago and has been a real let down of late so hopefully this gives it a leg up 🤞🏼

[@barryriddell3684]

Tried it this weekend after hearing the podcast. Had 27 putts, my lowest total this year. Found my misses all had good speed were as close as traditional. I’m committing to it for the next 12 months to see if it can help me improve in that area.

[@bobpegram8042]

I tried looking at the hole on an indoor rolling putting green where I used to work. Our putting expert got me to try it. It worked well, but was sure uncomfortable. I putted a little better than usual when doing it. I am a good putter either way, but I need to practice it enough to get used to it. At this point I am violating my routine. I have to consciously force myself to do it.

[@after2am150]

well explained and a good idea for "weekend Pros" who don't play or practice during the week days to try. We may just hole more putts or 3 putt less!!!

[@sande242]

Tried this yesterday for the first time with better than average results. Nailed pretty much everything inside 6 feet. 24 Hdc'er so that was great . Midrange putts from like 12 to 15 feet I had some close and some lipping out , I felt it helped with pace e.g. I didn't leave any disastrously short , some were too far past admittedly. Long range I would need more practice and experimentation. Overall I will definitely keep trying this , thanks for the "heads up " !

[@alasterwalker8618]

I gave this a go after listening to your podcast. Really good for practise

[@stevefisher6708]

Mark, I think heads up putting is more about improving distance control first, and line control secondarily . To me, hitting a spot is setting up the putter face alignment, as is done even with the old method

[@jimbarber6985]

Ive dabbled with this in the past and found it more efficient over longer putts. I didn't hole more first putts, but the disctance control was better

[@matthewcroad7218]

When I first saw Speith doing this a few years ago I tried it. I was very surprised of how it transformed my putting. Got to commit to it. Get lazy and it will make you look silly. Like all styles of putting. Good info Mark 👍

[@cinnamonmon2329]

Spieth doesn’t do it anymore though?

[@trxe420]

@@cinnamonmon2329 Yeah he doesn't, but that may not be because something is wrong with the technique. He is a tinkerer, always trying to find an advantage. When he was putting his best though he used this technique I remember him changing putters, then going back to his old one. Changing grips then going back to left hand low.

[@tonywestwell]

Very interesting, both the study and the practical. I will keep my eye on this Mark and see how you do.

[@alexstarlow582]

I have used heads up putting for years. Ever since it was written up in Golf Digest or Golf magazine, cannot remember which. Definitely eliminates the Yips in putting. LOL My distance control has always been really good with it.

[@robertbogdan7058]

I did this 30 years ago when I took up the game seriously for the first time. Did I ever get a lot of stick for it. I was, and still am, convinced it works. I dropped the technique and oddly enough, just tried it again last weekend, 30 years later.

[@drewagardner]

Tried it in the past but the thought of a steep learning curve scared me. I like the approach because it freed up my stroke but fear is real. Willing to try it again.

[@davidpritchard1360]

I've tried this the last twice I've played since watching the video. Certainly I'm no worse than I was, and I feel with more confidence in it could really work. Amazing how little you miss hit. 👍👍

[@MrMikejam23]

Interesting this one. I tried 10 putts from various distances using this method on the practice green before a round a few weeks ago and it worked really well for me. I hit the ground first on 1 shot but the rest felt really good, helped a lot with pace control which is what I've been struggling with. I'm definitely going to spend more time on this.

[@adamvanstone5622]

I'm going to have a practice heads up . I've been trying to control my pace more after watching you, anything to stop those 3 putts

[@robbiles]

Don't recall, who, where or when, but remember someone years ago saying that if you are having trouble with distance control on long putts, to look at the hole as you putt, similar to the tossing a piece of paper in to the bin idea. I use it occasionally. Can't wait to see this in the vlogs. Ray could become the new putting God after Coaches 4ry.

[@paulwendon-blixrud8397]

I'm not so sure about certain spots to hit, but I do think it helps 'see' the whole green / put you are making. This in turn helps pace control in particular. I always look at the hole with practice strokes. Helps keep the feeling / pace control.

[@robertthomas1088]

I am starting to practice heads up putting also.

[@kkrekula]

I've done heads-up putting. Really helps to calm down the stroke if one has the Yips... Nowadays I mostly use it for fast heavy breaking putts. Not looking for a spot. Imagining the whole roll of the putt into the hole. Works great! When I've done it for long putts, I start worrying about poor strikes....

[@xnimmerx]

I started the video thinking the idea was gimmicky and bad, but what you said about other sports where you look at the target made a lot of sense. If I still played golf I'd definitely try it :)

[@markmaioli4]

I was doing this last year and did OK with it but didn't have the laser image thing going. I'm definitely going to work at this again with the look down the line to the spot and go

[@martinmieden8787]

I started doing this a few yrs ago when I realized I'm right eye Dom. So my head is tilted toward the target. With a bit of practice it really bc easier to putt.

[@calum-nn9fm]

I do this but a little bit different to how you are doing it I pick a spot a few inches after my ball towards target and on target line I look at the spot chosen and i can see the ball/putter head within my peripheral My putting has become the best part of my game within a few wks of doing this

[@tgippp]

Heads up has saved my putting! After watching this video I gave it a try…and viola! I had the yips bad…switched to putting righty (I’m a lefty golfer) and that worked but was obviously a bit awkward…switched back to lefty heads up and I’m a good putter again! 😭

[@Cutchy583]

I am a spot putter who reads to the apex but I could only do the heads up putting if there is old pitch marks on the green to focus on

[@Coreadrin]

This is exactly how I started putting a few years ago and it really improved my pace control resulting in a hell of a lot more two putts. I pick my read point, then based on uphill/downhill, pick a target point on that line either long or shot of the whole, and watch that point when I make my stroke. Definitely true about strike moving around, but statistically I would *way* rather have pace on point than perfect direction.