Putting 101 update and ten-finger Joe

I've decided to stick with ten finger putting, otherwise conventional hand low. Despite what pros (Ken Brown included) say about unified hands, I find having two hands on the wheel feels comfortable and comfort in this case breeds confidence, and confidence brings results.

At least that's my current view. I had 33 putts last weekend, which was Ok without being great. But the fact is I cannot get comfortable with any grip other than my old backyard ten-finger grip. What I will be doing, however, is following the excellent advice I've had from a very good putter known to me, and that is to take a short backswing and 'pop' the short putts. This gives less opportunity for the putter-face to get off-line. It works pretty well. All I have to do now is read the greens better.

Speaking of ten fingers (and apologies to Harry Vardon) I have returned to a ten-finger grip for all shots. I find again it is re-assuring to have greater control over the club head, which is what I FEEL with all ten fingers on the grip. I know nearly all the great players use overlap or interlock, but they play more golf, have more ability, don't have my hand injuries, etc., so good luck to them, I will go to and stick with the old, mis-named, baseball grip.

I haven't yet quite worked out whether the ten-finger grip makes much difference in terms of power or length, or touch for that matter - I did thin a couple of chips. There are different views on this. The main danger with this grip for full shots is the overpowering of the left hand by the right hand (right-handers). But this is a problem for top players with good timing and swing dynamics, and who release properly. It's no such an issue for the weaker, less able player. Besides, I am also using a slightly strong grip and a one-plane swing (thanks Jim Hardy) so I don't think it's such a problem for me.

Anyway, tomorrow is another golf day; we can call it ten-finger day - with apologies to Harry.