[NiftyNiblick]

Putters can be really difficult, can't they?

There are two things that I know for sure. The between-the-ears thing is that I don't like inserts. I am not a polymer scientist. I don't know if the insert is getting harder, softer, out of shape, or anything else. I'd rather just not think about it.

The more certain thing is that any offset is out of the question. I'm lucky to keep my stroke on line long enough to get the shaft to the ball. If the clubhead is lagging behind, forget about it.

I tried the hammY approach for a bit. Open stance, split grip. The open stance part worked well, but the hockey stroke didn't. Now I take an open stance with a conventional putter. My stroke is completely out of plane with my shoulders and my skeleton in general. Any prominent short game coach would be in horror at the mechanics, but that's my stroke for now. I just see the line better and feel more comfortable.

I've presently got in the rotation an on-set Dandy Blade, a Yes! Carolyne, a Louisville Stimp ACO, a Never Compromise Z/I Sigma, and a Slighter Auburn, the latter being an Anser-shaped putter but custom made with a non-offset hosel. The Slighter is in the bag now. The Stimp breaks the rule having an insert, but it's a cycolac insert like on an old fairway wood.