SAM Putt LAB report for SPY ZINGER

[SPY ZINGER]

I had a chance to visit my local clubfitter, Totally Driven in Oakdale, Minnesota (www.totallydriven.com).  They just received the latest Science and Motion Sports SAM Putt Lab machine (http://www.samputtlab.com/) so I stopped in for a session with their putting instructor, Andy Thompson.  I have attached a printout from the SAM PuttLab analysis.  This printout enables the instructor to provide a significant about of feedback and enhances putting instruction.  If you get the chance, find a SAM PuttLab near you and give it a shot.  I really found the session beneficial and wanted to share it with you.

The below if from the SAM Puttlab website.

(FYI-I am not affiliated with SAM or Totally Driven.  I am simply providing the details of the experience to the membership for information purposes only.)

SAM PuttLab - The Ultimate Putting Training System
SAM PuttLab, the ultimate putting training system is an analysis and training system based on an accurate ultrasound measurements. It analyzes the  28 most important parameters of your putting stroke and displays the results in easy to understand graphic reports. Discover your individual strengths and weaknesses for a better and more efficient training.
Within seconds the system gives you an individual feedback on your putting strokes. The analysis reveals even the smallest details of your movements and allows you to develop improvements and training strategies. SAM PuttLab utilizes ultrasound sensory analysis and therefore is far more exact than any other similar system on the market. Contact us today to try out the Sam PuttLab - The Ultimate Putting TraininWhen putting smallest movements can decide everything. SAM PuttLab uses state of the art ultrasound technology and specific mathematic algorithms for precise measurement of the relevant putting parameters. SAM Puttlab comprises the SAM MotionAnalyzer (Hardware) and the SAM PuttWare (Software).

For the measurement a light sensor triplet is attached to the club shaft. The measurement device (MotionAnalyzer) then transfers the registered movement data to a computer via USB.
The intelligent SAM PuttWare automatically evaluates the putting strokes, calculates all relevant parameters - e.g. rotation, acceleration, swing duration or impact - and graphically displays the results. The data reveal precise information on how to improve your game, e.g club face angle or sweetspot, and how to tailor individual training strategies.
Benefits of SAM PuttLab :

•   Easy to use technology, set up and application.
•   Automatic measurements and analysis.
•   Clear graphical display and setting.
•   Evaluation of putt technique and consistency

SAM PuttLab is an analysis and training system based on an accurate ultrasound measurements. It analyzes the  28 most important parameters of your putting stroke and displays the results in easy to understand graphic reports. Discover your individual strengths and weaknesses for a better and more efficient training.

Within seconds the system gives you an individual feedback on your putting strokes. The analysis reveals even the smallest details of your movements and allows you to develop improvements and training strategies. SAM PuttLab utilizes ultrasound sensory analysis and therefore is far more exact than any other similar system on the market.
Together with international PGA Tour Pros the scientists of Science&Motion have developed SAM PuttLab for golfers of all handicaps - guaranteeing high efficiency and usability of the device. To date already 26 European and American Tour Professionals and several European national teams trust the capability of Science&Motion's PuttLab. PuttLab is a system with ascertainable success.

•   Worldwide first system for complete putting analysis
•   Sensational training success on the European PGA Tour in 2004 and 2005
•   Easy to use, direct results and immediate feedback
•   Reference results of PGA Tour pros create fast success
•   Whether in the office or on the golf course – Putt allows training at any time and in any weather

[WU_SCgolfer]

That is some interesting info, I would really like to have an analysis like that, seems very helpful.

[bl8d]

did you find it was worth the cost and what was their recommendation to you?
I'm no expert in reading those charts but I gather from them you are accelerating through slightly open and cutting across at impact.  Your leading wrist is breaking down and responsible for adding the loft it seems.

[SPY ZINGER]

did you find it was worth the cost and what was their recommendation to you?
I'm no expert in reading those charts but I gather from them you are accelerating through slightly open and cutting across at impact.  Your leading wrist is breaking down and responsible for adding the loft it seems.

Below is the instructors recommendations, and for $25, it was WELL worth the experience.

 
Aim at address is enough off that a putter fitting would be of big benefit.  In the short term, awareness of this and a more thoughtful pre-shot routine could help address this.  At impact you are correcting for poor initial aim by closing the putter face and a path that is over 3 degrees left.  This type of compensation does not usually hold up well under pressure.
 
Path and spot-- Your path is fairly consistently left, but quite inconsistent in length of forward stroke especially.  No significant loop in the backswing which is good.  You are also making contact on the toe of the putter which can impede direction and also distance (by as much as 15%) so this is pretty important.  This may be the putter length or weighting or mechanical, but worth checking out.
 
Loft/Rise--  This also shows that with your current stroke your putter loft is not correct.  This could be addressed by keeping the handle a bit more forward during the stroke.
 
Face Rotation-- This is pretty good and quite consistent.  I like to see a little less forward rotation than what you have, but most of this is coming well after impact.  It is possibly a subconscious effort to fix the right aim.   Your face rotation right at impact is fair, but speed of rotation is at 34 ms which is a little high.  This means that your timing needs to be pretty good, which probably explains the inconsistency you mentioned.
 
Movement Dynamics-- Pretty good here although a bit inconsistent.  You had one flyer putt (in green) that looks kind of funky at impact, not sure what that was (a little yippy or hit way out on the toe?).
 
Timing--Again not bad on average, but could be more consistent.  Some work on the SAM or use of Tour Tempo could resolve this.

[mr_divots]

Looks like an EKG of Spyzinger as he sweats over a 3 footer. 

[SPY ZINGER]

Looks like an EKG of Spyzinger as he sweats over a 3 footer. 

Incorrect, i've been watching the Phil Mickelson DVD's all winter.  I make everything inside 3' 97% of the time. 

[jimbonecrusher]

My evaluation would read rather short and simple - "I SUCK AT PUTTING!!!!!!"

[mainuh]

Below is the instructors recommendations, and for $25, it was WELL worth the experience.

$25.00 - 

Thats the bargain of the year. Clubmaker in this area  charges $100.

rob

[SPY ZINGER]

$25.00 - 

Thats the bargain of the year. Clubmaker in this area  charges $100.

rob

I think this was a one time promotion because they JUST got the new machine in and wanted to promote it.  I am not sure what the regular cost is.  Also, they will let you practice on the SAM or the launch Monitor (on your own with no instruction) for $25 an hour.  So, once you have an idea what you are looking for on the machines, it's a pretty nice setup.

[Rye]

Incorrect, i've been watching the Phil Mickelson DVD's all winter.  I make everything inside 3" 97% of the time.

Fixed.

[SPY ZINGER]

Fixed.

Thanks Rye...I know what you used to measure that putt too!!   

[Rye]

Thanks Rye...I know what you used to measure that putt too!!   

[mainuh]

$25.00 - 

Thats the bargain of the year. Clubmaker in this area  charges $100.

rob

I think this was a one time promotion because they JUST got the new machine in and wanted to promote it.  I am not sure what the regular cost is.  Also, they will let you practice on the SAM or the launch Monitor (on your own with no instruction) for $25 an hour.  So, once you have an idea what you are looking for on the machines, it's a pretty nice setup.

Regardless, that is still one helluva deal. That they include a L/M (no idea which) for the same price is amazing.
I don't know what part of the country you live in, but for these services at $25 I would keep it a secret.

rob

[mr_divots]

Regardless, that is still one helluva deal. That they include a L/M (no idea which) for the same price is amazing.
I don't know what part of the country you live in, but for these services at $25 I would keep it a secret.

rob

He's leaving out that he's a closet 'ho and gives them a ton of business. 

[SPY ZINGER]

He's leaving out that he's a closet 'ho and gives them a ton of business. 

I've added nothing to the bag in 2010 yet and I have in fact sold a spare HB.  That's nowhere near hoing!

The $25 an hour practice sessions on the equipment is on your own, no instruction/fitting advice given.  Its self service, for your information type of thing.

[bl8d]

 The lab revelations usually lead to lessons or another type of putter if your stroke is not suited to your current putter,but that's a great deal for a do-it yourself!
What is the cost of a total supervised putter-fitting using the SAM?

[SPY ZINGER]

 The lab revelations usually lead to lessons or another type of putter if your stroke is not suited to your current putter,but that's a great deal for a do-it yourself!
What is the cost of a total supervised putter-fitting using the SAM?

I believe it's $50 with a credit if you make a purchase from them.

[bl8d]

Supervised it's still a bargain for $50, considering how many strokes per round are done with that thing it easily beats buying a new driver.

[golfergeorge]

The SAM Putt Lab is a great tool for the motion analysis of the putter.  A while back, SAM partnered to create the Break 30 putting system.  It has all the SAM info and adds an "up from the ball" video view of the individual putting.  Now it is possible to see the eyes, head, and shoulder positions at address and during the stoke.  This really helps the player understand why they do what they do.  A good instructor can combine the two sources of information to give a better understanding of what is happening during the putting process and how to make it better