Book Review - Unconscious Putting by Dave Stockton

Dave Stockton is a master of the putting game and I ordered this book as soon as it came out.  The thesis of the book is all about trusting your unique putting stroke.  In order to do that effectively, Dave teaches readers how to see the line and roll the ball consistently.  The book essentially describes a process for accomplishing that. 

I learned two very helpful things from this book:
1) A consistent routine for reading putts.  Dave walks readers through a step-by-step process for reading greens that keeps the focus on the line, helping you never lose that connection to the line while you go through the rest of your putting routine. 

2) How to "roll" the ball better.  Chapter 4 is titled: "Roll Your Ball" and discusses how to have more finesse with your putting stoke so you roll putts and not hit them.  There are a few drills in the book designed to help readers do this.  My favorite is the one-handed stroke drill where you hold your left shoulder with your right hand and putt with your left hand only.  Its amazing how well I putt when my right hand isn't fighting to take over! This has helped me on the course to keep my left hand dominant, which has increased my distance control significantly.

There were several concepts that I have incorporated into my putting since reading the book, but there were a couple that just didn't feel right. He is a big advocate of a quick routine that does not include a practice stroke nor much attention to the ball itself. I just could not incorporate these steps into my routine.

At exactly 90 pages, this book is a quick read. At full price on Amazon, this book is spendy at 30 cents/page.  One other criticism I have of this book are his product endorsements.  He devotes an entire chapter to equipment and is clearly paid to endorse TaylorMade. 

Overall, I would recommend this book to any golfer interested in being a better putter.  The book is very descriptive and contains several helpful drills.  My favorite advice from the book is about attitude and confidence.  He says: "The best putters step up and let it go easily because they believe they're capable of making every putt...You have to fake it before you make it.  Your stroke and your results will not improve unless you visualize yourself successfully making putts."