Are you right brained or left brained?Psychologists tell us the two sides of our brain each control different parts of our learning and actions. The left side of the brain is analytical and logical, the right side of the brain controls creativity and expression. Most of us probably rely on one side of the brain to control how we approach life and problem solving more than the other. Today we are going to look at putting as the final segment of improving your short game to score better. The short game, and most especially putting, is dominated by feel. And that is where that right brain, left brain thing will come in later.More strokes in the average round of golf are taken with the putter than any other club. Yet there seems to be more ways to putt well than there are brands of golf balls on the market. Putting is the most unique and individualized stroke you will find in the game of golf. You will see great putters who use different grips (like the claw or the left hand low), different styles of putters (belly putter, long putter) and even different stances, but the basics of putting hold true.Lets face it, most golfers will do their first putt on most greens from a distance of more than 10 feet. We occasionally stick an approach shot within a couple feet of the hole, but our normal putt will be something more substantial. From 10 feet, even tour pros make less than 50 percent of their putts, and their percentage drops to less than 25 percent when the distance is increased to 15-20 feet.Of course, amateur make rates are even lower from these distances. But what Tour players do so well is they rarely three putt, because if they miss their first putt, their distance control is so good they are left with less than 2 feet for their next effort.Although line is important for your attempt to make the putt, if you miss, be sure you are left with an easy tap-in by learning to feel the distance or speed of the putt.Lets build an illustration of this concept. Assume you have a 20-foot putt that breaks 2 feet, and you make a 25 percent error in your putt. The 25 percent error on the putt would result in a second putt of just 12 inches if the error is based on line. But the 25 percent error in distance or speed would result in a second putt of 5 feet.But what can we learn from that right brain/left brain thing that will help us with line on putts, and maybe even some with distance control, too? Most golf teaching professionals will categorize putters into two groups 1) line putters and 2) feel putters. Line putters base their putting decision based on an evaluation of the green break, speed and grain. After analyzing this, they select a line for the putt by envisioning a path the putt will follow and then putting to a spot which is at the apex of the ball path, hence the name line putter. Sounds kind of analytical doesnt it or maybe a left brain dominated approach.The second type golfer uses innate feel to judge the putt and the conditions of break, grain and speed. This golfer is much like the archer who shoots an arrow instinctively, without a bow sight, and automatically adjusts for the trajectory of the arrow. This golfer is a feel putter, and draws upon his/her right side of the brain for the feel and creativity that is needed.Interestingly enough though, both types of golfers can be equally successful in their technique, especially if they tune into the other side of their normal thinking process to help control distance in putting.n Brad Ruminski is a certified PGA Golf Professional at the Rolling Acres Golf Club (419-652-3160).