356: Zero Torque, AimPoint, and The Truth About Putter Fittings with Preston Combs

In this episode, Matt sits down with "Putting Guru" Preston Combs, owner of Preston’s Putting, for a deep dive into the art and science of rolling the rock. Whether you are a gear junkie obsessed with the latest Zero Torque putters or a player struggling to read greens, this conversation covers it all. Preston debunks the myths about AimPoint, explains how to properly test a putter before buying it, and takes Matt through a live lesson that transforms his setup.In This Episode, We Cover:The Truth About AimPoint: Preston explains why AimPoint is suitable for beginners and high-handicappers, not just pros. He also debunks the myth that AimPoint slows the game, noting that a proper read should take only about 10 to 12 seconds.Green Books vs. Feel: While Green Books are great for approach shots, Preston explains why relying on them solely for putting can be tricky due to angle variationsThe "Zero Torque" Debate: Do you actually need a Zero Torque putter? Preston reveals that while they help some, they can hurt players who rely on torque for feel in transition.How to Buy a Putter: Don't just grab what's popular. Preston shares a drill that uses a quarter or a dime to test start lines in the store before you drop hundreds of dollars.Blade vs. Mallet: Why "cavity back" putters might be hiding your mistakes and why some pros are sticking to blades for better feedback.The "Base Stroke" System: Understanding how to regulate stroke size and tempo so you stop guessing how hard to hit the ballMatt’s Lesson: Preston diagnoses Matt’s "long follow-through" as a symptom of a short backswing and fixes his setup by adjusting his forward bend to improve structural stability.Resources Mentioned:Preston's Putting: https://www.prestonsputting.com/AimPoint: https://aimpointgolf.com/ Vertex Sensor: https://vertex-golf.com/Quotes from the Show:"If you can't control the face on a three-mile-an-hour club head speed swing, it's not the putter." - Matt "I’m a proponent of any tool that allows players to better understand what’s getting ready to happen to their golf ball." - Preston Combs "It looks like you're trying to hit that eight iron 160 yards." - Preston on forcing a putting stroke. Support the show