The Exputt RG is the best putting simulator in my opinion. It features a practice green or putting on real golf course greens. Your metrics / stats are displayed right on your computer screen or TV. Let’s take a look.
This is the last in a series of articles on Feel vs Real in golf.
The Exputt RG delivers a great indoor putting experience.
For a long time, I was very reluctant about buying a putting simulator that was only 5 feet long and has you putting into memory foam.
However, putting all year round indoors paid significant dividends on the golf course.
I practice putts up to 50 feet on the simulator.
What can you measure?
- Ball Speed
- Launch Direction
- Distance
- Putter Path
- Impact Angle
- Tempo (optional in beats per minute)
- Dispersion
- Make Percentage
Screenshots
Here are some screenshots from a recent session and specifically for a 50 foot putt.
• Putting setup – Note: I use a monitor instead of the TV so I can have the TV on for sports, etc.
The iPad and Phone are for putting / golf apps. I normally do not use them while I’m working with the Exputt RG simulator. However, I do putt into the Exputt RG memory foam when using the other apps.
What are the aim boards for?
The one behind the memory foam is a Visio Aim Board. I use it as an intermediate aim point. I also put a sticky note in front of it with a mark at “0” degrees. (photo and explanation below)
The Wright Putting Dynamics Aim Board is for laser alignment. (photo and explanation below)
The black mat rolls up easily to get it out of the way
Metrics and explanations
• Putting simulator on screen metrics and information (Right side of screen)
Note: Once you get to 10 feet or more you really need to have your face angle at impact on target and square within a half a degree to make putts.
The launch direction and face angle at impact are pretty good on this long putt.
• Putting simulator on screen metrics and information (Left side of screen)
On the top left of the screen you see the time spent putting, number of attempts and percentage made.
The program displays 3 and 6 foot circles so you can see where your putts are stopping in relation to the hole.
You get a visualization of the putter path for each putt right after the putt. It’s a short animation.
My make percentage for this session is too low, but there is only one putt just out of the 3 foot circle.
I’m happy with the dispersion and very confident when putting from 5 feet and closer.
Note: The time is 6 minutes and 14 seconds for this session
It looks like feet and inches.
• This is a view from ground level. It is not easy to imagine that you are making a 50 foot putt.
I set up an intermediate aim point just like I do on the course.
Note the sticky note and Visio Aim Board for reference.
Aiming images and explanations
• Here is a close up of the intermediate aim points.
I’ve had people ask if I’ve tried to put alignment aids on the black mat. I have and some interfere with the camera for the Exputt RG. Therefore, I putt alignment aids at the end of and off the mat. I set this up with a laser so it’s in the middle.
Note: A PuttOut Pressure Putt Trainer (ramp) does not interfere, but only works on 5-6 footers or less. Why? The ball will fly off the ramp on a 10 footer for example.
This would be the 5 putt side of the Visio Aim Board
• Wright Putting Dynamics Aim Board. I use this for laser alignment at setup.
Here is the deal though. The devices I have measure your face angle at impact compared to where you were at setup.
So, how do you know what your face angle is at setup?
My putter has 3 degrees of loft. However, that may not be what it actually is depending on how I’m setting up the putter.
In order to get a device that measures that, it would cost thousands. (Loft at setup, dynamic loft, etc.)
That purchase may be something for the future, but right now gun site levels are doing the trick. I use removeable double sided tape to get them to adhere to my spare putter.
I also have The Smart Golfer Laser Alignment System on the putter.
Note: Push button laser pointed at Aim Board
Conclusion
Using a putting simulator like the Exputt RG really does make a huge difference for me.
Sometimes, I set it for 5 feet and 10 feet on the practice green option. Those are good make distances.
Most of the time I have it change the putt length in 5 foot increments. In other words, putts from 5 feet to 50 feet.
I normally take 10 putts and sit down. It’s not hard to take 50 putts a day all year round.
The laser alignment aid helps a lot. I usually use it for a few minutes just before I putt.
I get more consistent centeredness of contact and a much better ball roll.
The result of all of this is starting the ball online more often and rolling the ball the proper distance.
The bottom line? I make more putts, have better dispersion and shoot lower scores.