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I'm fired up to kick off a series of 5 videos from Ping HQ in Phoenix Arizona!

Episode 1 we headed into the Ping Putting Lab to talk about how we aim and learn about the 4 archetypes of putting design.

​Watch this vid and learn some key concepts of putting from Dr Paul Wood.

​

Today at a Glance

• 4 archetypes of putting... And why you should care.
• What I'm doing to hit 190mph ball speed. 💪
• Great visual showing the phases of an effective warm up
• 👟 SPIKES. Who knew they mattered so much.

4 Archetypes of Putting Design

I was recently at the PING Putting Lab, and Dr. Paul Wood broke down the four primary alignment archetypes golfers fall into based on their research.

The 4 Archetypes:

1. Top Rail Focus – Players who naturally align using the clean, crisp top rail of the putter. Additional alignment aids (like dots or long lines) can be distracting.

1. Long Alignment Line – Golfers who benefit from a long visual aid extending from the putter toward the hole. Often seen in mallets, this feature helps project a path to the target.

1. Framing the Ball – Putters designed to visually frame the ball, like “train tracks” leading to the hole. This helps golfers focus on ball position rather than a central line.

1. Ball-Close Alignment – Players who prefer alignment marks that extend right up to the ball to make aiming more intuitive. These golfers may struggle with top rails or excessive markings.

Why It Matters:

• Quiet Eye Effect – Studies show that the best putters minimize last-second visual shifts before striking the ball. A putter that fits your alignment preference can help you settle faster and avoid overthinking
• Faster Decision-Making – The right alignment style helps you feel comfortable over the ball without second-guessing.
• More Consistent Start Line – Matching your putter’s alignment aid to your natural tendencies improves accuracy and repeatability.

How to Apply This:

Next time you're looking for a putter, analyze how you naturally align.

If you get distracted easily, a simpler putter might work better.

If you struggle with aim, a long alignment line could help.

The key is choosing a putter that lets you settle quickly—not just one that looks cool.

Go watch the video and comment which archetype you think you are!

​

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2025 is my Road to 190mph

This year I'm determined to get to 190 mph ball speed. I just set a new PB of 184 so I only have 6 mph left to go and plenty of time to do it.

Here's a day in the life of what I'm doing during a speed training session.

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​👟 Spikes or Spikeless? What Tour Pros Know That You Don’t

I never really thought about spikes until a couple weeks ago.

At the PGA show I checked out some new Under Armour shoes and got curious in some of the tech.

I connected with Sean over at SoftSpikes and had an interesting chat.

Here’s what I learned: Over 80% of PGA Tour players wear spiked shoes.

And SoftSpikes?

They don’t pay a single one of them.

No endorsements. No contracts.

The Myth of Spikeless Shoes

Spikeless shoes look great, feel great, and transition easily from the course to wherever you’re headed after the round. But if you’re trying to play your best golf? Spikes are the move.

SoftSpikes ran a test with The Golf Lab in Canada, comparing the same shoe—one with spikes, one without. The results?

• Players swinging 110+ mph picked up 5 yards of carry distance
• Dispersion tightened by 60%
• Swing speed didn’t change, but they found the center of the face more often

That last part is key.

More stability means better strikes. It makes total sense but still feels surprising!

Tour Pros Aren’t Wearing Stock Shoes

Not only are most tour players in spikes, but they’re also customizing them.

Some swap in metal spikes in key locations. Others mix different plastic spikes to dial in traction.

One of the more common setups:

• Right foot (trail foot) → Metal spikes for extra stability when loading into the backswing
• Left foot (lead foot) → Plastic spikes for balanced grip while rotating through impact

So Why Do Most Amateurs Wear Spikeless?

Retail trends have leaned hard toward spikeless shoes over the past decade, and brands followed the money. But that’s starting to shift. More manufacturers are bringing spiked models back, and it feels like we’re about to see a wave of golfers rethinking their traction.

Another big issue? People don’t replace their spikes.

SoftSpikes recommends swapping them out every 15 rounds. Most golfers push way past that. If your spikes are worn down to the same level as the shoe’s outsole, you’re losing a ton of performance.

The Takeaway

If you’re playing casual golf, walking nine, or just hitting the range? Spikeless is fine.

But if you’re playing for money, playing in tournaments, or just want to play your best? It’s a no-brainer—spiked shoes will help you hit the ball better.

Check your shoes. Look at your spikes.

Maybe it’s time to make a switch.

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Thanks for making it this far in the email. 🙏
​

I'm really interested in what most people think their putting archetype is.

​Go watch the latest video and comment on Youtube!

Till next week,

-Cordie

✍️ Written by Cordie Walker​

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