Photo by REUTERS/Hugh Gentry (c)Action Images

Equipment is ever so important to the touring professional and no piece of equipment is more important, or more personal, than the putter. This is where I think young Tadd needs some attention.

I spent a bit of time with Tadd during the practice round for the Honda Classic. His ball striking is pure, the ball seems to obey his command.

Such is not the case however when he picks up the flat stick and rolls some putts. Tadd’s height makes it difficult for him to find a putter “off the rack” that will work well with his stroke and ball position.

Most standard putters come in lengths of 34 or 35 inches. Tadd needs one around 30 to 32 inches. The problem with this is that by the time the putter is cut down to fit Tadd, the weight and balance have been destroyed.

To compensate, Tadd chokes well down on the putter, his hands nearly past the bottom of the grip to get the ball and putter in the right spot. Tadd would rather keep the weight and balance in harmony than cut down and ruin an otherwise good putter.

This is where an expert craftsmen such as David Mills steps in. David worked at length with Tadd after his round getting a feel and an idea what Tadd wants in a putter.

David first had Tadd decide the look he wanted. What style and shape does he prefer? Once that was settled, David had Tadd try several putters, each with different head-weight to get an understanding for how heavy he wants the putter to feel. Then the final step was to decide the perfect length to build it too.

David Mills is one of the best in the business. Hopefully one of the putters that he is building will make Tadd one of the better putters on Tour.