Four Essentials of Perfect Putting

A lot of instructors will tell you that the all good golf swings start with a good address. It is at least as important if not more important in putting.

There are four essentials you need to have at address to have a great putting stroke.

1. Eyes directly over the ball. When you aim something, for example when throwing darts, you have the dart in front of your eyes so you can aim it at your target. This holds true in putting. With your eyes over the ball you can see your target line. (Red line)

2.  Hands below your shoulders. Now notice I said hands not arms. With your hands below your shoulders you can make a natural arc stroke. A good putting stroke is on an arc. To make the putter go straight back and straight through you would need to manipulate your hands and arms. Since you are to the side of the golf ball the putter would move slightly inside the target line back to square at impact and then inside the target line on the follow through. As a result the putter face would open in the back stroke to square at impact and the close on the way through. (Yellow line)

3.  Hips over heels. This allows you to have your weight on the balls of your feet. This will keep you balance and stable over the putt. You would be able to use your shoulders and arms to control the stroke, while your knees, hips, and head stay still and quiet during the stroke. (Blue line)

4. Putter shaft in line with forearms. This aids you in making a natural arc stroke. To do this you need to hold the putter more in the life line of your lead hand. The shaft will be more upright. (Purple line)

After you get these 4 essentials at address you might sense that your putter is to long or short for you. This would be a good time to check with your local PGA Professional to get a putter fitting. The standard putter is 35 inches. Like you golf clubs the putter should fit you – not you fit your putter.

Brad Redding
Director of Instruction
The Resort Club at Grande Dunes

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