Lesson Notes: Three Steps to an Improved Putting Setup
The Goal: To optimize your putting alignment and posture at address, which automatically refines your path and limits moving parts during the stroke.
1. Correct Your Grip Position
- Never hold the putter deeply within your fingers like a normal full swing club.
- Position the handle so that the flat top of the grip runs securely up your lead arm.
- This specific positioning deactivates the hands and directly reduces erratic wrist motion.
2. Hinge Correctly from the Hip Joint
- Bend your upper body forward cleanly from the hip joint rather than slouching your spine.
- Hinging correctly creates the perfect amount of space below your chest for your shoulders to tilt and rock smoothly.
- Keep your lower body quiet; you want zero extra butt or hip movement during the motion.
3. Lock In Your Eye Line
- Your eye line over the ball alters your natural tracking path.
- If your eyes are positioned too far inside the ball, your stroke is highly prone to over-arcing.
- If your eyes sit too far outside the ball, your stroke path will tend to arc from out-to-in.
- Set up so your eye line is positioned squarely on top of the golf ball for a neutral delivery.
FAQ
Q: Why does standard finger placement cause issues in a putting stroke?
A: Gripping in the fingers is designed to promote wrist hinge and speed for full shots. In putting, wrist hinge introduces face rotation and inconsistent contact. Aligning the grip up your lead arm physically connects the club to your forearm, turning it into an extension of your arm and encouraging a steadier stroke.
Q: How can I double-check my eye alignment at home?
A: Get into your normal putting setup over a ball, then take a second golf ball and hold it directly to the bridge of your nose. Drop the ball; it should land directly on top of the ball resting on the ground. If it falls inside or outside, you need to adjust your distance from the ball or your hip hinge.
