Which hand dominates putts??

[Bully306]

I always thought it was the left (for a right hander) and the right hand was just along for the ride so to speak. Then you hear it should be your dominant hand that controls things.

I'm having a crisis of putting confidence at the mo, if I manage a 2 putt it's a call for a street party and several columns in the local paper!

I seem to be pulling everything from whatever distance, yes i may be getting a little anxious and looking at the hole too early but i'm also feeling that the right hand is coming into it too much and taking over.

I tried that Di Marco claw grip at home (wouldn't take it to the course just yet!) and it actually feels ok plus whichever hand I use to dominate the putt it seems to go the right way (no twisting as with my conventinal grip). I may have a go with it and run the gauntlet of ridicule from my mates but hey if it works......

[jambalaya]

Re: Which hand dominates putts??

I would say whatever hand gets it in the hole more. I am right handed and this year have become more right hand dominate in my putting. The change has been really good for me. Much less three putts. Experiment. I changed to a reverse overlap grip which helps me use my right hand more. Grip is important as to how the hands are involved in the putt.

[GregJWillis]

Re: Which hand dominates putts??

...I'm having a crisis of putting confidence...I seem to be pulling everything from whatever distance...

Don't fiddle around with grips and dominance concerns yet. Go back to what was originally your natural feel, and work on some basics.
Pulls can come from several things, 2 most common:
* Closed face at impact
* Miss-alignments
Your hands will most likely be the culprit for closing the face. This is where it is essential that you imagine them set in stone on the grip. No movement at all. It's a natural feeling to have them help out a little even on short puts. You may be doing it subconsciously, or even with knowledge. But the key to remember is that is a complete no-no.

Mis-alignments are very hard to identify. You stalk the putt, look good setting up, and the missed putts keep your head spinning looking for answers.
Start with some basic checks: Is you head directly over the ball? Take your setup and drop a ball from the ridge of your nose. It should land in-line with the ball you are hitting, the target and the center of your putter. If you see it too far to one side, adjust your stance to get your eyes over the target line (or ball). This allows your perspective to be in direct alignment with your target. No more optical triangulations, just straight line target shooting.
The other advantage of having the eyes over the ball is that your shoulders swing more from a horizontal fulcrum, rather then a vertical "around the body" rotation. It is a much easier movement to control and repeat.

Then last, I would practice, yes practice, with 2 2x4's having your club inside them. This will identify any excessive movements you might be doing with your body, or your arms. The only thing that should move is your shoulders.

[jambalaya]

Re: Which hand dominates putts??

Good explanation about the importance of having the eyes directly over the ball Greg. I have been putting pretty well the last couple of months but that is some advice I am going to fiddle around with.

[Bioman]

Re: Which hand dominates putts??

No hand should dominate. Get your back straight, and keep the forearms in line with the putter. Holfd the putter out in front of you ton see this, then bend from the hips. Then rock your shoulders. All there is to it!!

PS The ball doesn't need to be under your eyes, in fact it should be slightly outside the line of your eyes.