Open stance for Putting??

[prakcom]

Can anyone please explain what is open stance putting style.
I use open stance for LW and I am able to get very good line to the target. I have more confidence with the LW to hit straight from around the greens then the putter. I get more Birdie with LW when I am around the greens and there is less chance of Birdie with putter, when I am "on in regulation" (it may be due to Birdie jitters). Otherwise my putting is good and mostly I do manage to get holes in 2-putts.
Is it advisable to change my putting style or even try this new style (as getting back to present style may pose some difficulties).

[LowPost42]

Re: Open stance for Putting??

Well, as we all know, every teacher advises that for all full swing shots we line up parallel to the target line. If you move your lead foot further away from the ball (or conversely, move your trailing foot closer) you're said to have opened your stance. The opposite foot motion closes your stance.

So, when applied to putting, it means that your foot line is not parallel to target, but rather crosses it behind the ball for an open stance. (It would cross between the ball and target if you close your stance). It's easier to putt straight-back-straight-through with an open stance; this is the method I use.

[Jrungsun]

Re: Open stance for Putting??

I think open stance gives you 2 benefits;
- One, allow to see the target line longer than normal stance, especially in a short putt. So, you can imagine the line from your stance to the cup.
- Two, it allows arm swing more freely and keep face of putter to remain
square to the target line longer on your putting stroke.

I offen use it for my long & short putt.

Rungsun J.