Putting Fundamental

[brere]

Hi,
I am looking for the putting technique which will allow me to putt with my shoulders rather than with my hands.What is the putter path for long putts and what is the path for short putts.I see a lot of drills on putting and indeed tips on putting but what I require is the setup procedure and the required takeaway technique.

Rgds
Brendan

[Golfbald]

Brenden,

Please walk us through your present setup routine.

GolfBald

[brere]

Hi,
Basically ball position from centre to inside heel of left foot.Grip fairly okay.Eyes directly over ball.But I find on takeaway that sometimes putter kind of wiggles on takeaway,probably as a result of been taken away by hands rather than shoulders.
Played yesterday and funnily enough putted much better.I think it was largely due to picking a line and sticking with it and also not worrying about not making the putt.i also felt that I was up to see where the ball was after the putt a slight fraction too early,hence dargging putts to left.But its just the takeaway technique I would like to understand a bit better.So hopefully you can help!!!!!


Regards
Brendan

[Golfbald]

Brendan,

It is difficult to give specific advice on putting. I can offer only personal observations.

1. Lining up a putt - You need to find out which is your dominate eye is. Take your thumb and extend it in front of you. Put your thumb over an object. Close each eye in turn, left then right. Your dominate eye is the one that doesn't move off the original object the other eye will be tot the right or left. When lining up a putt line this eye behind the ball and shut you non-dominate eye.

2. Breathing - inconsisent breathing will throw a putt off line. Just like in shooting a gun, breathing will throw a putt slightly off line. Whether you hold your breath or take a deep breath and let it out, it should be consistant for every putt.

3. The Dave Pelz method for using a ball spinner and finding the true balanced equator of the ball and marking a line does work. It is a great way to align to the putting line. When you are over the ball you only concentrate on speed.

4. When taking the club back, take it back shorter and hit through the shot. You must accelerate through a putt. The shorter back swing will keep it on line longer through the shot. Be smooth and think hit through not at the ball. Don't look up until well after the click.

5. If you find the putter is wiggling (extending back to far and releasing, put a finger down the back of the shaft, this will prevent extra movement.

GolfBald