Have you ever made every 5-foot-or-less putt during an 18 hole round? For most people, the answer is a resounding no. PGA Tour pros make 75 percent of 5-foot putts, 86 percent of 4-foot putts and 95 percent 3-foot putts. How are they so accurate? They have a consistent putting stroke.
The problem with most putting strokes is that they are inconsistent. This is, in part, due to the unfortunate reality that we can’t practice 1 to 2 hours a day like the tour pros. We also have very biomechanically complicated putting strokes. To putt well, you must engage multiple muscles that have to be timed perfectly in order to create a good path and a square putter face.
This starts with a consistent setup. Begin by getting your chest as parallel to the ground as possible, eyes directly over the ball, shoulders level to the ground, ball placement slightly (approximately 2 inches) in front of the bottom of the putting stroke. The putter grip is in the lifeline of both hands, with the putter in line with both forearms and elbows pushed out toward the target line. There will be more on the setup in the video.
Starting with a quality setup position enables you to develop a consistent putting stroke by using only 2 muscles to move the putter. The main head of both deltoid muscles in the shoulders are called straight-line muscles. Depending on their position, when they contract, they cause the upper arm to go in a straight line. In order to make the putter go in a straight line on the backstroke, you must engage the deltoid muscle in the right arm. There is no other single muscle that can be used to accomplish this movement on the backstroke. The forward stroke requires you to use the main head of the deltoid muscle in the left arm. This creates a forward stroke that is is perfect alignment with the ball. Steve Stricker, one of the best putters on the tour, has often made the statement “back with the right, forward with the left”. He’s right!
The main head of the deltoid can make only one movement, moving the upper arm in a straight line. That means if the elbow is too far away from the target line, the backstroke will be pulled to the inside. If the elbow is too close to the target line, the backstroke will be too far to the outside. If the left elbow is too far away from the target line at setup, it will pull the putter to the left of the target. If the left elbow is too close to the target line it will push the putter to the right of the target.
When the deltoids are used properly, the elbows can move parallel to the target line. This prevents forearm rotation and allows the putter face to be square at impact. Keep your right wrist firm to prevent the putter face from opening and closing too much. Click here to learn more about putting grips.
Why would you use multiple muscles to do the work of two? Engage your deltoids when putting and give your wrists a break! With a little practice, you can easily cultivate a repeatable putting stroke.
Remember, start with a good set-up, then go back with the right and forward with the left. Maintain good rhythm and you’ve got an enviable putt. It’s that simple. What is good rhythm? Stay tuned for an upcoming post.
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