Wednesday, Nov. 04, 2009

Hands below

Understand that the putting stroke is an arc; not a straight line. The reason is that even though the shaft of the putter is very upright, it is still on an angle. That means that naturally it would swing on a light curve or arc. The only way it could go straight back and through the shaft would be vertical, and you would need to stand straddling the ball as in croquet. Sam Sneed used to putt this way until the USGA made a rule that prohibited it. In any sport you hit something that is to the side of you, you need to swing to bat, stick or club in a circle or around your body. Putting is no different. Getting your hands below your shoulders makes this type of stroke easy to do. Stand at attention and clap your hands together in front of you, belt-buckle high. Your elbows will be bent and touching the sides of your body. Bend forward from your hips and keep the elbows bent. Point your fingers to the ground and then,take your putting grip. You are now in a position to swing that putter as it is made - on an arc.