Putting Basics: Set Up for Success

Implement these basic putting fundamentals to improve your distance control and direction on the green

Putting is one of the most important aspects of golf, yet many golfers struggle with this area of the game because they lack basic fundamentals that virtually all great putters embody.

No, we’re not talking about the differences between a standard and cross-handed method of gripping the club. Watch any professional event on TV and you’ll see players holding the club in a variety of ways, to say the least.

We’re rather referencing a few, key setup fundamentals that can encourage a consistent path and direction of the putter face during the stroke. Because, similar to the full swing, this is naturally what it all comes down to.

That said, let’s get into it.

Putting Basics: The Setup

While there is no factually-prescribed method for an ideal putting setup, a good rule of thumb is to set up with your feet about shoulder-width apart in a manner that is generally square, or parallel, to the intended line of your putt.

Ball placement should be close to the middle of your stance or slightly forward, toward your lead foot, and your eyes should be positioned vertically over the ball or slightly inside of it, closer to your feet.

It’s also helpful to notice the position of your forearms, which should be along the same line of your feet and intended target.

So, now that your feet and body are dialed in, let’s move on to your hand position and grip.

Putting Basics: The Grip

Should you use the conventional “reverse overlap” grip? Go cross-handed? Try “the claw?”

As mentioned at the start of this piece, it doesn’t necessarily matter how you hold the club, as long as it promotes consistent control of the putter face and path of your stroke.

So, with that in mind, watch Patrick Nuber expand on this in the video below, and see how implementing these key putting setup tips can get you on the right path to holing more putts!

VIDEO – Putting Basics: Set Up for Success

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