This month I would like to offer some of my thoughts on the putting stroke. Specifically, I would like to focus on a few checkpoints at set up and a couple of key ideas about the stroke.

The Set Up
At set up, there a few key fundamentals that most good putters follow. The image shows a few of the most important ones:

1. Eyes over or very nearly over the golf ball (if not over, slightly inside the ball is okay. NEVER outside)
2. Hands are below the shoulders
3. Hip joints are directly above the heels

To achieve this optimal set-up position, it is critical that you have a putter that is properly fitted to you. For years, golf shops have been getting away with allowing their customers to pick a putter that they like, "because putting is so personal". Unfortunately, if a golfer picks a putter based on a poor set-up position, they will not putt their best. I believe the next big explosion in club fitting will be putter fitting.

At the Bear Mountain Golf Academy, we have partnered with Couture Golf to offer top of the line, milled putters, fitted with their patented “Tri-Fit System”. As the picture below shows, the system measures distance from the toes to the ball, wrists to the ground and then uses a calculation to determine the optimum length of the putter. Not only that, it then matches the head weight to the length to ensure a perfect swing weight for great feel.

The Stroke
If you achieve a good set up position and have a properly fitted putter, the stroking motion should be relatively easy. The big key I watch for is that the relationship between the shoulders and the putter remains the same, from the start of the stroke to the finish. Notice in the photos how the angle between the putter and the shoulders is the same at set-up and finish. Ideally it would stay the same throughout the stroke.

Rhythm and Tempo
The final piece of the puzzle is the rhythm of the stroke. The key here is to find a rhythm you find comfortable and then make every stroke with the same cadence, regardless of the length of the putt. In other words, every stroke, no matter how long or short, should take the exact same amount of time form start to impact. The best way to work on this is with a metronome set to your preferred rhythm. With a little work, you will be able to dial in your stroke so the cadence is always the same. Your distance control will blossom and your putting will improve a lot.

I hope these few ideas help your putting. As always, for more help with your putting or the rest of your game, come and visit us at the Bear Mountain Golf Academy.