Golf Putting Tips – Form A Y
In these putting tips we’re going to focus on two things that are fundamental to a good putting stroke – putting grip pressure and the position of the arms during the stroke.
Why the Y?
Look a the letter – “Y.” Now, imagine that the putter shaft is the stem of the Y and your arms form the top of the Y. If you were to stand in front of a mirror and take your putting stance, you should see something that looks like the letter Y.
Your arms should hang loosely. They should net be bowed out. If your arms are not hanging loosely and straight, if is very difficult to set your arms in the same position every time. However, when the arms are straight, you can be set in the same position for every putt.
Oh So Gently
Now, on to the putting grip. Two points will be considered:
1. Consistency – Use the same grip every time in the same way
2. Grip pressure
What’s your putting grip style? It doesn’t matter as long as it’s comfortable and relaxed and you strike the ball squarely with the putter head. You’ll see lots of different styles on the course, practice greens and among the pros. It doesn’t matter. I use a traditional grip with my thumbs pointing straight down the shaft. Your grip style is probably different. It doesn’t matter as long as you take the same grip every time.
Grip pressure in golf is one of the most overlooked aspects of the game. I have played with people whose muscles are popping in their forearms from squeezing too hard. That is the opposite of what a relaxed grip should be. One of the best analogies I’ve heard is to grip the putter just a little bit tighter than it takes to squeeze a tube of toothpaste.
Light grip pressure allows for a relaxed putting stroke. Take the putter and grip it. Now squeeze it hard. When you squeeze hard your hands and forearms will become very tight. That tightness will go all the way up to the shoulders and into the back. Gripping the putter that hard will cause erratic movements – the enemy of good putting.
Okay, relax. Shake the tension out of your hands, arms and shoulders. Then, gently grip the putter with just enough pressure to keep a hold on it. Feel the difference? There should be no tension in your arms, hands, shoulder or back. Now you can have a smooth stroke.
Conclusion
If you make a Y with your putter and arms and take a grip that keeps the tension out of your hands, arms, shoulder and upper body, you are in a position to take a smooth consistent putting stroke. Squeeze and then relax is a good putting key.
I would much rather play than practice and do putting drills. However, the putting tips we covered here don’t require a lot of time and can be done at home or in the office. You can find a mirror and master the Y and then grip the putter gently and practice a smooth stroke. Then when you get to the course for you round, you can practice for a few minutes to get the feel on the practice greens. Just a few minutes a day can lead to a big improvement in your putting.
Find more Putting Drills and tips at Putting Tips and Help. Also visit our site on Golf and Putting Tips at Tumblr.
