5 Keys to a Proper Putting Setup

Five Keys to a Proper Putting Setup

Having Tour Precision in putting all starts with a proper putting setup, which is why these 5 Proper Putting Setup Keys can help you start shaving strokes.

If you’re struggling to master the putt, you’re in good company. Every golfer knows what it’s like to fall too short or too long on a putt that seems like it should have been so easy. If you find yourself missing the cup time and again, it may be time to focus less on the motion of your swing and more on the strength of your putting setup.

Start saving 4-5-6 or even MORE strokes off your rounds today!

I am going to share the five key components of a quality putting setup. While putting is the most individualized skill in golf and there is no “one size fits all” method, these basic fundamentals are likely to help you achieve a more controlled, precise putt no matter who you are.

Before we can talk about setting up your shot, however, we need to make sure your grip isn’t compromising your form.

 

“While there is no ‘One Size Fits All’ method, these basic fundamentals are likely to help you achieve a more controlled, precise putt no matter who you are.”

— Todd Kolb

The Grip

The way you hold your club influences the quality of your putt from setup to swing, so it’s worth taking the time to perfect your grip.

When learning the proper grip, hold the putter out in front of you so it’s parallel to the ground and perpendicular to your body. Bend your arms at the elbows and position the putter shaft so that is in line with your forearm, as if the putter is an extension of your body.

RELATED: LEARN 3 PRO PUTTING TIPS AMATEURS CAN LEARN

Hold the grip in the palm of your right (trail) hand. Focus on positioning the grip in the palms rather than the fingers. To do this, position the shaft along the lifeline of your trail hand.

Next, place the left (lead) hand on the grip above your trail hand. Position your middle and index fingers along the length of the putter.  Then tuck your ring and pinky fingers around the back of the club. This is what we refer to as “two fingers down, two fingers around.”

At this point, both of your thumbs should naturally rest on top along the shaft. Scoot your hands toward each other on the shaft until both thumbs are almost side-by-side.  Your hands should look as if they are in prayer position.

Once you’ve mastered the grip, you can move on to learning proper setup.

A Proper Putting Setup

A quality setup features five key components.

1. The putter shaft is an extension of the forearm

Notice what your wrists are doing. You want your putter in line with your forearm. Any bending or twisting in the wrist will compromise that straight line . . . as well as the quality of your putting stroke.

Fortunately, a proper grip on the club forces you to accomplish this component naturally.

2. Keep the Shoulders Level

Many new golfers make the mistake of positioning their trail shoulder too low. Fight that instinct. A quality putt depends on your ability to create an even pendulum motion on your swing, with the putter moving the same distance and at the same degree of arc on both the backward and forward swings.

Level shoulders help you accomplish this.

3. Keep the hands below the shoulders 

When you are in position to swing, your hands should be on the same vertical line as your shoulders. Some golfers are more comfortable with their hands just outside the shoulder line (toward the ball).  This position works just as well.

Be careful, however, to never position the hands inside the shoulder line (toward the body).  This will hurt your motion.

4. Hold the Putter in a Neutral Position

This is one of the most overlooked and most important components of an effective putting setup. Most putters are made with a loft of about 2-4 degrees on the putter face. This loft is built into the club to help you. However, you only get the benefits of that design when the putter is in a neutral position.

If you bring your hands out in front of the ball, leaning the putter towards the target, you de-loft the putter. If you bring your hands back behind the ball, leaning the putter away from the target, you add more loft than you want. Focus on holding the putter in a neutral position.

5. Place the Ball Below Your Lead Eye

When you take your setup, position the ball so it’s directly underneath your lead eye. This may be difficult to judge at first, but you can test the placement.  Just hold a second ball at your lead eye, then drop it straight down. If it hits the first ball, you know you are positioning the eyes correctly.  If not, adjust accordingly and try again.

Between the grip and the five components of the setup, this may seem like a lot to keep in mind when you’re out on the putting green. The good news is that once you have mastered the grip, you won’t have to work as hard to remember things like shaft position and shoulder levels, because those elements will happen naturally.

READ ALSO:  AVOID THOSE DREADED 3 PUTTS

So, master the grip, practice quality setup until it’s second nature. Then get ready to see your golf scores go down.