Lets get Started!!!
I was thinking of where to start in this putting process because I already have a basic understanding of putting. I thought it would benefit me if I went back to the basics! My first resource is a YouTube channel called Top Speed Golf by Clay Ballard. The one I picked to watch is one of his golf lesson videos called Putting Basics.
During this video, Clay breaks down an introduction of putting covering the basic information to get someone started. The video highlights and details four key components for putting which are grip, stance, ball position and stroke mechanics, and tips for a smooth stroke.
1.) GRIP: How to hold the putter
Convectional Grip– Used by most golfers
Left Hand Low– Opposite to the convectional grip by place left hand low on the grip
The Claw– A grip that can takeaway common faults in many golfers, the claw allows for the left wrist to be locked, while the right holds for control.
I tried some different grips on the putter and realized that the “Claw” and “convectional grip” work best and gives a feeling of control and stability.
2.) STANCE: How far apart you keep your feet
Wide Stance- Is okay, but can tend to lose rhythm when putting
Normal Stance- (like talking to someone) or just inside shoulder width apart.
One thing I’ve noticed, is that your stance can be in many different forms as long as its comfortable and works for you. I went with a normal stance which was comfortable and worked for me.
3 & 4.) BALL POSTISION AND STROKE MECHANICS: Where to have your ball placed between your feet and the mechanics of your upper body when swinging the putter.
Ball Position– have ball centered in the middle so if you drew a line back, it it would end up in the middle between your feet. This helps with the ball rolling end over end which is what pro golfers do to create the best roll of their ball. One of the keys of ball position, is having your eyes above the ball, not behind, in front, off to the side but above the ball. In the video, Clay gives an example of how you can tell if your eyes are in the right position by taking a object (ball, tee, etc) from your eyes and dropping down. If your eyes are in the right spot, the object should land right on top or in the target line of the ball.
Stroke Mechanics- Many golfers including myself have heard of the “pendulum” or “grandfather clock” mechanic of putting. During the video, Clay mentions this is totally fine to use this method..BUT!!!! There are little adjustments you can make so you are getting that end over end roll. I had a learning moment during this part of the video!! The video mentions how when pulling back the putter, you want it closer to the ground..compared to when following through, the club is coming up. This allows for the ball to get a better roll.
Overall this is a great resource and helped remember some key tips and tricks when putting. Even though I had some understanding of putting before, I still had some learning moments such as where your eyes need to be over the ball when putting. I had some challenges this week because I strained my neck and wasn’t able to grab my putter other then to try some grips!
