EVERYTHING You Need To Know To Become A GREAT Putter

Want to become a putting pro? Focus on your setup, and let the stroke take care of itself. This guide reveals a simple, pressure-ready method for building a repeatable putting setup. Elevate your golf game with these expert tips.

Table of Contents

• Step 1: Build the Setup Habit — Rotate, Tuck, Tilt
• Step 2: Get the Right Length Putter — It’s Mathematical
• Step 3: Eyes Over the Inside Edge of the Ball
• Step 4: Hands Under the Shoulders — Embrace the Arc
• Step 5: Understand the Slight Arc — Avoid Overthinking
• Step 6: Lower Body Position — Lock, Unlock; Hips Over Shoulders
• Step 7: Pressure and Grip — Run the Putter Through Your Palms
• Step 8: Stroke Lengths — 5 Inches Back, 9 Inches Through
• Step 9: Green Reading and Alignment — Precision Over Guessing
• Step 10: Practice Aids and Drills — Foster Reliability
• Step 11: Simple Drills to Reinforce Mechanics
• Step 12: Mindset — Simplify and Trust Your Setup
• Step 13: Putting it All Together — Pre-Shot Checklist
• Step 14: Common Mistakes and Quick Fixes
• Step 15: Tracking Progress and Establishing Routine
• Step 16: FAQ — Common Questions Answered
• Conclusion — Make the Setup Sacred, the Stroke Simple

Step 1: Build the Setup Habit — Rotate, Tuck, Tilt

Your setup is the thinking spot, allowing the stroke to flow naturally. Nail these placements to keep your stroke automatic.

• Rotate your elbows in: Align elbows inward at your ribcage to form a stable hinge with putter and forearms.
• Tuck your elbows and hands: Position hands in front of your chest, enabling a natural shoulder-line swing.
• Tilt from the hips: Lean from the hips to maintain eye position and connection to the putter.

Quote to remember: “Think during the setup so you don’t have to during the stroke.” Make the setup your focus and let everything else flow easily.

Step 2: Get the Right Length Putter — It’s Mathematical

Putter length is crucial for achieving the optimal setup.

• If too long, it skews eye alignment and affects geometry.
• Correct length integrates the shaft into the setup, aligning forearms and eye position.

Key takeaway: The right putter length supports natural setup geometry, essential for accurate putting.

Step 3: Eyes Over the Inside Edge of the Ball

Positioning your eyes is crucial for accuracy.

• Align eyes over the inside edge of the ball for direct sight down the line.
• Avoid letting eyes drift beyond the ball to maintain straight-line perception.

Practical note: Eyes too far inside suggest adjustments in putter length or tilt are needed.

Step 4: Hands Under the Shoulders — Embrace the Arc

Position hands directly under your shoulders for a straight swing.

• This alignment encourages a natural hand path without forcing strokes.
• Hands inside or outside shoulder line disrupts the swing path, impacting consistency.

Main point: A natural setup enables pressure-resilient performance.

Step 5: Understand the Slight Arc — Avoid Overthinking

The putter’s natural arc requires no extra manipulation.

• Hands move straight; the shaft’s angle naturally creates a slight, effective arc.
• Avoid overly controlling the arc to maintain consistent contact.

Practical drill: Swing hands and note the path; adjust until travel is straight.

Step 6: Lower Body Position — Lock, Unlock; Hips Over Shoulders

Your lower body is pivotal for a free-flowing stroke.

• Minimal knee flex is essential; aim for “lock, unlock” posture.
• Keep hips over or slightly forward of shoulders to allow hands to swing under freely.

Quick test: A freely swinging putter returning to grip confirms correct setup and weight distribution.

Step 7: Pressure and Grip — Run the Putter Through Your Palms

Grip influences contact consistency.

• Align shaft through palms for forearm continuity, reducing reliance on the wrist.
• Lightly let putter rest on the surface to maintain a natural pendulum effect.

Emphasize control over face and path rather than grip pressure.

Step 8: Stroke Lengths — 5 Inches Back, 9 Inches Through

Consistency in stroke length improves straightness and roll.

• 5 inches back keeps the putter square before the natural arc takes over.
• 9 inches forward ensures roll control for improved putt accuracy.

Utilize this cue for reliable impact positions and smooth rolls.

Step 9: Green Reading and Alignment — Precision Over Guessing

Precision separates good putters from average ones.

• Use a one-eye sightline to align physically from ball to hole.
• An inside ball edge gaze aligns physical and mental lines consistently.

Practice this method to replace guesswork with confidence in your read.

Step 10: Practice Aids and Drills — Foster Reliability

Leverage practice aids for targeted improvements.

1. Use aids like rulers to define stroke paths and reinforce positive habits.
2. Aid practice ensures smooth, pressure-free putter contact.
3. Encourages light setup, enhancing consistent center strikes.

Solidify your basic stroke routine for lasting change.

Step 11: Simple Drills to Reinforce Mechanics

Efficient drills enhance muscle memory for sustained improvements.

• One-Hand Finish Drill: Test balance by removing your right hand mid-stroke.
• 5-in / 9-out Drill: Develop the flat stroke before you naturally arc forward.

Short, focused practice sessions harness greater improvements over time.

Step 12: Mindset — Simplify and Trust Your Setup

A controlled mind enhances putt success.

• Embrace simplicity and permit automaticity after the address.
• Minimize conscious adjustments to preserve stroke flow and accuracy.

Mantra: “Setup with intention, stroke with trust.”

Step 13: Putting it All Together — Pre-Shot Checklist

Follow this quick pre-putt checklist for repeatable setup performance.

1. Select line using sighting routine.
2. Align putter length with forearms.
3. Tuck elbows into ribcage.
4. Position hands under shoulders.
5. Maintain weight on the balls of feet.
6. Grip lightly with putter resting lightly.
7. Ensure eyes are correctly aligned over the ball.
8. Commit to a preset stroke length.

Consistency builds trust in your putting rhythm for a reliable performance.

Step 14: Common Mistakes and Quick Fixes

Address these frequent errors for immediate improvements.

• Eyes too far inside: Adjust putter length and tilt accordingly.
• Hands outside shoulder line: Tweak elbow position to correct outside path.
• Excessive pressure: Embrace a gentle putter hold to erase tension.

Implementing these corrections fortifies setup efficiency.

Step 15: Tracking Progress and Establishing Routine

Track key metrics over time for measurable improvement.

• Monitor putts hit successfully from various distances.
• Assess missed putt factors to optimize focus areas.
• Refine practice routines with clear progress indicators.

Weekly practice involves using setup aids for consistent improvement over volume drilling.

Step 16: FAQ — Common Questions Answered

Q: How important is putter fitting to becoming a great putter?

A: Extremely important. Accurate putter fitting supports proper setup practices, leading to consistent putting success.

Q: Should my hands feel like they move straight back and straight through?

A: Yes, with hands under shoulders, the feeling aligns with a natural straight path, accommodating slight arcs from the shaft’s angle.

Q: How much pressure should I put into the ground with the putter?

A: Minimal. The putter should rest light as excessive pressure affects stroke fluidity.

Q: How do I practice green reading effectively?

A: Adopt the one-eye method to align sightlines accurately, fostering trust in alignment accuracy.

Q: What’s one single change that will give the biggest immediate improvement?

A: Adjusting eye position over the ball’s inside edge and hands under shoulders with proper hip tilt provides swift setup efficacy.

Conclusion — Make the Setup Sacred, the Stroke Simple

Mastering putting doesn’t mean constant technique overhauls. Focus on a consistent setup, trust your equipment’s right fit, and practice repetitions. Rotate, tuck, tilt during the setup with a correctly fitted putter; maintain connection with light grip pressure throughout your simple stroke. Let nature happen, practice mindfully, and enjoy becoming a great putter.