Putting Back Swing
By John Wagner
The fastest way for every golfer to take shots off his score is through improved putting. In a round of golf, you will make more strokes with your putter than any other club in your bag. Thus, a putter can often be a golfer's worst enemy. However, with a proper setup and a fundamentally sound backswing, you can turn your putter into your new best friend.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate
Grip the putter with both hands and hold it parallel to the ground. The grip should be pointing at your belly button. Relax your elbows so they are slightly bent. Bend forward until the putter hits the ground, and flex your knees for comfort.
Position the ball in line with your left heel to get the proper tilt in your shoulders. Your right shoulder should sit slightly lower than the left.
Take the putter back using your shoulders and forearms only. Feel like your shoulders are "rocking" back like a pendulum. Your left shoulder will go down slightly and the right will go up.
Keep the putter head low to the ground as it swings back. Feel as if the putter is hovering over the grass throughout the backswing. This helps the ball roll toward the hole rather than skip.
Control the length of your backswing. It's easy to take the putter back too far and throw off the rhythm of your stroke.
Tips & Warnings
Place a quarter 6 inches directly behind your ball. When you take the putter back, try to brush the quarter. You will be taking the putter straight back and low to the ground with this simple drill.
You should never move the lower body while taking the putter back. Feel as if your lower body is grounded in concrete.
About The Author
John Wagner is a certified golf instructor and professional golfer with over eight years of experience. As a certified GolfTEC and Chuck Cook golf instructor, he has given over 3,000 golf lessons. John writes for GolfLink.com and has over 40 articles published.
