Putting Posture

Good stuff Stretch!  I'm going to do some filming today and share what I think are commonalities of good putting set-ups, strokes and why Mike Shannon prescribes these measurements.  Here are some good putters that don't hit all of Shannon's measurements but fit what I think good putters do.  What similarities do you see?  Not talking about actual numbers, just common set-up traits.

Notice I got Seve at 132* right arm flexion 

I dont believe there is any correct angle at which your back should be.  It compeltely depends on your putter length.  Phil used to use a 33 inch putter, im sure his back was at a 100 degrees.  The only thing that is agreed upon in the golf swing is a square face at impact and a forward lean on your irons, wedges and a forward lean on your putter promotes top spin and more consistancy in your roll and stroke

and yes, your eyes over the ball

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tiger90 
The only thing that is agreed upon in the golf swing is a square face at impact and a forward lean on your irons, wedges and a forward lean on your putter promotes top spin and more consistancy in your roll and stroke

I agree on the shaft lean or at least returning the putter with a predictable loft.  I feel that there are certain address traits that can help promote a consistent pattern.  Not saying everyone does it or that it's perfect or that everyone needs to do it, just some things I see with a lot of the PGA tour players and what's been working for me.

Will record a little video when everyone goes to bed  
 

Weight back in the heels a little bit more than I want... but I'm standing on a 2.5% slope and it looks flat, so the camera isn't exactly level. The roof line goes down to the left too.

But otherwise, frankly, I don't have any problems with this setup at all.

Quote:

Originally Posted by iacas 

Weight back in the heels a little bit more than I want... but I'm standing on a 2.5% slope and it looks flat, so the camera isn't exactly level. The roof line goes down to the left too.

 

But otherwise, frankly, I don't have any problems with this setup at all.

 

Yep ,that's nice

Here's my set-up, weight a little on my heels, ball just above my feet.  Better lighting on this side of the green 

The more bent over posture looks very uncomfortable (and was) for me.  Stretch is pretty tall, so it may work better for him.  But for me, my back would ache after 5 minutes of practice with a shorter putter and more bent over stance.  It also made it more difficult for me to stay connected between my upper arms and torso.  

I don't have a photo of my posture (will try to get one), but I have worked toward a more Utley style.  I had a recent putter fitting with an excellent area fitter and even though I am 5' 10" my putter was lengthened to 35.5" with a loft and lie of 5 and 68 degrees.  My aim from 6 to 10 feet, by laser, was within an inch of dead center with no preferential side.  This posture is very comfortable and relaxed for me and I feel my stroke is very repeatable.  But, my body is different than others, so these are what apply to me.

Below is a photo of Tiger, who looks to be more upright.  I couldn't find and on-line picture of Stan Utley's posture.  Mike, can you do the angle analysis on Tiger and other more upright players?  Rory is definitely more upright than Seve.

Thanks,

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stretch 

What the heck are you putting with there, Mike? Scottsdale Wolverine H?

Yep, good eyes.  34"

Quote:

Originally Posted by boogielicious 

The more bent over posture looks very uncomfortable (and was) for me.  Stretch is pretty tall, so it may work better for him.  But for me, my back would ache after 5 minutes of practice with a shorter putter and more bent over stance.  It also made it more difficult for me to stay connected between my upper arms and torso.  

 

I don't have a photo of my posture (will try to get one), but I have worked toward a more Utley style.  I had a recent putter fitting with an excellent area fitter and even though I am 5' 10" my putter was lengthened to 35.5" with a loft and lie of 5 and 68 degrees.  My aim from 6 to 10 feet, by laser, was within an inch of dead center with no preferential side.  This posture is very comfortable and relaxed for me and I feel my stroke is very repeatable.  But, my body is different than others, so these are what apply to me.

 

Below is a photo of Tiger, who looks to be more upright.  I couldn't find and on-line picture of Stan Utley's posture.  Mike, can you do the angle analysis on Tiger and other more upright players?  Rory is definitely more upright than Seve.

 

Thanks,

 

 

Sure.  I would agree Tiger doesn't bend forward as much, pretty close though, but check out how the upper part of the spine is pretty close to level, Brad Faxon here too.  To me whether you stand more upright 125* or bend more 115* your going to see lots of players relax the neck, let the head hang.

I've just bookmarked this page in my "Golf tips" folder.

As a guy who averages 36 putts/round at the moment, I shudder to think how my stroke measures up against these ideals.

Great video.

Thanks

I need to get some photos of my putter setup. 

I think my posture is good though - it's comfortable...my back is bad and a few degrees the wrong way and it immediately starts to ache

I am working on ball placement and how I take the putter back at the moment. I found if I have the ball forward of centre, I am much more accurate. If I place it at centre - I miss right of the target consistently.

Any tips on ball placement from you guys?

Came across this article by Dr. Paul Hurrion