Jump to content
IGNORED

Hinging Wrists and Putting? What is This Madness??


Note: This thread is 3952 days old. We appreciate that you found this thread instead of starting a new one, but if you plan to post here please make sure it's still relevant. If not, please start a new topic. Thank you!

Recommended Posts

Probably one of the first things that I learned when putting was to create a pendulum swing in order to keep my wrists from releasing at the end of my putt.

While this does work well (not only for me, but for most golfers) I decided that I'd try a different approach. Putting seemed like such an unnatural motion to me. And since putting is such a "game of feel," it only seemed right that I try a less regimented technique.

In a regular golf swing (iron/driver swing), the wrists unlock when swinging through the point of impact. When done correctly, it ensures that a ball is hit cleanly and correctly. I decided to see if bringing my wrists into putting would improve my accuracy and distance as well.

From the get-go using my wrists seemed to cause problems- usually balls would be pulled too far left. However, my distance was dead-on, so it seemed like the idea still had some merit. Then I realized that hinging my wrists on an even plane, parallel with my shoulders and toes was the key to accuracy. My accuracy and distance judgement improve ten-fold.

I'm sure a lot of people might say that this violates fundamentals. I would respond by saying that the putt follows the same hinging and release pattern as a normal swing. Furthermore, it uses the fine motor skills of your wrists and forearms to finesse the ball. The traditional putting method uses your bulky, inaccurate core muscles.

For examples of wrist motion improving accuracy, look at basketball. Players couldn't make shots without the final release of their wrists, because it adds a huge degree of precision to the shot. The same goes for beer pong, tennis, or baseball.

Like I said, golf is a "game of feel," so your mileage may vary. But if you're in a putting slump, it might be something to consider.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


  • Administrator

We talk all the time about how the putting motion should be a little teeny weeny "float load" type of procedure, with soft wrists.

Erik J. Barzeski —  I knock a ball. It goes in a gopher hole. 🏌🏼‍♂️
Director of Instruction Golf Evolution • Owner, The Sand Trap .com • AuthorLowest Score Wins
Golf Digest "Best Young Teachers in America" 2016-17 & "Best in State" 2017-20 • WNY Section PGA Teacher of the Year 2019 :edel: :true_linkswear:

Check Out: New Topics | TST Blog | Golf Terms | Instructional Content | Analyzr | LSW | Instructional Droplets

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

Putting is the one part of the game, that is very personal, and everyone has their own type of putting stroke.

Different strokes, for different folks. What ever is comfortable for you.

Driver: Callaway Big Bertha 10.5* 

3WD:  Callaway Big Bertha 15* / X2 Hot H4 Hybrid
Irons:  Callaway Apex 4-PW Project X 5.5 shafts

Wedges: Callaway MackDaddy 2  52/58
Putter: Odyessey Metal X Milled 1

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Good point Motley, I do agree with what you're saying- to an extent. However, putting still uses the same muscles, tendons, and parts of your brain as any other swing in golf. Therefore, they all respond to certain body mechanics. We're all wired the same way, so some strategies are going to work better than others. I'm not saying that my technique is better, but simply worth trying if someone is considering a new putting style.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


I used to subscribe to the whole "stiff wrist" idea, and in the end I actually ended up coming into the ball with the putter face wide open. Now I make sure that the butt of my putter is always pointing relative to my belly button throughout the whole putter swing arc, which meant that I needed to break my wrists somewhat.

For a while, I putter with only my wrists, which was effective as well. Just used my wrists to take the club back and let it fall naturally.

Driver: :tmade: R11 9.0 - Bassara Griffin UL - Tour Stiff 3-wood: :tmade: R11 Ti 15.0 - JAVLNFX M6 - Stiff Hybrid: :tmade: Rescue Hybrid - JAVLNFX Hybrid - Stiff 4-PW: :mizuno: JPX 800 PRO - Nippon 1150 GH Tour - Stiff Wedges: :edel: 50/56/60 - Nippon WV 125 Putter/Ball/RF: :edel: / :bridgestone: B330 / :leupold: GX-3i

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Originally Posted by Precis1on

I used to subscribe to the whole "stiff wrist" idea, and in the end I actually ended up coming into the ball with the putter face wide open. Now I make sure that the butt of my putter is always pointing relative to my belly button throughout the whole putter swing arc, which meant that I needed to break my wrists somewhat.

For a while, I putter with only my wrists, which was effective as well. Just used my wrists to take the club back and let it fall naturally.


Yeah keeping your putter-face pointing square relative to your belly button is a good idea; this way the wrist hinge naturally with the putter-face opening and shutting as it should, not to much, not too little.

If we all get focused on the line and feeling the speed then reacting without delay to that vision and feel, the stroke becomes fluid and pure without thinking about it - and when this happens, putts start going in from everywhere. It's a beautiful thing!

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Hello Guys,

I agree that you should have your on style, although it should be probably be based on things that are know to work.  The 4hrgolfpro is exactly right. When I started playing golf, putting for me was much easier with a hinged wrist. I felt I judge my putts better, however I was never constant with it. Downhill putts would go sailing passed, maybe bad judgement. However one thing for sure there are many people that are willing to help your putting. It's up to you to listen, try it, or invent your own way that will get sinking putt. A great friend of mind I met on the golf has a great neat tool to add to the putter, he call the read-it putter that reads the putt for you all you do strike it with the right pressure and have the line. It is truly remarkable. My putts have improved 50% He has a site going up soon. I would recommend seriously checking this out. Myself and three other friend were blessed to be his testers after he did his magic method on our putters. Keep your eyes open for it readitputter.com all I can say is WOW.

Thanks,

Mike

Link to comment
Share on other sites


  • 11 months later...
This is interesting because I'm more successful with using my wrists for putts 6ft or less. I was also told putting is a personal thing. I go back an forth and it all depends how I'm feeling that day
Link to comment
Share on other sites


Good point Motley, I do agree with what you're saying- to an extent. However, putting still uses the same muscles, tendons, and parts of your brain as any other swing in golf. Therefore, they all respond to certain body mechanics. We're all wired the same way, so some strategies are going to work better than others. I'm not saying that my technique is better, but simply worth trying if someone is considering a new putting style.

You use the same body, but you are not trying to hit the ball 100+ yards with a club that is angled funny. We use the wrists for a number of reasons in the full swing, reasons that wouldn't apply when putting. Having soft wrist can work out, but I wouldn't put too much wrist motion in there. That it worked for you once doesn't mean it's the ideal for you either, but there is of course nothing stopping you from experimenting with it.

Ogio Grom | Callaway X Hot Pro | Callaway X-Utility 3i | Mizuno MX-700 23º | Titleist Vokey SM 52.08, 58.12 | Mizuno MX-700 15º | Titleist 910 D2 9,5º | Scotty Cameron Newport 2 | Titleist Pro V1x and Taylormade Penta | Leupold GX-1

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

Originally Posted by Precis1on

I used to subscribe to the whole "stiff wrist" idea, and in the end I actually ended up coming into the ball with the putter face wide open. Now I make sure that the butt of my putter is always pointing relative to my belly button throughout the whole putter swing arc, which meant that I needed to break my wrists somewhat.

For a while, I putter with only my wrists, which was effective as well. Just used my wrists to take the club back and let it fall naturally.

That would be disasterous for me. I putt with my shoulders. I have also taken to anchoring my elbows to my core and just do a ferris wheel move with my shoulders. Works for me, as long as I don't decel.

Bill M

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

I would relate my stroke to a piston, right wrist and elbow have a slight bend in the back stroke to stay straight. Left wrist is flat through impact while the right holds a hinge, then just fallow through down the line. Very soft hands.
Link to comment
Share on other sites


I was an all shoulders type.

To get the float-load that Erik wanted, I came home from SoCal in April and experimented. I scheduled a Sam Lab Session. I had setup issues. Those were corrected, but the float load wasn't happening for me with a shoulders only move. I felt rushed.  But in my shoulders only move, I tried to keep the upper body fairly taught and to Move the hands slightly before moving the shoulders. Perhaps that was all a mistake ... yes ... apparently.

To get float loaded with soft wrists and still using shoulders, I need the feeling of moving the belly button back and through. It's a subtle feel or move. I got in front of a mirror - the lower body wasn't moving with this move so that was good. I watched Tiger during the Players' and noticed his belly area moving. So what the heck... I found several pluses subtly moving the belly button -- it's easy to move and float load the putter. I lose any nervousness in the arms/hands. It's good ... for me ... so far.

Ping G400 Max 9/TPT Shaft, TEE EX10 Beta 4, 5 wd, PXG 22 HY, Mizuno JPX919F 5-GW, TItleist SM7 Raw 55-09, 59-11, Bettinardi BB39

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

I'm an all-shoulder, rigid arms no-wrist type of putter. Think Nicklaus but without ANY of his skill. When I was standing near the 1st tee at an invitational event at Pebble a few years ago, waiting for Stan Utley and 3 others play, I got chatting with him (no crowd at all there) and he asked me to demonstrate my action pretending to hold a putter. Nice fellow. So I did and he said, politely bit firmly, that I had it ALL WRONG!. "Much too stiff in the arms", "use more of the wrists - yes, hinge them a bit!" Thinks: hmmmmm (deeply skeptical) Stan then teed off and I walked behind the group on the fairways (it's a rather informal annual pro/am event, very cool) and he proceeded to sink a couple of 15-20 footers in the half dozen holes that I followed along on. His wrists are indeed soft and they visibly hinge. He also hit some very accurate approach shots - he isn't long off the tee but that guy is a target shooter. And a real gentleman. He was giving advice to two amateurs in the group and generally being witty and entertaining as play went on. I was having a great time as you can imagine tagging along behind the group (no carts of course), all gratis. But I'm still the same all-shoulder putter and I still stink much of the time on the greens. No way am I going to add wrist hinge though - I'd only get even worse lol. Please don't tell Stan .....

Driver: Cobra 460SZ 9.0, med.
3 Wood: Taylor stiff
3-hybrid: Nike 18 deg stiff
4-hybrid:
Taylor RBZ 22 deg regular
Irons:5-9, Mizuno MP30, steel
Wedges: PW, 52, 56, 60 Mizuno MP30
Putter: Odyssey 2-ball

Link to comment
Share on other sites


I think this thread shows how personal putting is. With the exeption of Tommy Gainy, there is really not that much variation in how pros hit full shots - grip, stance, impact postion, etc. In putting, though, you see all kinds of wierd stuff. Toe up, toe down, forwar press, clubhead ahead of hands (really? yep, someone on tour does this), open to closed, down the line, split grip, claw grip, left hand low...So, whatever blows your skirt up. Speaking of wirst action, this is timely cause today I asked my buddie for some guidane on left hand low, since he uses it and takes my money. I had always been scared of trying it. And this was right before our round. I made 3 one-putts on the first 3 holes, and 2 more later, and generally putted much better than normal. Left hand low totally takes all wrist out of the stroke, and for me, automaticall kept the clubface square and I didn't feel like I had to 'control' the face at impact.

dak4n6

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Apologies for the minor diversion but dak4n6, would you say this is true to some extent of chipping as well?  Raymond Floyd likes to call a chip a "lofted putt" and I think he has a point.  Chipping is perhaps less variable than putting but more so than full shots.

I'm sucking at both right now, which is consistent with the theory.

I'm considering left hand low myself.  My younger brother is killing me on the greens right now and something must be done about it.

Driver: Cobra 460SZ 9.0, med.
3 Wood: Taylor stiff
3-hybrid: Nike 18 deg stiff
4-hybrid:
Taylor RBZ 22 deg regular
Irons:5-9, Mizuno MP30, steel
Wedges: PW, 52, 56, 60 Mizuno MP30
Putter: Odyssey 2-ball

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Originally Posted by Chas

Apologies for the minor diversion but dak4n6, would you say this is true to some extent of chipping as well?  Raymond Floyd likes to call a chip a "lofted putt" and I think he has a point.  Chipping is perhaps less variable than putting but more so than full shots.

I'm sucking at both right now, which is consistent with the theory.

I'm considering left hand low myself.  My younger brother is killing me on the greens right now and something must be done about it.

I think so, to some extent. Though the chip is the next most creative (variable from one golfer to another) shot to the putt, there is a chip I call 'dead hands', where you minimize wrist hinge and just kind of slide the club under the ball and use the club's bounce (I always think Steve Stricker). Need a good lie for that though. There are other more wristier chips, such as the hinge n hold or a flop, but for the most part I try to minimize wrist involvment for chips.

Try it! Just go to a practice green and hit 50 putts. I have my grip as a 'baseball left hand low - no overlapping fingers or anything..

dak4n6

Link to comment
Share on other sites


  • Administrator
Originally Posted by dak4n6

I think this thread shows how personal putting is. With the exeption of Tommy Gainy, there is really not that much variation in how pros hit full shots - grip, stance, impact postion, etc.

Huh?

There's tremendous variation in how pros hit full shots. I'd post pictures illustrating what I mean but quite honestly I don't know that I want to take the time - I consider this plainly obvious with even the smallest amount of study. Grips vary, stances vary, impact positions vary, backswings vary, turning rates vary, shot shapes vary, etc.

Putting strokes probably vary least simply because there's less time/distance/space for them to have variations, you don't need to generate much power, etc.

Originally Posted by dak4n6

Left hand low totally takes all wrist out of the stroke, and for me, automaticall kept the clubface square and I didn't feel like I had to 'control' the face at impact.

I'll keep saying it: a little bit of wrists is good for your putting stroke. :) If you're having trouble keeping the clubface square and "controlling" it, then you've got too much wrists, but very few good putters have "no wrist" putting strokes.

Originally Posted by Chas

Apologies for the minor diversion but dak4n6, would you say this is true to some extent of chipping as well?  Raymond Floyd likes to call a chip a "lofted putt" and I think he has a point.

Learn to use the bounce properly. Chipping strokes - even what I call a chipping stroke or one that uses the leading edge more than the bounce - uses more wrist action than a putting stroke.

I said it in the other thread and I'll say it again now: the proper amount of wrist action is critical for touch, feel, creativity. You can't adequately control your touch using "rotation of your torso" or whatever you want to do with your shoulders only.

Erik J. Barzeski —  I knock a ball. It goes in a gopher hole. 🏌🏼‍♂️
Director of Instruction Golf Evolution • Owner, The Sand Trap .com • AuthorLowest Score Wins
Golf Digest "Best Young Teachers in America" 2016-17 & "Best in State" 2017-20 • WNY Section PGA Teacher of the Year 2019 :edel: :true_linkswear:

Check Out: New Topics | TST Blog | Golf Terms | Instructional Content | Analyzr | LSW | Instructional Droplets

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

Note: This thread is 3952 days old. We appreciate that you found this thread instead of starting a new one, but if you plan to post here please make sure it's still relevant. If not, please start a new topic. Thank you!

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now


  • Want to join this community?

    We'd love to have you!

    Sign Up
  • TST Partners

    TourStriker PlaneMate
    Golfer's Journal
    ShotScope
    The Stack System
    FlightScope Mevo
    Direct: Mevo, Mevo+, and Pro Package.

    Coupon Codes (save 10-15%): "IACAS" for Mevo/Stack, "IACASPLUS" for Mevo+/Pro Package, and "THESANDTRAP" for ShotScope.
  • Posts

    • Day 82: 3/18/24 Tried a Stack session but could not certify my warmup. Finished with indoor chips and putting. 
    • Day 96 (18 Mar 24) - Continued work with the Divot Board with the GW and hard foam balls.  Focused on small target/small miss…setup to hit target about 30yds out - success if it hit within 6’ circle of target, fail if outside.  Had decent success averaging about 3 out of 4 (hitting in groups of four).  
    • Wordle 1,003 3/6 🟩🟩🟩⬜⬜ 🟩🟩🟩⬜🟩 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩   felt a little like Wyndham when the first three green and I began the fist pump…
    • I'm relieved someone finally defined hiking. I was giddy when I saw these new TPI videos a day or so after they dropped. Very easy to understand the problem and solution the way they have presented it. Been working on fixing this for about a year and a half now. It's nice to be able to call it something so communication becomes easy.  I was working on more lateral and up too, but just having someone define it clearly in video form was so helpful for me to continue confidently with what I thought was wrong and how I had to fix it.  My conceptual error here was just trying to rotate like a tour pro but without including the necessary forward pressure/weight shift associated with enough lateral and upward motion of the pelvis.  This video is great too, as is Greg Rose.
    • Day 2.    couple mins of rolling putts end over end.    10 mins of Slow, mirror work, working on starting the downswing and impact wrist positions. Hit a couple balls into the net after.    Then finished with a couple chips to see if I could repeat what I worked on yesterday. 
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Welcome to TST! Signing up is free, and you'll see fewer ads and can talk with fellow golf enthusiasts! By using TST, you agree to our Terms of Use, our Privacy Policy, and our Guidelines.

The popup will be closed in 10 seconds...