Why forward press?

[cubdog]

What is the reason behind the forward press in putting and sometimes chipping? I've never understood the concept.

cubdog

[bm303]

To ensure that your hands are ahead of the clubface at impact.

[ks8829]

Putting
When I forward press the putt I make better contact with my putts. I believe the reason for this is if you image a circle and the bottom of the arc of that circle is set when you do a forward press and help you make solid contact with the putter and not hit the ground first.

Chipping
The forward press help ensures a solid contact with the ball at the bottom of the arc in the circle and helps prevent hitting the ground before the ball.

[misty_mountainhop]

It's also useful as a swing trigger to start a smooth backswing. If you use it, be careful you don't open the face of any club when you 'press'.

[Stacey_E]

Ditto all of the above posts. Plus on chipping, a forward press can preset the wrist cock. Then you can just rock the shoulders without manipulating the wrist during the swing.

I also use a forward press on most of my irons in the rough or a divot/bad lie to set a steeper angle. It's also good to ensure a delofting of the club if you are between clubs and go with the shorter one. I forward press on most of my iron and wedge shots, but almost none on my woods and hybrids. I don't forward press my putter but I have always played an Anser type hosel on all my putters regardless of the head style. Maybe that has something to do with it?

[Chilidipper]

I do it with my putter because my putter is lofted so I have to have my hands forward in order to strike the ball solid.

I never do on any irons.