Putting Lights Out!

The goal when putting is quite simple: Get the ball in the hole. The key to putting "lights out" begins at the setup position. Setup properly on each and every putt and you maximize your chances for solid contact and predictable results. A proper set-up consists of “five lines" correctly positioned.

1. It is important that the putter shaft is on the same plane as the forearms. This will allow the arms and putter shaft to move together during the stroke. To achieve this alignment, you must grip the putter more through the palms–not the fingers.

2. The hands are positioned directly under the shoulder line.  Bow forward from the hips, allowing your upper body to face the ground. This will allow the hands to sit under your shoulder line and away from the body. It is recommended that you have a slight amount of elbow bend and minimal tension in the arms or hands.

3. The eyes rest over the target line.  Once you have bowed forward from the hips, set your eyes over the target line. It will be easier to see the anticipated line of the putt when your eyes are on an extended portion of that line or slightly inside the target line.

4. Weight should be balanced over the middle of the feet.  Once your eyes are over the ball, position your feet so your weight is felt in the middle of the feet. If you stand too close to the ball, your weight will shift over your heels and balance will be compromised. Conversely, if you're standing too far from the ball, your weight will favor your toes with the same result.

5. The putter shaft should be perpendicular to the ground.  I don't recommend that you lean the putter shaft forward or back at address. This will change the putter's built-in loft. When the shaft is perpendicular to the ground, your putter face will have roughly four degrees of loft which is needed for the proper roll.  Because the putting stroke moves along an arc, achieving these five lines at address will allow for this to happen almost automatically. Once you have the address position perfected, focus on the finish of your stroke.  As the putter head reaches the end of the stroke, let your trailing eye (right eye for right-handed golfers) follow the ball tracking it down the line of your putt. For this to take place, allow the putter head to reach the end point, then swivel your head so your trail eye tracks down the line of your putt. Completing your stroke with this swivel move will keep you from lifting your head or opening the shoulders prior to the end of the stroke. These mistakes can undo an otherwise perfect stroke.

Sean Lanyi will give you the tools to achieve a correct setup following these fundamentals, and expand your confidence to give you a full understanding of how you can putt "lights out".