What The Open Reminds Us About Putting

When you watch The Open, it is easy to focus entirely on the ball.

Did the putt go in? Did it miss left or right? How much did it break?

But this week, I would encourage you to watch something else.

Watch the player’s body.

Notice how the best players settle over the ball. Look at their posture, their shoulders and the way their arms hang.

Do they appear comfortable? Do they look as though they are forcing the stroke, or simply allowing it to happen?

Great putting requires skill and concentration, but it also requires feel. And feel becomes much harder when your body is uncomfortable.

One of the most common problems I see, particularly among women golfers, is a putter that is too long.

When a putter is too long, your arms may not hang naturally. Your shoulders may lift, your elbows may bend, or your hands may move away from your body.

You are effectively trying to make your body fit the putter.

That discomfort can affect your setup, aim, stroke and confidence before the putter even begins to move.

When a putter fits properly, your body has the opportunity to settle. Your arms can hang more naturally, your shoulders can relax and the stroke can flow more freely.

Frank believed that you should not have to fight a well-designed golf club…or a properly fitted putter.

The next time you stand over a putt, pause for a moment.

Ask yourself:

Do my arms feel natural?

Are my shoulders relaxed?

Do I feel settled?

Or am I having to organise my body around the putter?

So, while watching The Open, do not only watch where the ball goes.

Watch how the players move, settle and prepare.

Then ask yourself one important question:

How does my body feel over the putt?

May the Frog Be With You,

Valerie x