Fundamentals of Putting

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• Main Menu
• Overview
• The Mechanics of Putting
• Diagnostics and Observation
• Putter Fitting
• The Grip
• Ball Position
• Setup and Alignment
• Lock and Rock
• Swing Plane
• Rhythm
• Eye Movement
• Pre-Shot Routine
• Pre-Shot Routine Template
• Green Reading
• Wind Effects on the Green
• Practice Drills
• Rhythm Drills
• Distance Control Drills
• Eye Movement Drills
• Speed Control Drills
• Pressure Putting Drills
• Before You Play
• Linking the FOP with the Mechanics
• ASSESSMENT

Ball Position

Ball position relative to the body can have a major effect on a putt’s direction as well as the consistency of its roll. For instance, if the ball is struck before the low point of the putter’s swing arc is reached, the putter head will be moving downward and the effective loft of the putter will be decreased. Similarly, if the putter is beyond the low point in the arc, then the effective loft is increased.

This, however, is not critical unless the position in the arc is extreme. In fact, if the golfer has a forward press or the shaft is tilted backward at impact, these may compensate for the arc point at impact.

More critical is how ball position can affect the putters’s face angle at impact. If the putter is swung on the correct arc and the wrists have not rotated relative to that plane, then the putter’s face will be open (if struck before the correct ball position is reached) or closed (if struck after the correct position is reached) to the target line of the putt, resulting in a putt that travels either left or right of the intended line.

Thus, a consistent ball position at set up is very important.

The starting ball position is identical to that used in putter fitting - directly below the eyes and just ahead of centerline between the feet (about ¾ of an inch). This will allow for the face of the putter to be directly under the eyes.

This ball position will also allow for the most efficient point of contact on the putter’s face, i.e. the sweet spot. If the putter head has a low center of gravity, at impact, it should be slightly above or in line with the contact point on the face.

If, for example, the ball is moved too far forward in the stance, the putter in its natural arc will be moving excessively upward and the putter will strike the ball considerably below the sweet spot and make for an inefficient transfer of momentum. The other disadvantage of moving too far away from the center line is that is makes it more difficult to set up consistently since the key point of reference - the center line between the feet - is no longer below the eyes, but off to the side.

Next, the ball must be positioned a consistent distance from the feet. This point is about 8 inches from the toes, directly under the eyes. The ball being directly under the eyes will enhance the ability to align the putter head relative to the target line as well as position the ball in the same swing plane as the putter head path. Again, consistency and efficiency are the goals, and a consistent ball position will lead to both.