www.pennypulzgolf.com

What is all this wild and wacky talk about the ‘new putting styles and postures’ being used on the tours and at our local golf courses?

Putting’s grip on the game is in the claw.    . . . Whoa . . . hold on a minute!. I heard that putting was all in the belly . . . Nah, putting is in the chest.    NO!!   It is a reverse grip that makes all the putts.  

The putting question is:  Which new style, if any, is right for you and me?

"New" golfers listen up here; stick with the old standard putting posture; diamond shaped arms, stiffy wrist and concete legs as you swing the putter back and through. It is wise to learn the basics first before embarking onto other variations of  putting.  the standard posture

"Established in your game" golfers, the only reason to change your style of putting is when you can’t consistently get the darned ball in the hole whether you're thirty feet or three feet away from the cup.  

Grips & Styles   --  Click on the links to see pictures my students, my friends, me and our putting styles.

• The Claw  

I asked George Baymon, Jr., regular golfer at my club Falcon Dunes Golf Course, why he switched to the claw  .  .  . "I had the yips. My right hand stuttered and rolled over my left hand. Down right awful. My golfing buddy has been trying to help me, but to no avail. I decided to try the claw and I am very happy with the results. My wrists are very steady as I swing through the ball. And the good news is . . . my putts go in the cup.

Try the the claw grip  grip if your hands and wrists are having trouble staying quiet through the swing.

• The reverse overlap grip

This is my favorite new/old grip. I love it. It's easier to keep the shoulders level and the reverse overlap grip promotes more stability for the wrists to withstand the urge to flick the putter ahead of the hands. I am working up to teaching this reverse overlap grip to my new golfers. I am having to get over the fact that this style isn’t too radical a departure from the standard posture . . . Geez, I never thought I would become a stuck stick in the mental mud.

Try the reverse overlap grip when you just can't get comfortable in your bow position.

• The belly putt

Penny, the pro, on why I switched to the belly putter. "It forces me to do my sit-ups. Nothing worse than viewing a fat belly with this style of putting swing."

"I can keep my eyes over the ball. It is easier to swing the putter straight back and through from a fixed point in the belly. I use a reverse grip to keep my shoulders level for an easier pendulum swing motion . . . I make more 2 - 10 ten footers. I like that."

Try this method, the belly putter, if you have trouble swinging the putter on line to the target.

• The Chest putt

I asked Pete Di Maggio, superintendent at Falcon Dunes, why the switch to a chest putter?

"I had the yips. I couldn’t get the club started. As I settled into the putt, I went into the deep freeze mode. Finally, when I could get the putter started, it raced off erratically in any direction but the right direction to hit the ball in the hole. It was ugly."

"Grip. Left thumb over the butt of the club with the other four fingers wrapping the grip lightly.  Right hand; shaft resting in the crease between the thumb and forefinger with the other three fingers wrapping the grip lightly. Place your left hand on your chest firmly and swing the putter. It's a true pendulum motion that is so easy to learn and very comfortable on the back." Pete’s tips; eyes over the ball.

I am a better putter today than I ever was with the short stick and the best news is . . . I don’t have to practice my putting very much."

Try the chest putter if you have back trouble.

Which style is for you? Call me if your putting has become tremulous; I will help you to decide which is the best method for a better putting score.

Till next time,
Your favorite golf teacher/coach

Penny
www.pennypulzgolf.com

Traditionally just as the school year ends, junior golf camps begin and junior golf tournaments heat up for the summer.  Junior golf camp was the foundation of my early golf instruction. It was fun, it was competitive and I learned.

see what's happening - golf training camps.

click here:  Falcon Dunes Jr Golf 

click here:  Girl Scout Golf          

My instruction brochure can be seen at my website, download it if you wish.  I believe in personalized training, there is an instruction option for everyone. Please email any of your questions about golf instruction.

"Long drives are crowd pleasers, but a hot putter win's golf tournaments."        Michelle McGann.

excerpt, The Wisdom of Women's Golf, Dr. Criswell Freeman

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Penny Pulz
LPGA Tour Professional, 
LPGA Teaching and Club Professional, Class A
2 Time LPGA Champion, 
Golf Coach, Golf Schools
Motivational Speaker, Author
ppgolf@pennypulzgolf.com