Driver Putting Drill ~ Putting Drills
Driver Putting Drill ~ Putting Drills
Back in the fifties and sixties (well before I was even born), wristy putting strokes were common on the PGA Tour. The Big Three of the day, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player all used a stroke that is vastly different from most players on the tour, nowadays in the 21st century. A wrist-only putting stroke was effective back then because of the length of the grass on the greens. Now, with the addition of 50 years of mowing technology, greens are firmer, faster and roll truer. Thus an arms and shoulder motion has become the putting stroke of choice because of its consistency and simplicity.
Using too much wrists leads to poor distance control, accuracy and ball-club contact. Also if you find yourself flicking your wrists like this picture here, you’re getting the ball airborne. The motion has too many moving parts which makes it very difficult for amateurs to repeat it consistently. If you’re having trouble with the transition of your putting stroke from a wristy motion to a arms and shoulder one, try this drill.
The Drill:
Head out to your putting green with your driver in hand. First, choke down on your driver so you only have your top hand on the grip. Then set up to a ball with the grip end of your driver on your left side, as shown in the picture. Putt. If you flick your wrists now, the grip of your driver will hit your lead side. This will reinforce the proper technique and limit your wrist movements in your putting stroke.
Give it a try!
Duncan at the Golf Drill Guru.
