Plumb putting: don't exaggerate the arc on your putting stroke

Golf Digest, June, 2007 by Hank Haney

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You've heard about how a good putting stroke moves on a slight arc--with the putterhead tracing a path slightly inside the target line on the way back, and again after impact. That's certainly true, but you overcook that by exaggerating that arc.

When you pull the putterhead too far inside on the way back, you've got to save the stroke with your hands by shoving the putterhead out toward the ball. The face gets held open, and you miss putts short and right.

If you hung a plumb line from your hands, you'd want the putterhead to stay away from that line on the backstroke (far left), not get close to it (near left). Make a gentle arc on your backstroke; don't let your wrists arch and the putter get "tall." Your stroke will be smoother and more reliable.

OGILVY'S SWING IS DIFFERENT--AND SOLID

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* One thing about this picture of Geoff Ogilvy's swing I'm sure everyone will notice is the fact that his left heel is off the ground after impact. My take on that is, so what? You can find something to pick on in every player's swing. You have to understand that the club is hitting the ball, and his hands are holding on to the club. His left foot is a long way from controlling the golf club.

Most amateurs should worry about the things that have more to do with where the ball goes, like the hands, arms and swing plane. Geoff Ogilvy has a very good golf swing that hits great shots in pressure situations. He proved that at the U.S. Open (see Q&A, page 206).

I like the way he rotates through the ball--not only are his hips cleared, but he lets his eyes follow his body through the shot naturally. Many amateurs exaggerate keeping the head down through impact, and that gets the swing and body out of sync. That's when the hands tend to flip over in a poor release. Look at the extension Geoff gets here. And his right wrist arch is a sign of a complete and correct release.

by Hank Haney

Golf Digest

Teaching Professional

Ranked No. 4 by his peers among Golf Digest's 50 Greatest Teachers, Haney owns six golf school/practice facilities in the Dallas and Fort Worth areas. For more tips, click golfdigest.com/haney.