Cross-Handed Putting
Why is it that someone would putt cross-handed? What are the benefits? What are the drawbacks?
The biggest advantage in putting cross-handed is that it gets your shoulders lined up more square to the target. When you move the left hand low, your left shoulder will move out and square up. It kind of just closes, and because of this lines up correctly. From there, it’s simply a matter of swinging the putter straight back, then straight through.This is great on short putts (5 feet and less). If all you had to do was putt dead-straight five footers, then you should go to cross-handed. It’s almost a "can’t miss" situation, as long as you can get lined up correctly.
The biggest problem with this style of putting, however, and the chief reason that the majority of players on tour don't do it, is because of feel. Your feel for the putt can be compromised when you grip your putter the complete opposite way that you grip every other club. And in putting, especially when you are faced with a long putt, or one that breaks a lot, you need to have feel. It’s just like any other shot. You need to feel comfortable so you can have the confidence to execute the shot.
Should you try cross-handed? Absolutely. Even though only about 1 in 30 pros putts this way, it might work for you. Jim Furyk is one of the best putters in the world and he has been putting cross-handed his entire life.
Just remember, though, to practice various putts if you are going to try it. Don’t just make five uphill three-footers in a row and think this is right for you.
Here is how you should go about trying it:
Line the putter up to the target with your right hand. Once you are lined up, place your left hand on the club. Your left pinky should rest on top of your right index finger. Hit the putt. Your left hand (the bottom hand in this case), along with your left arm and left shoulder, lead the way. Feel like your left arm is a lever and you are swinging it like a pendulum.
That’s really all there is to it. As mentioned, it’s a great method for short, simple putts. But if you find that you are knocking 20-footers 10-feet past the hole, don’t putt this way.
---
Learn more about the #1 rated golf instruction book in the game today, 1 Step to Better Golf.
The biggest advantage in putting cross-handed is that it gets your shoulders lined up more square to the target. When you move the left hand low, your left shoulder will move out and square up. It kind of just closes, and because of this lines up correctly. From there, it’s simply a matter of swinging the putter straight back, then straight through.This is great on short putts (5 feet and less). If all you had to do was putt dead-straight five footers, then you should go to cross-handed. It’s almost a "can’t miss" situation, as long as you can get lined up correctly.
The biggest problem with this style of putting, however, and the chief reason that the majority of players on tour don't do it, is because of feel. Your feel for the putt can be compromised when you grip your putter the complete opposite way that you grip every other club. And in putting, especially when you are faced with a long putt, or one that breaks a lot, you need to have feel. It’s just like any other shot. You need to feel comfortable so you can have the confidence to execute the shot.
Should you try cross-handed? Absolutely. Even though only about 1 in 30 pros putts this way, it might work for you. Jim Furyk is one of the best putters in the world and he has been putting cross-handed his entire life.
Just remember, though, to practice various putts if you are going to try it. Don’t just make five uphill three-footers in a row and think this is right for you.
Here is how you should go about trying it:
Line the putter up to the target with your right hand. Once you are lined up, place your left hand on the club. Your left pinky should rest on top of your right index finger. Hit the putt. Your left hand (the bottom hand in this case), along with your left arm and left shoulder, lead the way. Feel like your left arm is a lever and you are swinging it like a pendulum.
That’s really all there is to it. As mentioned, it’s a great method for short, simple putts. But if you find that you are knocking 20-footers 10-feet past the hole, don’t putt this way.
---
Learn more about the #1 rated golf instruction book in the game today, 1 Step to Better Golf.
posted by Best Golf Tips at
10:07 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home