HOW DO I GET INTO THE PROPER ADDRESS POSITION FOR PUTTING?

Becoming a great putter is a unique combination of methodical setup and then instinct.  Becoming a good putter all begins with proper setup. The setup for putting includes five very important elements at address - 1) Forearms in line with the putter 2) Hands under shoulders 3) Eyes over the ball 4) Weight in the center of your feet 5) Putter at a neutral angle. Travis Fulton, Director of Instruction for the TOURAcademy, explains each of these and how getting these elements right will help you become a better, more instinctive putter.

PROPER PUTTING SETUP

The goal of the putting setup is to create an environment at address where you can be instinctive. We want the putter head to move on a natural arc where the face of the putter matches the path at impact, so you can roll it down your intended target line and the correct distance. At the TourAcademy we like to focus on five things that are going help you get into the proper putting setup everytime. 

Number 1 - Forearms in Line with Putter

The first thing is to make sure that your forearms are in line with the putter.  We don't want one forearm taller or higher than the other.  We want to make sure you grip the putter more in the palms and not the fingers with your elbows relaxed towards the side of your body.

Number 2 - Hands under Shoulders

The second area is when you bow forward, make sure that your hands are underneath your shoulders. We don't want to get too far when my hands are outside or too close to the inside but rather the center of the wrist is under the center of the shoulder.

Number 3 - Eyes over the Ball

The third area make sure your eyes are over the ball to slightly inside the line. A great way to make sure you are properly and your eyes are over the ball is to hold a golf ball between your eyes while in your proper golf setup position.  Just open your fingers and let the ball drop to the ground.  If you are aligned properly, the ball you drop should land on top of the ball on the ground.  You can watch Rhys Davies show how this is done here.

Number 4 - Weight in the Center of your Feet

Number four is to make sure your weight is on the center of your feet. It's quite common for players to improperly shift their weight at putting address.  This is a time for calm and balance - not extra dynamic movement.  An excellent way to develop this calm feel in your feet is to practice putting without your shoes.  Your bare feet will receive far more feedback from the ground and any unwanted movement from your torso.

Number 5 - Putter at Neutral Angle

And number five is to make sure the putter shaft is more in line and not too far forward or certainly not leaning back. We are looking for more of a neutral shaft angle.  The putter, when placed on the ground should rest flat.  You do not want the toe or the heel of the putter elevated off the ground.

These five elements will create an address position that will allow you to be properly aligned and positioned so that you can then be instinctive on the putting green.