General putting questions for good putters

Soloman1 · July 4, 2023

Jack has never taken a "real" practice stroke. He waves the putter once to be sure his grip is right, but no practice strokes over and over. He was the same with full shots. I can't remember him ever taking a real practice swing during a round either. If you can find one, please post it.

It's interesting that you rarely, if ever, see a professional or recreational player set up like Jack. Quite possibly the best putter of the modern era, but nope.

Open stance, eyes behind the ball (he's left eye dominant), lead wrist locked down (ulnar deviation), shaft inline with his lead forearm (delofting because lofts were so much more in his prime), shoulders tilted to the rear, trail arm and elbow tucked inside and under with the palm of the trail hand set up square to the line to push the head along the line with the back of the trail hand firm and inline.

When his trail hand snuck a little on top, didn't putt as well. When he got it back into position, he putted like Jack Nicklaus.

Try it and see what a six-time Masters Champion, five-time PGA Champion, four-time US Open Champion and three-time Open Champion felt.

He hunched over the ball just long enough for TV viewers to go make a sandwich and come back in time to see him putt. Then he'd make it. When asked what he was thinking, he said he was just waiting until it "felt right."

Edited July 4, 2023 by Soloman1

zacgolf · July 5, 2023

On 7/1/2023 at 12:06 AM, nikegolfer93 said:

1. What do you look at? (E.g. do you watch the ball roll, stare straight through the ball, etc.)

2. What grip do you use and how hard are you gripping (1-10)?
3. How do you power your stroke? (E.g. do you use your shoulders, are you handsy, etc.)
4. What are some of the best drills to get you deadly on the putting green?

Long story short, I've been experimenting a little bit with different grips, different feels, and different thoughts. However, I'm still struggling to find something comfortable. Any help or advice is appreciated!