Lower body in putting? Should you keep it as still as possible?

[nikegolfer93]

For putting, I've noticed that many great putters have a very still lower body. 

For good putters reading this thread, do you do the same?

If you do, what are some drills that you recommend doing to keep the lower body still? (E.g. do you actually grip the ground with your feet to maintain a stable base?)

For what its worth, I noticed that when I putt, my weight actually shifts towards my heels throughout the swing. I'm assuming you should keep the weight balanced throughout your feet the entire stroke?

Edited July 4, 2023 by nikegolfer93

[SNIPERBBB]

Hmm I've never done a drill to keep my lower body still as it's never been an issue keeping it still when putting. I have hit some 75yard shots with putter that required some hip action but that's not what we're talking about obviously.

 

If you're really bad about it. Take your tukas to a wall and spend some time putting from there. Or have your girlfriend hold your hips still if you can't find a wall. 

[Santiago Golf]

hit some putts with just your right hand trying to keep the butt end of the grip pointing at your belly button

you learn to swing the weight of the putter with your hands and have to use your entire body

 

I believe you can have a minor weight shift in the putting stroke but you should not be losing your balance on a putt

 

setup 50 50 (Front, back)

back stroke 48 52

forward stroke 49 51

impact 50 50

after 51 49

[Soloman1]

You can practice with the PuttMaster Deluxe. It’s a custom-made case similar to the bottom half of a cello case.

 

You attach it to the green by driving four tent spikes into the green. Then step into the case and close the latches. It’s molded to your lower body and immobilizes you from the waist down.

 

$3,995. Tour Edition is $4,995. (plus tax, shipping and handling)

 

Both come with a replica of the Versa Jailbird putter used by Rickie to win a tournament.

 

 

[iacas]

9 hours ago, SNIPERBBB said:

Hmm I've never done a drill to keep my lower body still as it's never been an issue keeping it still when putting. I have hit some 75yard shots with putter that required some hip action but that's not what we're talking about obviously.

 

This, for me, too.

 

I don't even move my sternum on most putts.

[sui generis]

10 hours ago, nikegolfer93 said:

I've noticed that many great putters have a very still lower body. 

 

I recall Nick Faldo once advising, "Keep your butt still."

[phizzy30]

Putting is by far the best part of my game.  I keep my weight 50/50 and firmly believe that the pressure in your feet shouldn't shift during the stroke or you run the risk of hitting off the toe or heel.   

[jgallant415]

If you think that Monte guy knows what he’s talking about, then yes. Stick an alignment stick through your front two belt loops and hit some putts.

[nitram]

YES

[MonteScheinblum]

Excess hip turn in putting is the most common swing fault by a large margin .

 

You have to hold the face open and block it if you turn your hips.

 

That ain’t gonna hit the ball solid.

[RoyalTroon]

16 hours ago, nikegolfer93 said:

For putting, I've noticed that many great putters have a very still lower body.  For good putters reading this thread, do you do the same?

 

Settled stillness with heavy legs.  You don't want to turn but you don't want to not turn either.  

[nikegolfer93]

11 hours ago, MonteScheinblum said:

Excess hip turn in putting is the most common swing fault by a large margin .

 

You have to hold the face open and block it if you turn your hips.

 

That ain’t gonna hit the ball solid.

 

How should you set your lower body? E.g. would you grip the ground with your feet? Think about keeping the butt still?

[zacgolf]

 

[aenemated]

I don't think I've ever even thought about my lower body while putting. I don't think it moves at all but not through any sort of conscious effort. I've always stood pretty tall with a like shoulder width stance - which is almost surely due to how I started in this nonsense game to begin with; going out with my dad when I  was like 6 or so and him letting me putt with his putter. So my base is inherently stable to begin with.