Putting - hands too far forward

[getitdaily]

Other than significant deloft issues, are there any path or ftp issues that present by having hands too far forward at address?

[bladehunter]

It changes the face angle . But in my opinion if you’re used to aiming it. It’s fine. Much better than the opposite , hands back. Which adds loads of loft ( can be 3-5 degrees) 

[getitdaily]

13 minutes ago, bladehunter said:

It changes the face angle . But in my opinion if you’re used to aiming it. It’s fine. Much better than the opposite , hands back. Which adds loads of loft ( can be 3-5 degrees) 

Yeah, I think it makes alignment shift right and I think that has made me the pull-acrosser that I am. Have gotten path a lot better but I'm working to be a lot more neutral at address...not hands back but just not so much forward. Slightly in front rather than well in front.

[tatertot]

When I was doing a forward press, I struggled with aim issues both directions.

[bladehunter]

17 minutes ago, getitdaily said:

Yeah, I think it makes alignment shift right and I think that has made me the pull-acrosser that I am. Have gotten path a lot better but I'm working to be a lot more neutral at address...not hands back but just not so much forward. Slightly in front rather than well in front.

Yep. Agree. From my layman’s point of view , avoiding extremes of either is best. 

[SNIPERBBB]

Mainly aiming issues. If anything I like the hands to be even or even a hair behind the club head unless I need to pop a putt out of the rough

[North Butte]

I honestly think if you are choosing how to set up for a putt, something very close to "neutral" or "square" is the place to start for everything. Hands in front of you, shaft not tilted forward or back, just let it hang naturally. Stance and body alignment somewhere close to parallel with your aiming direction. Eyes over the ball or a little inside, whatever keeps you relaxed, comfortable and able to get the ball started on line.

 

I also believe deliberate forward pressing (or leaning the shaft back) or having any little last-moment movement before starting the stroke is just asking for problems. Why make putting any more complicated than it has to be? The ball is sitting still and you don't have to generate any power at all. Why not just relax, let the putter hang down comfortably and stroke the ball smoothly from a relaxed position. 

 

Then again, Tom Watson made a boatload of tournament-winning putts and he gripped the putter like he was trying to strangle a boa constrictor. So being relaxed obviously isn't necessary!