How to Dial In Your Putting Setup: Posture, Grip & Alignment Tips for Success

We've all been there – staring down a makeable putt, heart thumping like a bass drum solo, and somehow managing to skull the ball past the hole like it owes us money.

Putting can be a frustrating mistress, but that's why we love this crazy game. The good news is, a lot of those missed putts can be chalked up to one thing: a shaky foundation.

Think of it like building a house. You wouldn't slap some plywood on a shifting pile of sand. You need a rock-solid base – a strong foundation – before you even think about the roof. Same goes for putting. Before you start fantasizing about draining long bombs like Phil Mickelson, we gotta make sure your posture, grip, and alignment are dialed in.

Even the smoothest swings on tour can crumble if the setup ain't right. Grab your iCOR let's break down these three pillars of putting success and transform you from a weekend hacker into a putting maestro.

Think of your posture as the engine powering your putting stroke.

A good setup starts with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent. Imagine your spine as a nice, straight line from your shoulders down to your heels – no hunching. You want a good bend at the hips.

Here's the kicker: experiment with ball position. Some folks prefer the ball more towards the front foot for better feel, while others like it centered for a more balanced stroke. There's no right or wrong, just what works for you. Just remember, keep your head nice and steady over the ball – no bobbing for apples.

Let's talk about that handshake you have with your putter; a proper putting grip is all about stability and feel. Here's the basic rundown:

This is the most popular grip, where your dominant hand's thumb rests lightly on top of your other hand's thumb. Think of it like a high five gone wrong, but way more productive.

This grip involves interlocking your pinkie finger from your dominant hand with your index finger from your other hand. Feels a bit like a secret handshake; it's all about creating a locked-in feel.

Remember: There's no one-size-fits-all grip. Experiment with both styles, see what feels natural and comfortable. Ultimately, a good grip allows you to feel the putter head throughout the stroke, not like you're strangling a snake!

Alright, the engine's running (your posture), the steering wheel's in place (your grip), now let's make sure we're heading in the right direction – alignment. Here's the key:

Imagine a line running from the ball to the hole. Extend that line back towards you – your putter face should be perfectly square to this imaginary line. Think of the putter face as an arrow pointing directly at its target.

Don't just rely on guesswork. Use a putting alignment stick, or even another club laid flat on the ground, to ensure your putter face is aiming true. Trust me, a little visual confirmation goes a long way.

Your shoulders should also be aligned parallel to your target line. This ensures your entire body is working together to send the putt on a straight path.

Even the best golfers experience the dreaded putting yips. But here's the good news: a solid setup can be your ultimate weapon against these jitters.

When your posture is steady, your grip is secure, and your alignment is on point, it creates a sense of control and stability. This, in turn, helps calm those putting nerves and allows you to focus on making a smooth, controlled stroke.

Think of it like this: Your putting setup is like putting training wheels on your putting stroke. It provides the support and confidence you need to overcome the yips and start holing those pressure putts.

Posture, grip, and alignment – the holy trinity of a solid putting setup. Remember, these are just the building blocks. Practice these steps, experiment to find what feels best for you, and watch your putting confidence soar.

Keep in mind that putting isn't about brute force; it’s about precision and consistency. A smooth, controlled stroke fueled by a proper setup is the recipe for dropping putts with laser focus. Don't be afraid to tinker, have fun with it, and most importantly, enjoy the process! After all, golf is a game, and a frustrating one at times, but sinking a clutch putt with a dialed-in setup? There's nothing quite like that feeling.

Remember, you've got the foundation – the rest is pure putting magic waiting to happen.

Now get out there and practice! Impress your buddies, lower your scores, and maybe even give Phil Mickelson a run for his money.

To better golf,

Matt Stephens

Founder & Inventor, Pyramid Golf