There are many and varied ways to putt. Cross-handed, claw grip, belly putter and long putter to name a few. There’s also the question whether the swing path is straight back, straight through or on an arc?
No matter what style, grip or length of putter you choose, clubface control is paramount to good, consistent putting.
One drill I often employ to help people feel and improve their clubface control is to get them to open up both their hands and to put the palms of your hands parallel to the face position as well as parallel to each other (pic 1).
Do some small swings back and through, working on clubface stability (pics 2, 3 & 4), feeling like the clubface is staying perpendicular to the path, whether that path is straight back, straight through or on a slight arc.
This drill is best used for putts of 10 feet or less.
LORIEN SCOTT is a AAA-rated PGA professional and is a teaching professional at Moore Park (02 9663 1064) and Terrey Hills CC (02 9486 4115) in Sydney.