The Real Reason Every Golfer's Putting Stroke Looks Different

 

In this installment of the Edel Golf Podcast, we discuss one of the most important aspects of putting.  Having an understanding of this principle is really the key to unlocking your potential as a putter.  We’re talking about your personal body type.  Specifically, “how your arms’ lengths and fold patterns influence your stroke.” 

All the game’s great putters had keen perception systems that were in alignment with how they physically putted.  To that end, each player looked different when they putted.  “They didn’t fight their body type.” 

David’s understanding of this process stems largely from his work with Mike Adams and his process of BioSwing Dynamics which allows players to understand their unique physical attributes. 

The first primary measurement that David’s adopted for the putter fitting process is arm length differential.  It’s this metric that gives us the slot.  The slot is a plane through which the putter and your arms work during your stroke.  ”If your lower arm is longer than your upper arm, you’re a shoulder slot player…  If the arm length differential is fairly neutral, you’re a torso slot player… And if your upper arm is longer than your lower arm, we call that a hip slot.” 

One of the biggest things that negatively affects people’s ability to putt well is that their putter doesn’t match their slot.  Being in the wrong slot creates issues with path which in turn, leads to inconsistent putting. 

A second key measurement in the fitting process is span.  This is nothing more than the measurement from fingertip to fingertip when you span your arms out parallel to the ground.  Span, calculated as a differential compared to your height, is going to determine your posture.  “If your span is greater than your height, you’re going to stand more vertical… If your arm span is shorter than your height, your posture is going to be more bent over.”  This measurement, in conjunction with your slot, is going to affect fitting measurements like putter length and lie angle. 

The third component of the putter screening process is an arm fold test.  This looks at how your elbows and arms work throughout the stroke based on your body type.  We use this information to dictate “how to get your wrists onto the putter… and what kind of grip you should use.” 

When any of these metrics don’t match a golfer’s body type, they tend to have issues with alignment.  That’s why it’s important to remember that while getting putter specs correct for weight, loft, etc. is important, it’s also imperative that the putter fits the person’s body type. 

Even though this podcast is chock-full of complex information, it’s our hope that you can develop a better understanding of how your body type plays such an important role in your equipment, and how you go about the business of putting.

As always, thanks for listening, and please reach out to us if you have any questions!