One of the first things you discover playing the game of golf is that there are many ways to get the ball in the hole. The putting stroke, for example, features a variety of approaches from golfers, each of whom apply the method with which they are most comfortable. One of these putting approaches -- the square to square stroke -- helps to simplify putting, leading to more holed putts.
What Is Square to Square Putting?
A square to square putting stroke maintains a putter face that is square to the target for the duration of the stroke. That is, the face of the putter will be precisely oriented to the intended target line from the takeaway to the follow through. While this might seem like an obvious intention, you must keep in mind that the natural movement of the hands and arms through the putting stroke creates a slight arc. This arc results in the putter face being slightly oriented to the right -- for right-handers -- at the end of the back swing and slightly oriented to the left at the end of the follow through.
Pendulum Stroke
To reliably execute the square to square approach, applying what is known as a "pendulum stroke," makes good sense. As you might imagine, the term pendulum stroke suggests the type of movement that resembles the behavior of a pendulum in a grandfather clock. A successful pendulum stroke requires that the forearms, hands and wrists remain in a consistent orientation as the swinging of the putter is generated from a rocking of the shoulders. Such a stroke will maintain the integrity of the putter face and allow the motion of the putter through the ball to be generated, in large part, by the weight of the putter itself.
Advantages of Square to Square
Any putting stroke that allows the natural arc of the arms to occur relies upon very precise timing to square the putter face to the target line at impact. The use of a square to square approach takes one variable out the equation on each putt, thus simplifying the process. Any technique that brings consistency to your stroke will aid in the growth of confidence -- a vital commodity in the game of golf. Finally, because the pendulum stroke also generates acceleration of the putter with less effort, it has the effect of stabilizing the entire body through the stroke.
Belly Putter And Long Putter
Dave Pelz writes in his book on putting about the different types of putters that make it easier to perform a pendulum stroke. Long putters -- including those that reach as high as the sternum with the butt of the grip -- not only make a square to square approach simpler, they are nearly impossible to use in any way other than a pendulum stroke. In fact, many players who use long putters do so for the way that they require a square to square putting style.
Practicing And Drills
If you have grown accustomed to putting without a pendulum stroke, it will take a certain amount of practice to lock it in place. One of the best drills to help with that involves the use of a pair of 2 by 4 boards. Each of the boards should be around 2 feet in length and placed parallel to one another far enough apart to accommodate the head of your putter between them with around an inch to spare. Practice hitting putts with the putter passing between the two pieces of wood. Your goal is to consistently stroke the putts without the putter contacting either piece of wood.
References
- "Dave Pelz's Putting Bible"; The Complete Guide to Mastering the Green; Dave Pelz; 2000
- "The Art of Putting"; Stan Utley & Matthew Rudy; 2006
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