! Scigolf presents Scott Hazledine Answers Your Golfing Questions On Your Golf Game.

Question 17

Q: Scott, I am a 3 handicap and my weakness is my putting. I often shoot in the mid 70s but take 32 - 36 putts a round. When I really struggle with my putter, I can feel the right hand take over just before impact. What advice can you offer to help me with this problem?

Thank you, Jude P.

Dear Jude,

As I explain on my putting video the right (rear) hand needs to be kept out of a flexed position to maintain a caress-like stroke. Your right wrist should be straight during the putting stroke, i.e., no joint angles.

You have nerve endings in your muscles that inform the brain when do you have joint angles. Your subconscious mind is programmed to remove these joint angles. So you straighten the wrist out just as you get to the hitting area. And the trouble is that no amount of training can cure you from doing this at the most inopportune times.

I show and explain on the Art and Science of Putting video that you must take out the joint angle in the rear wrist to eliminate the yips and to keep you hands working as one.

The right (rear) hand should be hanging down from the elbow with no angle at the wrist. You can accomplish this in two ways; first you may use a spread grip with your rear hand at least 2 inches separated from you top hand, or second you can set your forward hand in a position directly over the ball at address. Be sure your rear elbow is in front of your hip, and as close to it as possible.

I would be remiss if I didn't consider the fact that your equipment could be causing a problem. Make sure that your putter does not have loft on the face. If the putter has loft you will be forced to have your hands forward and create an angle in you wrist. The grip could be incorrectly installed. If, when you strike a putt and follow through to your left thigh, the blade is not pointed at the intended line then the grip is installed incorrectly for you.

Now I made a huge assumption that you do follow through on your stroke and don't do what I call backlash. This is when you pull the putter back as fast as you strike the putt. Follow these guide lines and your putting will improve. Get a putter with zero loft on the putter face and is center shafted. This reduces the angle in you hands and eliminates twisting from off-center hits. Next practice forward motion putts from three feet with no backswing. Focus on hitting the end points on your stroke. Grip the putter with a slightly tighter grip, as my guess is you are changing the grip pressure as you stroke.

My putting video, "The Art and Science of Putting", along with the Sure Stroke putter will improve your game for life. We have had not one person fail when they follow my routine and practice.

Scott's video - "The Art and Science of Putting" has been completely revised. And it is getting rave reviews!
Better yet are the testimonials that are coming in praising Scott's teaching techniques, along with the Scigolf Putting System. Typically golfers who follow Scott's routine and practice take 5 or 6 strokes off their handicaps in thirty to sixty days. Guaranteed!