When most amateur golfers are learning how to putt, their main focus is on the movement of the putter. Of course, that’s part of it. The truth is, there’s so much more to putting than this.
In addition to the putting stroke, there are a few other key aspects to consider, including the golf ball and foot position. These are arguably just as important as the putter movement! Today we’ve got 5 tips to get your golf position right on the green and make more consistent putts.
5 Ways To Achieve the Perfect Golf Position On The Green
On the putting green, you have to think about the ball position and the position of your feet. Something the best putters in the world all have in common is their ability to get these two positions consistent on almost every putt they take.
Place The Ball Just Forward of the Center
Keep the golf ball positioned just forward of center in your stance.
If you are unsure of where this is, follow these steps to find the position:
- Start with your feet completely together
- Place the ball directly between your two feet
- Now take an equal side step with your left and right foot so the ball is in the center
- Now roll the ball over one-time to your left for a right-handed player, and to the right for a left-handed player.
This position will get your ball just slightly forward of center.
Placing the ball here allows you to make contact as part of the upswing through the ball and ensure your putt stays online. Hitting down on a putt by having the ball too far back in your stance can leave you with an open clubface.
Feet Just Wider Than Shoulder Width (But Be Flexible)
The standard for putting is to keep your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. However, there could be times when you have to adjust.
For instance, if you feel stability is an issue, you can place your feet a little wider. If your stroke becomes inconsistent, you may need to narrow your stance.
On windy days or in difficult weather conditions, many players feel it’s best to be a little wider with the stance. Regardless of how you adjust the stance, make sure your ball position stays just forward or center.
3. Feet Square and Parallel To The Target
The feet should be square and parallel to the target. By getting your feet square, you will naturally square your hips and shoulders.
Don’t make the mistake of setting your feet so that they are aiming directly at your target. Just as we see when setting up to hit full-swing shots, the clubface is aimed at the target; feet are aimed at a line parallel to the target.
Seting up to work on your game using alignment sticks will ensure that your feet are in the correct position on the green. Put down two alignment sticks to form a “railroad track.” One will be aimed at your target, the other on a line parallel to the target.
4. Ball Closer To You Than Any Other Shot
It’s not often in golf that we expect a golf ball to be as close to us as it is when putting. The best putters are able to get their eyes completely over the golf ball when they make a putt.
When your eyes are over the golf ball, you can:
- See the line to your target
- Take a simpler stroke with less body motion
- Encourage more of a pendulum type swing
You should not be reaching for the golf ball when putting. Feel as though your arms drop down from your sides and your feet move closer to the ball.
When standing like this over the golf ball, ensure your putter sits flat on the ground. The toe should not be up in the air, and the heel should also be flat on the ground behind the ball.
5. Develop A Pre Shot Routine for Consistent Ball Position
A consistent ball position and foot position on the green is a must. The most important part of this process is to be consistent with it, which can be achieved by developing a pre-shot routine.
Your pre shot routine should address things like the break and the speed of your putt. You can also think positively about your plans and how you can visualize what needs to be done.
However, your routine should also have a few checks in place, including:
- Ball is just forward of center
- Feet square and parallel to the target
- Stance just wider than shoulder width
- Eyes over the ball
When practicing putting, take time to practice your pre-shot routine. You can do this while practicing at home. Set up a target and putt! Then putt again, and again, and again! This will help you develop consistency and muscle memory for the best putt.
How Do I Know If I’m In The Correct Position On The Green?
Tracking your putting data during your next round of golf will tell you a lot about your position on the green and if it is correct.
Start by tracking the number of putts you are taking.
In addition, track whether you are missing, short, long, left, or right.
Look for consistent patterns across the putts that you are missing. You will likely find that they are related to ball position or foot position on the green.
The most common mistakes include:
- Lining up a different way each time.
- Playing the ball too far back in the stance.
- Not getting your eyes over the ball.
- Not having a consistent pre-shot routine.
- Forgetting the importance of ball and feet position and only focusing on hitting the ball.
If learning how to putt was as easy as it looks, everyone would be shooting below par. Instead, you must be able to set up, line up, and execute the same way every time. Professional golfers can take fewer putts because of precision, practice, and attention to detail.
Next time you watch golf in your spare time, pay close attention to the position of the ball and feet with each stroke. You’ll be a putting master in no time!
