You 3-Putted How Many Times?!
Improving putting is one of the quickest ways to score better. From a Golf Fitness prospective, when comparing putting to the full swing, the physical demands of putting are much less. This is great news as you can implement basic exercises to become a more consistent putter quickly.
First: Test Yourself
All great putters keep their lower bodies rock solid through the putting stroke. The inability to keep the lower body stable as the upper body swings the putter will lead to poor consistency on the greens and will cost you strokes.
I would like you to do a quick Functional Movement Test, the Torso Rotation Test. This test is best done in front of a full length mirror for visual feedback, but if you don’t have a mirror available, I want you to keep your eyes on your knees, or have someone nearby observe.
- Get into a golf posture
- Turn your shoulders about 10-20 degrees right and left continuously without allowing your lower body to move.
(Link: TPI Torso Rotation Test Video)
You pass the test if you’re able to rotate your upper body without lower body movement.
(Note: Even the slightest bit of lower body movement warrants a failing grade.)
A vast majority of amateur golfers cannot rotate the upper body while keeping the lower body stable.
Exercises for More Consistent Putting:
The key to effective movement in the putting stroke is lower body stability. Use these four exercises at home or in the gym to build lower body stability for putting:
Open Books:
Clam Shells:
Half-Kneeling Rotation:
Shoulder Swivels:
If you try these exercises and you find them to be too challenging or uncomfortable, do not continue until you have consulted with your physician. All exercises for golf should be customized to your needs after a proper evaluation.
Visit Our FitGolf® Exercise Library
Looking for more exercise resources?