According to PGA Tour putting consultant Stephen Sweeney, a closed stance is a significant impediment to effective putting. He argues that this posture, often combined with open shoulders, leads golfers to unintentionally aim right, forcing compensations that disrupt stroke consistency.
[IMAGE_2]Sweeney advocates for a universally square setup, emphasizing alignment of the knees, hips, and shoulders. A recommended drill involves standing with feet shoulder-width apart, arms hanging loosely, and hands sliding down to rest on the kneecaps. This position naturally squares the body and helps place the eyes correctly over the ball, a critical element for accurate putting.
Achieving this consistent and balanced address position is paramount for starting the ball on the intended line. While tools like lasers can assist, alignment rods or mirrors are also effective aids in developing this non-negotiable putting fundamental.
