Putting Sidesaddle

By Jamie Faidley under Putting

Sam Snead was one of the greatest golfers to ever play the game, but even someone as talented as him can come down with the putting yips.  For him it happened in the middle of the 1960′s when he was in his 50′s.  That is when he decided to switch to the croquet-style of putting.  Putting croquet-style means you stand facing the putting line with your legs straddling the ball.  It gives the golfer the best view of the line and a clear view of what the ball does after starting to roll.  The only problem is that in the late 60′s the USGA made this stroke illegal and you now can’t make a stroke with your stance astride or touching the line of the putt or an extension of that line behind the ball.

Snead then modified his technique to the sidesaddle.  Instead of straddling the putting line, he brought both of his feet to the same side.  He then bent over slightly in order to see down his line.  He kept his hand position the same to prevent a breakdown of the wrist.

Why does putting sidesaddle work?  You keep the putter face square down the line, removing the twisting of the forearms that causes you to open and close your face during the stroke.  The stroke prevents a breakdown of the wrists and helps golfers keep their stroke in a perfect line with their target.

Another modification of the sidesaddle putting stroke is to use a longer putter.  This enables you to stand straight and simply lean over the ball, putting more of your weight on the foot closest to the ball.  Instead of holding the club out in front of you, the end of the club can tuck up into your arm pit, ensuring that it is anchored in place.

If you decide to try putting sidesaddle, be prepared for your playing partners to give you a little flack, but it can help those struggling to get the ball on line from close range.  The problem some golfers see when using this method is that they lack distance control.  This makes long putts difficult to get close and short putts with a lot of break tough to make.

Most of the putting tips on our site will revolved around the conventional stroke, but if you want to try something different give sidesaddle a try.