By Jude Hobbs, PGA Pro and Putting Specialist at Emirates GC
This is one of my favourite things to practice for correcting posture while putting, and it’s called the ‘Tray Drill’. It’s great at getting players in the perfect set-up position which, as we all know in golf, is essential to hitting better shots. I teach this one to my students a lot, so hopefully you can pick up a thing or two as well.
Firstly, we need to have our feet shoulder width apart as that’s the correct stance for when we’re on the putting surface. Then, we need the weight distribution between the toes and the heel to be 50 percent in each foot. An easy way to master this is to put your weight more on the balls of your feet.
Next, let your arms hang to the floor, but bend your elbows 90 degrees. From here, I want you to hold the putter out in front of you like you’re holding out a tray with food on, hence the name of this drill. You can see in the picture above myself doing this without a club, so try this first.
When you’re in the set-up position, the next task is to ensure the ball is in the middle of your stance. Then, just lower down at the hip until your eyes are over the ball and the putter touches the floor. Tuck then chin in, and that’s it. You are now in the perfect posture.
With this good arm structure, good grip and good set-up, all you’ve got to do from here is rock the shoulders back and through. Pace control and starting the ball on line are two key important parts of putting, but without this solid base then you’re likely going to struggle in all of these other aspects of putting.
