Forward Press Putting: Improve Your Golf Game

A forward press in putting: some golfers swear by it, others avoid it like the plague. Is this subtle pre-stroke movement friend or foe on the green? We’ll break down the mechanics of the forward press putting technique, exploring the potential benefits and risks. Plus, we’ll help you decide if adding a forward press putter grip to your game could improve your putting consistency.

 

 

A little history lesson…

 

For forty years, starting in the 1920’s, most professionals employed a wristy putting stroke, this style was effective because most putters of those days had lots of loft to get the ball airborne and rolling well. The quality of the greens in this era were also questionable, so players found this stroke more effective at keeping the ball on-line than the putting strokes used today.

Moving into the 50’s, putters continued to have more loft than nowadays, but the greens rolled truer, and were finely manicured. The extra loft on the putters started to cause problems, so players began to square the face up by applying a forward press. This encouraged a truer roll that was much more consistent.

 

Key Takeaways

• A forward press can smooth your putting stroke: Minimizing wrist action promotes cleaner contact and a truer roll, but avoid overdoing it. Experiment to find what works best for your game.
• It’s not a universal solution: While the forward press benefits some, it’s an advanced technique. Amateurs may find a stable setup and smooth stroke without a forward press more effective initially.
• Putter loft and ball position matter: If using a forward press, adjust your putter’s loft to compensate for the de-lofting effect. Experiment with ball position to optimize results. A professional putter fitting can be beneficial.

Understanding the Forward Press in Putting

What is a Forward Press?

The forward press is a subtle yet impactful technique where you gently move your hands forward towards the target just before starting your putting stroke. It’s more common than you think, but often goes unnoticed by amateur golfers.

Why Use a Forward Press?

The forward press offers several advantages, contributing to a more controlled and consistent putting stroke. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, but it can be a valuable tool for golfers of all skill levels. For some, it can be the key to sinking more putts.

Improved Ball Contact and Reduced Wrist Action

One of the primary benefits of the forward press is its ability to reduce wrist movement during your putt. Excessive wrist action can lead to inconsistencies in ball striking and distance control. By initiating the stroke with a forward press, you create a more stable and predictable motion, resulting in cleaner contact and a smoother roll. This can be especially helpful on those tricky, fast greens.

Minimizing Yips and Maintaining Tempo

For golfers who struggle with the yips, the forward press can be a game-changer. It acts as a trigger to start the putting stroke smoothly and consistently, minimizing hesitation and promoting a more fluid tempo. This pre-stroke movement can help settle your nerves and improve your overall putting performance. Check out this Reddit discussion to see how other golfers have benefited from this technique.

Smoother Stroke and Reduced Skidding

A forward press helps create a smoother putting stroke by reducing wristiness and preventing the putter face from lofting excessively at impact. This promotes a truer roll, minimizing skidding and improving distance control. A smoother roll translates to better accuracy and consistency on the green. This article explains how this technique encourages optimal ball roll.

Mental Benefits: Confidence and Reduced Hesitation

Beyond the physical benefits, the forward press can also positively impact your mental game. By providing a clear trigger for your putting stroke, it can reduce hesitation and instill confidence, allowing you to approach each putt with a greater sense of control. This mental edge can be just as important as the technical aspects of putting, especially under pressure.

The Impact of Loft on the Forward Press

Understanding how the forward press interacts with your putter’s loft is crucial for optimizing its effectiveness. The loft of your putter plays a significant role in how the ball rolls off the face, and the forward press can influence this interaction. It’s a bit of a balancing act.

Ideal Loft and Adjustments

If you incorporate a forward press, you might need to adjust your putter’s loft. The forward press can effectively de-loft the putter at impact, so a putter with slightly more loft than usual might be necessary to achieve the desired launch angle and get the ball rolling smoothly. This Reddit thread offers some insights into loft considerations.

The Case of Phil Mickelson’s High-Loft Putter

Phil Mickelson, known for his aggressive forward press, uses a putter with a higher loft than most. This compensates for the de-lofting effect of his forward press, allowing him to achieve optimal launch conditions. It’s a good example of how professionals tailor their equipment to their specific putting style. Learn more about it here.

Potential Drawbacks of Too Much Forward Press

While the forward press can be beneficial, it’s important to avoid overdoing it. An excessive forward press can remove too much loft from the putter, leading to inconsistent contact and a poor roll. Finding the right balance is key. This article cautions against the potential pitfalls of an exaggerated forward press.

Mastering the Forward Press Technique

Mastering the forward press involves understanding the nuances of grip pressure, finding an approach that suits your individual style, and considering ball position. It takes practice and experimentation.

Grip Pressure and Consistency

Maintaining consistent grip pressure is essential for a smooth and controlled putting stroke, regardless of whether you use a forward press. A consistent grip helps maintain control and promotes a repeatable stroke. This article emphasizes the importance of consistent grip pressure.

Individualized Approach and Experimentation

The ideal forward press varies from golfer to golfer. What works for one person might not work for another. Experimentation is key to finding the right amount of forward press that complements your putting style and helps you achieve consistent results. Don’t be afraid to try different approaches to see what feels best. This Reddit thread discusses individual preferences with the forward press.

Ball Position Considerations

Ball position can influence the effectiveness of your forward press. Experiment with different ball positions to find what works best for you. Some golfers find that a slightly forward ball position complements the forward press, while others prefer a more neutral position. It’s all about finding what helps you make consistent contact and control the roll.

Practicing the Forward Press

Effective Practice Drills

Practicing the forward press with specific drills can help you integrate it into your putting stroke effectively. Consistent practice is key to mastering any new technique.

Short Putts (3-5 feet)

Focus on maintaining a consistent forward press and smooth stroke for short putts. This will help you develop a feel for the technique and build confidence in your ability to control distance and direction. Mastery of short putts is essential for lowering your scores.

Long Putts (Around 30 feet)

Practice long putts to refine your distance control with the forward press. Pay attention to how the forward press influences the initial roll of the ball and adjust accordingly. Long putts require a different feel, and practicing with the forward press can help you develop that feel.

Alternative Perspectives and Risks of the Forward Press

Potential Risks for Amateurs

While the forward press can be effective, it’s considered an advanced technique that can be challenging for amateurs to master. If not executed correctly, it can introduce more inconsistencies into your putting stroke. This article offers some valuable insights and cautions.

Focusing on a Stable Setup and Smooth Stroke

For many amateurs, focusing on a stable setup and a smooth, consistent stroke without a forward press might be a more effective approach. Prioritize the fundamentals before incorporating more complex techniques. A solid foundation is key to a consistent putting stroke.

Debunking Misconceptions and Highlighting Examples

Jordan Spieth’s Putting Style

While some golfers believe a forward press is essential, Jordan Spieth, a prominent figure in professional golf, demonstrates that a successful putting stroke can be achieved without it. His putting style emphasizes a stable setup and a pendulum-like motion, proving that there’s more than one way to sink putts. Find what works for you.

Nelly Korda’s Use of the Forward Press

On the other hand, Nelly Korda, another top professional golfer, effectively utilizes the forward press in her putting technique. Her success showcases the potential benefits of this technique when executed correctly. It highlights the fact that the forward press can be a valuable tool for some golfers.

Expert Advice and Additional Tips

Insights from Katie Dawkins

Katie Dawkins highlights the forward press’s role in alleviating grip pressure, which can improve putting rhythm and pace. A relaxed grip can lead to a more fluid and controlled stroke.

Importance of Putter Fitting

A proper putter fitting is crucial for optimizing your putting stroke, especially if you use a forward press. A professional fitting can help you determine the ideal loft, lie angle, and length for your putter, ensuring it complements your technique and helps you achieve consistent results. A well-fitted putter can make a world of difference.

Benefits on Dewy Greens

The forward press can be particularly beneficial on dewy greens. By promoting a cleaner strike, it minimizes the impact of moisture on the ball, leading to a more predictable roll. This can be a real advantage in early morning rounds.

Should You Use a Forward Press While Putting?

The putters of today have about 2-5 degrees (which is ideal for well manicured greens) loft on them to get the ball slightly airborne before hitting the ground running. This change made the original purpose of the forward press irrelevant, however, many professionals found they could take the putter away from the ball more on-line if they initiated their stroke with a slight forward press. Players then started to use this move as a trigger to start their putting stroke.

So if you like triggering your stroke with a forward press, by all means continue… but be aware of some of the downsides:

• Your forward press should be subtle. If you over-forward press, you can actually de-loft your putter enough so you impart top spin on the ball, this will cause the ball to jump and bounce off impact.

• Your forward press should be slow. If you initiate your putting stroke with a quick forward press, this quickness can continue throughout your stroke. A quick backswing will cause inconsistency at impact, and left unchecked can lead to deceleration and even the yips.

• Your forward press can close the face on your backswing, leading to putts that end up left of the hole.

What’s do you guys think?  Do you use the forward press? If so, why? If not, why not?  Reply below in the comments…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Related Articles

• The Forward Press – Good or Bad? – SirShanksAlot.com | Sometimes it’s okay to shank
• Fundamentals of Putting – SirShanksAlot.com | Sometimes it’s okay to shank
• How to Make the Perfect Putting Grip – SirShanksAlot.com | Sometimes it’s okay to shank
• HELP! I’m pulling my putts! – SirShanksAlot.com | Sometimes it’s okay to shank

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a forward press necessary for a good putting stroke? Not necessarily. Many golfers putt successfully without a forward press. Think of Jordan Spieth – he relies on a stable setup and pendulum motion. A forward press can be helpful, but it’s not essential for everyone. Focus on what feels comfortable and produces consistent results for you.

How do I know if I’m using the forward press correctly? The key is subtlety. Your hands should move slightly forward, not dramatically. The motion should be slow and controlled, initiating a smooth stroke. If you find your putts jumping or consistently going left, you might be overdoing the forward press or closing the putter face on your backswing.

How does putter loft affect my forward press? A forward press effectively delofts the putter at impact. If you use a forward press, you might need a putter with slightly more loft to compensate and achieve the desired launch angle. Consider a professional putter fitting to determine the ideal loft for your putting style.

What are the potential downsides of using a forward press? Overdoing the forward press can lead to several issues. It can deloft the putter too much, causing the ball to jump. A quick forward press can disrupt your tempo and lead to inconsistent strokes. It can also close the putter face, resulting in putts that miss left.

What should I focus on if I’m new to putting and not ready for a forward press? Start with the fundamentals. Prioritize a stable setup, a consistent grip pressure, and a smooth, controlled stroke. Once you’ve mastered these basics, you can experiment with more advanced techniques like the forward press. Don’t rush the process – build a solid foundation first.