If you need more confidence in the greens, you must try arm-lock putting. Golf could be a challenging sport but one aspect that doesn’t resonate with the full swing is putting.
Ben Hogan once said, “There is no similarity between golf and putting; they are two different games, one played in the air, and the other on the ground.”
So, in case you need help with a flat stick, here’s the alternative:
Arm Lock Putting 101
In an arm lock putting your arm is locked up on the club. This is legal as long as your arm is below your elbow and not pushed up against your belly.
Although there are no similarities between arm lock putting and normal putting, the former’s club is much longer and touches your arm.
This kind of putting requires you to buy a new putter/and or grip that might change your putting motion entirely.
Arm Lock Putter
The major difference between a standard putter and an arm lock is the putter length. While traditional putters are typically 33-36 inches for men, arm lock putters range from 40-42 inches depending on the make and model.
These putters require a longer shaft, more offset, and a lot more putter loft. Also, these putters have nearly twice as much loft.
They are much heavier than traditional putters ranging from about 400-420 grams. It’s recommended to go for a custom putter fitting instead of jumping directly on an arm lock putter. This ensures the specifications of the putter while setting you up for success on the greens.
How Arm Lock Putting Style Changes Your Putting
Converting to an arm lock putter will definitely change your stroke as it increases your accuracy factor. To make putts you only need two things- proper speed and aim.
Many golfers struggle with short putts, specifically when it comes to getting the ball started on the correct line. Arm locker putting makes it easier to get putts started on the right line due to the heavy design. This is a huge win because you won’t need much break on 5-6 short putts.
Additionally, an arm lock putter would also ensure that you don’t struggle with short-range from overly active wrists in your putting strokes.
Forward Press
In forward press, your hands start slightly ahead of the putter face to begin the putter stroke. It’s helpful to initiate the stroke.
How does it relate to arm lock style?
It depends on the type of putter you choose. Here’s how “BEWICK’D” put it:
“The grip accounts for the extra increase in the loft from locking it against your forearm and negating the ‘de-lofting’ that occurs when you lock it against your forearm. The putter and grip should be just about straight up and down with you looking straight down the grip and the shaft.”
Cons of Arm Lock Putting
- It can take a while to get a hold of an arm lock putting. It’s never a good idea to make this switch when it’s a member guest or other competitive events. This will lead to an atrocious putt and eventually drain all your confidence in yourself.
To avoid this, make the switch during the off-season when you have plenty of time to grind out putting practice.
- This style of putting removes the wrist entirely. While too much wrist is not recommended in the swing, some is still needed. Armlock can make the putting motion feel robotic and unfree.
- For this style, you will need to buy a new putter. You can’t switch the grip to make it right for your new putting motion.
To combat this here are the best arm lock putters:
Best Arm Lock Putters
● TaylorMade Spider GTX
40-42 inches, shaped for stability, sleek design, and a high MOI construction.
● Odyssey Arm Lock
Classic two ball-shaped, long shaft (40-42 inches), 7-degrees of loft.
FAQs
Should you lock your arms when putting?
Depends. Unlike other trends in the golf world, not many amateurs have given it a try as you need a new putter. Also, it’s a steep learning curve as it helps change your entire putting motion.
Unless you are looking for something new, don’t adopt this style.
What is an armlock in putting?
Armlock putting is a unique way to grip the club in hopes of developing a more consistent putting motion. It’s a big change from a traditional, claw, or cross-handed grip.
How many pros use the arm lock putter?
There are many pros who use this putter like Matt Kucher, Bryson DeChambeau, and many others.
Can I turn my putter into an armlock?
No, you’ll need to buy a custom putter as they are much different from a traditional putter. These putters are longer, heavier, and have more loft than a standard putter.
Is wrist lock putting legal?
Yes, it is. In fact, SuperStroke (who makes some of the best putter grips) even has its own “Wrist Lock Putter Grip” style.
What I Would Suggest
First off, I would suggest you find a method that works for you and stick with it. Whether that’s cross-hand, traditional, or arm-lock, don’t change out putters.
Find a green reading system- like the Look and Shoot or Aimpoint and stick with the same. Only make a switch in your types of equipment and routine if you’re in a huge putting slump and can’t seem to break out of it.
Conclusion
An arm lock and putter head can help you remove excess wrist movement and hopefully drain more putts. While an arm lock putting method can have a major impact on your game, it is not for everyone.
For example, some golfers prefer fat grips, others prefer normal ones. Some prefer blade putters while others mallets. Your main goal should be to get the ball in the hole in as few shots as possible. Arm lock method helps you attain just that by increasing your consistency and accuracy.
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