Heads Up Putting: Why You Need to Try It

Heads up Putting is a life savior when you are going through a slump on the greens. This has helped tons of golfers regain their confidence.

While there is no one way to putt, most accomplished putters have their own strategies. From blade putters to armlock putters, there are a myriad of ways to grip the club.

What is Heads Up Putting

Heads-up putting is a unique way to putt where you look at the target, not the golf ball. This strategy works best for short putts, especially inside 15 feet.

Professionals like Jordan Speith and Tony Finau have adopted this method to use them at the highest levels.

Heads Up Putting Study

A study published by Sasho J. MacKenzie and Neil R. Maclnnis evaluated visual focus strategies for breaking putts. Here’s what they found:

• Inside 14 feet, experienced golfers who normally look at the ball improved their putting performance by 5% by shifting to a Far Target strategy.

• Players who missed the putt were closer to the hole. This leads to shorter putts and more tap-ins to avoid costly three putts.

• Visually focusing on the hole did not affect the quality of impact as assessed by the variability in face angle, stroke path, and impact spot when the putter contacted the ball.

Benefits of Heads Up Putting Technique

Eliminate Mechanics

When golfers let mechanics get in the way of a free slowing stroke, they are most likely to struggle on the greens.

This method, however, helps you relax about the “how-to” of putting.

Make More Short Putts

The moment you start making more of the length putts, you’ll save tons of strokes and gain momentum during the round. 

(You don’t need to make everything from 6 to 8 feet. 5 feet is only where you need to improve).

Free Up Your Stroke

The best example of this is Danny Guise himself. He qualifies for the Wells Fargo Championshi[ in 2023 using this method.

“Golf is one of the only sports where you don’t look at your target when shooting. When I shifted from looking at the ball to looking at my target, I noticed that it freed up my stroke”, said Danny.

Downsides of Heads Up Putting Technique

Hard To Trust

This style is very different from how you currently putt. Before testing out, make sure you practice a lot before taking it to a competitive event.

Technique is a Premium

This strategy relies solely on proper technique. Work with a putting mirror and other training aids to develop a more consistent stroke.

Not Great With Long Putts

When you observe the pros closely, you’ll notice that they only use it for mid to short-range putts.

Since longer putts require a more powerful putting stroke, it is not nearly as easy to do as the shorter ones.

When to Use

You would need to test out in practice to see the length of putts you feel comfortable with. Trust yourself on the golf course from mid to long-range distances so you don’t second guess which style to use.

Instinct Putting Book

The book called Instinct Putting has changed the game for many golfers.

Here’s how the author described the book:

“A scientifically proven approach sure to cut strokes on the putting green by tapping the power of intuition. The method relies on the brain’s built-in ability to perform incredible tasks through unconscious information processing, rather than through active thought”.

This book can ease a lot of doubt and provide tons of drills to tap into the power of your intuition. Plus, it’s so short you can finish it in a day.

How to Start Heads Up Putting

Test it Out in Practice

• This includes a new grip, routine, or stance without first trying it in practice.

• Start by making practice strokes while looking at the hole.

• You can do this behind the golf ball where you are perpendicular to the target or next to the golf ball.

• Test out everything to see what gives you the most confidence.

Start with Short Putts

• Try to keep your head up on short putts- roughly 3-6 feet.

• Try to focus on where you want the ball to go in the hole and think about the target only instead of the mechanics.

• If you see success, move back to 10-15 footers.

Advance to Long Putts

• When a longer stroke is required, a normal head position can help out a ton.
• Test out where you focus your eyes.

Test Out Breaking Putts

• Try to hit some big sliders in either direction.

• Instead of focusing on the hole, look at the apex to get the ball rolling on a good start line.

• You can also use a putting aid like the Putting Tutor to ensure a proper start line as well.

• Try to identify your apex when reading the green and focus on it during the stroke.

FAQ

Do pros use heads-up putting?

Yes, professionals do adopt the unique heads-up putting method. The best example would be Jordan Speith. He rarely looks at the golf ball, instead, he looks at the hole on putts inside 10 feet.

Other examples include Tony Finau, Louis Oosthuizen, etc.

Is it better to look at the hole when putting?

It depends, really. Studies have shown that putting with your head up can lead to huge increases in putts made inside 14 feet.

Test out and see if you’re the type of golfer who can benefit from the same.

Do any pros putt with an open stance?

Yes, pros putt with an open stance like Jack Nicklaus. He used this stance to win 18 major championships and tons of PGA Tour events.

Conclusion

If you’re going through a putting slump, it’s worth a shot to test out this method. If you constantly feel like you need to improve from short range or need better speed control, this technique is definitely for you.

While it might not be the best strategy for lag putting, it can lead to more dropped putts from short ranges. It if works for the pros, it will work for you.