What is Arm Lock Putter in Golf? Here you have the definite secrets
Without a doubt, the putter is the most used club during a golf round. An average golfer, who signs an 80-stroke card, uses it between 30 and 35 times per round. He makes about 40% of the strokes with the putter and not with his other golf clubs.
That said, the bottom line is straightforward: amateur players should pay more attention to their game on the green. And this is not always the case. Most prefer to spend hours on the driving range and very little time on the putting green.
According to specialists, the best putter player of all time is Tiger Woods. The former world number one and winner of 15 majors (5 Masters Tournament, 4 PGA Championship, 3 US Open and 3 Open Championship) was exquisite with all his clubs. Still, with the putter, he was always lethal. His killer instinct on the green gave him a sharp edge and endless joys, and the results are eloquent.
What is Tiger Woods’ secret on the green? Woods suggests that, when hitting the ball on the green, you have to make the club shaft and right forearm form a continuous straight line, so the arms and putter act as one. As simple as that. As perfect as that.
But not everyone is comfortable putting conventionally. Many professionals get frustrated on the green and start looking for alternatives to make fewer shots. This is where variants such as arm lock putting appear.
What is Arm Lock Putting in golf?
In recent years, many golfers have improvised various techniques on the green. One of them is the arm lock putting, a variant when playing with the putter.
One of the pioneers was Matt Kuchar, who worked with Bettinardi to create an original putter. Since then, most influential putter brands have started making their own versions of the Arm Lock. SIK, Pin and Odyssey are some of those that accompany Bettinardi with this trend, which still features TaylorMade as a great absentee.
But what exactly is the arm lock putting? Basically, the putter shaft going up inside and leaning on your front arm. It is vital and essential to mention that it is your left arm. If you are a right-handed player and your right arm if you are left-handed. There are specific fundamental characteristics at the time of arm placement. For example, the Arm Lock putters promote tremendous forward pressure. They are 5 to 8 inches longer than conventional putters, and they have 3-5 degrees more loft than traditional putters. Also, the putter head is heavier than a classic putter and weighs around 400 grams.
Who started the trend of Arm Lock putting?
Matt Kuchar is indeed the person behind the Arm Lock putting method. But the credit is not only his. Credit must also be given to fan John “Spider” Miller, who in turn began playing on the green in this way thanks to his friend Azy “Ace Man” Stephens, who found the solution to his search for solving his yips.
Kuchar started using this putter on his left arm in 2011. Even when he had finished second in the FedExCup playing conventionally on the green the previous season.
At first, most did not take it seriously. But then, seeing the results achieved, they realized that Kuchar had definitely discovered something…
Since then, different players have adopted Arm Lock putting. For example, Webb Simpson and Keegan Bradley used it, which allowed them to improve remarkably throughout the seasons. Even winning again on the PGA Tour.
The one who became the undisputed king of the Arm Lock in the PGA golf ranking is Bryson DeChambeau. He has won eight times on the PGA Tour, including a win at the 2020 US Open. Other players who have tried this method on the green include Adam Scott, Lucas Glover, Bubba Watson and Jason Dufner.
DeChambeau is nicknamed “The Scientist” on the PGA Tour, and this is due to his particular scientific approaches and analysis of golf. Much of his clubs feature unique designs with specifications resulting from hundreds of hours of practice. For example, it has thicker grips than average, and all his irons shaft have the same length.
What are the benefits of Arm Lock putting?
For Bettinardi engineers, the main benefit of the arm lock putting method lies in the setup and grip, which allows a player to be consistent. How do you achieve this? Place the putter shaft along with your forward (left) forearm and place it in a position that eliminates any deviation in the shaft angle. In this way, errors are reduced, and more powerful rhythm and consistency are achieved in each stroke.
Clearly, it’s not about making putts overnight. It is not a miracle or a magic formula, but you can achieve very stimulating results using the Arm Lock putter. Especially when it comes to getting a consistent hit.
The goal is clear: to get the majority of the grip against the forearm during the hit, allowing a more fluid movement. When executing your swing, it is essential to make the necessary adjustments to the putter loft and take into account the inclination of the shaft to achieve a consistent and authentic swing.
What do I need to use this Arm Lock putting technique?
Instructor James Sieckmann explains very simply what you need to use this arm lock putting technique. To start, place your feet under your shoulders and the ball located in front of the centre. And then, finally, let the shaft “tilt” towards your forearm. With this, the goal is to maintain that connection throughout the entire swing.
How to solve it? We can reach one of the conclusions that the Arm Lock putter grip benefits players who tend to move their wrists a lot when putting. By keeping your forearm in complete and permanent contact with the club, the movement of your wrist is significantly reduced. And here comes a fascinating fact: with this, the putter is more aligned with the rotation of your shoulders.
Where can I buy an Arm Lock Putter? Or can I adjust my own putter?
Currently, an Arm Lock Putter can be purchased at any golf store, either in person or online. But take note: you will not find it in a golf clubs deals sale. Our recommendation when buying an Arm Lock Putter is to do it in person, so you can test the length, support, grip and loft of the club, together with the advice of a professional.
The Arm Lock Putter revolution has generated different trends. More and more golfers want to adjust their own putter to the format of an Arm Lock Putter. If you wish, you can make the changes to any putter you have and test it out. It is always good to remember that a golfer’s putter, grip, and technical characteristics are part of personal preference. It must feel right. At the end of the day, every golfer knows what works best for his game. If you are looking to try and re-create your own putter, check out this easy to use arm lock grip on Amazon.
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