Open Stance Putting: Is it Right for You?
Struggling on the greens? Maybe it’s short-term back luck. Or, maybe it’s time for a change.
If you’ve never tried open stance putting, this article will help you decide whether it may be the right move for you! Read on for the pros, cons, and everything in between.
Most golfers walk up to a putt the same way they were taught years ago: square stance, shoulders parallel, eyes hovering right over the ball. It’s the standard setup, the one you’ll find in beginner tips, lesson books, and probably from your local pro. It feels safe. It feels correct. And honestly, for a lot of players, it works just fine.
But golf has a funny way of reminding us that there’s rarely only one right answer. Watch enough tour golf, and you’ll notice that some of the best putters in history — Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Jordan Spieth — didn’t always follow the “by-the-book” setup. Instead, they pulled that front foot back, opened up their stance just a touch, and rolled putts with confidence.
That naturally begs the question: should you experiment with open stance putting, too? For some golfers, the answer is yes — it can free up the stroke, make aiming easier, and even feel more comfortable on the body. For others, sticking with square is the more reliable path. The key is figuring out where you fall, and that’s what we’re going to unpack here.
What ‘Open Stance Putting’ Really Means
An open putting stance simply means your lead foot (left foot for right-handers) is set slightly back from the target line so your body points a bit left of the hole.
Your putter face still points exactly where you want the ball to go — you’re just giving your body a different angle to stand at. The change might be subtle, with only a couple inches of lead foot movement, or more pronounced, with your whole body noticeably rotated open.
Here’s a quick visual breakdown:
| Stance Type | Feet Alignment | Shoulder Alignment | Eye Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Square | Parallel to target line | Parallel to target line | Over or just inside ball |
| Slightly Open | Lead foot back a few inches | Slightly open to target line | Often directly over ball |
| Fully Open | Significant lead foot & hip back | Clearly open to target line | Often slightly outside ball |
Why Golfers Give the Open Stance a Try
There are a few reasons a player might pull that front foot back:
1. Seeing the Line More Clearly
Opening your body changes your head and eye position. Many golfers find it easier to track the putt’s start line when their head is rotated slightly, giving them a better visual of the hole and the break.
Putting coach Stan Utley puts it this way:
“Sometimes you can’t see the target line because your setup is in the way. Opening the stance moves your body out of the picture and lets your eyes do the work.”
2. Freeing Up the Stroke
If you use a natural arc stroke — where the putter swings slightly inside on the backswing, squares at impact, and returns inside after — an open stance can remove the feeling of your lead hip “blocking” the path.
Dave Stockton, two-time PGA Champion, says:
“Opening up allows the putter to flow naturally. You’re giving yourself more room to swing without forcing it.”
3. Comfort for Your Body
Sometimes it’s not about stroke mechanics at all. If a square stance leaves you feeling locked up in the shoulders or strained in the lower back, a small open adjustment can make putting feel much more relaxed.
The Possible Downsides
Of course, changing your setup has its risks.
| Potential Drawback | Why It Happens | Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Misalignment | Easier to accidentally aim left | Use an alignment mirror in practice |
| Distance Control Issues | Over-rotating shoulders affects speed | Work with gate drills for face control |
| Eye Position Changes | Can cause misreads if inconsistent | Mark ball spot and check eye line regularly |
Is It Right for You?
You might benefit from experimenting with open stance putting if you:
- Tend to push short putts
- Have trouble seeing your line clearly
- Feel restricted in a square stance
- Use a slight arc stroke
It might not be the right move if:
- You’re already putting consistently with a square stance
- You use a straight-back, straight-through stroke
- You rely on a perfectly square visual setup for confidence
Step-by-Step Guide to Open Stance Putting: Without Wrecking Your Stroke
1. Start Small
Don’t go full Michelle Wie overnight. Move your lead foot back just 2–3 inches and keep your shoulders almost square.
2. Check Your Alignment with a Mirror
A putting alignment mirror like the Eyeline Putting Mirror or PuttOUT Mirror is perfect here. It shows you if your putter face, shoulders, and eyes are where you think they are.
3. Use the Gate Drill for Face Control
Place two tees just wider than your putter head about a foot in front of the ball. This forces you to deliver the face square no matter how your stance looks.
Aid to Try: PuttOUT Putting Gate — adjustable widths help with different putter styles.
4. Ladder Drill for Distance
Set tees at 3, 6, 9, and 12 feet. Hit three balls to each target, focusing only on matching pace, not making the putt. This helps keep speed control sharp as you adapt.
5. Track Your Results
Keep a simple record of:
- Make percentage inside 6 feet
- First putt leave distance on long putts
- 3-putt avoidance
If numbers improve over a month, you might have found your new go-to stance.
Comparing Square vs. Open Stance
| Factor | Square Stance | Open Stance |
|---|---|---|
| Line Visualization | Good | Excellent |
| Stroke Freedom | Moderate | Excellent |
| Face Control Potential | Excellent | Good–Excellent |
| Best for Arc Stroke | Good | Excellent |
| Best for Straight Stroke | Excellent | Fair |
| Comfort for Stiff Body | Fair | Excellent |
Notable Players Who’ve Used It
- Jack Nicklaus – Slightly open, upright posture for better vision
- Jordan Spieth – Subtle open stance, left-hand-low grip
- Arnold Palmer – More pronounced open stance to release shoulders
- Michelle Wie West – Extreme open stance to ease back stress
The Bottom Line
The open putting stance isn’t a shortcut to draining every putt, but it’s a legitimate option for players who want a clearer view, a freer stroke, or a more comfortable setup.
If you decide to try it, start small, use feedback tools, and give yourself a few weeks before passing judgment. With the right adjustments and some practice, you may find that opening up just a little is the key to closing out more holes.
Popular Related Questions
- Is open stance putting better for short putts?
- Does an open stance work with a straight-back stroke?
- What putters are best for open stance putting?
