Phil Kenyon Putting: 7 Leading Tips from a True Master
Phil Kenyon is one of the most highly regarded putting coaches in the world, known for his scientific approach to the art of putting. Over the years, he has worked with numerous professional golfers, including some of the biggest names in the sport, helping them refine their putting strokes and improve their performances on the greens.
One of the most notable players he has worked with is current World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler. Through his coaching and expert advice, Kenyon has helped many golfers unlock their putting potential, with his emphasis on technique, consistency, and a strong mental game.
Who is Phil Kenyon?
Phil Kenyon is a British golf instructor with a passion for putting. He has worked as a putting coach for over two decades, establishing himself as one of the leading experts in the field.
Kenyon has built a reputation for his data-driven, scientific approach to putting instruction, combining biomechanics, physics, and psychology to help golfers improve their performance on the greens.
Kenyon’s work spans across the entire spectrum of golfers, from amateurs to Tour professionals, and his results speak for themselves. He is widely regarded as one of the best in the business, thanks to his ability to break down the complexities of putting and tailor his coaching to the individual needs of each golfer.
His teaching philosophy is grounded in his belief that putting is a skill that can be developed through practice and understanding of the mechanics of the stroke.
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Notable Players Phil Kenyon Works With
Phil Kenyon has had the privilege of working with several top professional golfers throughout his career, with one of the most notable partnerships being with Scottie Scheffler. Scheffler, who became World No. 1 in 2022, is known for his exceptional ball-striking ability, but it was Kenyon’s guidance that helped Scheffler sharpen his putting skills, turning a perceived weakness into a strength.
Kenyon has also worked with other notable players on the PGA Tour, including some major champions and rising stars. Among them are:
- Henrik Stenson: The 2016 Open Champion, known for his precision and consistency on the greens, benefited from Kenyon’s putting instruction.
- Matt Fitzpatrick: The 2022 U.S. Open champion has also sought Kenyon’s expertise, improving his putting technique in preparation for major tournaments.
- Lee Westwood: A stalwart of European golf, Westwood has worked with Kenyon to improve his putting, especially when it comes to consistency over long putts.
Kenyon has worked with golfers from different backgrounds and skill levels, but his ability to simplify complex putting concepts has made him a go-to coach for Tour players who want to improve their short game.
Key Teaching Points of Phil Kenyon’s Putting Philosophy
Phil Kenyon’s approach to putting is based on a few fundamental principles that form the backbone of his coaching. His teachings are rooted in biomechanical understanding and psychological factors that can influence a golfer’s putting performance.
Below are some of the key points he emphasizes when teaching putting:
1. Set-up and Alignment
Kenyon stresses that the foundation of a good putting stroke starts with proper alignment. He emphasizes that many golfers struggle with their putting because their bodies and putters are misaligned at address. According to Kenyon, an improper setup can lead to inconsistent strokes and poor performance on the greens.
He encourages golfers to focus on their alignment by paying attention to the position of their eyes, hands, feet, and shoulders relative to the target line. He also recommends using visual aids like alignment rods to help golfers establish a consistent and accurate setup for every putt.
2. The Role of the Hands and Arms
One of Kenyon’s main teaching points revolves around the role of the hands and arms during the putting stroke. He believes that the hands should act as passive controllers, while the arms play an active role in making the stroke.
The hands should not dominate the stroke but should work in harmony with the rest of the body to create a smooth and stable motion.
In terms of mechanics, Kenyon stresses the importance of a firm grip on the putter without being tense. A relaxed grip allows the hands and arms to work together, minimizing tension and promoting a smoother stroke.
He also places emphasis on keeping the putter’s face square to the target line throughout the stroke, which is vital for achieving consistent results.
3. The Stroke Path
Kenyon is a firm believer in the concept of a consistent stroke path. He teaches that the ideal putting stroke follows a straight-back, straight-through path, with minimal arc. He advises against a strong arc in the stroke, as this can lead to inconsistencies and difficulties in controlling the ball.
To achieve a straight-back, straight-through stroke, Kenyon encourages golfers to keep their hands and arms working in sync with their body. He suggests using alignment aids like mirrors or laser devices to check the stroke path and ensure that it remains consistent throughout the entire putting stroke.
4. Creating Consistent Rhythm
Kenyon highlights the importance of creating a consistent rhythm when putting. He believes that golfers should focus on creating a smooth, repeatable tempo that enables them to strike the ball cleanly and with precision.
Many golfers struggle with putting due to inconsistent tempo, which can lead to mis-hits and poor results.
Kenyon often encourages players to focus on developing a natural, fluid rhythm that feels comfortable. He warns against overthinking the stroke or trying to force the ball into the hole.
Instead, he advocates for a relaxed, rhythmic motion that allows for better control and accuracy.
5. Reading the Greens
Kenyon’s expertise is not just limited to mechanics; he also teaches his students how to read greens effectively. Understanding the slope, grain, and speed of the greens is crucial to successful putting, and Kenyon stresses the importance of having a clear mental map of the green before hitting the putt.
Kenyon’s approach to green reading combines visual clues with an understanding of how the ball behaves on different types of surfaces. He teaches golfers to take note of the overall slope of the green, how the grain may affect the ball’s roll, and how speed will influence the break of the putt.
By combining all these elements, golfers can make more informed decisions about their putts and improve their chances of sinking them.
6. Mental Approach and Confidence
In addition to technical skills, Kenyon places a strong emphasis on the mental aspect of putting. He believes that a confident mindset is essential for success on the greens.
He encourages golfers to approach putting with a calm and focused attitude, avoiding unnecessary stress or tension.
Kenyon also teaches his students the importance of having a routine. A pre-putt routine helps golfers build confidence and focus, ensuring that they approach each putt with the same level of concentration and commitment.
By establishing a solid routine, golfers can eliminate distractions and perform more consistently under pressure.
7. The Importance of Practice
Kenyon’s philosophy on practice is straightforward: putting improvement requires regular, focused practice. He recommends that golfers spend time not only on making putts but also on developing their stroke mechanics and green-reading abilities.
He believes in practicing with purpose, using drills that target specific areas of the putting stroke that need improvement.
Some of the drills Kenyon suggests include:
- The Gate Drill: This drill helps golfers work on their stroke path and alignment. It involves setting up two alignment rods or tees just wider than the putter’s head to create a “gate” through which the putter must pass. This helps ensure that the stroke stays on the correct path and the putter face remains square.
- The Distance Control Drill: This drill focuses on developing feel and consistency with different putting distances. It involves placing balls at varying distances from the hole and trying to get them as close as possible. This helps golfers develop a better sense of speed and control on the greens.
- The Pressure Putt Drill: This drill simulates pressure situations by setting up a series of putts that must be made in a particular order. It helps golfers build confidence and focus under pressure, improving their performance during real rounds.
Conclusion
Phil Kenyon’s impact on the world of putting instruction cannot be overstated. His approach to coaching is comprehensive, scientific, and tailored to the needs of each individual golfer.
From Tour professionals like Scottie Scheffler to weekend golfers, Kenyon’s methods have helped countless players improve their putting and lower their scores.
Through his focus on proper alignment, stroke mechanics, rhythm, green reading, and mental approach, Kenyon has revolutionized the way golfers approach putting. His dedication to the art of putting and his ability to simplify complex techniques have made him one of the most sought-after putting coaches in the world.
Whether you are an aspiring professional or an avid amateur, following Phil Kenyon’s tips and techniques can help you take your putting to the next level.
