Putting Tips & Techniques

What’s the Right Length of Your Backswing in Putting?

By puttmasterPublished 3 min read

Transform Your Putting Game

Putting is often considered one of the most crucial aspects of golf, and yet many players struggle to find consistency on the greens.

In a recent discussion, professional golfer Brad Faxon shared a transformative tip he received from the legendary Ben Crenshaw during his early days on the PGA Tour.

This advice not only changed Faxon’s putting statistics but also offers valuable insights for golfers at all levels.

The Unconventional Advice

In the late 1980s, when Faxon was still finding his footing on the PGA Tour, he encountered Ben Crenshaw, a two-time Masters champion known for his exceptional putting skills. Crenshaw’s advice was surprising and counterintuitive:

“When I putt, I try to make my backswing longer than my follow-through.”

This statement challenges the conventional wisdom that golfers should take the club back low, slow, and short before accelerating through the ball.

Understanding the Technique

Crenshaw’s technique emphasizes the importance of a longer backswing. According to him, this approach allows for a more controlled and deliberate strike on the ball. By extending the backswing, golfers can create a smoother transition into the putt, which can lead to better distance control.

Key Points of the Technique:

  • Longer Backswing: The backswing should be longer than the follow-through, which is contrary to what many golfers have been taught.
  • Controlled Acceleration: This method allows for a more measured acceleration through the ball, reducing the tendency to overswing.
  • Symmetry in the Stroke: Maintaining symmetry in the putting stroke is crucial. The putter should be taken back to a designated point (like a tee) and then followed through with a shorter motion.

Practical Application

To implement this technique, Faxon suggests practicing with a couple of tees set up to guide the stroke. Here’s how to practice:

  1. Set Up Tees: Place tees at the desired points to help visualize the backswing and follow-through.
  2. Focus on the Backswing: As you practice, concentrate on making your backswing longer while keeping the follow-through short.
  3. Observe Results: Pay attention to how this adjustment affects your distance control and overall putting performance.

Benefits of the Technique

By adopting this unique approach, golfers can expect several benefits:

  • Improved Distance Control: A longer backswing can lead to better feel and control over longer putts.
  • Enhanced Consistency: This method can help reduce the variability often seen in amateur putting strokes.
  • Greater Confidence: As golfers become more consistent, their confidence on the greens will naturally increase.

Conclusion

Ben Crenshaw’s unconventional putting tip offers a fresh perspective on improving one’s game. By focusing on making the backswing longer than the follow-through, golfers can enhance their distance control and overall putting performance.

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned player, incorporating this technique into your practice routine could lead to significant improvements on the greens. Embrace the change and watch your putting game transform.

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