The Unspoken Golf Terms

There are certain terms that golfers prefer to avoid when discussing their game, particularly the words "shanks" and "yips." Both of these terms can evoke fear among players, yet they are often manageable with the right approach.

The putting yips are typically linked to involuntary movements or excessive nervousness at the moment of impact. While various coaching aids are available, most emphasize the importance of utilizing larger muscle groups, such as the shoulders and arms, during the putting stroke, while minimizing unnecessary wrist movements.

Modifications to the putter can also assist in addressing these issues. Options include thicker grips, wrist-lock or Armlock grips, and alterations in putter styles and strokes. Techniques that help reduce excessive wrist movement or twitches include the left-hand-low grip (for right-handed golfers), the claw or the arm-lock grip. Many elite PGA players have adopted unconventional putting grips to achieve a more consistent stroke, such as Ryan Fox with the arm-lock grip, Jordan Spieth with the left-hand-low grip, and Lydia Ko, who uses a left-hand-low grip for shorter putts but reverts to a conventional grip for longer ones.

Additionally, there is a variety of putters available that can help ensure a square clubface at impact, which is crucial for a smooth roll towards the hole. Traditional blade-style putters often have a toe bias that favours an arcing stroke, while mallet-style putters are typically face-balanced, promoting a straight-back, straight-through putting style that many find easier to control. Newer models, such as the Square to Square putter and along with the innovative L.A.B. (Lie Angle Balance) putters, are designed to help return the clubface to a square position and are gaining popularity among professionals and players globally. Odyssey and Scotty Cameron have recently introduced longer counterbalanced putters designed to facilitate a smoother putting stroke. Among the more unconventional putting techniques, the return of the broomstick-style putters has gained traction, particularly among PGA professionals such as Bernhard Langer and Adam Scott, as a means to help manage the putting yips.

For players who exhibit excessive wrist movement during their stroke, it may be beneficial to reassess fundamental aspects such as grip style, putter length, weight, and overall technique. Addressing the yips often requires significant adjustments to break free from a cycle of diminished confidence. A recent coaching success involved a struggling player who we transitioned from right-handed to left-handed putting stroke and putter. This change allowed him remove the imbalance with his dominant right hand, effectively eliminating involuntary wrist movements at impact. Another student shifted from a conventional putter to a left-hand low grip combined with a heavier lie and balance putter, which has also shown him promising results.

It is crucial not to feel discouraged if you experience the yips, as numerous solutions are available. Seeking assistance can set you on the path to regaining your proficiency as a putter.