What's that about?

[effayjay]

Just watched last weeks PGA on CNBC and noticed some of the players placing their left hand on their left thigh whilst setting the putter behind the ball with their right hand.

Noticed some "look at me low handicapper" types doing it yesterday. Is it supposed to help or are they just taking the elite golf mimicking to another level?

 

[One Planer]

Just watched last weeks PGA on CNBC and noticed some of the players placing their left hand on their left thigh whilst setting the putter behind the ball with their right hand.

Noticed some "look at me low handicapper" types doing it yesterday. Is it supposed to help or are they just taking the elite golf mimicking to another level?

I've done this for years and I'm far from elite.

Helps me keep my shoulder square before placing my hand on the grip.

 

[Alex1975]

I've done this for years and I'm far from elite.

Helps me keep my shoulder square before placing my hand on the grip.

You "look at me low handicapper" types make me sick

 

[backwoodsman]

I've done this for years and I'm far from elite.

Helps me keep my shoulder square before placing my hand on the grip.

Next question ... How does it help keep shoulders square?

 

[garyinderry]

Danny willet is doing it.

Playing in an hour myself. Definitely taking this to the course. Anything to make me "look'' like a better player. Lol

 

[Three]

Noticed some "look at me low handicapper" types doing it yesterday. Is it supposed to help or are they just taking the elite golf mimicking to another level?

Certainly placing the putter down with the right hand only may have some merit for some players.

But deliberately putting the left hand on the left thigh? Seems rather affected. Or is it effected?

 

[One Planer]

Next question ... How does it help keep shoulders square?

(For me) I have a nasty habit of closing my shoulders when playing this game.

By setting up square and keeping my left hand in my thigh it keeps my lead shoulder square. I then take my grip confident my shoulders are in correct alignment.

I also do it with every other club at address to ensure my shoulders aren't closed.

Works for me :thup:

 

[effayjay]

I think the word you're looking for, is "daft".

 

[One Planer]

I think the word you're looking for, is "daft".

Why?

 

[backwoodsman]

(For me) I have a nasty habit of closing my shoulders when playing this game.

By setting up square and keeping my left hand in my thigh it keeps my lead shoulder square. I then take my grip confident my shoulders are in correct alignment.

I also do it with every other club at address to ensure my shoulders aren't closed.

Works for me :thup:

Fair enough.

(Just that I'm b*ggered if l know whether I'm set up square in the first place)

 

[effayjay]

Why?

I was referring to the affectation alluded to by Three. Pretentious nonsense designed to impress upon others your supposed flair for the game of golf. Not aimed at you as you have explained your reasons for this unusual behaviour.

 

[Bunkermagnet]

Does it matter what you do when you set up to putt?
When I approach the ball having sorted the line I often spin the putter in my right hand twice, then wipe my fingers across the blade bottom with my left hand. Just the way I have always done it.

 

[Three]

I was referring to the affectation alluded to by Three. Pretentious nonsense designed to impress upon others your supposed flair for the game of golf. Not aimed at you as you have explained your reasons for this unusual behaviour.

Yeah absolutely agree.

If it's a quick routine that has a specific outcome, eg aligns you well, then fair play, no problem.

I was just imagining the guys watching TV and placing their fingers on their thigh, touching their cap, tugging their collar etc etc, just because they'd seen it on TV.

Alignment is crucial, and massively overlooked often, so anything that gets it right is good.

 

[Three]

Does it matter what you do when you set up to putt?
When I approach the ball having sorted the line I often spin the putter in my right hand twice, then wipe my fingers across the blade bottom with my left hand. Just the way I have always done it.

I don't know when exactly I do it, but at some stage I spin the putter round too, have just been doing it since I was an official kid without realising.

I only found out I do it when it flew out my hand and landed on the ball a couple years ago.....

 

[One Planer]

I was referring to the affectation alluded to by Three. Pretentious nonsense designed to impress upon others your supposed flair for the game of golf. Not aimed at you as you have explained your reasons for this unusual behaviour.

Apologies bud :thup:

 

[harpo_72]

I think you may find they are making sure that the head of the putter is on the target line. If you set the putter up in your left hand and then take your right hand and grip it some times closes the head or misaligns it. Where as vice versa the head stays aligned. I don't rest my left hand on my thigh by the way, it at the top of my putter.

 

[Backsticks]

Its servers no practical function, but those doing it are following the natural instinct to ape those who are successful or leaders. It is an innate evolutionary trait, developed to help us survive by copying those who are succeeding. Unfortunately, it is so strong that it sometimes overpowers reason. People following fashions, celebrities, hip words or accents of those deemed achievers for this reason, even when only the superficial elements - buying the latest Nike driver or shirt even though it wont make you drive like Rory. Our brains dont really see the difference.
Similar with this putting kick. Some coach or player came up with it as a gimmick. It spreads among pros searching for some putting edge, whether really successful or not.
Amateurs see the pros do it on TV. And cant help themselves from imitating it. However silly they look to others.