On driving ranges around the world and on the PGA Tour, everyone is working on getting them. It makes sense: Getting the club in the right position as the shaft reaches parallel to the ground is critical. It sets you up to avoid mistakes like swinging the club too far in and setting it out (left-pointing shaft) or crossing the line (right-pointing shaft) when you reach the top.
Easy fix: Making a great putter—and by that I mean holding the clubhead in front of you with the clubhead in line with your hands once the shaft is parallel to the ground—is to create a little upward pressure on the grip as you drive back.
Practice by moving back with just your grip hand on the club and using the index finger of your trail hand to add some upward pressure to the grip. Even a little upward force when starting backwards will make all the difference in the world.
Brian Manzella is one GOLF Top 100 Teachers who teaches at English Turn Golf & CC in New Orleans, La.
