Travis Fulton: The five lines of putting

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The goal in putting is quite simple -- get the ball in the hole. There is no question that many different styles are possible in trying to do this.

All you have to do is turn the TV on and watch the PGA TOUR players of today, and you will see some very creative things. However, the majority of the TOUR players today still look very conventional.

Whether you are trying some different styles or just the basic conventional look, there are some similarities between them all. These similarities make up the fundamentals of putting which makes it easier to hit putts squarely ensuring the proper roll.

I generally like to begin with building the proper setup first. Much like the golf swing, this will ensure a solid foundation to be built upon.

The proper putting stoke will be easier to achieve from the proper setup. It is important to understand that the proper putting stroke is one that moves on an arc - not a straight line. However, I want this arc to be natural -- and one that you don't have to think about.

It is best to create an environment where you can be instinctive rather then mechanical. This will allow for better feel and distance control, resulting into more made putts as well as minimal three-putts.

Proper Setup

The putter head needs to achieve its natural arc to perform properly.

Putting begins like all other shots in golf at the setup position. Setup to the ball properly, and you have a better chance to hit the ball squarely and be instinctive on the golf course.

I will break the set-up down into the "five lines" at address. Not only do these lines secure the proper setup position, but they will also allow you to be fit for the proper length of putter as well. The five lines at address are, as followed:

1. The putter shaft in line with the forearms

It is important that the putter shaft is on the same plane of the forearms. This will allow the arms and putter shaft to move together and consistently within the stroke. To achieve this alignment, you must grip the putter more through the palms -- not the fingers.

2. The hands positioned directly under the shoulder line

To do this, you must bow forward from the hips, allowing the upper body to face the ground. This will allow the hands to sit under the shoulder line and clear of the body. It is recommended that you have a slight amount of elbow bend and no tension in the arms or hands.

3. The eyes should come to rest over the golf ball

Once you have bowed forward from the hips, secure the positioning of the eyes over the golf ball. It will be easier to see the line with your eyes on that line or just to the inside of the target line.

4. The weight should be balanced on the middle of the feet

Once your eyes are over the golf ball, you then want to position your feet the correct distance from the golf ball so your weight is felt in the middle of the feet. If you stand to close to the ball then your weight will be on the heels.

Conversely, if you're too far from the golf ball, your weight will be on your toes.

5. The putter shaft should be 90 degrees to the ground

I don't recommend that you lean the putter shaft forward or back at address. This will change the built-in loft of the putter. At 90 degrees to the ground, your putter face will have roughly four degrees of loft which is needed for the proper roll.

If you like to lean the putter shaft forward at address, then you will need to add loft to your putter face in the same amount you lean the putter shaft forward.

As I mentioned before, the putting stroke is one that moves on an arc. Achieving these five lines at address will allow for this to happen a lot easier. Although the arc is small, it can be very apparent to some people due to the efforts of trying to keep the putter head straight back to straight through.

We often get caught up in the gossip of rocking the shoulders, which results into this poor putter head path. Regardless the situation, the putter head needs to achieve its natural arc, and these five lines at address will only promote it.

At 90 degrees to the ground, your putter face will have roughly four degrees of loft, which is needed for the proper roll.