Understanding your putting stroke arc
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I often get asked what is the best arc for the putting stroke. Is it a slight arc, a more exaggerated one or a straight back and through motion? We all have our own slight tendencies and it isn’t the case that any one is better than the others. However, it is important not to get too far outside or too far inside the line. A good way to self-diagnose the arc of your stroke is to set up a straight line with a piece of string over the top of your putter. Hit a few putts and observe what your putter head does relative to the string. Your PGA pro will also be able to help you determine your putting arc.
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If your stroke comes too much from the inside, as in the bottom photo here, you will find it more difficult to square the face at impact. A push to the right will be your most likely miss. With the opposite problem – your putter starts back too far outside the line (top right) – you’re likely to pull putts. 3
Once you’re comfortable with your stroke and know what arc it has, it’s vital you match your putter to your stroke. My Taylormade TP Patina Collection putter is heel-balanced – the toe hangs down when you balance it on a finger. My stroke is a bit more in-to-in and it helps me to square the face up.