Arm-Lock Putting Technique Explained

Here are some key considerations for Arm-Lock Putting. Remember, there is not a right or wrong way to putt...but here are a few things we find most helpful!

 
Q: How do I hold the AL Series (AL2 & CVTR) grips? Where should my hands be? How do I putt with this grip? (For left-handed golfers, reverse)

A: While we recommend this hand grip position, each golfer can personally adapt this technique to what feels most comfortable to them

• Grasp and hold the putter firmly with your left hand near the bottom of the grip so that the top of your grip does not extend past your elbow joint.
• “Lock” the putter against your left forearm to secure it in place.
• Gently grasp the putter with your right hand anywhere on the grip that is comfortable for you. For most golfers, this is just about where their left hand is. It’s completely up to the golfer and personal preference.

 Q: Should my forearm be aligned to the flat side of the grip?

• For RX Series Grips, we recommend your forearm be aligned to the left side of the grip (or right side for left-handed golfers) with the logo facing the ball. Based on personal preference, this could be adjusted as you so desire.
• For AL Series Grips, the grip must be installed as described above, so the shaft bore provides the necessary loft correction and negates the de-lofting due to the player “locking” the grip against their forearm.

Q: Explain the ARM-LOCK AL Series Technique and proper Putting Form. (For left-handed golfers, reverse)

A: While this is our recommended putting technique, each golfer can personally adapt this technique to what feels most comfortable.

• Approach the ball and center it in your stance. You should be comfortable with your eyes directly over the ball.
• Grasp and hold the putter firmly with your left hand near the bottom of the grip so that the top of your grip does not extend past your elbow joint. The further your hold the putter down the shaft, the more Counter Balanced the stroke will be.
• When you look over the grip and straight down, the “Face” of the putter should appear as just a blade. You are looking at the “loft” of the putter, which should be maintained throughout your swing. See below for drills to practice adjusting the loft based on your grip.
• “Lock” the putter against your left forearm to secure it in place. Keep the shaft locked on your forearm throughout your swing.
• Gently grasp the putter with your right hand anywhere on the grip that is comfortable for you. For most golfers, this is just about where their left hand is. It’s completely up to the golfer and personal preference.
• During the putt, the left arm becomes dominant and is the only power driver for the club. Pay special attention not to allow your right hand to adjust the swing plane or speed of the swing. “Lock” your right hand to the grip to prevent this.
• When you’re ready, look directly at the ball - there is no need to look behind or in front of the ball.
• Putt! “Lock” and rotate only your shoulders in a smooth, swift backward motion without moving or adjusting your hands or wrists to complete your putt. The grip should stay firmly secured against your left forearm during the entire forward and backward motion of the putt. You’ll notice the putter has gone backward and forwards with the putter head first as your hands follow. Strike the ball in the center of the putter face, and be sure to follow through your putt.
• Congratulations, you just completed your first ARM-LOCK GOLF Putt!

Q: How should I hold the putter at address?

A: The putter and grip at address should be just about straight up and down or slightly forward based on personal preference with you looking straight down the grip and the shaft. Do not forward press or lean the club considerably forward. Approach the ball and center it in your stance. You should be straight up and down with your eyes directly over the ball.

Q: Do I need to forward press or lean the club?

A: Not needed! The grip accounts for the extra increase in the loft from locking it against your forearm and negating the “de-lofting” that occurs when you lock it against your forearm. The putter and grip should be just about straight up and down (or slightly forward based on personal preference) with you looking straight down the grip and the shaft. You should NOT forward press the club like “Traditional” Arm Lock putters as this will de-loft your putter and send the ball into the ground instead of rolling across the green.

Q: Yikes! What happens if my form breaks down at the time of impact, and the loft of the club is too little or too much?

A: Bad news - if the ball does not have enough loft at the time of impact, the golfer will send the ball straight into the groundhopping across the green. Apply too much loft, and the ball will launch up and across the green before starting to roll. Having the right amount of loft is critical so that the ball starts to roll as quickly as possible across the green. It’s easy to simulate this on any putter to see what we’re talking about - try this out and see for yourself by purposely applying too little or too much at home!