Matt Kuchar uses one of the more unique putting strokes on the PGA Tour. That stroke picked up its second win of the year Sunday as he outlasted the field to win by two at the Memorial.
Not only was Kuchar second in the field in strokes gained-putting, but he also led the field in greens hit in regulation.
For a little extra icing on the cake, he drained a 20-footer on the 72nd hole when needing only two putts for the victory.
Kuchar’s putting stroke is different in that he uses a longer putter than normal and anchors the grip to his lead forearm, a move that will remain legal even after the USGA bans anchoring.
The advantages to this hybrid anchor are many, however, reducing the role of the trailing hand is the primary reason for all anchoring.
As the putter approaches the ball for impact, the trailing hand subconsciously wants to deliver a “hit” to the ball instead of completing a natural pendulum.
The “hit” mentality of the trailing hand (right hand for right-handed golfers) is the root cause of putting’s No. 1 enemy; the yips.
Kuchar’s stroke is certainly one way you can legally reduce the role of the trailing hand. Here are a few other suggestions to help guard against yips:
• When using a conventional grip, grip the club slightly firmer in your lead hand than the trailing hand. This will activate the lead hand to be in control during the stroke, helping to reduce extra wrist movement through impact.
• Go with the “left hand low” or lead hand low grip. I’ve had several students of mine experience great success in their putting by simply switching hands on the club. It’s a completely different feel, but again makes it much easier to allow the lead hand to be in charge of the stroke.
