Arc vs. Straight Back Straight Through Putting: Which Style Reigns Supreme?

The quest for the perfect putting stroke is a journey every golfer embarks on, often fraught with frustration and fleeting moments of brilliance. At the heart of this journey lies a fundamental question: should you swing the putter on an arc, or take it straight back and straight through? This debate, pitting the arc against the straight back straight through (SBST) method, has divided golfers and instructors for decades. Let's delve into the nuances of each technique, examining their pros, cons, and the factors that might make one style more suitable for your game.

Understanding the Two Putting Styles

The Arc Putting Stroke: Embracing the Natural Flow

The arc putting stroke operates on the principle that the putter head should naturally follow a slight arc, both on the backswing and through-swing. This approach aligns with the body's natural biomechanics, as the shoulders rotate around the spine, causing the putter to swing slightly inside the target line on the way back, square up at impact, and then move slightly inside again on the follow-through.

Characteristics of an Arc Putting Stroke:

• Putter moves slightly inside the target line on the backswing.
• Face naturally opens slightly on the backswing and closes on the follow-through.
• Relies on body rotation and natural arm swing.
• Often favored by golfers who prefer a more feel-based approach.

The Straight Back Straight Through (SBST) Putting Stroke: Precision and Control

The SBST putting stroke, as the name suggests, aims to keep the putter head moving directly back and directly through on the target line. This method emphasizes minimizing face rotation and maintaining a square putter face throughout the stroke. It champions a more mechanical, controlled motion, often relying on the larger muscles of the shoulders and arms to guide the putter.

Characteristics of a Straight Back Straight Through Putting Stroke:

• Putter moves directly back on the target line.
• Putter face remains square to the target throughout the stroke.
• Relies on shoulder and arm movement to maintain a consistent path.
• Often favored by golfers who prefer a more technical approach.

Pros and Cons: A Detailed Comparison

Each putting style offers distinct advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these can help you determine which might better suit your individual tendencies and strengths.

Arc Putting: Advantages and Drawbacks

Pros:

• Natural Motion: Mimics the natural arc of the body's rotation, potentially leading to a more fluid and repeatable stroke.
• Distance Control: The natural flow can promote better feel for distance, especially on longer putts.
• Reduced Tension: Encourages a relaxed grip and swing, minimizing tension and promoting consistency.

Cons:

• Timing Sensitivity: Requires precise timing to square the putter face at impact. Even slight mis-timing can produce significant errors.
• Complexity: The subtle movements can be challenging to master and maintain under pressure.
• Inconsistency Risk: The reliance on feel can lead to inconsistency if not properly practiced and maintained.

Straight Back Straight Through: Advantages and Drawbacks

Pros:

• Simplicity: The linear motion is easier to understand and execute, making it appealing to beginners.
• Consistency: The emphasis on a square face and controlled movement can lead to greater consistency, especially on shorter putts.
• Reduced Face Rotation: Minimizing face rotation reduces the risk of off-center hits and directional errors.

Cons:

• Unnatural Motion: Can feel forced or unnatural to some golfers, potentially leading to tension and stiffness.
• Distance Control Challenges: Generating proper distance control can be more difficult, particularly on longer putts.
• Reliance on Mechanics: Over-focusing on mechanics can hinder feel and intuition, negatively impacting performance under pressure.

Factors Influencing Putting Style Choice

The best putting style is subjective and depends on several individual factors:

• Natural Tendencies: Pay attention to your natural swing path. Do you naturally swing on an arc, or do you tend to move the putter straight back?
• Putting Stroke Mechanics: Analyze your current stroke. Is face rotation a problem? Do you struggle with distance control?
• Feel vs. Technical Preference: Are you a feel player who relies on intuition, or do you prefer a more technical, analytical approach?
• Putter Design: Some putter designs are better suited for certain stroke types. For example, face-balanced putters are often recommended for SBST strokes, while heel-toe weighted putters are typically favored for arc strokes.
• Green Speed and Break: Consider the types of courses you typically play. Fast, undulating greens might favor one style over another.

How to Determine Which Putting Style is Right for You

Experimentation is key to finding the putting style that maximizes your performance. Here’s a structured approach:

1. Record Your Current Stroke: Use a video camera to record your putting stroke from various angles. Analyze your stroke path, face rotation, and overall mechanics.
2. Practice Both Styles: Dedicate time to practicing both the arc and SBST putting strokes. Focus on proper technique and feel.
3. Use Putting Drills: Employ drills that emphasize specific aspects of each style. For example, use a gate drill to practice a straight back, straight through stroke, or alignment sticks to groove an arced path.
4. Track Your Performance: Keep detailed records of your putting statistics while practicing each style. Track your putts made from various distances, your average putting distance, and your overall score.
5. Seek Professional Guidance: Consult with a qualified golf instructor who can assess your stroke and provide personalized recommendations.

Common Putting Drills for Arc and Straight Back Straight Through Strokes

Specific putting drills can help you refine the arc or SBST stroke, enhancing accuracy and consistency.

Drills for the Arc Putting Stroke:

• Alignment Stick Drill: Place two alignment sticks parallel to each other, forming a narrow channel that curves slightly. Practice swinging the putter along the arc of the channel.
• Metronome Drill: Use a metronome to establish a consistent tempo for your backswing and through-swing. This promotes a smooth, rhythmic arc.
• Clock Drill: Visualize a clock face around the ball. Practice swinging the putter back to 8 o'clock and through to 4 o'clock, maintaining a consistent arc.

Drills for the Straight Back Straight Through Putting Stroke:

• Gate Drill: Place two tees or alignment sticks a few inches apart, forming a gate just in front of the ball. Practice swinging the putter straight back and straight through the gate.
• Mirror Drill: Practice putting in front of a mirror to monitor your stroke path and ensure the putter is moving straight back and straight through.
• Chalk Line Drill: Draw a straight line on the ground and practice aligning your putter face and stroke path along the line.

The Role of Putter Design

The type of putter you use can significantly influence your putting stroke. Different putter designs are better suited for different strokes.

• Face-Balanced Putters: These putters are designed to resist twisting during the stroke, making them ideal for SBST strokes where minimizing face rotation is crucial.
• Heel-Toe Weighted Putters: These putters have more weight distributed towards the heel and toe, which promotes a natural arc in the stroke.
• Mallet Putters: Mallet putters offer high MOI (Moment of Inertia), providing stability and forgiveness on off-center hits. They can be suitable for both arc and SBST strokes, depending on their specific design.

The Mental Game of Putting

Regardless of the putting style you choose, the mental aspect of putting is paramount. Confidence, focus, and a positive attitude can significantly impact your performance.

• Pre-Shot Routine: Develop a consistent pre-shot routine that helps you focus and visualize success.
• Visualization: Before each putt, visualize the ball rolling into the hole.
• Positive Self-Talk: Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations.
• Stay Present: Focus on the present moment and avoid dwelling on past mistakes.
• Embrace the Challenge: View putting as a challenge to be overcome, rather than a source of stress.

Conclusion: Finding Your Putting Zen

The debate surrounding arc vs. straight back straight through putting strokes is unlikely to be resolved anytime soon. The truth is, there is no single correct way to putt. The best style for you is the one that feels most natural, produces the most consistent results, and instills the greatest confidence. By understanding the nuances of each technique, experimenting with different drills, and seeking professional guidance, you can embark on a journey to discover your own putting zen and unlock your true potential on the greens. So go ahead, experiment, refine, and trust your instincts – the perfect putting stroke is waiting to be discovered.