Grip it and putt it

The most satisfying result of my last round was an improved putting display. I didn't miss any short (up to 5 feet) putts and made a couple of medium length ones. Problems were in other areas, but not disastrously so.

I changed my putting grip to weaken the left hand grip and strengthen the right hand grip (right hander).  This effectively opposes the hands and helps to limit the wrist movement, which I think is important for the short putts. This grip also encourages the elbows to stay close to the torso, which helps to promote a more arms and body stroke. Anyway, it seemed to give me more confidence with the short putts and didn't detract from the long putts, where I find I need a fairly conventional set up in order to stroke the ball the right distance.

Going back to ball position, I'm still experimenting with driver ball position. Setting up with the ball roughly on the left heel seems about right - and starting with the club about six inches behind the ball to help with a square alignment of shoulders and hips. I have not thought more about how to initiate the downswing (e.g. push off with the right foot, etc.) nor about clearing the hips. This seems to be fairly instinctive and as long as I swing easily, retaining my rhythm, I don't have a big problem with any over the top moves, at least once I've warmed up.

Irons are another story. I'd convinced myself that I should play them midway between the left heel and the centre of my stance, but I'm actually coming to the view that closer to middle is a better option (maybe an inch in front of middle) particularly with the mid to short irons - mainly to ensure ball first contact. Alignment and making sure I swing on plane is another element to be kept in mind, but I did hit some good iron shots once I got past the first couple of thin ones.

None of these areas is totally sorted, but I am playing a bit more consistently and staying fairly close all the time to playing to my handicap. I'm just glad I seem to have found a way to grip it and putt it.