Unlocking the Potential of Armlock Putters: A Complete Guide

Golf enthusiasts are always looking for ways to improve their game and lower their scores. One of the more specialized areas in putting where innovation has made significant inroads is the use of armlock putters. This method, which gained popularity after notable successes by professional golfers, involves a different grip and putter design that can enhance stability and consistency. This article explores how to properly fit and use armlock putters, covering crucial factors like height, length, loft, lie, and posture, and how each impacts a player's performance.

Understanding Armlock Putters

What Is an Armlock Putter?
An armlock putter is a type of golf club designed to stabilize the putting stroke by extending the grip up the leading forearm. This method reduces wrist action, potentially leading to more consistent strokes. Unlike traditional putters, which allow the hands to dominate the action, armlock putters promote a shoulder-driven stroke.

Fitting Your Armlock Putter

1. Height and Length
The proper length of an armlock putter depends significantly on the golfer’s height. If the putter is too long or too short, it can adversely affect your posture and the stroke's mechanics. The ideal length should allow the handle to rest comfortably against the inside of your left forearm (for right-handed players) without requiring you to bend your elbows excessively.

2. Loft
Loft in a putter is crucial as it determines how the ball launches off the face. Armlock putters typically have a higher degree of loft to compensate for the forward press of the arms, which tends to deloft the face at impact. The right amount of loft helps to get the ball rolling smoothly without bouncing or skidding, providing better control on the greens.

3. Lie
The lie of the putter is the angle between the shaft and the ground when the putter is in its address position. With armlock putters, it’s essential that this angle matches your stance and grip style to ensure the putter head remains flat on the ground during the stroke. Incorrect lie angles can lead to mis-hits and inconsistency in ball direction.

Adjusting Your Posture

Proper posture is vital when using an armlock putter. The goal is to stand in a way that allows the armlock putter to extend up the forearm, which naturally positions the shoulders and arms to move as a single unit. This position reduces the tendency to use wrist action, which can destabilize the putter head. Your stance should be upright enough to accommodate the length of the putter while allowing a slight forward press of the hands, enhancing the stroke's overall stability.