The Great Debate: To Open or Closed Stance in Golf Putting

The great debate of golf putting has been a topic of discussion among golfers and experts for years. One of the most hotly contested issues is whether to use an open or closed stance when putting. Both stances have their own advantages and disadvantages, and choosing the right one can make all the difference in your putting game. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of each stance and help you determine which one is right for you. So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, buckle up and get ready to take a swing at the great debate of golf putting.

What is a Golf Stance?

Definition and Purpose

A golf stance refers to the position that a golfer assumes while preparing to strike the ball with a golf club during a golf shot. It involves the placement of the golfer’s feet, weight distribution, and the alignment of the body in relation to the target.

The purpose of a golf stance is to provide a stable and balanced platform from which the golfer can generate power and accuracy during the swing. A proper stance also allows the golfer to maintain control over the club throughout the swing, ensuring that the ball is struck with the desired force and direction.

There are several factors that can influence the choice of stance for a golfer, including their physical characteristics, the type of shot being played, and the conditions of the course. Understanding the different types of stances and their benefits can help golfers choose the best stance for each situation, ultimately improving their overall performance on the course.

Types of Golf Stances

Golf stance refers to the position that a golfer assumes while preparing to strike the ball with a golf club. There are two main types of golf stances: open stance and closed stance. The type of stance that a golfer uses can have a significant impact on their ability to hit the ball accurately and with power.

Open Stance

An open stance is a golf stance in which the golfer’s feet are positioned wider than shoulder-width apart. In this stance, the golfer’s weight is distributed evenly on both feet, with the majority of the weight on the front foot. This stance is often used by golfers who want to increase their power and distance when hitting the ball.

Closed Stance

A closed stance is a golf stance in which the golfer’s feet are positioned closer together than shoulder-width apart. In this stance, the golfer’s weight is distributed more heavily on the back foot, with the front foot slightly lifted off the ground. This stance is often used by golfers who want to increase their accuracy and control when hitting the ball.

Benefits of Open Stance

An open stance can provide several benefits to golfers, including:

• Increased power and distance: By widening their stance, golfers can create a more stable base, allowing them to generate more power and distance when hitting the ball.
• Improved ball flight: An open stance can also help golfers to improve the ball flight, making it easier to hit the ball higher and straighter.

Benefits of Closed Stance

A closed stance can provide several benefits to golfers, including:

• Improved accuracy: By positioning their feet closer together, golfers can improve their accuracy by maintaining a more stable base and keeping their weight centered over the ball.
• Increased control: A closed stance can also help golfers to maintain better control over their shots, making it easier to hit the ball to the desired target.

Overall, the choice between an open stance and a closed stance depends on the golfer’s individual preferences and the specific situation on the course. It is important for golfers to experiment with different stances and find the one that works best for them.

The Open Stance Debate

Advantages of an Open Stance

An open stance in golf putting has been the subject of much debate, but there are several advantages to consider when adopting this approach.

• Improved alignment: An open stance allows golfers to align their body more naturally with the target line, which can improve accuracy and reduce the risk of missed putts.
• Better balance: An open stance provides a more stable base, allowing golfers to maintain balance throughout the putting stroke and make more consistent contact with the ball.
• Increased power: With an open stance, golfers can use their legs and hips to generate more power, which can be particularly useful for longer putts.
• More freedom of movement: An open stance provides golfers with more freedom of movement, which can be helpful for making adjustments to their stroke during the putting process.

Overall, an open stance can offer several advantages for golfers looking to improve their putting skills, but it’s important to note that this approach may not be suitable for everyone. It’s important to experiment with different stances and find the one that works best for your individual swing and style.

Disadvantages of an Open Stance

One of the primary disadvantages of an open stance in golf putting is the potential for reduced control over the putterhead. When a golfer adopts an open stance, they are essentially aligning their body in a way that creates more distance between their hands and the target. This can lead to a loss of feel and precision, making it more difficult to consistently hit the ball with the intended trajectory and speed.

Additionally, an open stance can also exacerbate any existing mechanical issues or flaws in a golfer’s putting stroke. For example, if a golfer tends to slide their hands forward during the putting stroke, an open stance may cause them to lose control over the putterhead, leading to an inconsistent and erratic stroke.

Furthermore, an open stance can also impact a golfer’s balance and stability throughout the putting stroke. When a golfer’s body is aligned more openly, it can be more challenging to maintain a stable and centered posture, which can ultimately affect the consistency and accuracy of their shots.

In conclusion, while an open stance in golf putting may offer some potential benefits, such as improved alignment and reduced tension, it is essential to consider the potential disadvantages, including reduced control, exacerbated mechanical issues, and impacted balance and stability. Golfers must carefully evaluate their own putting style and determine whether an open stance is the right choice for them based on their individual strengths and weaknesses.

The Closed Stance Debate

Advantages of a Closed Stance

One of the main advantages of a closed stance in golf putting is that it provides a more stable and balanced position for the golfer. With the feet close together and the weight distributed evenly on both feet, the golfer is able to maintain a steady and solid stance throughout the putting stroke. This stability is especially important for golfers who struggle with their aim or have a tendency to pull or push the ball.

Another advantage of a closed stance is that it allows the golfer to keep the putterhead square to the target line throughout the stroke. By positioning the feet close together, the golfer is able to align the putterhead with the target more easily and maintain this alignment throughout the stroke. This helps to ensure that the ball is struck on the sweet spot of the putterface, resulting in a more accurate and consistent putt.

A closed stance also allows the golfer to use a more abbreviated and compact putting stroke, which can be beneficial for those who struggle with a slow or uncontrolled putting stroke. By keeping the weight on the balls of the feet and using a shorter putting stroke, the golfer is able to maintain a smooth and rhythmic putting motion, which can help to reduce the chances of mis-hits and ensure a more consistent putting stroke.

Finally, a closed stance can also help to improve the golfer’s posture and alignment during the putting stroke. By positioning the feet close together and pointing the toes slightly downwards, the golfer is able to maintain a natural and relaxed posture throughout the stroke. This helps to ensure that the body is properly aligned with the target, which is essential for making accurate putts.

Disadvantages of a Closed Stance

A closed stance in golf putting is a popular choice among many golfers due to its perceived benefits, but it is essential to consider the potential disadvantages associated with this stance. The following points outline some of the drawbacks of using a closed stance in golf putting:

• Lack of Flexibility: A closed stance limits the golfer’s range of motion, making it difficult to adjust to different putting situations. This can result in a decrease in overall effectiveness and accuracy.
• Reduced Sightlines: With a closed stance, the golfer’s vision is often obstructed by their own body, which can lead to misjudgments of the line and speed of the putt. This limitation can be particularly problematic on fast, breaking putts or when attempting to hole out from off the green.
• Increased Risk of Yips: A closed stance can exacerbate the yips, a condition characterized by sudden, involuntary muscle contractions or spasms that affect the golfer’s ability to make a smooth, controlled putting stroke. This is because the restricted motion of a closed stance can amplify the tension and anxiety experienced by the golfer, making it more challenging to maintain a consistent, fluid putting stroke.
• Less Optimal Ball Position: In a closed stance, the golfer’s body position often forces the ball into a more forward position, which can negatively impact the starting direction and momentum of the ball. This can result in less consistent ball rolling and more putts missed to the right (for right-handed golfers).
• Increased Pressure on the Lead Foot: A closed stance puts more pressure on the lead foot, which can lead to discomfort and potential injury over time. Additionally, the limited mobility of the foot can hinder the golfer’s ability to make subtle adjustments to their stance during the putting stroke, reducing their ability to compensate for uneven lies or other environmental factors.

In conclusion, while a closed stance may have its advantages, it is crucial to consider these potential disadvantages when deciding on a stance for golf putting. Understanding these drawbacks can help golfers make a more informed decision about their stance and potentially improve their overall putting performance.

Factors Affecting Stance Selection

Physical Characteristics

When selecting a stance in golf putting, physical characteristics play a crucial role in determining the best approach for each individual golfer. Some of the key physical characteristics that can influence stance selection include:

• Height: Taller golfers may benefit from a slightly open stance to ensure they can maintain balance and control throughout the swing. On the other hand, shorter golfers may benefit from a slightly closed stance to help them stay behind the ball and maintain a stable posture.
• Arm length: Golfers with longer arms may find that a closed stance feels more natural, as it allows them to keep their arms closer to their body and maintain a more compact swing. Conversely, golfers with shorter arms may benefit from an open stance, as it can help them extend their arms and create more power.
• Body type: Golfers with broader shoulders or a wider frame may benefit from a closed stance, as it can help them maintain balance and control throughout the swing. Conversely, golfers with narrower frames may benefit from an open stance, as it can help them stay behind the ball and avoid losing their balance.

Overall, physical characteristics can play a significant role in determining the best stance for each individual golfer. It is important to consider these factors when selecting a stance and to be aware of how they may impact your ability to swing the club effectively.

Swing Type

When selecting the stance type for golf putting, one of the primary factors to consider is the golfer’s swing type. There are two main types of swing types: the conventional or inside-to-outside swing and the straight-back-and-through swing.

• Conventional or Inside-to-Outside Swing:
  • In this swing type, the golfer starts the putter head inside the target line and then moves it out to the side of the target line during the stroke.
  • For this type of swing, a closed stance is typically recommended, as it allows the golfer to maintain the proper alignment and keep the putter head moving on the intended path.
  • A closed stance also provides a more direct path to the target, which can help the golfer to make a more accurate and consistent stroke.
• Straight-Back-and-Through Swing:
  • In this swing type, the golfer starts the putter head on the target line and then moves it straight back and through, with no deviation to the right or left.
  • For this type of swing, an open stance is often recommended, as it allows the golfer to maintain a more direct path to the target and prevent any hook or slice spin on the ball.
  • An open stance also provides a more natural and comfortable position for the golfer, as it allows them to maintain a neutral spine angle and avoid any twisting or tilting of the body.

In summary, the type of swing that a golfer uses should be a key factor in determining the stance type for golf putting. Golfers with a conventional or inside-to-outside swing type should opt for a closed stance, while those with a straight-back-and-through swing type should use an open stance.

Course Conditions

The course conditions play a crucial role in determining the stance selection for golf putting. Some of the factors that affect the stance selection are:

• Greens speed: If the greens are slow, it is better to use a closed stance to ensure the ball rolls on the intended line. However, if the greens are fast, an open stance can help the ball to stop more quickly.
• Wind direction: If the wind is blowing from the left, it is better to use a closed stance, and if the wind is blowing from the right, it is better to use an open stance. This is because the closed stance helps to shield the ball from the wind, while the open stance exposes the ball to the wind.
• Undulation of the greens: If the greens are flat, it is better to use a closed stance, while if the greens are undulating, it is better to use an open stance. This is because a closed stance helps to keep the ball on the intended line on flat greens, while an open stance helps to compensate for the slopes on undulating greens.
• Slope of the putting surface: If the putting surface slopes from right to left, it is better to use a closed stance, while if the putting surface slopes from left to right, it is better to use an open stance. This is because a closed stance helps to keep the ball on the intended line on a right to left slope, while an open stance helps to compensate for a left to right slope.

Overall, the course conditions play a crucial role in determining the stance selection for golf putting, and it is essential to take these factors into account when choosing the stance.

Considerations for Decision Making

When determining whether to adopt an open or closed stance in golf putting, several factors must be considered. These factors include the golfer’s physical attributes, the type of putter used, the putting stroke’s rhythm and tempo, and the golf ball’s initial direction and speed. By carefully evaluating these factors, golfers can make informed decisions about their stance and improve their putting performance.

Firstly, a golfer’s physical attributes play a significant role in determining the most suitable stance. For instance, taller golfers may benefit from a slightly open stance, as it allows them to maintain proper balance and alignment while extending their reach towards the target. Conversely, shorter golfers may prefer a closed stance, as it enables them to keep their feet closer together and maintain a comfortable balance.

Additionally, the type of putter used can influence the decision to adopt an open or closed stance. Golfers who use a traditional putter with a straight shaft may find that a closed stance promotes a more natural putting stroke. On the other hand, golfers who use a belly putter or a long putter may benefit from an open stance, as it allows them to maintain a smooth and consistent stroke.

The putting stroke’s rhythm and tempo are also crucial considerations when choosing between an open or closed stance. Golfers who prefer a faster tempo may benefit from a closed stance, as it promotes a more direct and controlled putting stroke. Conversely, golfers who prefer a slower tempo may find that an open stance allows them to maintain a smooth and consistent putting stroke.

Lastly, the golf ball’s initial direction and speed must be taken into account when deciding on a stance. Golfers who tend to miss their putts to the right may benefit from an open stance, as it promotes a slight draw or inside-to-outside putting stroke. Conversely, golfers who tend to miss their putts to the left may prefer a closed stance, as it promotes a slight fade or outside-to-inside putting stroke.

In conclusion, making a decision about whether to adopt an open or closed stance in golf putting requires careful consideration of several factors, including physical attributes, putter type, putting stroke rhythm and tempo, and the golf ball’s initial direction and speed. By taking these factors into account, golfers can make informed decisions about their stance and improve their putting performance.

Ultimately, It Comes Down to Personal Preference

While various factors influence the decision to adopt an open or closed stance in golf putting, the most critical consideration often boils down to personal preference. Each golfer has a unique physiology, swing style, and psychological makeup, which ultimately shapes their preferences when it comes to stance selection. As a result, determining the ideal stance for a particular golfer may require a combination of empirical evidence, scientific analysis, and individual experimentation.

Personal preference often dictates the choice of stance for several reasons:

1. Body Type and Physiology: The body type and physiology of a golfer can significantly impact their ability to perform a certain stance. For instance, taller golfers might find a closed stance more comfortable, while shorter golfers might feel more balanced with an open stance. Furthermore, the golfer’s flexibility and joint mobility can also play a role in determining the most suitable stance.
2. Swing Mechanics: Each golfer’s swing mechanics are unique, and their preferred stance may depend on factors such as their hip turn, shoulder rotation, and ball positioning. Some golfers might find that an open stance allows them to maintain a consistent hip turn throughout the swing, while others might prefer a closed stance to maintain balance and control during the putt.
3. Psychological Factors: Golf is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. Psychological factors such as confidence, visualization, and focus can significantly influence a golfer’s performance. A golfer who feels more confident with a closed stance may prefer it, even if empirical evidence suggests that an open stance is technically superior.
4. Individual Experimentation: Ultimately, finding the ideal stance may require a golfer to experiment with both open and closed stances and determine which one feels more natural and effective for their unique swing. This process may involve working with a golf coach or using high-tech swing analysis tools to fine-tune the stance and optimize performance.

In conclusion, while various factors can influence the decision to adopt an open or closed stance in golf putting, personal preference often plays the most critical role. Golfers must consider their body type, swing mechanics, psychological factors, and individual experimentation to determine the stance that best suits their unique needs and preferences.

FAQs

1. What is an open stance in golf putting?

An open stance in golf putting refers to a stance where the player’s feet are positioned wider than shoulder-width apart, with the toes pointing outwards. This stance is commonly used by players who want to maintain a stable lower body while putting.

2. What is a closed stance in golf putting?

A closed stance in golf putting refers to a stance where the player’s feet are positioned closer together than shoulder-width apart, with the toes pointing inwards. This stance is commonly used by players who want to create a more stable lower body while putting.

3. What are the benefits of an open stance in golf putting?

An open stance in golf putting can help players maintain a stable lower body while putting, as it allows for a wider base of support. This can help players avoid swaying or rocking from side to side during their swing, which can lead to inconsistent putting. Additionally, an open stance can help players maintain a consistent forward press through the ball, which can improve accuracy.

4. What are the benefits of a closed stance in golf putting?

A closed stance in golf putting can help players create a more stable lower body while putting, as it allows for a more compact base of support. This can help players avoid swaying or rocking from side to side during their swing, which can lead to inconsistent putting. Additionally, a closed stance can help players maintain a consistent head position and eye line throughout the putting stroke, which can improve accuracy.

5. Which stance is better for putting, open or closed?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best stance for putting depends on the individual player’s physique, swing mechanics, and personal preferences. Some players find that an open stance helps them maintain a stable lower body and improve accuracy, while others prefer a closed stance for the same reasons. Ultimately, it is up to each player to experiment with different stances and find the one that works best for them.

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