Is Your Putter Hurting Your Back?
Simple, Friendly Fixes for Happier Putts—and a Happier Spine
You bend over that little flat stick more than any other club. If your back or neck keeps nagging after a round, the way you stand over your putter is probably to blame. Good news: a few quick tweaks can straighten things out—literally—and even help the ball roll truer.
Why Posture Makes a Difference
Picture stacking toy blocks. If the bottom block tilts, the whole tower wobbles. Your spine works the same way. Hunching while you putt pushes the “blocks” out of line, loading tiny back muscles that aren’t built for long holds. Stand taller, keep your back flat, and those muscles relax so you can focus on sinking the putt.
4‑Point Posture Check (Takes 10 Seconds)
1. Feet: shoulder‑width, toes straight.
2. Knees: slight bend—think “perch on a barstool.”
3. Back: flat like a tabletop, not a turtle shell.
4. Head: eyes hovering right above the ball.
Prop your phone against a head‑cover, hit record, address the ball, freeze. Do you hit all four points? Great! Miss one? Let’s fix it.
Quick Pre‑Round Moves for Better Posture
These simple moves will loosen up your muscles and get you into the right position before you hit the green.
Cat–Camel:
How: On hands & knees, round your back up, then dip it low (5 reps).
Why it helps: Loosens your spine and gets it moving.
Band Pull‑Apart
How: Hold a mini‑band, stretch it to chest level (10 reps).
Why it helps: Opens up your shoulders and counters slouching.
Hip Hinge Drill
How: Hold a club at your hips, push hips back, keep back flat (8 reps).
Why it helps: Prepares you to bend properly from your hips, not your back.
Chin Tuck
How: Stand tall, glide chin straight back, hold for 3 seconds (5 reps).
Why it helps: Reduces tension in your neck and aligns your head.
Do these moves before you tee off, and you’ll set yourself up for a smoother, pain-free round. Your posture will be on point, and you’ll be ready to sink those putts!
Does Your Putter Even Fit You?
• Length: Let your arms hang. The grip should land two fingers above your wrist crease.
• Lie angle: The sole should rest flat, not toe‑up or heel‑up.
• Grip size: Fatter grips let you stand a touch taller—nice if you’re tight in the back.
Wrong fit = forced hunch = cranky spine. A quick fitting can change everything.
When It’s Time to Call in Backup
• Sharp or shooting pain that hangs around more than two days.
• Zero progress after three weeks of drills.
• Not sure if your putter specs are right.
Free TPI Movement Assessment — On the House
At Apex Performance Institute, I love giving golfers real value before they commit to anything. Let’s answer the big question: Do you have a movement issue I can uniquely solve?
Swing by for a complimentary Titleist Performance Institute movement screen. In 30 minutes you’ll:
• Discover where your body is holding you back.
• Leave with a tailored action plan for your goals.
