In golf, the term putting arc refers to the path the putter head takes through your stroke. Some golfers are said to have more arc, or a putting arc, whereas others are said to have a straight stroke, or a straight front-to-back stroke.
Understanding the implications these have on your game can potentially help you become a better golfer. Let’s unpack them.
Arc vs. Straight Front to Back Stroke
Many golfers naturally make an arcing putting stroke, which means that if you traced the path of the putter, it would not be a straight line.
This is natural for many golfers. After all, the body naturally rotates and the putter itself has a lie angle. Among other things these factors encourage a slight arc in the putting stroke.
On the other end of the spectrum, some golfers are said to have a straight stroke. If a golfer has a straight putting stroke, the path of the putter would be more or less a straight line.
Proponents of an arc putting stroke argue that it is not only more natural, but that it improves the feel and feedback of the putt. They also say that it can improve alignment by encouraging a natural swing stroke.
On the other hand, some argue a straighter putting stroke is advantageous because it potentially delivers greater consistency and accuracy, especially when playing with a face-balanced putter as opposed to one that exhibits toe hang.
Ultimately, though, it’s hard to say that one putting style is better than the other. What is important is understanding your natural putting mechanics so you can determine what type of equipment to play with.
Blade and Mallet Putters, Toe Hang, and Face Balance
One popular style of putter is a blade putter. This is the traditional design, with a thin head. Most blade putters exhibit toe hang, which means that the toe of the putter would hang downward if the putter were balanced by the shaft on a finger.
Toe hang can be advantageous for golfers with more arc and face rotation in their stroke because the putter’s balance allows the face to rotate more naturally throughout the stroke.
Another style of putter, known as a face balanced putter, is one in which there is no toe hang, and in which the putter face would point directly upwards if it were balanced. Many mallet putters are face balanced.
A face balanced putter, whether it is a mallet putter or otherwise, can be a better option for players with a straight putting stroke because, since the face is balanced, it won’t have a tendency to open or close at any point through the path. The straight path doesn’t require any correction from the putter.
Of course, these are generalizations. What type of putter will work best for you may require some trial and error as well as the insight of a fitter. Ultimately, if you aren’t sure if your current putter and shaft combination is bringing out the best in your abilities, working with a fitter can potentially help you find what will work best for you.
