The Evolution of Putting Styles: A Look at Sam Snead’s Croquet Technique

By: Josh Sens
Date: May 26, 2025

Golf is a sport steeped in tradition, yet it also embraces innovation and change. During his illustrious career, Sam Snead, one of golf’s greatest legends, faced the universal challenge of putting, particularly in his later years. In this comprehensive article, we will explore Snead’s struggles with putting, his transition to the controversial croquet-style method, the ensuing fallout from this decision, and the overall significance in the evolution of putting techniques in golf.

Sam Snead: A Legendary Career

Sam Snead, often called the "Slammer," is renowned for his smooth swing and significant contributions to the game. Even as he approached his fifties, he maintained one of the game’s most aesthetically pleasing swings. However, the same grace did not translate to his putting performance. Snead’s agony on the greens left him seeking radical solutions, ultimately leading to one of golf’s most unusual episodes.

The Challenges of the Green

By 1966, Snead’s troubles with putting had intensified dramatically. As he entered the PGA Championship, he faced a debilitating game phase marked by the “yips”, where a golfer involuntarily twitches at the moment of impact. This often distorts the putt, affecting scores and overall performance. In a desperate bid for improvement, Snead made the unconventional decision to adopt a croquet-style putting stance, where he straddled the ball line and swung the putter between his feet.

A Controversial Turnaround

To Snead’s surprise, this radical technique proved effective. At the 1966 PGA Championship, he managed to finish T-6, an impressive feat given his struggles. The subsequent year, he claimed the Senior PGA Championship by a whopping nine strokes. At the 1967 Masters, even at the age of 54, he recorded a T-10 finish, suggesting he had finally cracked the putting code. However, success would soon lead to scrutiny.

Reaction from Golf’s Elite

Not everyone was on board with Snead’s new approach. Bobby Jones, co-founder of Augusta National, was particularly upset by Snead’s use of the croquet technique during the Masters. Reports claim Jones was so irked by the unusual style that he lodged a complaint to the USGA’s then-executive director, Joseph C. Dey Jr. This dissatisfaction amongst the elite propelled the discussion forward, ultimately culminating in a significant change to the rules of golf.

A New Rule Takes Effect

In the aftermath of Snead’s success with the croquet-style technique, the USGA and R&A convened in Great Britain in late 1967. They agreed upon a new rule banning any putting stroke made from straddling the line of the putt. The new regulation took effect on January 1, 1968, and its wording was clear: “On the putting green, a player shall not make a stroke from astride or with either foot touching the line of the putt, or an extension of that line behind the ball.”

The Birth of New Guidelines

With the enforcement of this new rule, the croquet-style putting method effectively became a relic of golf history. The implications extended beyond the putting green; theoretically, a player could not employ this technique anywhere on the course. This legislation might have solved one controversy, but it also sparked fresh discussions about the freedom of golfers to experiment with their techniques.

Snead’s Response and Further Innovations

After the ban on croquet-style putting, Snead did not retreat from innovation. Instead, he adapted to the new restrictions by experimenting with side-saddle putting, an alternative that remained legal post-1968. This transition underscored Snead’s resilience and commitment to improving his game, proving that golf’s evolution often stems from necessity and controversy.

Current Regulations: What’s Allowed?

Today, golf regulations permit several unconventional putting styles, including one-handed putting and the use of belly putters, provided they’re not anchored against the body. However, techniques akin to those used in billiards, such as striking the ball like a pool cue, remain strictly prohibited. For serious golfers, becoming familiar with these rules is imperative to navigate through the sport seamlessly.

Education on the Rules of Golf

For those interested in deepening their understanding of golf regulations, the USGA offers an online course that provides essential insights. This resource allows players to prepare for their seasons effectively, ensuring they understand the rules that govern not just putting but all aspects of the game.

Conclusion: Lessons from Sam Snead’s Journey

Sam Snead’s experience with croquet-style putting provides valuable lessons about adaptability and resilience in golf. His journey highlights how tradition can be disrupted by innovative approaches, forcing the game to evolve. While the croquet technique may have faded into obscurity, Snead’s willingness to experiment remains a guiding principle for golfers everywhere. As we gear up for the next season, let us remember the importance of being open to new methods while respecting the game’s rich heritage.

By embracing both innovation and tradition, golfers today can continue to improve their game while navigating the complexities of the rules.