Cameron Smith, a professional golfer on the LIV Golf tour, is known for his exceptional putting skills. In fact, he leads LIV Golf in putting average this year and has even set an unofficial PGA Tour putting record. One of the key elements of Smith’s putting stroke is his unique approach to gripping the putter. Unlike many players who advocate for a soft grip, Smith prefers to grip the putter more firmly. This adjustment has helped him engage the right muscles in his hands, wrists, and forearms, allowing the putter to do most of the work. By avoiding the popular myth of using soft hands in the stroke, Smith has been able to fine-tune his short game and achieve greater consistency on the greens.
One of the reasons Smith doesn’t take a practice stroke before putting is that he prefers to visualize his putts instead. This allows him to rely on his instincts and feel for the shot rather than focusing on mechanics. By avoiding too much wrist movement and hinging, Smith can maintain a more stable stroke and minimize the risk of inconsistencies in his putting. His emphasis on holding the putter firmly and letting the club do most of the work has been a game-changer for his performance on the greens.
Smith’s unconventional approach to putting may go against traditional golf teaching methods, but it has proven to be effective for him. By holding the putter with a firmer grip and minimizing wrist movement, Smith has been able to achieve greater control and accuracy in his putting stroke. His emphasis on engaging the right muscles in his hands and forearms highlights the importance of proper technique in putting. For amateur golfers looking to improve their putting game, Smith’s advice to grip the putter more firmly and avoid the soft hands myth could be the key to unlocking better performance on the greens.
In a sport where technique and precision are critical, Cameron Smith’s unique approach to putting serves as a reminder that there is no one-size-fits-all method in golf. By staying true to what works best for him, Smith has been able to achieve success on the professional golf circuit. His emphasis on visualization, firm grip, and minimal wrist movement showcases the importance of finding a putting style that suits your game. For golfers looking to shave strokes off their scorecard, taking a page from Smith’s playbook and experimenting with different putting techniques could be the key to unlocking their full potential on the greens.
