Mastering the Art of Side Saddle Putting: A Unique Approach to Lowering Your Golf Scores
Get a wedge with the GP putter.
PGA players, even at the highest level, struggle with putting.
In fact, there’s a massive 40% gap between the top and the 192nd-ranked player in terms of successful putts from 6 to 10 feet! That’s a staggering difference, especially when you consider that putting makes up more than 40% of a golfer’s score. The lesson? Putting can make or break your game—no matter how skilled you are.
Let’s talk about Bryson DeChambeau for a moment. Yes, the same Bryson who’s known for pushing the boundaries in golf. He hit a bit of a snag with the USGA when they didn’t approve his side saddle putter, which featured an innovative design that could double as a chipping club. The idea? You could line up the putter’s face near your right foot and use the side of the club for chipping. Pretty clever, right? Unfortunately, the USGA didn’t think so.
I’ve been down that road too. I submitted two putter head designs to the USGA, one of which also had the dual-purpose concept of putting and chipping. And, just like Bryson’s, mine didn’t make the cut either. But here’s where things get exciting: my Side Saddle GP Putter did get approved! It’s fully compliant with the USGA’s rules and regulations.
Here’s a fun fact: Bryson actually used the GP Putter back in his college days at SMU. His coach, Mike Schy, even sent me an email during the Jones Cup saying, “Not sure if you’re aware, but Bryson is leading the Jones Cup using your GP putter.” Talk about validation! The GP Putter has proven its effectiveness in the hands of one of the game’s greats.
The reality is, many golfers stick with traditional methods that often don’t work. They practice and practice, yet still find themselves missing those short putts. You know the ones—inside 10 feet, where the margin for error is so small that a slight misalignment can make all the difference.
Is side saddle putting legal? Absolutely. And it might just be the change your game needs. Think about it: most golfers carry 14 clubs, but let’s be honest, one or two of them hardly see the light of day. Why not replace an underused club with the GP Putter? While there’s a bit of an adjustment period for longer lag putts, this putter really shines inside 10 feet, where accuracy matters most. And let’s face it—there’s nothing more frustrating than missing a short putt, especially when it counts just as much as that perfect drive down the fairway.
Hey there! Ever thought about trying the side-saddle putting stroke? It could be the breakthrough your game’s been missing!
Here’s the deal: the GP putter keeps the shaft moving perfectly along your target line, helping the putter head stay square to your aim the entire time. Sounds simple, right? But it makes a huge difference.
Most putters, including the GP, need about a 10-degree lie angle between the shaft and putter head when it’s flat on the green. Here’s the catch: if you let the putter head sit flat, your stroke can end up twisting the head open and closed, sending your ball off track. No matter how good your technique is, this can happen. And that’s why putts sometimes veer left or right, despite your best efforts.
But here’s the kicker — side-saddle putting keeps the shaft more upright, eliminating that twist and keeping the putter face square through the entire stroke. What does that mean for you? More accuracy, fewer pushed or pulled putts, and way less frustration on the greens!
Want to take your game up a notch? The side-saddle GP putter is your ticket! Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t improve your putting this technique is for golfers who want to get serious about their short game.
Plus, the GP putter checks all the boxes when it comes to the rules. It’s fully compliant and ready for 2024 competition. With over 18 years of trust in the market, it’s still the go-to putter for golfers looking for reliability and innovation. And, we’ve got a library of videos to show you just how easy it is to master this stroke.
Ready to make the change? The GP putter is waiting to help you sink more putts!
Click this link for the PDF letter of the USGA
Basic setup for the side saddle putting technique with the GP putter.
The Side Saddle putting technique means lining up directly with your target while putting. It allows for a smooth and regulation-compliant putting stroke in any golf tournament. When using the GP Putter for precise putting, having a perfect setup is crucial. One essential aspect is keeping the GP Putter’s shaft vertical during the setup. This guide helps optimize your setup and address position, boosting your putting skills with the GP Putter.
I’d like to encourage you to give the side saddle putting stroke a try, but we know not everyone feels comfortable looking different in front of their friends. I’ve received comments when playing with strangers, but after a few holes and witnessing the putts going in, they often become curious. It’s a satisfying feeling! Now, the common question I get is: if this method is so effective, why don’t we see it on the PGA Tour?
Well, consider this: PGA Tour players are the cream of the crop. Most of them started golfing at a very young age and received instructions from parents or PGA professionals, typically teaching what they know. Moreover, major golf manufacturers don’t have putter designs for the side saddle putting stroke. I tried buying one before we developed the GP putter in 2006. If you look at the PGA Tour putting stats, there’s a significant gap between the top-ranked player and the one in 192nd place. Just imagine if some of those players tried this approach – it could likely change the world ranking for the best.
The GP putter excels at short distances because it eliminates pushing or pulling putts, providing consistent results. When putting from 30 plus feet, a pulled or pushed putt might still land near the hole if the distance and speed are right. The PGA tour statistics reveal that approximately 52% of putts made from 8 feet are successful. When it comes to such short distances, pulling or pushing putts might be the reason why we don’t see them on TV. While not everyone can hit a 300-yard drive, sinking a 10-foot putt is within everyone’s capability. The real question is: are you consistently making those putts?
Choosing the side saddle putting technique was a pivotal decision for me. In short, my struggles with putting stemmed from a vision problem when using a traditional short putter. What struck me was the discrepancy in my perception: from the side angle, it seemed like my putter was perfectly aligned with the hole. However, when another person held the putter and I viewed it from behind, it became clear that my alignment was off. This realization prompted me to devise a corrective drill.
I set up a drill on a straight line, attempting three putts from each foot increment, ranging from 1 to 6 feet. The twist? If I missed a putt, I’d reset and start again.
Despite my dedication, I couldn’t achieve the goal of consecutively sinking 18 putts using the conventional putting stance. After continually trying this drill over and over and not succeeding, I mentioned this to my brother. He said STOP complaining and invent a putter that works like your “side saddle / face on chipping golf club” that you successfully invented. So I followed his recommendation and you can now see from the videos that this has REALLY changed my putting drastically. FOR THE BETTER!!
As you may know, putting represents over 40% of your score in golf. So, it is VERY clear that we all need to improve this very important part of your game. I practiced from inside 10 feet 90% of the time because the statistics clearly show that we have 50% of our putts from inside 6 feet. Almost every time you 3 putt it because you miss your second putt from inside of 6 feet to the hole. Lagging your putts is easy if you are very good from inside 10 feet this gives you a big bucket to aim at. Like I mention in the videos, I concentrate on the speed and distance of every putt after carefully selecting my target line to inside the hole.
My recommendation is that when you receive the GP putter find a straight line putt of 6 feet and putt 100 balls from there. This will do a few things for you. You will find a side saddle putting stance that is very comfortable for you and therefore, you’re putting stroke will be both consistent and accurate. After doing this 100 times, you will then clearly know if you correctly setup for that target line the ball will go on that line. We don’t open or close the putter head at all during the putting stroke. Click here for the basic side saddle setup.
Just make sure you thank everyone when they say good putt 😉 This is the fund part of the game.
Embracing an unconventional method in your putting technique can yield remarkable improvements. The insights gleaned from PGA tour statistics underscore the essential need to shift towards a distinct approach, one that has the potential to significantly elevate and transform your putting game. By exploring innovative strategies and techniques, you open doors to unlocking greater precision, consistency, and overall success on the greens.
Golf, known as the ‘gentleman’s game,’ blends tradition with innovation. Among various approaches to improve scores, side saddle putting has emerged as a noteworthy technique. This innovative method diverges from the usual stance and grip, offering benefits such as enhanced alignment, reduced wrist action, and decreased putting anxiety.
However, adapting to side saddle putting requires patience and might not suit every golfer’s style. Despite its challenges, mastering this technique can elevate putting performance. Exploring new strategies is essential for improving skills and enjoying the game more fully.
Additionally, here are four effective procedures to combat pulling and pushing putts:
- Identify the causes behind wayward putts—misalignments, setup issues, or pressure.
- Correct alignment ensures eyes, shoulders, and feet face the target for better strokes.
- Embrace a pendulum-like motion for smoother and straighter putting strokes.
- Practice mindful visualization to enhance focus and confidence during putts.
Implementing these procedures can revolutionize your putting game, leading to more consistent and accurate strokes.
Is Side Saddle putting legal?
We get this questions multiples times and the short answer is YES but this is the ruling of the USGA about this putting style. ” Is use of a “side-saddle” stroke permitted? Yes, so long as the player does not anchor the club directly or intentionally hold a forearm against the body to create an anchor point.
If these are the questions you ask yourself, then maybe it’s time to look at a completely different method of putting — the Side Saddle / Face-On Putting technique.
“Why do I always miss short putts even when I line them up perfectly?”
“How can I stop my putts from going left every time?”
“What causes my ball to hop or skid instead of rolling smoothly on the green?”
“I keep three-putting from 20 feet — how do I improve lag putting?”
“Sometimes my hands twitch on short putts. Am I getting the yips?”
“I miss easy putts during tournaments but not practice — how do I handle pressure?”
“How do I know if my putter is the wrong length or lie angle for me?”
“Why does my ball hook or slice on short, straight putts?”
“What’s the best way to read green breaks like a pro?”
“How can I keep my wrists from flicking during the stroke?”
“What drills help with putting distance control?”
“Is there a grip or stroke that can help with yips or tension?”
“How should I set up my body and eyes for a consistent putting line?”
“Why do my downhill putts always pull left/right?”
“What are simple practice routines for improving short and mid-range putting?”
“How do I make a smooth pendulum stroke instead of jerky movements?”
“Can changing to a claw, cross-hand, or side-saddle putter really help?”
“Why do my long putts always come up short on fast greens?”
“How can I practice putting under pressure so I don’t miss easy ones?”
“What are the most common putting mistakes amateur golfers make?”
With the SkyLob Wedge, there’s no need to manipulate the clubface; you can keep it square, just as you would with any other club in your golf bag. This means you can employ a consistent golf swing for every shot, even within the bunker. The result? A more predictable and accessible golf experience with consistently improved outcomes.
Let’s dive into the unique features of the HBB 56-degree wedge and why it’s a game-changer. The HBB wedge stands out for several reasons, notably its bounce design, a concept dating back to the 1930s. Traditionally, bounce was strategically placed to prevent the club from digging into sand. Our innovation with the HBB wedge involves positioning the bounce at the back of the clubhead.
This strategic placement allows golfers to harness the bounce deliberately. By slightly opening the clubface or positioning the HBB head towards the front of your stance, you effortlessly utilize the bounce specifically when navigating bunkers. The key distinction between the HBB and a standard wedge lies in our ability to control the bounce’s engagement. When executing shots from the fairway, we bypass the bounce, enabling a clean, descending strike on the ball. This technique results in excellent backspin generation and produces a satisfying divot, optimizing your performance on the course.
We meticulously explore the nuanced and specialized design features inherent in the GP putter. These design elements have been finely crafted and optimized to seamlessly enhance your mastery of executing the side saddle putting stroke, allowing for a smoother and more effective performance on the green.
Side Saddle Putters for Sale: Discovering Available Options
What are the best side saddle putters on the market? These putters are specifically designed for the side saddle putting stroke, yet not all putters available for sale are constructed in the same manner. They vary in their designs, alignments, and shaft angles, aiming to cater to this unique putting technique, enhancing alignment, stability, and performance when using the side saddle method. However, when examining each putter intended for side saddle use, one can observe differences in the putter head design caused by the putter shaft angle.
If your putter lies flat on the green at address before you putt, it essentially resembles a conventional putter. This means that during your putting stroke, you open and close the putter, resulting in potential pulls or pushes in your putt. To avoid these directional inconsistencies, it’s essential to have the putter shaft positioned straight up at address. This stance lead to the toe of the putter head being lower compared to the heel of the putter. However, this setup ensures a perfect putting stroke that consistently follows the target line throughout your putting motion.
How to make a side saddle putter?
Crafting a side saddle putter requires intricate planning and construction to customize the club for the distinctive demands of the side saddle putting technique. This intricate process involves selecting suitable materials and components to shape the putter’s structure. A critical aspect involves designing the clubhead to provide the required loft, alignment features, and weight distribution that suit the side saddle stroke. The shaft of the putter is equally crucial, demanding meticulous attention to ensure it stands upright during the setup, a vital factor for optimal performance. In essence, creating a side saddle putter necessitates meticulous attention to design, materials, and assembly methods, aimed at producing a club tailored specifically to improve alignment, stability, and overall performance for golfers employing the side saddle putting style.
I’m frequently asked about the possibility of launching a new putter.
My response is straightforward: there’s no need to replace something that has performed exceptionally well since March 2007. We don’t believe in persuading you that a new model is superior to its predecessor. With the GP putter, our shaft remains perfectly vertical throughout the stroke, eradicating the issues of pushing or pulling putts. The putter head consistently stays square to the target line.