This is why Dustin Johnson holds his arm before he putts
AUGUSTA, Ga. — If there’s one rule that you can apply to every golf swing, every putting stroke, every putting stroke, every golfer, it’s that you need to find what works for you.
Dustin Johnson has found something that works for him on the greens — an area that he’s struggled throughout his career — but since he implemented it following golf’s return from lockdown, his putting has propelled him to three PGA Tour wins, rounds of 60 and 61, and now the 2020 Masters.
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You may have noticed him doing it: As he steps into the putt following his practice strokes, he holds his right arm with his left hand.
Watch him do it below:
It’s s subtle move, but a vitally important feel that has been a revelation on the green.
DJ previously had a tendency to let his right elbow drift out away from his body when he sets up over the ball. When that happens, his body is positioned in a way where he’s more inclined to swipe across the ball and pull putts left.
By holding his right arm against his body, he’s effectively pinning his arm against his body, so it stays tucked close to his torso. That allows the arms to swing the putter more inside on the backswing and start the ball on line as it comes through.
“I’ve been working hard getting more comfortable over it,” DJ said. “I’ve been putting well.”
It’s been a revelation for that, paired with a line on his golf ball, has been transformative for his putting. And now, he’s got a green jacket to prove it.
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