An arm lock putter is a popular choice among golfers who struggle with their putting stroke. This type of putter helps stabilize the hands and wrists, leading to more consistent and accurate putts. In this guide, we’ll take you through the steps to make your own arm lock putter.
Materials Needed:
- Putter head
- Shaft
- Grip
- Epoxy resin
- Heat gun
- Measuring tape
- Vice clamp
- Hacksaw
- Sandpaper (various grits)
- Shaft extension (optional)
Step 1:
Measure and Cut the Shaft a. Determine the ideal length for your arm lock putter by measuring from the ground to your sternum while in a putting stance. b. Use a hacksaw to cut the shaft to the desired length, making sure it’s longer than a standard putter.
Step 2:
Attach the Putter Head a. Apply epoxy resin to the tip of the shaft. b. Insert the shaft into the hosel of the putter head. c. Ensure the putter head is aligned correctly with the desired lie angle, typically between 6 to 8 degrees.
Step 3:
Secure the Putter Head a. Place the club in a vice clamp, ensuring it’s stable. b. Use a heat gun to heat the hosel area, allowing the epoxy to set securely. c. Wait for the epoxy to cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 4:
Grip Installation a. Choose a grip that suits your preference in terms of size and feel. b. Apply double-sided grip tape to the shaft’s top end. c. Slide the grip onto the shaft, aligning it properly. d. Make sure the grip is straight and the end cap is in place.
Step 5:
Optional Shaft Extension a. If you need additional length for your arm lock putter, you can add a shaft extension. b. Apply epoxy to the extension and insert it into the shaft’s butt end. c. Allow the epoxy to cure as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 6:
Final Adjustments a. Once the epoxy has fully cured, remove the club from the vice clamp. b. Check the lie angle and adjust if necessary. c. Use sandpaper to smooth any rough edges or imperfections on the grip and shaft.
Step 7:
Practice and Fine-Tuning a. Spend time on the practice green to get used to the arm lock putting technique. b. Adjust the length of your putter or the lie angle if you feel it’s necessary for your comfort and putting stroke.
Certainly, let’s continue with some additional information on using an arm lock putter effectively and some tips for fine-tuning your setup:
Using an Arm Lock Putter Effectively:
- Hand Placement: With an arm lock putter, your hands are positioned slightly apart on the grip, and your trail arm (the one farthest from the target) rests against your lead forearm. This setup helps to lock your wrists and reduce the chance of unwanted wrist movement during the putting stroke.
- Grip Pressure: Maintain a firm, yet relaxed grip pressure. This allows you to control the putter face and execute a smooth, pendulum-like stroke.
- Pendulum Stroke: Focus on creating a pendulum-like motion with your arms and shoulders. The goal is to move the putter back and through the ball with minimal wrist action.
- Alignment: Ensure that your alignment is spot-on. Practice your setup and alignment to consistently aim the putter face where you want the ball to go.
- Green Reading: Like any putting technique, arm lock putting also requires a good understanding of reading greens. Spend time learning how to read the breaks and slopes to make more accurate putts.
Fine-Tuning Your Arm Lock Putter:
- Length Adjustment: If you find that your arm lock putter’s length is not comfortable or affecting your posture, consider adjusting it. You can cut down the shaft or add an extension to fine-tune the length.
- Lie Angle: The lie angle of the putter can impact your aim and ball contact. Use a lie angle board or seek professional advice to ensure it’s properly adjusted for your setup.
- Grip Selection: Experiment with different grip sizes and materials to find the one that provides the best feel and control for your arm lock putting style.
- Counterbalance: Some golfers choose to add weight to the grip end of the putter to create a counterbalance effect. This can add stability to your stroke, but it’s a personal preference.
- Seek Professional Guidance: Consider getting fitted for an arm lock putter by a professional club fitter or instructor. They can provide valuable insights and recommendations based on your specific needs and putting stroke.
Remember that transitioning to an arm lock putter may take some time and practice to adapt to the technique and fine-tune your setup. Be patient, practice regularly, and monitor your progress to improve your putting performance on the greens.
Materials Needed
| Material | Description | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Putter head | Clubhead for putting | Forms the core of the arm lock putter |
| Shaft | Putter shaft | Connects the grip to the putter head |
| Grip | Putter grip | Provides a comfortable hold on the putter |
| Epoxy resin | Adhesive | Secures the shaft to the putter head |
| Heat gun | Heat source | Aids in epoxy curing and assembly |
Tools Required
| Tool | Description | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Measuring tape | Measuring tool | Determines the ideal putter length |
| Vice clamp | Clamping device | Holds the club securely during assembly |
| Hacksaw | Cutting tool | Used to cut the shaft to the desired length |
| Sandpaper | Abrasive material | Smooths and refines surfaces for a clean finish |
| Shaft extension | Optional extension | Adds length if necessary for customization |
Assembly Steps
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Measure and cut the shaft to the desired length. |
| Step 2 | Attach the putter head to the shaft using epoxy resin. |
| Step 3 | Secure the putter head by heating and allowing epoxy to cure. |
| Step 4 | Install the grip onto the shaft using grip tape and adhesive. |
| Step 5 | Optionally, add a shaft extension if needed for customization. |
Final Adjustments
| Adjustment | Description |
|---|---|
| Lie Angle | Check and adjust the lie angle of the putter head for proper alignment. |
| Grip Feel | Ensure the grip feels comfortable and suits your putting style. |
| Length | Confirm that the putter length is appropriate for your setup. |
| Shaft Extension | Evaluate if a shaft extension is necessary for your height and posture. |
| Smoothing | Use sandpaper to smooth any rough edges or imperfections on the grip. |
Usage Tips
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Hand Placement | Maintain the correct hand placement with the arm lock putting style. |
| Grip Pressure | Find the right balance of grip pressure for control and comfort. |
| Pendulum Stroke | Focus on a pendulum-like stroke with minimal wrist movement. |
| Alignment | Ensure precise alignment to aim the putter face accurately. |
| Green Reading | Develop skills in reading the greens for better putting accuracy. |
Conclusion:
In conclusion, making an arm lock putter involves a unique and personalized approach to enhance your putting game. This specialized putter style is designed to reduce wrist movement and promote a more stable putting stroke. Here are the key takeaways for creating an arm lock putter:
- Selecting the Right Putter Head: Choose a putter head that you feel comfortable with. Look for one with a shaft that can accommodate the arm lock style, typically featuring a longer and thicker grip.
- Shaft Length and Angle: Customize the shaft length and angle to fit your body’s proportions and putting stance. The shaft should be longer, with a slight forward lean, allowing your lead forearm to rest against it comfortably.
- Grip Selection: Opt for a thicker, longer grip designed for arm lock putting. The grip’s length and width should facilitate anchoring your lead forearm to the putter shaft.
- Grip Installation: Ensure that the grip is installed securely and aligned properly with the putter head. Seek professional assistance if needed to achieve the correct grip placement.
- Putting Technique: Practice your arm lock putting technique consistently. Focus on a steady, pendulum-like motion with minimal wrist involvement. The goal is to maintain a stable and repeatable stroke.
- Alignment and Targeting: Pay attention to your alignment and targeting skills, as these are critical for successful putting. Practice reading greens, aiming accurately, and developing a consistent pre-shot routine.
- Feedback and Adjustment: Continuously evaluate your putting performance and seek feedback from instructors or experienced players. Make necessary adjustments to your technique, grip pressure, or putter setup to improve your results.
- Practice and Patience: Like any golf skill, becoming proficient with an arm lock putter requires practice and patience. Dedicate time to honing your skills on the practice green to build confidence in your putting game.
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